Fall Parade 2015

This year’s Fall Parade of Homes not only offers a chance to see some of the enviable homes at Cottonwood Canyon, but also offers a front-row seat to breathtaking views that exemplify the importance of nature throughout the community. Thoughtful planning resulted in a community in which the full resplendence of nature is an integral part of the lifestyle experience. Eye-catching homes are woven among 300 picturesque, rolling acres, many of which are forested. Cottonwood Canyon is also closely intertwined with Canyon Farms golf course, which further enhances the aesthetic and makes for some truly majestic views that combine the carefully maintained golf course with nearby bluffs, streams and wildflowers, creating a compelling duality that practically begs to be photographed. 

For those that can tear their eyes away from the lush terrain and picturesque surroundings, several Parade entries are available to tour, each showcasing the detail-oriented work that’s a signature of the Cottonwood Canyon building team. This year’s Parade homes include:

18245 W. 94th St.—A beautiful reverse 1 ½-story built by B.L. Rieke overlooks hole 15 of Canyon Farms golf course, an ideal example of a stunning view. The home includes a formal dining room, a hearth area off of the kitchen, a spacious master suite and a second bedroom or office on the main floor. The finished walkout lower level includes a wet bar, two bedrooms (each with a full bathroom) and walk-in closets. 

18084 W 94th St.—Built by Prime Homes, this open reverse 1 ½-story floor plan is perched on a private homesite that backs to golf greens. Interior features include two main-floor bedrooms and two bedrooms downstairs with a finished family room and wet bar, as well as a hearth room off of the kitchen and a covered tiled patio that offers views of the surrounding greenspace. 

9180 Cottonwood Canyon Dr.—Designed and built by Starr Homes, this home includes an enviable cul-de-sac location that overlooks the water. An open floor plan is enhanced by light, spa-like coloring accented by rich, warm woodwork. The master suite is complete with an oversized, relaxation-inducing bathtub and a dream closet. A curved staircase leads to a wine cellar and bar, the perfect entertaining space. The floor plan includes main-floor living with a master bedroom and second bedroom or office.

A number of homeowners have already found their dream homes in Cottonwood Canyon, drawn by not only the topography and the surroundings but also the appealing residential architecture that features timeless floor plans from some of Kansas City’s best builders, including Starr Homes, Don Julian Builders, B.L. Rieke Custom Homes, Brown Midwest Homes, Curtis Befort Custom Homes and Prime Homes. A number of speculative homes are in various stages of construction, allowing homeowners the flexibility to accommodate a range in move-in timelines. Home prices vary from $450,000 to over $1 million.

And to further extend the idyllic feeling of the community, Cottonwood Canyon is maintenance-provided and offers low homeowner association dues ($150/month) that include snow removal, trash and complete lawn care. Future development will include a pool and neighborhood gathering area, completing the vacation-like retreat that’s just minutes from Interstate 435 and the flourishing Lenexa City Center mixed-use development. 

“We have been so successful here at Cottonwood Canyon because the neighborhood is very attractive to buyers looking beyond a huge amount of square footage, for a relaxing, tranquil, beautiful way of life,” said Angie Ripley, who markets the community with Nita Criswell.

To experience all that Cottonwood Canyon has to offer, including the unparalleled views and vistas, visit CottonwoodCanyon.info or contact Angie Ripey or Nita Criswell at 913-492-4444 or at cottonwoodcanyonks@gmail.com. 

Cottonwood Canyon

Prices: From $450,000 to over $1 million

Location: One mile west of Interstate 435 on 95th Street/Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa

Hours: 12-5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday or by appointment.

Contact: Angie Ripley or Nita Criswell at 913-492-4444 or cottonwoodcanyonks@gmail.com.

Web: CottonwoodCanyon.info.
As seen in the Kansas City Star.

Canyon Farms Golf Club

When Kansas City entrepreneur and urban planner J. C. Nichols envisioned the city of Mission Hills in 1912, he paid particular attention to how the adjacent Mission Hills and Kansas City Country Clubs would add distinction and value to its residents. Over 100 years later, those homes have continued to hold their value much better than similar age neighborhoods.

Today, the residential community of Cottonwood Canyon, situated just one mile west of Interstate 435 on 95th Street/Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa, possesses many of those same characteristics: a first-rate golf course, distinctive high quality homes and an accessible location.

While Cottonwood Canyon continues to grow as one of the area’s premier residential subdivisions, its next-door neighbor is also taking on a fresh new name and look.

The Golf Club of Kansas, ranked among Golfweek magazine’s “Best New Courses,” is now under new ownership and has been renamed Canyon Farms Golf Club. The club will be managed by Great Life Golf, KC.

Established in 1985, the company manages 23 golf courses in both Kansas and Missouri. The company’s portfolio of upscale private courses in the Kansas City area also includes the Drumm Farm Golf Club in Independence, and Staley Farms Golf Club and Fitness Center in Kansas City.

According to Jeff Miller, regional manager for Great Life Golf, KC, “One of the greatest benefits for our valued members is that they will have reciprocation privileges, with some restrictions, between these private courses. This allows them to enjoy a wide array of course landscapes and club amenities.”

Other advantages include professional managers at each location who have full access to Great Life Golf, KC’s guidance, support and other resources. Additionally, the firm takes great pride in promoting from within, fostering growth opportunities for its employees and stability for its members.

“The newly named Canyon Farms Golf Club is already an outstanding, world class golf course,” Miller said, “and we have the opportunity and resources to make numerous improvements that will not only enhance the golf experience here, but also become an even greater amenity for the residents in the adjacent Cottonwood Canyon development.”

Coming improvements include a new clubhouse, new and/or upgraded golf course maintenance equipment, new golf carts and a fully stocked pro shop, among others.

“We want our current and future members to know that excellent customer service and communication are our number one priorities,” explained Miller. “We have a variety of ways that we achieve this to ensure our members are fully informed about changes, and have an avenue to share their comments and suggestions. It is definitely a two-way system that benefits everyone.”

According to Cottonwood Canyon developer Steve Hughes, whether one enjoys golf or not, the natural beauty, ambiance and tranquility derived from living in or near a golf course community plays an integral role in choosing where to live.

“At Cottonwood Canyon, 85 percent of our only 125 total lots are golf amenity lots.” he said. “There is no expectation for any new golf course communities in the metro area, and Cottonwood Canyon is the leader in golf front lots in Johnson County.”

In terms of home values, prospective buyers should note that premiums for houses on golf courses will hold value better over the long run as the demand for golf front houses will continue to grow, while the supply remains stable.

“In other words,” Hughes explained, “any golf lot like the ones offered at Cottonwood Canyon should hold value better than a typical lot.”

Cottonwood Canyon encompasses two residential neighborhoods: The Lake and The Village. Prospective buyers can find homes in The Lake ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million, and homes in The Village from $400,000 and up. Each offers distinctive design plans from some of the Kansas City area’s premier builders including B.L. Rieke Custom Homes, JS Robinson Fine Homes, Don Julian Builders, Starr Homes, Reed Fuller Construction and Curtis Befort Construction. 

Sales at Cottonwood Canyon have been at a brisk pace, and there are several other new spec homes that are both planned and under construction. 

For information regarding Cottonwood Canyon, visit CottonwoodCanyon.info, or contact Angie Ripley or Nita Criswell at 913-492-4444 or at cottonwoodcanyonks@gmail.com

COTTONWOOD CANYON

Prices: The Lake, from $600,000 to over $1 million; The Village, from $400,000 and up.

Location: One mile west of Interstate 435 on 95th Street/Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa.

Hours: 12-5 p.m. Friday through Monday or by appointment.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/homes/article4136743.html#storylink=cpy

Full article: http://www.kansascity.com/homes/article4136743.html#storylink=cpy

The Last Premium Golf Lots in Johnson County!

When Kansas City entrepreneur and urban planner J. C. Nichols envisioned the city of Mission Hills in 1912, he paid particular attention to how the adjacent Mission Hills and Kansas City Country Clubs would add distinction and value to its residents. Over 100 years later, those homes have continued to hold their strong value.

Today, the residential community of Cottonwood Canyon, situated just one mile west of Interstate 435 on 95th St./Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa, possesses many of those same characteristics: a first-rate golf course, distinctive high quality homes, and an accessible location. In fact, only a few years ago the neighboring Golf Club of Kansas was ranked among Golfweek magazine’s “Best New Courses.”

According to developer Steve Hughes, whether one enjoys golf or not, the natural beauty and ambiance derived from living in a golf course community plays an integral role in choosing where to live.

“Originally, golf courses were built as standalone facilities in a ‘core’ design. In the 1960s, real estate developers started developing residential lots around new golf course designs that incorporated single or double fairways in order to create more frontage for home lots”

“There is no expectation for new golf course communities in the metro area at the present time,” says Hughes, “and Cottonwood Canyon is the only community left in Johnson County offering quality golf front lot options.”

At Cottonwood Canyon, an astounding 85 percent of their only 125 total lots are amenity lots, each offering scenic views of the dramatic rolling hills, lakes, and natural beauty of the Golf Club of Kansas.

“Cottonwood Canyon offers a unique, captivating and secluded setting that feels like it is far from the big city,” Hughes says. “Living here is about a feeling of serenity and belonging, and we are fortunate to be able to offer that in one of the most dramatically beautiful subdivisions in Johnson County.”

In terms of home values, prospective buyers should note that premiums for golf lots will hold value better over the long run as the demand for golf lots will continue to grow, while the supply remains stable.

“In other words,” Hughes explains, “a golf lot like the ones offered at Cottonwood Canyon should hold value better than a typical lot.”

Here are some fun facts about master planned golf communities in Kansas City:

First master plan with golf:                      Lake Quivira, 1931

First residential layout:                             Leawood South, 1969

First residential layout in MO:                 River Oaks, Grandview, 1973

Most golf lots on 18 holes:                       Falcon Ridge, Lenexa, 1997

Highest overall lot values:                       Hallbrook, Leawood, 1988

Cottonwood Canyon encompasses two residential neighborhoods: The Lake and The Village. Prospective buyers can find homes in The Lake ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million, and homes in The Village from $400,000 and up. Each offers distinctive design plans from some of the Kansas City area’s premier builders including B.L. Rieke Custom Homes, Don Julian Builders, Starr Homes, Reed Fuller Construction and Befort Construction.  

In The Lake Neighborhood, B.L. Rieke Custom Homes model home is a beautifully furnished, reverse 1-1/2-story floorplan priced at $799,000 with four-bedrooms and three-bathrooms with the master on the first floor.  Noteworthy spec homes in the community include a mid-century modern design in the Village by Befort Construction, featuring three-bedrooms and four-bathrooms, to be priced in the mid-$500,000s.  B.L. Rieke Custom Homes is also building a spec home in The Village.  It is a reverse 1-1/2-story floorplan which overlooks the fairway on Hole 15. 

Starr Homes will also be building an upscale spec home in the Lake neighborhood this year.  

For information regarding Cottonwood Canyon, visit our website, or call Angie Ripley or Nita Criswell at 913-492-4444 or at cottonwoodcanyonks@gmail.com.

-Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

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Interview with Angie Ripley, Cottonwood Canyon Realtor

Happy Summer to everyone!  Well, paired with the weather, interest in lot buying has sure heated up these past few months at Cottonwood Canyon!  This last week, we got a chance to ask our very own Angie Ripley a couple questions about all the activity out at Cottonwood Canyon as of recent!  With Summer finally upon us, we've seen lot reservations, building contracts and much more out at the Canyon.  

Below is our Questions, followed by Angie's Responses:

Q. What kind of activity have you seen out there?  Are people building houses?  Buying lots? 

A. Cottonwood Canyon has seen a high volume of people looking for their next home.  People looking to find the most beautiful scenery possible to wake up to everyday.  They begin with choosing a lot that fits their desires and lifestyle! Once they do that its a plan, a builder, and we are under way.  

Q. What do you think are some of the factors leading to this spike in activity?  

A. There is a trend right now for getting in the "right size" home. This term holds different meanings for each buyer. It is about how you live, where you spend your time, main floor living, etc.  But there is also a large number of our buyers that are at the do we remodel or do we move crossroads.  This is a very important decision.  But a new kitchen can not lower your utility bills or make your home more energy efficient like a new construction home can.  And utility bills are nothing to overlook when considering your options.

Q. What are some benefits to moving to Cottonwood Canyon over another residential subdivision?

A. One vast benefit of choosing Cottonwood Canyon over any other community is you will find that 99% of our lots back to golf course, green space or the lakes.  It is absolutely amazing and you have to see it to truly understand, it is a Kansas City GEM. As a buyer when you choose the right location, lot and views you set yourself up for maximum investment return.  The real estate saying "location location location" will always be a hot button.

Q. Do you expect this activity to continue throughout the summer?

A. I do expect this activity to continue throughout the summer.  I think we are all happy to see the market doing so well and everyone's confidence returning.  Traffic will continue to increase, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that increased demand usually equals increased costs so I would encourage anyone considering a move to come talk to us sooner rather than later.  : )

The bottom line is this:  If you are interested in building the home of your dreams, you MUST come out to our beautiful Lenexa, KS community, Cottonwood Canyon!  

-Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

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Cottonwood Canyon Welcomes Its' Newest Team Member!

Now that we’re in April, it’s easy to anticipate the change to warmer weather and time spent outdoors enjoying our beautiful surroundings in Lenexa!  Our team here at Cottonwood Canyon, is especially excited about the busy spring real estate season and some recent changes that will help boost our communities’ presence throughout the Kansas City area and beyond! 

The catalyst for this increased awareness of our beautiful Lenexa golf course community is the newest member to our team, Re/MAX real estate agent Angie Ripley of 360 Realty Partners.  Angie’s passion for excellence, real estate and people gives her a dynamic blend of service and expertise that are hard to find! 

Beginning her career in medical sales, Angie thrived on the person to person interaction and was very successful working with high profile clients.  She never imagined switching careers, but after a first hand, home buying experience; she found something was missing in the agent to client interaction.  Armed with her passion to work with people and provide them with exceptional service, Angie got her real estate license, and twelve years later has never looked back.

As we talked with her, Angie mentioned that she recently came across an article in Forbes magazine that voted being a real estate agent as the #1 happiest job, and she couldn’t agree more!  “I love what I do,” she noted, “I don’t ever think about doing anything else.”   It’s this type of dedication and genuine love of her profession that makes Angie such an asset to our team here at Cottonwood Canyon!

We went on to ask what drew her to work with our community and one of the first things Angie mentioned was just how beautiful Cottonwood Canyon truly is.  “There are not many communities laid out like this community.  Typically, some homes may back up to green space, but at Cottonwood Canyon, there isn’t one home that backs up to another home!”  The fact that every home has either a view of the golf course, a lush green space or the lake makes Cottonwood Canyon very unique. “Here you feel that your home is on the golf course!” 

She went on to talk about the level of integrity of the homes, and the fact that Cottonwood Canyon is working with some of the best builders in the area.  There’s a sense of quality in the workmanship with the materials used and the skill involved that Angie feels “makes it one of the Top 5 communities in the Kansas City area.”  We couldn’t agree more!

This coming year, Angie’s goal is to highlight these unique aspects of our Lenexa golf course community and bring her level of excellence to marketing Cottonwood Canyon.  With the backing of the trusted Re/MAX brand and the experience of 360 Realty Partners; we’re excited for what lies ahead!  

If you’re considering visiting Cottonwood Canyon this spring to see some of the stunning model homes, or you’re interested in learning more about building the custom, luxury home of your dreams; we’d love to hear from you!  (You’ll probably even get a chance to meet Angie!)

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

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5 Tips for Creating an Ideal Outdoor Living Space in Your Cottonwood Canyon Home!

It’s been an interesting winter here in Lenexa with the large snowfall this past month.  And, while the snow continues to melt, the time change this weekend offers an encouraging look ahead at spring!

Here in the golf course community of Cottonwood Canyon in Lenexa, residents breathed a sigh of relief during the winter storms knowing that all snow removal would be taken care of by Cottonwood Canyon’s HOA!  The thick white blanket that covered this pristine golf course communities’ rolling hills was beautiful, and able to be enjoyed even more with efficient snow plowing and the clearing of driveways.  Just one of the many perks of choosing to live in Cottonwood Canyon!

In fact, the exceptional Home Owners' Association doesn’t stop with snow removal, but will take care of landscaping all year long!  As we begin to see signs of spring and lush, green grass; it’s great to know that you can retire your lawn mower and sit back while your lawn is neatly manicured.  It’s this carefree and convenient lifestyle that draw many to build their dream home in Cottonwood Canyon.

If this will be your first spring living here, you may be thinking of ways to further enhance your outdoor space.  Thoughts of spending time outdoors watching the sunset over the Golf Club of Kansas golf course or enjoying a leisurely afternoon sipping ice tea and reading your favorite book on your patio may have you planning out your outdoor living space.  As you plan, here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind!

1. Keep it Close- Be sure to create your space close to the house.  It’s more convenient and will be easier than hiking through your backyard with drinks or food.

2. Set Realistic Goals- You may love to cook and would enjoy an outdoor kitchen or you may want to install a beautiful water feature.  And, while these can be a great addition, they can be costly at the same time.  Whatever your plans are, be sure to think through every scenario.  Your Cottonwood Canyon builder can talk with you about what you’re envisioning for your outdoor living space and can advise you on what would work best!

3. Create a Focal Point- You’ll want to create a focal point for the space.  Whether it’s an interesting piece of furniture, a firepit or water feature, this will spark conversation as well as “anchor” the space.

4. Accessorize- Bring the same warmth and detail that you would indoors to your outdoor space.  It’s best to accent with “earthy” pieces such as stone features, wooden furniture and natural colors.  Of course, you can add splashes of vibrant colors for interest, but keeping it natural will enhance the outdoor space instead of being a distraction.

5. Offer Shade- We all know that Lenexa summers can get pretty hot, so you’ll want to offer shade.  Whether you choose to build a pergola or merely have a large patio umbrella, this chance to cool down will be a welcome retreat.

We hope these tips are helpful as you begin to envision your outdoor living space in your Cottonwood Canyon home!

If you’d like to learn more about the Cottonwood Canyon lifestyle, the Home Owners’ Association or about building your dream home in Cottonwood Canyon; please feel free to contact us today!

We would enjoy the opportunity to talk with you!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

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10 Tips to Help Sell Your Current Home

2013 is off to a great start in the Lenexa Real Estate market and for those building their dream home in Cottonwood Canyon.  Building projects are well underway and the cities top builders are going above and beyond to ensure those moving into Cottonwood Canyon are pleased with every detail of their new home.

You may have come by one of our open houses or have seen our ads and are interested in taking the next step in building the custom home you’ve always wanted surrounded by the beautiful and serene setting of the Golf Club of Kansas.  However, you know that building and moving into Cottonwood Canyon will require you to sell your current home.  

Whether you live here in Lenexa, in Kansas City or are planning to relocate from another state, our team here at Cottonwood Canyon wanted to highlight ten things you can do to help sell your current home. 

1. Examine your Front Door: Lenexa winters, as well as wear and tear from use, can leave front doors looking dingy and weak. Replacing doors with a more energy efficient door looks great and saves money on heating and air. Don’t want to spend a lot? A simple paint job will give your old door an updated and refreshed look.

2. Clean Gutters: Gutters are a breeding ground for insects, mold, mildew and algae spores that can enter your attic and allow biological growths to enter your home. Scoop out debris and run water down the gutter with a hose. Invest in a gutter cap or screen. Scrub out the inside with a gutter brush.

3. Check the Foundation: Inspect the foundation of your home for large cracks and shifts in the blocks. Seal large cracks and gaps between the foundation and concrete/earth and directly on the concrete.  

4. De-Clutter: It’s easy to collect things in your home during the winter months, but spring is all about having a fresh start!  Take time to evaluate the things you really need to keep and those things that you can part with.  Then, establish an organization system.  Hardware stores offer a range of affordable shelving solutions.

5. Check the Basement: Scan everything in the basement of your home. Check the water and sewer pipes for leaks, mold and tearing and pests. Address problems immediately either with a water vacuum, dehumidifier or new gutter drains. Drain sediment from hot water heaters and change your furnace filter.

6. Clean the Deck: Warm weather in the Lenexa area means spending a lot of time outdoors on your home’s deck or patio!  You want this area of your home to really shine and reflect how you care for your home.  Remove grime, pollen, fungus and mildew by scrubbing the surface with a deck or patio cleanser.  Of course you’ll also want to brush off your outdoor furniture and create the living space that you’ll enjoy for months to come!

7. Get Rid of Mold: Examine your ceilings, attic, walls and bathrooms. If you do notice mold, you must identify the source of the mold before repainting. Ask a local contractor for help. When you are ready to repaint, use mold growth inhibitor paint made for high moisture areas.

8. Exterior Paint: Carefully scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against summer's heat and moisture and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.

9. Reseal: Caulk and other sealants safeguard your home against rain and snow at vulnerable points such as cracks and open joints. Winter can rip caulk apart. Scrape out old caulk using a painter's five-in-one tool. Clean and disinfect with one-part liquid chlorine bleach in three parts warm water.

10. Add some green: The first thing guests notice when approaching your Lenexa home is color, light and symmetry. When adding new shrubbery, keep it symmetrical. Change outdoor light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. It is amazing what some flowers, light and fresh paint can accomplish! 

While these tips may seem simple, they can make a huge difference in the sale of your home!  Buyers want to know that they can move right in and won’t need to do any major work.  

As you consider selling your current home and taking the next step in building your custom home in Cottonwood Canyon, we hope you’ll contact us with any questions you have!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

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