Kansas City, Kansas suburbs, part of Johnson County, are growing due to attractive quality of life factors, but they are experiencing what Realtors feel is a temporary buyer's market.

Lenexa

"Lenexa is one the cities in Johnson County that always has something going on for its citizens," says Realtor Steven J. Sebasto. "The State BBQ Championships, the Spinach Festival and Theatre in the Park are just a few of the events that are constantly taking place in Lenexa."

"Because of its strong government and well-thought-out industrial parks," adds Sebasto, "Lenexa is one of the cities in Johnson County that continually experiences positive appreciation in its housing market. This community offers award-winning schools, a tremendous park system and easy access to highways! Prices range from $100,000 to $800,000."

Says Realtor Rachel Ernsdorff, "Lenexa is experiencing a slight buyer's market in every category especially the $250,000 and up market. Many homes are being purchased the day they go on the market in the less than $200,000 market. The prices have remained constant to upward with days on the market creeping downward."

Olathe

"One of the fastest growing cities in Johnson County, Olathe is the county seat," explains Sebasto. "This city offers many different amenities like shopping, golfing, parks, businesses and entertainment. Recently the city of Olathe has even been looking at building a large soccer complex and possibly bringing in a minor league baseball team. This city is always looking for ways to make it a better community."

"There is a feeling of two different markets in the Olathe area which are separated by I35 Highway," he continues. "The west side of the city has developed a reputation as a lower-end market and has a higher percentage of rental properties which has caused its appreciation to rise slower than the east side of the City. The east side has many new homes to choose from that range in price from $150,000 to $1,000,000. Many steps have been taken to improve, or dispel the reputation that the west side of the City has. These steps have been very effective and the west side is now experiencing new growth too."

Sales of new and existing homes were stable in Olathe as a whole, but inventories of unsold homes were up considerably from a year ago in many cities. The average days on market is 123. Average days on market is lower in Olathe than Overland Park or Leawood as the average price is lower. The higher the average price the higher the average days on market.

"You get the most home for the dollars spent in Olathe," says The Carrison Team. "The Johnson County Kansas market, which includes Olathe, is currently in a strong buyer's market. The Olathe area offers newer homes with more space than other areas of Johnson County."

Overland Park

"Overland Park is a major southern suburb of Kansas City, and the demand for homes in Overland Park and surrounding suburbs is always strong. However we are seeing a trend where nice, well priced homes are not selling as quickly as in the past. Marketing and exposure with a well-laid-out marketing plan is a critical factor in getting top dollar at this time."

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Published: August 1, 2002

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