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Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

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Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden a local Pleasure

Wednesday, June 19, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

Welcome to the Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield, Missouri.  The Garden is located on a 7.5 acre plot in Nathanael Greene Park at 2400 S. Scenic.

The Garden is open from 9 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (gates close at 7:30) on Thursdays through Mondays from April 1 until October 31 each year.  There is an admission fee of $3 for those over 12 years of age.

The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is a cooperative effort between The Springfield / Greene County Parks Department and The Botanical Society of Southwest Missouri. The Botanical Society designed many of the plantings and landscaping in the central area of the garden and other areas. 

Funds for the purchase of plants, the construction of the Moon Bridge, Tea House, Bonsai Shelter, Moon Viewing Deck, Meditation Garden, Entrance Gate, Water Garden and the purchase of the thirteen story Carved Stone Tower were raised by the Botanical Society from many sources that include the Missouri Department of Conservation, Springfield Area Garden Clubs, the Community Foundation, the Close Foundation, the Springfield Water Garden Society and Members of the Botanical Society through their memberships dues. 

Special thanks are due to Beth Turk for funding the Moon Bridge and Francis Quinn for making a major contribution to the construction cost of the Tea House.

The Moon Bridge and the Tea House are replicas of the bridge and Tea House found in the Japanese Garden in Ft. Worth, Texas. The Bridge was built in Louisiana of cypress and brought here by truck. Local contractors built the Tea House. The tile for the roof was shipped from Japan.

The upper lake is stocked with Japanese Koi Fish. Koi translates to mean "brocaded carp". These fish were found only in the Imperial Garden of Japan until after the end of the World War II. The Japanese Koi are not the only connection the garden has to World War II. The garden's namesake, Yuriko (Mizumoto) Scott was the first war bride to make the journey to the United States as the result of World War II. 

The Iron Birds on the islands of the lake are to discourage herons from coming in and eating the Koi.

As you enter the garden on your left you will find a ten-ton Alaskan Jade Rock. It is one of the many jewels of the Mizumoto Japanse Stroll Garden. It was transported to Springfield on a specially reinforced plane some years ago and donated to the Springfield/Greene County Parks Department.

Photo:news-leader.com

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988.

 

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New Traffic signals along Route 60/413 through Republic

Tuesday, June 18, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

Work begins the week of June 17 to install a new type of synchronization system to the traffic signals along Route 60/413 through Republic, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
 
The new system is designed to adapt to traffic conditions. It will provide the most benefit to side streets and left-turn lanes (with left arrows only) during non-peak traffic times, mostly during the middle of the day on weekdays and at night and on weekends.
 
The six traffic signals between Greene County Route P/Main Street on the west and Oakwood Street on the east will be upgraded to the new Adaptive Traffic Signal System.
 
A similar system is in operation along along two major state-maintained streets in Joplin -- Range Line Road (Bus. Loop 49) and a portion of 7th Street (Missouri Route 66).
 
Lane Closings During Installation
 
Drivers can expect nighttime lane closings on Route 60/413 where crews are installing new traffic-detecting cameras at intersections with traffic signals.   
 
Crews also will be working at the traffic signal control cabinets at the signalized intersections.
 
The work to install new cameras and other new equipment will take a week to complete. Then comes another two weeks or so of data collection to determine traffic patterns.
 
The new system should be in full operation during the week of July 8.
 
How Adaptive Signals Will Work
 
The six already-synchronized traffic signals will continue to move as much traffic as possible on Route 60/413, but the signal upgrades will minimize delays on side streets.
 
Here's how:
 
* The detection system will be better able to monitor traffic in all directions at each intersection and "adapt" to changing traffic patterns. This means the system will recognize where traffic is building on side streets and in left-turn lanes (with left arrows only) and will give those vehicles green-light time after traffic on Route 60/413 gets its allotted amount of green-light time.
 
* Drivers will notice more flexibility in traffic signal operation at each intersection. Essentially, the system will selectively give green-light time to side streets and left-turn lanes (with left arrows only) where traffic is building up rather than operate on a fixed cycle. This will be most evident when traffic is light on Route 60/413.
 
Contractor
The vendor for the traffic signal upgrade is Rhythm Engineering of Lenexa, KS.
Installation cost: $256,000.
 
Source: http://www.ktts.com/news/211096581.html
Photo: destination360.com

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988.

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Priced Reduction - Nixa, MO Homes

Monday, June 17, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

1079 Cedar Chase,  Nixa,  MO  65714 - $279,900 (PRICE REDUCTION)

Privacy and beautiful Ozarks sceneary surrounds the entire property. This is the Builders personal residence. Custom built walkout basement home, situated on 4.35 acres, with fruit trees and beautiful landscaping. The home features 3,650 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, granite counter tops in the kitchen, a wrap around deck in the rear of the home and the perfect Man Cave recreation room in the basement! Possible 5th bedroom in basement or office, exercise room. There is a 30x40 shop/barn with facilities for a Kennel and office. The shop has electric and water. There is also a 12/12 storage shed. A 3rd car garage downstairs is 27x15. Come take a peek..you will be impressed!

You may also view our listing in your mobile phone: Text "GOTO TT28" and Send it to 95495.

Click Here to View Tour

You can also view all our available Nixa, MO homes or even create your own custom search from the entire MLS system. We also created a special link that includes all available and comparable Springfield, MO Homes from $200,000 to 300,000

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988

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Youth soccer tournament draws thousands to Springfield, boosts local economy

Monday, June 17, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

Your favorite places around town could be a bit more crowded this weekend. A state-wide soccer tournament has drawn hundreds of families from all over the Missouri.
 
"This is the 3013 Missouri Youth Soccer, Missouri State Cup Tourney," said Bill Garoutte, CEO of Springfield based Lake Country Soccer. "The purpose of the tournament is the best of the best teams in the state of Missouri from all over the state come here to participate and to progress on from this," Garoutte explained.
 
2,500 athletes all traveled to Springfield to play ball and take a shot at winning a title in front of their families, friends, and coaches.  But once the matches are done the fun isn't over.
 
"We went to the cardinals game and we go out to eat and find something to keep the girls busy during their down time," said Allan Gardner, a father of one of the girls playing in this tournament.
 
For many famlies this isn't only a chance to compete, but a chance to take a vacation. And their family fun proves to be a benefit to the entire community.
 
"What that does is a whole lot of spending in the community and our calculations are telling us we are probably in the million eight economic impact range here in the community over these two weekends," said Garoutte.
 
This million dollar boost helps the local economy by pumping up the sales tax dollars collected in Springfield, which go towards funding city improvements.
 
"I think we have actually potentially picked up one or two additional tournaments as a result of people being here that had never been to the complex before so that too filters in to the economic impact of the community," said Garoutte.
 
And while the benefits to the city seem to be adding up quite nicely, tourists say no matter the outcome of these games, they all win as well.
 
"It pays off in being able to watch the girls compete and get better." said Gardner.
 
Tomorrow is the last day of the tournament which began last weekend. Garoutte says the location of this tournament rotates annually, he expects to have it back in Springfield again in 2016.
 
Source: Shayla Patrick, KY3

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988.

 

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7 Unexpected Ways To Spend Father's Day

Sunday, June 16, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

Skip breakfast in bed and try one of these creative ways to celebrate your husband.

Father's Day isn't just about kids showing appreciation for their dads. It's about everyone showing some extra love to all the dads in their lives — including your husband.

Although it's cute to help your kids make pop breakfast in bed on that Sunday, here are a few creative ideas for spending the day with the man with whom you've created your awesome family.

1. Walk down memory lane

Whether it's the place you and your husband first met, or the restaurant where you told him that you were pregnant with your little one, a trip down memory lane is always a great way to not just celebrate the past, but the present. It's also a fun lesson for the kiddos to hear your love story.

2. Scavenger hunt

Nothing says fun, like an all-afternoon hunt through clues that will ultimately end at one of dad's favorite places. With cute notes of trivia and funny suggestions (make dad do the "Funky Chicken" before he gets hint #4!), spend the day having dad run in circles just to get him to Yankee Stadium for a game, or some other place he loves.

3. Alone time

Yes, Father's Day has a lot to do with the kids that made your husband a dad, but it did take some alone time to get those babies made. Let the kids have Saturday to celebrate their dad with all their homemade craziness, then get a sitter and take off Saturday night into Sunday. A loungy day in a hotel bed without the fear of the little ones running in is just what you both need — you may even decide it's the perfect time to add another one to your brood.

4. Work on the family tree

It took a lot of dads before to get to the father your husband is today, so why not pay homage to the all the fathers in your family? Break out the old photographs and teach the little ones about their ancestry. Or, if the kids love arts and crafts, start branching out with marker and crayons.

5. Let dad choose the menu of the day 

I don't know how it is in your family, but the best way to keep my dad happiest is to surround him with his loved ones and keep his belly full. Every Father's Day, my dad hands over a list of all his favorite foods to my mom and she makes every single one of them for him. They've been doing this since his first year as a father 35 years ago. When my sister and I got old enough, we started participating, too.

6. Build something

Even if your husband isn't exactly a whiz when it comes to power tools, having the whole family participate in building something will be a blast. From making a birdhouse for the family of sparrows in your back yard to creating paper-mâché dinosaurs just for the hell of it, anything where there's going to be a mess, there will be laughs.

7. Throw a party

That's right. If you're stressing out as to what to do and how to make the day extra special for dad, host a barbeque — it's the time of year for it — invite all his pals and their families and make it a group celebration he'll never forget. Everyone likes a party, especially when it's in honor of them.

Source: yourtango.com

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. Viewall ouravailable listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988.

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Desperately Seeking Sellers!

Sunday, June 16, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

When we predicted the Springfield Missouri area market to be on the upswing in 2013, even we didn’t imagine just how hot it would get. As homes are selling quickly in multiple offer situations, sometimes before they even hit the MLS, we are left in a supply and demand situation we have not seen in years. We need more houses for the amount of buyers out there!

I write this as we just accepted another offer on one of our listings before it even hit the market, and at a huge appreciation rate from three years ago when they purchased. And we have backup interest in it. We have agents contacting us almost daily asking if we have pocket listings meeting their buyers’ criteria. Current homeowners who are even toying with the idea of selling, we need your help to fulfill our buyers’ housing needs!

So what’s the answer? Now is the time! Most real estate analysts expect a very busy 2013. For sellers hoping to cash in on Spring and Summer Fever and buyers anxiously awaiting the flood of homes to hit the market, the two may well converge in a supply and demand frenzy. If you are considering selling, buyers are ready for your homes to become theirs. Buyers, get with your Realtor now to get the best information on homes entering the market and for those great properties already available.

Just ONE of the many examples is  a neighborhood, where I was doing a search earlier for clients. In this neighborhood, there are currently 101  listed homes, and 52 (over HALF!!) are under contract. So there are only 49 homes available in ALL of SW6 zone, which covers the whole SW corner of Springfield.

Incredible!

Springfield MO Home Trends​

Yes, NOW is the Time, if you are ready to get your home sold.  Make that move to your new home, before the interest rates climb higher.  And the interest rates are rising!

Give your Realtor at Team Thomas Realtors a call today to get started.

Randy Thomas  417.894.9093

Jenny Thomas 417.693.9482

Jill Satterfield  417.860.0931

Jacque Gray  417.619.7107

Sally Klein 417.234.1312

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together. Bringing details together:

​Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988.

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5 Bedrooms, 2 Living Area and In-Law Quarters In Springfield, MO

Saturday, June 15, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

4035  W Lombard St,  Springfield, MO  65802 - $229.900

Need more space? Welcome to a home you can expand in! This 5 bedroom home features 2 living areas plus in-law quarters. In law quarters is an open loft concept with dining area, sitting room and bedroom space including its own private bathroom and wet bar. Bonus room off the kitchen can be used for an office, exercise room or for a quiet sitting area. You'll fall in love with the large sun lit kitchen that's open to a spacious full dining room. Master suite hosts its own private deck and is plenty large for sitting space. Home is equipped for two washer/dryer hook-ups. Wireless security system. Fenced backyard. Two decks. Private backyard with mature landscaping. Ample attic storage with easy access. Come see for yourself!

You may also view our listing in your mobile phone: Text "GOTO TT28" and Send it to 95495.

Click Here to View Tour

For a personal showing of this home, please call Team Thomas at 417-501-9988.

You can also view all our available Springfield, MO homes or even create your own custom search from the entire MLS system. We also created a special link that includes all available and comparable Springfield, MO Homes from $200,000 to 300,000

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988.

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Contemporary family home surrounded by sun drenched gardens

Thursday, June 13, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

3214  S OAK Ave,  Springfield, MO  65804 - $205,000

Amazing 3 Bd, 2 ba, all brick home in Fox Grape subdivision. Owner has taken this custom home and made Upgrades galore which include new hardwood flooring, carpet, tile, granite countertops, glass tile backsplash, new stainless steel appliances (Frigidaire Gallery Series), new hardware, 6 baseboards, arched and rounded corner doorways, low-flush toilets, faucets/showerheads, claw foot tub, Carrera marble vanity, lighting fixtures, hot water heater, new garage door opener, custom paint, added insulation. This beautiful home is totally move in ready with all the bells and whistles. Hurry, this home will not last long!!!

Fox Grape subdivision in located in South East Side side of Springfield and it offers home owners a superior location with quick & easy access to downtown. It is also located near Sequiota Elementary School and Glendale High School. Do you love Fox Grape subdivision? View all available homes for sale in Fox Grape subdivision.

You may also view our listing in your mobile phone: Text "GOTO TT28" and Send it to 95495.

Click Here to View Tour

You can also view all our available Springfield, MO homes or even create your own custom search from the entire MLS system. We also created a special link that includes all available and comparable Springfield, MO Homes from $200,000 to 300,000

About Team Thomas Realtors:

Bringing people together.Bringing details together:Team Thomas Realtors full-service approach to real estate and buying & selling homes. Recognizing the increasing demand for simpler and more efficient home transactions, Team Thomas is committed to providing an unmatched level of service to consumers. With homes in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Missouri and surrounding areas, Keller Williams International produces more real estate sales in the United States than any other real estate firm. View all our available listings, create your own custom search, view our videos, or call today to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team. Team Thomas Realtors (417)501-9988

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How To Grow Potatoes in Pots

Wednesday, June 12, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

Potatoes taste best when freshly harvested. Follow these steps to learn how to grow potatoes in deep pots or bins.

 

Step 1: Sprout Seed Potatoes

Put Seed Potatoes in Egg Cartons for Sprouting

 

Sprout (“chit”) potatoes before planting. In early spring, place seed potatoes in egg boxes, with the end with the most eyes facing upward, and set them on a cool windowsill. Plant when the shoots are ¾in (2cm) long.

Step 2: Plant Potatoes in Large Plastic Bin

Potato Planting in Large Plastic Bin

 

From mid- to late spring, make drainage holes in the base of the bin and fill a third with compost. Evenly space five potatoes on the surface, with their shoots pointing up. Cover with 6in (15cm) of compost and water well.

 

Step 3: Earth Up Potato Plants As They Grow

 

Add compost around the plants in stages as they grow until the bin is full. Known as “earthing-up,” this encourages more tubers to form, prevents them turning green and poisonous on exposure to light, and reduces frost damage.

Step 4: Water Pots Regularly

Potatoes Need Water to Develop Healthy Tubers

 

The large, leafy potato plants and developing tubers need a reliable supply of water to produce a good harvest. Water pots regularly and never allow the compost to dry out.

 

Step 5: Harvest When Ready

Potato Crop Ready for Harvest Once Plants Bloom

 

With consistent watering, potatoes should be ready to crop when the plants flower. Empty the bin and harvest the tubers all at once or allow plants to continue growing and pick through the compost to take what you need.

 

Source: HGTV GARDEN

Photos: Dorling Kindersley (HGTV Garden)

For more information on buying or selling your home, please contact Team-Thomas at (417) 501-9988.

 

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Low-Maintenance Plants and Flowers in your Beautiful Springfield Garden.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013
by Team Thomas Realtors, Randy & Jenny Thomas

 

 

 

As we get older and less mobile, it makes sense to plant things that will look after themselves for most of the year, and not require a lot of pruning or fussing over. You may have a young family or a busy job and so have little time for maintenance and just want to be able to enjoy the yard without feeling guilty about the work to be done.

 

Anemone hupehens is a late summer blooming anemone producing slightly cupped flowers which have rose pink, sepal like petals and a prominent center ring of yellow stamens. Flowers are borne on branching stems above dark green foliage.

 

Plants

 

If you want to keep things low maintenance, you will not have the full gamut of plants to choose from. Learn to love foliage, and forsake some flowers. For instance, annual bedding and perennial borders are among the most time-intensive ways of gardening.

 

Surfaces

 

Lawns take up a huge amount of time. They need mowing regularly, and have a fall and spring maintenance regime of fertilizing, scratching out dead grass, and aerating. If you can do without one, you will make your life a lot easier. Care Weeding and watering are among the most time-consuming elements of yard and garden care. Before planting, lay a weed-suppressing cloth. Cut holes to plant through it and then cover with mulch to keep moisture in. It takes more initial work than simply planting, but you will save yourself time in the long run. Slate chippings on the surface of the soil look good and cut down on weeding and watering.

 

Choice of Plants

 

Low-maintenance plants generally look after themselves, and look good even if they are slightly neglected. Slow-growing evergreens and conifers are among the easiest to look after, once they are established, as they simply grow slightly larger each year. There are a few flowering plants, such as hardy geraniums and fuchsias, that qualify as low maintenance as they flower over a long season with so little input.

 

    Anemone hupehensis var. japonica

    Aucuba japonica “Crotonifolia”

    Berberis darwinii

    Choisya ternata Sundance

    Euonymus fortunei “Silver Queen”

    Fatsia japonica

    Fuchsia “Mrs. Popple”

    Geranium himalayense “Gravetye”

    Hebe cupressoides “Boughton Dome”

    Phormium “Sundowner”

    Picea glauca var. albertiana “Conica”

    Sedum Autumn Joy

    Yucca filamentosa Fuchsia “Mrs. Popple” 

 

Source: HGTV Garden

Photo: Homeideamaker.com

 

 

For more information on buying or selling your home, please contact Team-Thomas at (417) 501-9988.

 

 

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Photo of Jenny & Randy Thomas Real Estate
Jenny & Randy Thomas
Team Thomas, REALTORS
2925 E Battlefield, Suite 111
Springfield MO 65804
Phone: 417-883-4900
417-501-9988
Fax: 417-447-9853
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Team Randy & Jenny Thomas (Murney Associates, Realtors): Real Estate Agent in Springfield, MO