The Donner Group | August 2026


We are more than just a sign in the yard!

Local Market Snapshot

 

Steady Equity for Sellers, Breathing Room for Buyers


The Kansas City real estate market continues to demonstrate steady, sustainable growth, providing strong home equity gains for owners while remaining accessible for prospective buyers.


What This Means for Sellers

  • Consistent Equity Growth: Steady, predictable price appreciation ensures your investment continues to build value without the wild volatility of coastal markets.
  • Strong Closing Power: Well-priced, move-in-ready homes continue to secure over 98% of original list price, proving buyer demand remains strong across the metro.
  • Predictable Timelines: With homes averaging roughly five weeks on market, sellers can plan next steps with clear expectations.


What This Means for Buyers

  • More Breathing Room: A modest increase in inventory gives you slightly more time to evaluate options without feeling pressed into instant decisions.
  • Relative Affordability: The Kansas City median price sits well below the national average, offering substantially more home for your dollar.
  • Balanced Negotiations: As market pace normalizes, buyers have improved opportunities to negotiate inspection repairs or closing cost credits.


Whether you are looking to list, upsize, or purchase your first home, today’s market rewards clear strategy, accurate pricing, and well-timed decisions. Market trends give us the big picture but numbers are always specific to your home and neighborhood. Reach out to our team today for a personalized home valuation or a strategy session tailored to your next move—we're always here to help you navigate the KC market with confidence.


-Aaron, Mike, Natalie, Tracy and Gretchen

Real Estate Q and A

Q: Which home repairs give me the highest return on investment before listing?


A: First impressions and clean cosmetics win every time. Swapping out an outdated garage door or front entry door delivers an average ROI of over 180%. Indoors, fresh neutral paint, updated light fixtures, updated hardware, and low-cost curb appeal (fresh mulch, manicured lawn) consistently return 100%+ of what you spend.



Team Highlight

Exciting News: Same Team You Trust, Bright New Chapter!

If you’ve noticed a new logo on our signs or in our emails recently, we have some exciting news to share! The Donner Group has officially transitioned from Keller Williams Realty Partners to Real Broker, LLC.


While our brokerage name has changed, our core commitment to you remains exactly the same. You’ll still work with the same trusted team, enjoy the same hands-on guidance, and receive the top-tier customer service you’ve come to expect from The Donner Group.


So why the move? In today’s fast-moving real estate market, having the best tools behind the scenes makes all the difference. Real Broker is a modern, technology-driven brokerage designed from the ground up to empower agents with industry-leading digital platforms.


It is also currently one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the country, attracting top-producing agents and entire teams nationwide due to its agile technology and agent-aligned culture.


Big News on the Horizon: Combining Tech & Global Reach

Adding to that momentum, Real Brokerage recently announced an agreement to acquire RE/MAX, bringing two industry leaders together under one new parent company, Real RE/MAX Group.

  • Independent Brands, Unified Engine: Both Real and RE/MAX will continue operating under their distinct, independent brand names, but will share backend technology and operational support.
  • Unmatched Scale: This move unites Real’s rapid digital innovation and cloud-based architecture with RE/MAX’s iconic global footprint spanning over 120 countries and territories.


What This Means Specifically for You as Our Client

  • More Time Focused on You: By leveraging Real Brokerage’s streamlined, cloud-based technology, we automate tedious administrative work in the background. That means less time buried in paperwork and more time dedicated to advocating for your goals, communicating with you directly, and managing your transaction with care.
  • A Smoother, Frictionless Experience: From digital document management to instant transaction tracking, our upgraded technology suite makes buying or selling a home clearer, faster, and more convenient from start to finish.
  • Agile, Client-Centric Innovation: Because Real Broker continually invests in cutting-edge real estate technology, our team stays ahead of market shifts, ensuring you always have access to the most effective strategy and tools available.
    

At the end of the day, real estate will always be a relationship-first business. Switching to Real Brokerage simply gives our team better engines behind the scenes so we can deliver an even higher level of service to you.


Thank you for your continued trust and support. We can’t wait to serve you in this exciting next chapter! Have questions about the market or upcoming real estate plans? Reach out to our team anytime—we’re always here to help.


Free Coffee Friday

Set your alarms and clear your morning schedule—your first drink is on us! Join us at Pilgrim Coffee for Free Coffee Friday on September 11 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.


Whether you’re fueling up with your go-to espresso drink, grabbing a smooth cold brew, or just looking for a good excuse to stop by and catch up, we’d love to see your friendly faces. Come start your morning with a great conversation and a fresh cup on the house.


Pilgrim Coffee Company

12643 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park KS 66213


 
 

The Donner Group | Real Broker, LLC
Website

Office: 785-329-9077

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