Home Values in Kansas City: A Comprehensive Guide

3 weeks ago 9

Curious about the current value of your Kansas City home? Whether you’re considering selling soon, looking to get rid of PMI, or just interested in the latest housing price trends in your neighborhood, knowing what your home is worth can help shape your future plans.

In this article, we’ll explore home price trends in the City of Fountains, offer tips on how to get a reliable home value estimate, and share simple strategies to boost your home’s value. We’ll also introduce helpful tools to ensure you get the best possible price when it’s time to sell your Kansas City property.

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Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes and is not intended to be construed as financial advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.

Current home values in Kansas City

Since the summer of 2020, the median home value in Kansas City has increased by 37%. As reported by the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors, the median home price in June of 2020 was just $230,000. As of June 2024, it’s risen to $315,000.

However, the Kansas City housing market is beginning to shift in favor of buyers, with longer days on market and higher levels of inventory than seen in previous years.

“As interest rates continue to fall, more buyers are able to enter the market and more sellers that were holding on to low interest rates will decide to sell their homes, creating even more inventory,” said Krishon Harris, a Kansas City Realtor with ReeceNichols, in a report by KCtoday.

The table below illustrates how home prices have climbed in the Kansas City region over the last five years:

Year	Median home price	Percent change year-over-year
2024 (June)	$315,000	+ 6.8%
2023	$300,000	0.0%
2022	$300,000	+14.9%
2021	$262,000	+13.9%
2020	$230,000	+4.6%

Source: Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors

This trend is not unique to the City of Fountains, but is instead reflective of a nationwide phenomenon. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index reveals that home prices across the United States have surged by over 50% since the start of 2020.

Because of this dramatic shift, homeowners across the country have seen substantial gains in their equity, which can be used to upgrade, invest, pay off debts, or even be put toward retirement savings. ICE’s Mortgage Monitor reports that as of early 2024, the average mortgage-holding homeowner now boasts about $299,000 in equity, which is only expected to increase.

For comparison, the table below shows median home prices in cities and suburbs near Kansas City:

City	Median home price	Distance from Kansas City
Merriam, KS	$300,000	14-20 min (10.7 miles)
Lee’s Summit, MO	$393,000	24-36 min (22.1 miles)
Gladstone, MO	$274,500	14-24 min (8.5 miles)
Liberty, MO	$320,000	21-37 min (15.6 miles)
Olathe, KS	$407,500	27-40 min (23.4 miles)
Lenexa, KS	$443,800	18-23 min (16.1 miles)
Blue Springs, MO	$309,500	22-30 min (19.0 miles)
Shawnee, MO	$183,100	15-21 min (10.6 miles)
Leawood, KS	$693,400	22-40 min (13.4 miles)
Overland Park, KS	$444,200	18-28 min (11.7 miles)

Home value averages of multiple public transaction sites

Typical travel times 8 a.m. midweek

In the next section, we’ll guide you through how to estimate the current value of your Kansas City-area home.

How to get a home value estimate

If you’re curious about your Kansas City home’s value, there are several tools available to help you estimate it. Whether you’re looking to calculate your potential proceeds or set an accurate list price, these resources can provide valuable insights for your next steps.

Use an online home value estimator

One of the simplest ways to get an initial idea of your home’s value is by using an online home value estimator. These tools are free and easy to use, and most rely on data gathered from various public sources, including county records, tax assessments, user-submitted information, and recent sales data from the MLS. HomeLight’s estimator goes above and beyond by asking seven personalized questions about your home to provide a more specific estimate. In just a couple of minutes, you can get a preliminary value to serve as a helpful starting point in your home-selling journey.

Request a comparative market analysis

While online estimators can provide a quick snapshot of your home’s value, you can obtain a more detailed and thorough valuation by requesting a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a Kansas City real estate agent.

A CMA compares your property to similar homes, or comps, that have recently sold in your area. The analysis considers various factors like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, age, location, and any recent upgrades or renovations. The full report typically includes charts, graphs, and photos to offer a comprehensive view of your home’s position in the local market.

Most agents will include a CMA for free if you’re planning to list your home with them. Others may charge a small fee, but it is generally worth it to ensure that you set a competitive list price and don’t risk overestimating the value of your home, which can lead to longer days on market.

If you’re planning to sell your home and haven’t yet partnered with a real estate agent, HomeLight can connect you with top professionals in Kansas City. This service is free for both sellers and buyers, and it takes under two minutes to match you with up to three qualified agents in your neighborhood. Agents don’t pay to be listed, ensuring they are selected only based on past performance and expertise. In fact, according to HomeLight’s data, the top 5% of listing agents sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average agent, helping you maximize your sale price.

Get a pre-listing appraisal

In most situations, a CMA from a top agent will provide a solid understanding of your home’s value. However, there are instances where obtaining a pre-listing appraisal might be beneficial for a more precise valuation. This could be necessary if your home has unique features that make it difficult to compare to others, if it’s in a rural area with few recent sales, or if it includes a large amount of land.

A professional appraisal can help ensure that your asking price reflects your property’s fair market value. However, keep in mind that it’s not inexpensive, and the cost typically ranges from $450 to $550. If your property is particularly complex, such as a horse farm or a custom-built luxury home, the price might be higher. Also, even if you get a pre-listing appraisal, a buyer’s lender will still require their own appraisal to finalize the loan amount.

How to increase the value of your Kansas City home

To maximize the value of your Kansas City home before putting it on the market, consider these key improvements that can help boost your sale price.

Curb appeal: Start by enhancing your home’s curb appeal, because it’s the first thing buyers will see when they arrive at your showing. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 92% of realtors recommend improving curb appeal before listing. This doesn’t have to be costly — low-budget projects such as adding fresh mulch, planting flowers, mowing the lawn, renting a pressure washer, or hanging outdoor lights can make the difference between a positive and negative first impression.

Strategic updates: Not all upgrades are created equal — invest in home improvements that offer the highest returns. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing a garage door is the highest value-adding home improvement, with an ROI of 194%. Other strategic updates include refinishing the flooring, repainting the walls, or updating hardware, lighting, or faucets in key areas like kitchens or bathrooms.

Necessary fixes: Confirm that all of your home’s major systems are in good working condition before listing. If you find that there are issues with your roof, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, it’s a good idea to address these to avoid any negative inspection results or lower offers from potential buyers. It’s always wise to consult your real estate agent first before taking on any intense or costly projects.

Decluttering and depersonalizing: Decluttering and depersonalizing your home are important steps to help buyers better envision themselves living in the space. One HomeLight survey found that decluttering can increase your home’s sale price by $8,000 or more. To declutter and depersonalize, take down any family photos or religious symbols and remove excess furniture, personal items, collectibles, or piles of things that might be overcrowding the space.

Deep cleaning: A thorough deep cleaning of your home before listing can add significant value to your sales price. A HomeLight survey of over 1,000 top agents revealed that deep cleaning can boost a home’s value by an average of $3,700. Focus on cleaning carpets, scrubbing grout, and washing windows to brighten the space, as well as identifying overlooked areas such as vents and ceiling fans caked with dust. Buyers tend to be more forgiving of small flaws when a home appears spotless and well-kept.

Home staging: Well-executed staging can highlight your home’s best features, helping it sell potentially faster and for more money. HomeLight’s most recent Top Agent Insights report found that professionally staged homes can sell for up to 13% more than unstaged ones, making it a worthwhile investment for sellers. In fact, 31% of agents surveyed agreed that staging is actually “essential” when selling homes in today’s market. Another 67% reported that staging is beneficial to help sell homes.

Unlock Your Equity and Buy Before You Sell

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.

How to buy before you sell in Kansas City

If you’re eyeing your next property in Kansas City but need to sell your current home first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program could be the perfect solution.

BBYS allows you to buy your new home first and sell your current home after by unlocking a portion of your current home’s equity. This enables you to make a competitive, non-contingent offer on your next property. Then, can move into your new home and get settled before turning your attention to selling. BBYS is designed to make the transition smoother and help you avoid the inconvenience of multiple moves.

The program charges a 2.4% flat fee of your current home’s sold price. If your home doesn’t sell within 90 days after you’ve closed on your new property, HomeLight will purchase it from you and continue working to sell it. Any proceeds from the sale, after deducting HomeLight costs, will be returned back to you.

Press play on the video below to learn more about HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program:

How to find a top agent in Kansas City

Choosing the right real estate agent is a critical factor in scoring the best possible price for your Kansas City home. Not sure where to start? HomeLight’s agent matching service is a free tool that connects you with top-performing agents in your neighborhood. In less than two minutes, you can receive a list of up to three vetted agents who have a proven track record in your local market. Your matches are selected based on past performance, local expertise, and specialties, ensuring you’ll be paired with agents who are skilled at maximizing value for their clients.

One important metric to consider when selecting an agent is their sale-to-list ratio. This ratio, expressed as a percentage, compares the final sale price of a home to its original listing price. A high sale-to-list ratio indicates that an agent is well-versed in pricing their listings accurately and knows how to secure top dollar.

It’s recommended that you interview at least three real estate agents before settling on one. Here are some key questions to ask during your interviews:

How long have you been in business?
How well do you know this neighborhood?
What types of homes and price ranges do you specialize in?
What’s your average number of days on market?
What is your commission rate?
What would your marketing plan look like for this property?
Could you provide me with a few client referrals?

By leveraging HomeLight’s agent match tool and posing the right interview questions, you’ll be well-equipped to find a local expert who can help you achieve the best results for your home sale.

Get a free preliminary home estimate today

Whether you’re planning to sell your Kansas City home soon or just considering a home equity loan, understanding your home’s value is essential for making informed decisions about your biggest financial asset. With HomeLight’s free home value estimator, you can quickly get a ballpark estimate of your home’s worth in less than two minutes.

Additionally, HomeLight can connect you with top Kansas City agents who can help sell your home for its best possible price, or even assist you in buying a new house before selling your current one. By keeping up with local market trends and utilizing HomeLight’s tools, you’ll be well-positioned to maximize the value of your Kansas City home.

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