A year-end thank you to our buyers and sellers. As we look ahead with cautious optimism, growth and success are based on adaptability.

Here we are looking at another new year. We have 365 days to call our own, use as we choose and grow. How we grow and learn depends on each of us discovering our talents and adaptability. Essayist William Arthur Ward expressed it perfectly, when he wrote, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change and the realist adjusts the sails.”

And so we are realistically optimistic about the new real estate market as we adjust our sails to help both buyers and sellers who are the cornerstone of our business. Rather than focusing on what was, together we can build our future successes on the can-do mindset. That’s what fosters growth, not only as a company, but also for your individual needs.

To that end, we’ve enhanced our skills to make your experience less stressful, guide you through complicated sales and build your real estate team with partners you can trust. We are honored that you believe in us and thank you so much for that commitment to us and to the St. Charles community.

As we begin new challenges, adjust your sails and see opportunity in every situation. The best to you in 2012.

Setting reasonable, small financial goals will add up to an optimistic new year.

What do you want to do in 2012? Lose 100 pounds, win the $43 million lottery, chuck it all, buy an RV and wander around the country?
All interesting goals, but most likely not attainable, and bound for failure. Frankly, we’d rather succeed with small goals that add up to big changes. Here are some financial tips that will help you be more comfortable in the new year.

Be realistic and set goals. You may have your eye on that $800,000 home, but is that realistic for you and your finances? Sit yourself down and analyze your past year’s financial health, then estimate you’re monetary health for the next year. This is a good exercise even if you are not considering buying property soon. Always keep tabs on yourself and your family so there will be no surprises.

Start small. Every day when our friend comes home, she empties her extra change in a beautiful handmade pot. In three months, she took $90 to the bank. Small change, yes. But she would have frittered that money away on stuff she wouldn’t remember two days later. Promise yourself to save $2,000 in the new year. Just to make sure, set up a direct deposit to your savings account. We know interest rates are next to nothing, but at least the money will be there at the end of the year.

Don’t waste money on quick hits. Stopping at the chain coffee shop every morning can add up. A basic cup of coffee at $2.15 three times a week sets you back $6.45. If you go three times a week for 45 weeks, that’s $290.25 per year. Instead, purchase a good coffee pot for around $80, set it for brew in the morning and fill up your reusable coffee mug for the ride to work. Treat yourself every once in a while at one of our wonderful coffee shops and keep your money in our community with a small businessperson.

The credit dilemma, plus credit cards. Credit is essential in our society, especially if you want to purchase property. You want good credit so you can get lower interest rates. At the beginning of every year, check your credit score with one of the three credit reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com for free. Address any issues you feel are incorrect.

In order to get credit, you have to have credit. What a conundrum! Keep an eye on your credit cards, pay off every month if possible, but keep charging too. If you mothball your credit cards the company may consider your account inactive, which won’t help you when it’s time to look for a mortgage. Do charge, but use restraint.

Your goal for the next 12 months is to accomplish simple, reasonable resolutions you are optimistic about your financial health and all the possibilities that offers.

Is refinancing for you? With some planning, there may be big savings ahead

With mortgage interest rates at an all-time low, many homeowners are considering re-financing their loans. Depending on several variables, this could be a very wise move to lower your monthly payments and even shorten the length of your current mortgage. But before jumping into the process, let’s investigate several questions to ask yourself.

• How is your credit score? Has anything changed that may affect your good rating? These days a credit score of 760 and above get you the best rates.
• How much equity do you have in your home? Lenders want to see around 20 percent equity for refinancing, but even if your equity is lower, there are refinancing options available through the government’s Making Home Affordable program.
• How long are you staying put? If you plan to move within the next two years, refinancing is not a good option. The fees associated with refinancing could eat up any interest savings you may have gained.
• How much does it cost to refinance? Just like buying a home, there are fees associated with refinancing. Do the math. Are lender fees, closing fees, title search costs, inspection fees and credit search fees worth it financially for you to refinance?
• How much will you save? Talk to your lender first. They will help you compare refinance expenses with different lengths of loans and calculate when you’ll begin saving.

Researching the answers to these questions will give you a good assessment about refinancing your home. When you believe it’s worth pursuing, go prepared. Lenders want to consider your whole financial picture. Gather your recent checking, savings and investment statements, tax returns, W2 forms and pay stubs. The more information you have, the quicker you could be on your way to lower monthly payments and major savings.

Keep your home and family safe during the holiday season

Flickering candles. Tiny twinkling lights. The fragrance of fresh-cut pine. A crackling fire in the fireplace. Our senses are alive with the aromas of the holiday season. Most likely you will begin your Christmas decorating soon. We are looking forward to this time of family and friends too, but we also want you to be safe and avoid a fire-related tragedy during this festive time.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has some excellent holiday safety tips we’d like to pass along.

• Holiday decorations should be flame retardant and non-flammable. That means modern that meets current safety standards. Holiday decoration fires are most likely to happen in the living room, family room or den because they are placed too close to a heat source.
• Light your way. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords. LED lights. While they are an up-front investment they are cooler and a long-term investment. We were rummaging in the basement for our lights and found an antique string of bubble lights. Remember them? As much as we’d like to recreate our childhood memories for our children, the bubble lights will stay in the box.
• The Christmas tree is always the centerpiece. Select a tree that has a sticky trunk, green needles and branches that are hard to pull back. Ask for a fresh cut and when you bring the tree home, immerse it in water immediately. It will be very thirsty and needs continual watering throughout the holiday season. Keep your tree at least three feet away from heat sources.
• Ahh, the glow of candlelight. So romantic and cozy. However, according to the NFPA, unattended candles cause more than half of home fires during the holiday season. Place lit candles on stable surfaces, away from flammables, children and pets. Don’t leave your candles unattended, even if you place candles in the fireplace instead of firewood. Extinguish ALL candles before you turn in for the night.
• Fireplaces are the center piece of a room. They are also a potential fire hazard. We recommend hiring a chimney sweep to check it out every autumn. Clean chimneys don’t start fires. Use only seasoned wood; don’t burn wrapping paper, cardboard boxes or pine branches. The Chimney Safety Institute of America also cautions that, while a chimney helps your home to breathe, it requires special care and maintenance to avoid carbon monoxide fumes and fires behind the lining.

This holiday season is also a great time to check your smoke alarms and review your home escape plan in case of an emergency. With a few precautions, we’ll all have a safe and happy holiday.

Midwest Living features St. Charles’ Christmas Traditions

St. Charles is no stranger to publicity. After all, we have a vibrant, livable community and a never ending list of activities to keep us busy year round. That, and the quality of our schools, neighborhoods and transit are among the reasons we are proud to be the region’s real estate company.

This month’s edition of Midwest Living showcases our wonderful Christmas Traditions celebration in historic St. Charles. The six-page spread features beautiful color photos of our events and the historic aspect that we maintain. Visitors come from throughout the Midwest to immerse themselves in a fantastic trip to the past.

And no wonder–through The Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city, merchants and volunteers string thousands and thousands of twinkling white lights along Main Street. St. Charles supplies shopkeepers with 10,000 feet of fresh evergreen garlands to decorate light posts, fences, doors, anything that can be draped with a bit of fresh fir. Add 1,200 festive red bows, 150 wreaths, Christmas trees, Santas from around the world, carolers, roasted chestnuts, bonfires, ice skating, and you’ve got yourself a real, historic experience. Christmas Traditions begins on Friday, November 25, at 11 a.m. for the opening ceremony and Santa’s arrival with the Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m.

AAA’s Midwest Traveler Magazine likes us too. In the July/August 2011 issue, St. Charles was selected as the best historical small town and the Festival of the Little Hills as the best craft fair in the Midwest. Additional awards included Ameristar Casino, the Katy Trail and Boone’s Colonial Inn.

Through the years, our talents and love of our community have been showcased on a national level. What a great place to live, raise a family and be part of real traditions!

Warm and cozy go a long way toward a sale during the holidays

The holiday season is here–well, if you looked in the stores, the season started just before Labor Day!–and our attention focuses on family, presents, food and fun. However, if you are selling your home, all of those things will work for you to attract buyers.

Winter isn’t the peak selling season, but potential homebuyers who are in the market are serious. Another plus for you is diminished competition; other sellers may assume the season is over until next spring. We know better.

The holiday season is the perfect time for your home to embrace buyers. You create an atmosphere of warm and cozy, a place where a buyer wants to sit by the fire or cook in the kitchen.

The experience begins when the potential buyer arrives and walks through your immaculate front door graced with a holiday wreath. The fall holiday theme continues with a few appropriate decorations–candles on the dining room table, vases filled with leaves, pine and a few pieces of real fruit. Lemons are an excellent choice and add to the natural fragrance of your home.

Here we must tackle the de-cluttering issue. Adding decorations on top of personal clutter will not help your buyer envision celebrating the holidays here next year. While it may be a bit painful, pack away personal items and focus on making your home a welcome place. All of those personal items will once again take prominence in your new home.

During the late fall and winter, natural light is hard to come by. Sparkling, clean windows will help a lot, especially with curtains drawn back. Light up your home to show off it’s advantages and space. Dark, gloomy rooms won’t work to your benefit.

With the right price, some patience and a warm, bright setting, it is entirely possible to sell your property during the holidays

Every home sold pumps $60,000 into the economy. What are these homes and who buys them?

Existing home prices have inched up a bit over the last month and new home sales rose 5.7 percent in September. In fact, every home sold adds $60,000 to the economy. Good news, but we thought we’d share what types of homes sell and who buys them. From houselogic.com come these interesting factoids.

• The typical home purchased was 1,780 sq. ft., was built in 1990 and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, according to the 2010 National Association of Realtors survey.
• 44% of sellers offered incentives, such as home warranties and help with closing costs to attract buyers.
• Recent sellers typically sold their home for 96 percent of the listing price; 57 percent reduced the asking price at least once.
• More single females buy homes than single males. But, single male buyers grew by two percentage points between 2009 and 2010.
• The median price buyers paid for homes was $179,000.

There’s also some interesting info about renters and homeowners. Historically, homeowners’ net worth has ranged from 31 to 46 times that of renters. While a fixed-rate mortgage might not change for 15 to 30 years, rent typically increases three percent a year.

The housing industry and employment are still a long way from recovery, but Americans still believe that homeownership matters and that is a worthwhile goal.

Professional photos for the Internet will drive buyers to your property

When you sell your home, the first impression needs to be a positive reaction. But long before potential buyers set foot in your home, they’ve already checked you out online. And, if their online view of your home is negative, they may never consider your home.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent of homebuyers begin their search on the Internet. And in this case, the old adage, a picture is really worth 1,000 words (and a sale!)

Our first piece of advice–if you are not comfortable with digital photography, different file formats and the effect of various lenses, it’s best to hire a professional photographer. While more costly than your own snaps, in the end, your home will sell faster and at a better price.

Here are some tips to help you make wonderful photos of your home.

• Go for a general view of each living area–living room, dining room, kitchen, backyard, bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Exterior. Choose your lighting carefully. Make sure the home is not back lighted, which creates many shadows. Select a wide shot and include some landscaping. The grass should be green (summer) and the picture framed with trees and vegetation. Use a close up of the front door staged with flowers and plants–a welcoming scene into your home.
• Interior. Choose your shots carefully and don’t over do it. We have short attention spans and don’t want to see five shots of the same area of your kitchen. Make a photo of the room (carefully staged) and then zero in on details. For instance you may have a wonderful tile backsplash in your kitchen. Photograph the detail, texture and warmth of the stone to enhance the artistic aspect.
• Pay attention to distractions. After you’ve reviewed your photos, you may find a car in the driveway, the hose curled up in one corner, a pink riding toy peaking around the patio. While you may not “see” those distractions, potential buyers will. Be prepared the first time around to look with a critical eye.

And now for the technical stuff. Your photos should be sized at 640x480 pixels and in the .jpg format. Unless you know how to crop and resize a photo, don’t do it. Skewed photos (out of proportion) look amateurish. The same goes for enhancing a photograph. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll change the color balance too much and reduce the quality of your photos.

Beautiful photos will drive buyers to your property and give you an edge over your competition. Take advantage of your photographic skills or those of a professional to make the best first impression.

With unpredictable weather comes unpredictable water damage. Homebuyers should be vigilant about finding moisture hotbeds.

Weather is unpredictable, regardless of the nightly forecasts. We checked the 2012 issue of Farmers’ Almanac as backup and, for the Midwest, predictions are average temperatures (whatever that is) and wetter than normal. Looks like our friends in the Northeast are going to take a pounding again this year.

For potential homebuyers, weather can play a big part in the home’s saleability. We’re talking about leaks, drips, mold and structural damage that happen because of weather. Smart home sellers have done a pre-sale inspection with a qualified inspector to address any of these issues. Still, buyers should watch for any signs of moisture.

As you tour the home, look for these moisture alerts:

• Look up and in front of you. Windows and skylights are prime places for water and air leaks. Houselogic.com suggests shaking the windows a bit. If they rattle, the frames aren’t secure and you’ve got a leak there. As for skylights, if you can see through the frame and brown spots are present, this is a sure sign of a leak. Most likely, water has collected on the drywall, which can lead to rot and mold.
• Doors are another area prone to leaks. Is the weather stripping around the door adequate to keep out drafts and moisture? Are the hinges secure, balancing the door correctly? Can you see daylight through cracks around the door? If so, more work needs to be done here.
• Check corners in the rooms. Are there stains, do the floorboards creak, has the woodwork pulled away from the wall? If so, there may be problems behind the walls, most likely caused by water leaks.
• Your inspector will go up on the roof while you stay put on the ground. He’ll let you know about missing shingles, chimney leaks, loose flashing and droopy gutters.
• In the basement, check the walls, especially in older homes, for moist stone and water pooled in the corners. Also, look at the floor for staining, cracks and protrusions, indicating a water issue is somewhere under the home.

As a buyer, pay careful attention to areas that may be hotbeds for water damage. It doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, but you do want to be vigilant to head off any unwanted surprises.

Interest rates are at the lowest point since the 1940s. Jump off the fence and buy your dream home.

The big news last week is the extraordinarily low mortgage interest rates. And this time, the rates really are historic, the lowest since the 1940s. Combined with lower housing stock prices, this really is the best time ever to end your career as a house hunting fence sitter.

According to the latest word from Freddie Mac, the Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 3.94%. A year ago the average interest rate was 4.27%. A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage came in at an average of 3.26%. Last year, the rate was 3.72%.

Some potential buyers are still waiting for that stupendous “deal,” but we see this level of interest rates just that deal. Combine that with an amazing selection of homes, and you have a remarkable opportunity to buy or refinance.

Before you begin your search, be prepared. Lending institutions have tightened there qualifications for a loan, but the money is there for organized buyers.

Check your credit rating first. Lenders look for a rating of 660 and above, but that can vary from lender to lender. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate.

Pay down any debt you have now, and pay your bills on time. Lenders want to see that you are a cautious and dependable spender with the ability to repay the loan. This lowers your debt-to-income ratio.

Don’t borrow any more money. Taking out another loan skews your credit score. You really don’t need that new car right now.

Stay in your present employment position. Job hopping will reduce you ability to get a loan.

Save. The higher your down payment, the better interest rate you’ll get.

With all of these preparations, get pre-qualified with a lender. As you begin your home search, pre-qualification shows you are serious and sellers will take your offer seriously.

Now you’re ready to take advantage of these incredibly low interest rates to buy your dream home!

Real estate agents are community resources. We do much more than buy and sell homes.

Realtors sell houses and help people buy homes. You have a relationship with your agent for a brief time and then both of you move on. Sounds simple enough. But, peel back the layers of that relationship, and you find how much of an impact your agent can be, not just during the buying and selling process, for many years to come.

A home doesn’t stand as a single, uncomplicated entity. It needs maintenance, decorating, fixing up, landscaping and protection. A home needs to be cleaned, plumbed, air conditioned, heated, insured and pest-protected.

As real estate agents, we have so many reliable resources that will make life in a new home much easier. Our referrals are very important for first-time homebuyers who may have difficulty looking beyond the thrill of owning property for the first time.

When that first leak appears, whom should you call? It might be odd to say, “Call your real estate agent” but we know top-notch talented plumbers who understand the homes in our area and all their quirks.

Are you new to our area? We know the best schools, where to shop, how to get your car fixed in less than a day and when the next St. Charles area festival will happen. Do you want a short commute to work, or would you prefer to live a bit outside the metro area?

We can recommend doctors, dentists and optometrists, bakeries, farmers’ markets that sell homegrown produce and great cultural events to get a feel for your new community.

As real estate agents, we know our communities and have a wealth of information to make your life in your new home so much easier. Count on us to make the whole home buying/selling experience that much more.

A home energy audit will save you money this winter. Energy saving incentives are still available.

We’re headed into fall and hopefully we’ve seen the last of the 100 degree plus weather. However, considering how extreme our weather has been the past couple of years, we may have winter challenges to face in a few months.

As we settle into cooler temperatures, give some thought to being prepared with a home energy audit. Utility bills are increasing at an alarming rate; you can do your part to reduce your energy requirements.

First on the list is understanding your energy statements. These statements may seem rather boring, but they contain useful information (other than the bottom line of what you pay) to get your energy costs under control. Compare past years’ winter heating costs and look for wide variations of usage, month by month. This overview will give you an idea your financial outlay for this year’s energy use.

Check for air leaks and drafts, checklist and clipboard in hand. You’ll find leaks around ill-fitting doors and windows, gaps along baseboards and flooring, fireplaces and window mounted air conditioners. Some leaks, like window replacements, will have to be fixed by professionals, but you can purchase easy-to-use caulking kits to plug up leaks that will cost you a lot in energy bills.

Down in the basement, look at the insulation on your pipes and replace them if torn. Insulating pipes not only saves energy, but also helps prevent pipes freezing in the winter. Frozen pipes will drastically reduce your water flow and is costly to repair after the incident.

Heading up to the attic, check your insulation level and look for vapor barriers, which could include such material as tarpaper, Kraft paper or plastic sheeting. A vapor barrier reduces moisture and helps the insulation to work better. In older homes insulation was installed at the then current recommended amount. Because of higher energy usage now, you should consider increasing the amount of insulation.

There are many every day energy fixes, such as using compact fluorescent bulbs, turning off lights when you leave a room, fixing drippy faucets and unplugging appliances when you aren’t using them. These every day fixes will help lower your utility bills in addition to your yearly energy audit fixes.

For more information on how to do an energy audit, and additional energy saving tips, request or download an energy savers booklet at the U. S. Department of Energy website.

Federal and state energy incentives are also available. Check them out here.

Be prepared and stock up your disaster kit to stay safe

Here we are in the Midwest, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and we’re planning an outdoor barbeque tonight. Thousands of miles away, folks on the Eastern Seaboard are dodging Hurricane Irene’s wrath of flooding, high winds and property destruction. That has nothing to do with us.

Do we have such short memories? Remember the tornadoes in April and May of this year? Joplin is still in the recovery phase and will be for a long time; concourse C at Lambert Airport is still closed following tornado damage with no opening in sight. St. Charles County and St. Louis County sustained an untold amount of property damage.

Yes, we do have something in common with the Easterners. We experience storms of a different type, but just as damaging. The question is–are you prepared? After all the excitement sometimes we slip into our old ways.

That’s why now is a good time to re-visit your disaster preparedness plan. You should do this periodically anyway, but talk to your insurance agent about your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you have the proper coverage for your area. Keep all important papers in two places¬–the originals offsite and copies with you. Should you need them for a claim, this will save you immeasurable time and hassle. Stash some cash too. If the power goes down, credit cards will be useless.

FEMA has some good ideas to help you put together a disaster preparedness kit. The kit includes water–about a gallon per person per day–and non-perishable food that your family likes to eat for three days. Throw in a can opener too. Nothing like sitting in your basement with a can of food you can’t open!

Other suggestions include personal care items, a selection of tools, medication and cell phones with chargers. However, the power most likely will be off, so if you are one of those people who haven’t ditched the landline, you are in luck.

If you don’t have one already, purchase a battery operated radio and a fan too. Stock up on all sizes of batteries that you might need to operate equipment.

Prepare to entertain the kids (and pets too) with special toys, books and games.

While no disaster seems in sight here, be prepared to protect you and your family

Thou shall not be a hoarder

Buyers don’t want to see your stuff from 1962. They want to see their stuff in your home now

We’ve recovered from last week’s mold-in-the-closet adventure, however we found something else. We have too much stuff. Most likely you do too. Realtors and home stagers preach de-cluttering when you put your home on the market, but sometimes it’s difficult to take the plunge and make the decision of what to keep and what goes.

Sorting stuff, moving on and letting go is a very personal experience. Add that to the potential stress of selling your home, and the experience can get complicated. While we can’t tell you what to keep, donate or trash, we can say that de-cluttering is a powerful and lucrative move.

Potential buyers want to see your home as theirs. If your personal items are on view, the closets stuffed with boxes and bags, and the basement crammed with tools and plastic storage containers, could cause you to lose a sale. Buyers will also assume that stuff stacked up against walls is hiding problem areas that you don’t want them to see.

We’re reminded of a story our friend told about her grandmother’s spring and fall cleaning. The rugs were hung on the line in the backyard and beaten; the baseboards were washed; the ceilings were swept; the wallpaper was cleaned with a product that later morphed into Play-Doh; the windows were washed and shined; and the closets disgorged stuff that was pitched or donated.

Fall is approaching. Is it time for you to do some fall cleaning, define who you are with your possessions and donate the rest? Check out this website to decide what you can give to help others and what needs to end up in the trash.

A journey to the past reveals more than we want to see–mold!

An urge to connect with the past led us to the back of the closet and stacks of boxes with family pictures. Anticipation mounted as we opened the boxes to see how we looked growing up. But, what we saw was…mold!

Yes, mold deserves an exclamation point, especially if your home is on the market and buyers are looking in every nook and cranny. Not only does mold complicate your home sale, it also affects your health and can be very costly to remove.

The first line of defense is to prevent mold before it takes hold. Mold needs several conditions to flourish–food, moisture, the right temperature, stagnant air and time. During this spring’s storms, some moisture must have dripped into the closet and settled on the family pictures. Add stagnant air, then high temperatures, and we grew mold.

Here are some preventative measures to ensure your home is mold free.

• Be aware of your home’s humidity. The more humid it is, the more opportunity for mold to grow. Because Missouri is very humid during the summer, it’s important to keep the air conditioning at about 78 degrees. Much higher than that temperature and the humidity goes up. Setting the thermostat very low makes for colder surfaces and condensation.
• Clutter contributes to mold. All that stuff blocks airflow, reducing your AC’s ability to dehumidify and creating a stagnant atmosphere. One of our goals in the closet project was to de-clutter, review all sorts of stuff way in the back and get rid of what we didn’t want. Now, we have not only de-cluttered, but are also facing mold removal.
• Check areas that are moisture magnets. Wipe up water in the bathroom and routinely re-caulk around the bathtub. Keep an eye out for moisture in the laundry area and other parts of the basement. Look up at the basement ceiling as well as down at the floor.
If you do find mold, should you go for a do-it-yourself removal project or call the experts? For very small areas, you could remove the mold using a solution of dishwashing soap and water, but because disturbed mold spores become airborne very quickly, you’ll still have to suit up, wear goggles and long gloves.

Our best advice is to leave mold removal to the pros. Not only do they have special equipment to deal with the situation and discard the materials so that spores do not escape, they can also determine what may be behind the walls that you can’t see.

Home prices up, mortgages lower in metro region. Support preserving the mortgage interest tax deduction

What a difference a week makes! Even with Congress finally dealing with the debt ceiling issue for the time being, and then Standard & Poors downgrading the U.S. credit rating to A++, bright spots are popping up in the St. Louis metro housing market.

First, St. Louis is ranked number four in Clear Capital’s analysis of the 15 best performing housing markets for the last two quarters. Through July 2011, our area increased 12.5 percent in home prices. Clear Capital analyses loan data for mortgage and bank lenders.

Mortgage rates are following the overall trend of the economy, which dipped again last week to even lower marks. Local rates ranged in the 4.375 percent for a 30-year fixed rate loan and 3.625 for a 15-year fixed rate loan. These rates are a bit lower than Bankrate.com’s national average on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 4.54 percent and 3.68 percent on a 15-year fixed rate. So even with all the doubts, now could be the best time for you to buy or sell.

As your real estate agents, our job is to help you navigate through the buying and selling process with the end result of a fair price for both and the best mortgage rate available. We also help preserve benefits for homeowners that have been in place for decades and support efforts to keep the mortgage interest tax deduction in place.

Our economic recovery is based on jobs and home ownership. Now is not the time to deter homeownership by reducing benefits that will even lengthen the time it takes to experience a robust economy once again.

You can help too. Contact your senators and representatives to express your support for this issue now.

Don’t go to extremes taking care of your lawn during long high heat spells

This extended heat wave has most of us ragged around the edges, waiting for that dip in temperatures to the mid 70s­–during the daytime, not at night!

High heat also affects our lawns and gardens, and is of particular concern if you have your home on the market this summer and want to maintain green, fresh curb appeal. The goal for summer lawn maintenance is not to stress your grass, but not just let it be either.

Summer is not the time to fertilize. Forcing grass to grow in extreme heat is counter- productive and will lead to burnout. Your grass shouldn’t be mowed too much either. Grass will lose valuable moisture through the tips and the shorter the grass is, the closer the sun is to the ground, resulting in hard packed soil. Mow your grass sparingly to 2 ½ to three inches.

Hold off on the chemicals too, such as herbicides. They burn your grass as well as the weeds, and really aren’t that effective during periods of intense heat.

Watering should be done in moderation too. A lawn needs about one inch of rain or watering a week early in the morning to allow the moisture to evaporate during the day. A good soaking is better than a few sprinkles; soaking the grass keeps the roots growing down while superficial watering brings the root system up to the soil surface.

Missouri Botanical Garden experts also point out that lawns may turn brown in mid-summer, but that is not necessarily something to worry about. The turf grasses we use in Missouri naturally go dormant in mid-summer with too much heat, as we have now, and little water. Your lawn is still alive and will green up again in the fall. Just think of it as your lawn taking a break. You should still water on a regular basis and do routine maintenance. Look for your results in September.

Just as you don’t want to stress your lawn, don’t stress yourself either. This has been an extraordinary summer, but the grass will be greener in a couple of months.

Getting sellers and buyers together for a happy ending: Current market value will determine a sale, not emotions

The real estate market can be very complex these days; but mix in emotions and the occasional ego, and it can be even more complicated. Enter your real estate agent, who will sort out the best approaches for both buyers and sellers.

For sellers, correct pricing is a must. A recent Zillow survey showed that homeowners who purchased their property in 2007 or later were overpricing their homes by an average of 14.1 percent, and homeowners who purchased between 2002 and 2006 were overpricing about 9.3 percent above market value.

The key here is market value. The market has changed drastically since 2002 and sellers should look at current market value, not the value when the home was purchased years ago. Buyers aren’t taking into consideration what you paid then, but what the house is worth right now.

Both sellers and buyers should review the comparable properties for sale that your agent will provide. These comparables offer a good snapshot of current values for homes similar to yours.

Overpricing a home is very counterproductive in this economy. Most likely, the property will sit on the market for a while. The longer the property languishes, even with subsequent price reductions, the less desirable it is. Follow your agent’s pricing strategy instead of your emotions for a quick sale.

Buyers, too, have high expectations, but for lower prices. With the buyer’s market in full swing, buyers are looking for a great bargain, to “make a steal.” Again, your agent’s comparables will guide you to a fair offer that is a good deal for you.

Some buyers are tempted to make a very low first bid. That’s called low-balling. Just like a seller pricing a property too high, an extremely low bid can be counterproductive. This can insult the seller and shut down any further negotiations. If you really want a property, take your agent’s advice on a reasonable offer and that will assure communication that can lead to a happy ending for both parties.

Condos offer an option for homeowners who want to downsize or aren’t interested in home maintenance

Just the thought of going outside in the Missouri heat and humidity to mow the lawn, or repair the fence, can seem like a daunting task. For people who are no longer enthralled with home maintenance or are ready to downsize, purchasing a condo is the logical choice.

When you buy a condominium, or condo, you are purchasing ownership in the whole building, not just your unit. You privately own your residence, but you also have ownership in the building and the common areas, including the grounds. In addition to the unit purchase price, you will also pay a monthly fee to help maintain those areas as well as a contingency fund for emergency repairs.

As you begin your search, get pre-approved with your mortgage lender and obtain a copy of your credit report. Doing these two things will speed your purchase and give you an advantage over potential condo buyers who are not prepared.

Just as each home is different, every condo complex is different too. To compare like properties, decide if you want a brand new building or an older one. Both old and new buildings have advantages and disadvantages; new condos may be more expensive up front, while older buildings may have more charm, have a cheaper listing price, but come with more maintenance.

We will help you determine which option fits your budget and provide you with comparable listings within your choice.

Just as you would investigate a new neighborhood, you should investigate your potential condo building. We recommend reading the agreement, or declaration, that outlines how the condominium operates and is governed. Do the rules and regulations allow you to have the lifestyle you want, how efficient is management and how big is the reserve fund for emergencies?

It’s also a good idea to read the homeowners’ association minutes for at least the last six months to understand how the association functions and what the most recent issues may be.

As you tour properties for sale, look at the general condition of the complex as well as the unit that interests you.

When you are looking to buy a home, we know there are many choices. A condo is a very viable option in the housing market. If you choose a condo, relax on your patio, and watch someone else mow the grass!

Making Home Affordable programs help homeowners in financial distress, but beware of scams

The current housing market provides a variety of options for potential buyers. Interest rates are still low and home prices are affordable.

But, for homeowners who are having financial difficulties and foreclosure or a short sale may be the only option, there is help through the Making Home Affordable (MHA) collection of government programs.

The program is also a collection of alphabet soup! Here’s a rundown that will help you navigate the options and, if you are in financial distress, find which would benefit you the most. Each program has different qualifications, so for more information on that, contact your mortgage holder and visit the Making Home Affordable website.

Lower your monthly mortgage payments. Through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), homeowners can reduce their monthly payment to 31 percent of their verified gross income. Qualifiers complete a three-four-month trial period to make sure they can make payments on time. There are also other aspects of this program that can help reduce the principle, get a second lien modification (2MP), an FHA modification and one for veterans too.

The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) helps homeowners who have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac backed mortgage who can pay monthly, but can’t refinance at a lower interest rate because a decrease in their home’s value. This type of assistance keeps the homeowner current on payments and out of the foreclosure scenario.

The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA) is designed for homeowners who can no longer afford their homes, but want to avoid the negative effects of foreclosures. The program provides incentives to complete a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

There is no charge to apply to any of these programs and a HUD-approved counselor will discuss the ramifications with the homeowner. This is important to remember, since a number of scams have surfaced. If anyone asks you to pay a fee in exchange for counseling, walk away. Don’t sign anything under pressure, and don’t sign you deed over to anyone or make a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage provider.

For more info, contact your lending institution or us to help simplify these programs.

St. Charles is tops with AAA Midwest Traveler readers!

The latest issue of AAA Midwest Traveler makes us proud to live in the St. Louis/St. Charles metro region. The results of a recent readers’ poll show what we already know–we live in great place that offers so much to see and do.

In the Best of the Midwest poll, St. Louis was voted the best large city for a weekend getaway while St. Charles won the best historical small town, plus garnered second place as the best small city for a weekend visit. Branson notched first place, but really, who could compare? We know our city is the best in this category too.

The Festival of the Little Hills ranks first as the best arts and crafts festival. In its 40th year, the festival is coming up next month from August 19-21 with more than 300 artisans and crafters. Readers selected Boone’s Colonial Inn, our favorite cozy lodgings on South Main Street as the most romantic B&B and the Ameristar Casino for the best casino. Cha-ching!

On the cultural side, the St. Louis Art Museum is considered the best museum in the Midwest and really, nationally too. With more than 30,000 works of art, we look forward to seeing more when the new expansion wing opens in 2013. For the kids, the Magic House in Kirkwood got the thumbs up, with 50,000 square feet of interactive space that delights parents as well a kids.

Need some exercise? Don’t we all. Hop on our Katy Trail just south of Frontier Park. The trail won the best bike trail honors. 300,000 of us use the trail every year, either on bikes or as a walking adventure. It’s the longest rails-to-trails project at 240 miles with spectacular views of the Missouri River along the way.
We are so blessed with the variety of experiences here. Get out and enjoy what our region has to offer, and not just when guests come. Who wouldn’t want to live and work in our community!

Pets know when something is up. Make their moving experience as easy as possible

Moving is a stressful time for families, including our pets. They have a special way of knowing something is up and life may change, but they don’t know how or why. For the past few months, they have endured strange people coming into their domain with big, loud tools; strangers rearranging the furniture; being whisked away at a moment’s notice for open houses and viewings; and the worst indignity of all–not being able to sleep on the couch.

Being aware of your pet’s needs during the transition will make the change easier for all. Along the way, be prepared for some bad behavior and “accidents”, but understand this is probably just a temporary reaction to the unknown.

On the day of your move, ask a neighbor to be in charge of your pets. Include familiar toys and food to lend a sense of home. With movers coming and going, and doors wide open, the opportunity for escape is wide open.

Keep your regular pet food and those toys with you, not in the moving van. Any change in diet can cause upset tummies, and the accompanying mess.

When you arrive at your new home, set up a special, secure area for pets with their blankets, toys and beds, plus water and food. Check on them often as the furniture is brought in. You will alleviate many of your pet’s fears by being there with a hug, a pat and a pull toy.

Introduce your pets to their new home little by little. Cats can have a tendency to disappear in new situations (or whenever they feel like it). It’s no fun finding kitty at 2 a.m. stuck in the basement rafters. And for cats, make sure the litter box is readily available.

Dogs shouldn’t have the run of their new house either. Take them around, room by room, and allow plenty of time for sniffing. Watch for signs that it’s time to go outside for a while. Always walk your dog on a leash. Using a leash will help avoid territorial issues and provide the opportunity to meet the new neighbors.

Even though it may be a bit of a challenge, keep to your normal routine as much as possible. This will help re-establish life as it was, but in a new place.

Are Mortgage Rates Really "Historic" Now?

We hear it all the time. Headlines trumpet “mortgage rates at historic lows!” Could this really be true, or is it hype? Curious to find out, we researched mortgage rates way back to 1981 to find out the real story. Which is to say, yes, our current interest rates are historic.

Back then, some 30 years ago, the interest rate was a whopping 16.70 percent (can you image that?) for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage in June 1981, according to mortgagenewsdaily.com. In between then and now, rates did moderate to averages of about 11.50% in 1983; 8.43% in 2000; 6.88% in 2008.

So yes, the 4.73% average now really is historic. For buyers and sellers, this may be the most influential component in deciding to enter the housing market now. Buyers are enticed by the low rates and the increased housing stock. Sellers have the advantage too. Low interest rates bring in potential sales, and if your home is competitively priced and improved to match comparable homes in your neighborhood, your success rate will be high.

Spring and early summer are the peak times for buying and selling. Buyers want to settle into their new neighborhood when the weather is nice and they can be outside to meet neighbors. Children also benefit with an early summer move so they can adjust to new friends and schools.

For sellers, advantages include the opportunity to increase curb appeal and add special touches to landscaping to really show off their property. Homes show much better in the summer months with loads of outdoor natural lighting streaming in through the windows. And sellers want to be somewhere else, established in their new neighborhood.

If the interest rate is the prime motivation for buying or selling, this is the right time. We see the rates hovering around 5% or less for the foreseeable future. Wait or not, there is success out there for both buyers and sellers.

Some over-the-top renovations won’t help sell your home!

Selling a home usually means some updating, possibly remodeling a few areas. Kitchens and bathroom renovations reap payback at closing time, but a word to the wise: don’t over improve. You’ll set yourself up for a yield of diminishing returns.

The smartest way to increase your home’s value is to bring it up to neighborhood standards. Leaping ahead of the Joneses will only stall your sale, especially in a market where buyers are cautious and want to see solid value. Always consider your neighborhood and research comparable properties before you jump into renovation projects.

Here are some do’s and don’ts.

• Don’t assume more space means more profit. Depending on your neighborhood, over-the-top improvements can be a real turnoff for buyers, especially if it means that additional maintenance isn’t worth the effort. For instance, kitchens catch a buyer’s eye, but if you’re dead set on a chef’s kitchen, take a step back and think about it. Sprucing up a kitchen is a good move, and a nice makeover can be done with minimum investment.

• Don’t turn a bedroom into an office space when you’re ready to sell. Buyers want bedrooms and want to see rooms as bedrooms. If you already have a home office, which most of us do these days, upgrade that space with attractive storage units to reduce clutter, and maybe a new desk that you can take with you to your next home.

• Do think long and hard about installing a swimming pool, unless you plan to stay where you are for a long time. Buyers can see a pool as a major headache and safety issue if they have small children. Heating, skimming, repairing, balancing the acidity level and winterizing are a lot of work for buyers moving into a new home. Instead, take some of that money to create a beautiful landscape with perennials–a lot less work.

• Don’t install that media room with theater seating. As buyers downsize, that’s one recent improvement that is no longer enticing. A family room is a better value, but so is a clean, waterproof basement for storage and an efficient laundry space.

The way you look at your living space is very personal. If, indeed, you want an Italian wine cellar with imported stonemasons, by all means do that - if you plan to stay for a while. But, that wine cellar isn’t going to add bottom line value to your home when you want to sell.

Yes you can sell your home this summer!

Take a look at what buyers want and get your home ready to go.

We’ve all heard that this is a buyers’ market, there are plenty of real estate choices and buyers expect the lowest price possible. This can put sellers on the defensive. However, you can position your home in this market to satisfy buyers and get fair market value for your property.

• Price. Your real estate agent will help you determine a fair price for your home. He will provide you with comparable homes in your area so you can be competitive as soon as your home is listed. Pricing your home too high will only turn away serious buyers and get yourself into a stressful negotiations battle.

• Basically solid. Position your home as well maintained, solid and ready to move in. Today’s buyer wants a home that has value for years to come. A pre-sale home inspection is a good idea. The inspector will help you decide what you need to fix or upgrade structurally to make your home more appealing.

• Energy efficiency. One of the most enticing selling points now is energy efficiency, which points to lower utility costs down the line. Emphasize your home’s energy efficient aspects, such as appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows, lighting and insulation.

• Incentives. Some sellers offer incentives to lure buyers, such as financial assistance at closing, purchasing the first year for a home warranty, sharing closing costs, paying a year’s worth of home association dues or prepaying property taxes. Offering incentives up front do make your property stand out and can shorten the negotiation process.

• Outdoor living. A seemless transition between indoor and outdoor living is a popular plus these days. Highlight your lovely deck, patio or screened-in porch. Here’s a wonderful opportunity to stage that area with lighting, colorful flowers and landscaping and furniture. Not only is this a selling point, but you’ll enjoy your outdoor living space right now.

Present you home with positives in place, clean and de-clutter, repair, update and price reasonably. Your property will stand out and attract the right buyer for the best deal.

Grilling outdoors is a time-honored American tradition. Keep it a safe experience for your family and friends.

Americans have a love affair with barbeque, and Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff for grills, smoke and sauce. Getting family and friends together for a meal is one of the pleasures we enjoy the most, but keeping the experience safe is a must.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that each year outdoor grills cause an average of 7,700 house fires and $80 million in property damage. Here are some grilling tips to avoid being a statistic this summer.

• Regardless of the type of grill you favor, it should be located outdoors and in a clear area. Place your grill away from siding, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches. DO NOT grill in a garage or enclosed space. That’s just setting yourself up for a fire.

• Kids are a big part of barbeques and when they get together, there is usually a lot of running around. The NFPA recommends setting up a three-foot kid-free zone around the grill to ensure safety.

• The cook should use long-handled grilling tools for clearance from heat, flame and hot grease. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes that may catch on fire.

• Gas grill enthusiasts should check out the gas tank hose for leaks before using it at the beginning of the season and periodically during the summer. Obstructions in the fuel path are the number one reason for gas fires. At the first sign of a leak, turn the grill off and have it serviced by a professional.

• Charcoal grilling also has its hazards. The first problem begins with lighting the charcoal with lighter fluid. Use the fluid only to start a fire, never when the coals are burning. Lighter fluid turns to a heavy gas at a low temperature, which will explode easily. Rather than deal with lighter fluid at all, use a charcoal chimney stuffed with newspaper on the bottom to start your coals. Much less risk, and you also avoid the carcinogenic effect of chemicals.

• Should you have a grill fire, move everyone away from the area and call 911. Really, don’t let your ego get the better of you and your guests.

• Beer and barbequed brats go together, but not for the grill master. Don’t drink and barbeque at the same time. You’ll need a clear head to produce a fine meal and stay safe. Have that congratulatory drink when you guests are raving about what a great cook you are.

Investing your tax return in your home enhances value and adds enjoyment

What did you do with your tax return this year? Maybe a quick vacation to reward yourself for actually getting your taxes in on time? A down payment on a new car? Or did that refund just…disappear into your daily expenses?

We think the best use for your refund is to target improvements that will enhance your home’s value. The average tax refund is $3,000, but even if your return was less than the average, there are plenty of quick fixes to make you feel good.

With spring here and summer not so far behind, let’s go outside for some tax return projects that will make your home a welcome site. Houselogic.com has some great ideas.

For about $3,000 you can add a soft glow to your home with outdoor lighting. One of the most important techniques to increase curb appeal and safety, outdoor lighting enhances your home’s architectural features that welcome guests into your home. The cost would include 7 LED lighting fixtures with a transformer to convert household current into low-voltage and two motion detectors.

Going around back, take a look at your patio. Outdoor living is in now, and a $3,000 patio makeover could add 30-60% on your investment. A professionally installed 12 by 16 foot brick or paver patio will give you plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors in addition to the increased value.

Taking into consideration the recent run of very bad weather, you might give some thought to a portable generator system to keep you up and running when the power goes out. Depending on kilowatt model, a generator ranges from $500-$2,500. Investing part of your tax return in a generator will help you continue with a few electrical essentials until the power goes back on.

And you’ll have a bit of money left over for a pizza party on your new patio!

A home inventory is important to replace your possessions after a natural disaster or fire

This has been the worst tornado season in four decades. Family comes first, but protect your possessions too.

If we’ve learned anything from the past few weeks, it’s to be aware and take violent weather and tornado warnings seriously. Reacting could save you and your family’s lives.

As we watch the news and see pictures of collapsed homes and possessions destroyed and strewn about, we realize how important a home inventory is. By keeping track of possessions and personal papers, you have a clear record of what you own. This will make the insurance claim process faster and less complicated.

As you look around your home and all your stuff, this may seem like a daunting task. However, a bit of organization and list making will help you focus on your inventory. A good place to start is your insurance company. Ask your agent about online inventory programs. Many offer this service, which is secure, and will give you an inventory that can’t be damaged should disaster strike.

Important papers should be kept in a document box. However, that won’t be your first thought if you see a tornado coming. Make copies of these documents to put in a safe deposit box and give copies to a trusted relative. We also recommend scanning documents onto a CD. Again, make a copy and place in a safe off site location.

Insurance companies will also provide a checklist to fill out, or you can make your own. To make this work, just focus on one room at a time. For each room, your subcategories will include such things as furniture, electronics, antiques, china, silverware, silverware, crystal, rugs, musical instruments, appliances, clothing, family photos and any other category you may want to add.

Ideally, you have the purchase receipts to verify the price and the date of purchase, but realistically most of us don’t save that info. So, start now. Any purchase you make should include the sales receipt. Those can also be scanned onto a CD for safe keeping.

Next, videotape or photograph your possessions. If you videotape, you can verbally describe each possession. Burn the photos on a CD and make a copy to give to a family member.

Your home inventory project will be well worth your time and effort. What’s more important in an emergency? Your family, of course.

Homeowners with new attitudes want smaller homes, energy efficiency and practicality

As this country begins emerging from one of the most difficult economic times in recent years, Americans are looking at ways to be more responsible and resourceful. That attitude has influenced the real estate market too, as what homebuyers want is clearly impacting the market now.

A number of trends are emerging. Homes are smaller now. From a peak of 2,521 square feet in 2007, single-family homes dropped to 2,421 square feet in 2009 and continue to decline two years later. (In 1950 the average home size was 983 square feet!)

For all buyer segments, quality is more important than quantity. That doesn’t mean that buyers want all luxury fixtures, but rather they carefully evaluate what is important and invest cautiously.

Other features that are falling along the wayside are formal dining and living rooms, extra bedrooms, two-story foyers, media rooms and butler’s pantries. The focus on practicality and accessibility encourage open floor plans and multi-use rooms. What stays are walk-in closets and laundry rooms, reflecting a need for practicality and efficiency.

Energy efficiency, both in new and existing homes, is an absolute must. As energy costs rise, homeowners are taking a long-term look at their investments. Maintenance affordability and a small energy imprint are of prime importance.

Homebuyer demographics are changing too. Seniors age 55+ are influential buyers who have helped to drive the smaller square foot home as well. This group wants convenience, affordability and organization that allows them to continue leading an active lifestyle within their financial means.

As the economic recovery proceeds, basic lessons we’ve leaned from the past few years–financial responsibility, care for our environment and discovering what truly makes us happy–will influence the housing market and buying decisions for years to come, and in a good way this time.

Tornado season arrives on time. Heed warnings and prepare for safety.

Massive property damage and lost lives are the results of violent storm activity.

The birds twitter and flit from branch to branch with an urgent message. Thunder rumbles in the background and the sky outside is black and roiling. The local television station interrupts a program with a weather alert–a tornado watch and a warning for locally heavy storms and wind.

Here we are again in the tornado zone. One of nature’s most violent storms, the tornado is also one of the most ignored storms in this area–that is, until a swirling funnel cloud is spotted on the horizon.

But, considering last week’s storms that spawned at least 241 tornadoes and killed 44 people in 14 states, and last year’s New Years Eve tornadoes that struck the St. Louis region, causing great property damage and killing six Missourians in other regions, it’s time to pay attention.

It takes only one time to realize how devastating storms like these are. Homeowners can take precautions to protect families and property. Here are some tips to help you through this tornado season.
• Devise a family emergency plan and explain to your children what is expected. Do a couple of practice drills, making them a fun game.
• Sock away some emergency supplies, including lots of water, canned food, medications, batteries, flashlights and a battery operated radio to hear weather updates.
• Listen for and take seriously the tornado warning sirens. If you are outside, take shelter in a nearby building. If you are driving a car and can see the storm, again, find a sturdy building. Alternatively, get out of your car and lie flat with your hands covering your head. Open space is better that under a tree.
• If you are inside and have a basement, go there to the innermost location away from windows.
• If you do not have a basement, go to the lowest floor and move to the center of your home as far away as possible from windows to avoid flying glass. Crouch low to the floor and if possible, take cover under blankets.

As you prepare for this season’s tornado possibilities, this is also a good time to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered.

Are you a thoughtful buyer who has planned for a purchase now?

Home prices in the St. Louis region declined 1.07 percent in February from a year ago, excluding distressed sales, according to Core Logic, a provider of financial, property and consumer information. Despite the decline, this is much less than previous years during this volatile market. Mortgage rates, on the other hand, have risen a bit in the last few weeks.

So as a buyer, what do you do? Wait until prices go down even further and mortgage rates go down too? (Those rates are still at historic lows). We don’t see hedging your bets as the most logical path to home ownership.

Buying a home right now is a very personal decision and not one to be taken lightly. Buyers who are the most successful right now have given a lot of thought to the process and considered their financial situation, now and in the future.

If you are considering buying this season, have you:
• Saved for at least a 20% down payment? Remember, cash is king these days. Look beyond the purchase price to closing costs and what you may need for maintenance and emergencies.
• Been honest about what sort of monthly payments you can afford at current interest rates?
• Kept your credit score up to date with no blemishes?
• Researched where you want to live and why?
• Not rushed into your decision to purchase property?
If so, you are the type of buyer who will benefit from current market conditions and enjoy homeownership for a long time to come.

Sad curb appeal doesn’t sell houses. Colorful landscaping sprinkled with native plants is the ticket.

On a recent episode of Property Ladder, one of those HGTV programs, a house beautifully rehabbed on the inside didn’t attract buyer interest because of the outside. The owner didn’t see the point of spending money on the home’s landscaping. With uninviting curb appeal, the home languished on the market.

Perking up that curb appeal will welcome buyers and show your home is well cared for. Even if you’re not selling this spring, enhancing your landscaping will make you feel better.

Give your landscaping an honest look to decide what goes and what stays. The shrub that’s been struggling for the last two years and “might” make it this summer probably won’t. Take it out and plan for a replacement. Patches of dead grass could use a renewal. Reseed and fertilize for new growth. Trim back branches that may impede natural light in your house. Replace cracked bricks in the sidewalk and power wash the siding if it seems dingy.

And now, the fun part. Your almost blank palette is ready to be filled with color. Planting a garden and refilling empty spaces requires planning. First, decide what you want and how much work you are willing to do. Spring is a wonderful, fresh time, but think ahead to July and August in Missouri, when outdoor gardeners can lose enthusiasm with the high temps and humidity. Without care, all those plants and all that work will go to waste.

Assuming you choose a relatively work-free garden, we suggest using Missouri native plants. After all, they live here and grow in our climate, unlike that temperamental import from Hawaii that needs constant attention.

Here are some advantages to consider if you plan to use native plants:
• Once established, native plants need minimal watering, reducing your water bill and the time it takes to spray the plantings.
• Because the plants are acclimated to grow in Missouri soil, they establish quickly and don’t need pampering.
• Native plants have already dealt and adapted to the problems of pests and weeds.
• Birds and butterflies thrive on native plants, giving you a garden paradise and hours of entertainment watching those in flight coming and going

Resources include local garden stores that sell much more than annuals and whose employees are trained in native plant propagation, and we can’t say enough about the Shaw Nature Reserve, your one stop for plants, information and a delightful day out. The annual spring wildflower sale is set for Saturday, May 7, plenty of time to plant this spring’s garden. Another plant sale and garden tour on Saturday, April 30, at the University of Missouri Extension Center in St. Peters is also an excellent stop for plants and info.

Curb appeal and landscaping can be fun, fragrant, inexpensive and stress-free when you plan ahead and make plant choices that make sense for our area.

Getting ready to sell

Getting ready to sell: Less is more! Buyers want smaller homes with efficient layouts and green features.

Do you have a smaller home with an efficient floor plan and some green features? If so, your property just zoomed up the marketability scale. Buyers really do want less, but more in that space. According to a Better Homes and Gardens magazine survey, buyers say downsizing is becoming a bigger priority.

Two demographic markets are perfect for your smaller home–buyers in their 20s and 30s are looking for efficiency and easy of living while empty nesters in the 55+ years want less of a house to take care of, one that allows them free time and the opportunity to travel.

As you prepare your smaller home for sale, consider these suggestions for quick action.

• Emphasize the green features. Let your buyer know about the newer furnace and air conditioning system. Buyers are looking for homes with lower operating costs. Point out any EnergyStar appliances, low flow faucets and showers, new windows and insulation. Green features show that you take care of your home.
• Pick a project. Smaller homes have smaller bathrooms and kitchens, so these are the two rooms where you should spend your money. New tile, new caulking, new fixtures and a bright light feeling will impress buyers and deflect the smaller size.
• Hire a stager. For smaller homes, a stager is a wise investment. She looks at your home with an independent view and can arrange your furniture to increase the visual space. Most likely she will recommend removing furniture and replacing oversized furniture with size-appropriate pieces. Area rugs should go to create the illusion of more floor space.
• Let the light in. Remove heavy drapes and wash the windows to a sparkling sheen. Natural light gives your room a free and airy sense of space. When buyers walk in, they feel a sense of clarity and peace.
• De-Clutter! We just can’t say enough about this. Nothing makes a home feel closed and claustrophobic like clutter. Buyers want to see themselves in your home and not your clutter. An organized smaller home looks much more spacious and inviting.

The market is just right for you to sell your smaller home as buyer preferences show an interest in efficient, manageable living with green features.

Plan to make your home inspection stress-free

Say the words “home inspection” and both home sellers and buyers quake a bit. There’s no sense in anticipating what may be wrong. Rather, look at a home inspection as an opportunity to offer or buy a home that has been well cared for and in great shape.

Home inspections aren’t just for buyers. More and more, sellers will schedule an inspection before the home is put on the market. That’s a good way to fix any issues that may decrease your home’s marketability. Buyer home inspections are usually built into the contract process.

So, the first step is finding a reliable home inspector. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations as well as your real estate agent. You can also visit the American Society of Home Inspectors’ website to find a professional inspector. Be sure to choose an inspector who is also very familiar with your community and homes like yours. Ask your inspector how much the inspection will cost, how and when you will receive a report and how long the inspection will last.

Your inspector will visually examine more than 300 things in your home, from the foundation up through the roof. Major systems, such as a heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing are all on the list, in addition to an exterior look at decks, gutters, windows, doors, crawl spaces and porches.

Accompany your inspector on the tour with your own checklist and ask questions if you are not familiar with certain terminology. You are an important part of this process; the more you know, the better you can sell or buy your home.

If you are selling, you can do many small fixes before the inspector comes. To prepare, clean your HVAC filters and the chimney; replace burned out light bulbs and install energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. While you’re up there on a ladder, make sure your smoke detectors work and clear the way to the attic, especially if you have a pull-down ladder.

Drips are out. Inspect all faucets and drains. Replacing washers is easy, but, if your drip is more like the river runs through it, install new faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms. Caulk around sinks and the tub.

Outside, seal your asphalt driveway and remove firewood that is in close contact with the house. Trim bushes that block the natural sunlight and repair any loose porch or deck boards.

Finally, provide any warranty information you have for appliances, major HVAC systems or any remodeling projects.

With a bit of pre-planning, home inspections will be smooth and free of stress.

Considering a short sale property? You’ll need an agent who knows the process, and lots of patience.

Short sales can be a way to get into real estate, but the process is long and complicated.

With more properties on the market, interest rates still reasonable and home affordability at its peak, potential homebuyers are considering short sales as a way of getting into the real estate market. Short sales are transactions in which the homeowner’s lending institution is willing to accept less than the balance due on the loan.

A buyer is dealing with two entities–the home seller and the mortgage lender. Considering this, as a buyer you need to be aware of the complexities involved in a short sale. And, you need two crucial aids–a real estate agent who is certified in short sales, and lots of patience.

Here’s some advice that will help you navigate a short sale.

Get pre-approved. Even though the lender may not move quickly, the process will be accelerated if you come in with financing in order.

Don’t expect a response to a lowball offer. The price is set by the owner and agent, but the bank has the final say to accept or reject your offer, depending on the amount of money the bank is willing to lose on the sale. While you can land a real bargain in the short sale market, this really isn’t the time submit an aggressively low offer. You’ll just prolong the process, if it even moves ahead at all.

Your agent will check comparables. To make you a more informed buyer, comparables give you an idea how other properties are priced. This will affect your offer.

Some short sales prices are approved. While short sales aren’t speedy, you may be able to shorten the time by looking out for an approved short sale home. In this case, the lending institution gives the go-ahead for a price. This is your most desirable situation.

Don’t count on negotiating for repairs. Short sales generally are offered as is. In some cases a credit may be offered, but the buyer must assume all responsibility for repairs.

Still shop around. Because of the extended period of time it takes to negotiate a short sale, continue looking around, just in case things don’t work out on your first property.

Choosing a short sale can be a great way to purchase property at a reasonable price, but to get there, remember–arm yourself with lots and lots of patience get a talented realtor who knows the ins and outs of the short sale market.

Getting Ready Buy: Now is the time to make that investment in your next home.

Mortgage rates are down again and housing is at its most affordable.

Mortgage rates, which began to climb on November 2010, have reached a back off point, declining to 5.125% for a 30-year fixed rate loan, which is a bit lower than the national average. The question is, should you buy now? Probably, yes. Housing affordability is at its highest now. Here are some tips to make the buying process easier so you can enjoy your new home.

Work on you finances. The best mortgage rates go to people who have high credit scores with little debt. Check those scores and correct any mistakes. Save, save, save! Cash is king here. The bigger your down payment, the better off you are. Look to your financial future too. Have enough of a cushion that you can handle any repairs, maintenance or life’s surprises that may come along.

Investigate mortgages. Don’t haul out those paint chips just yet. Instead, begin shopping around for the mortgage that’s right for you. Pre-approval will show you are a serious buyer. When you go for pre-approval, the lenders will check your credit score. In some cases those checks can reduce your score a bit, but if all are made within a 45-day period, most likely that won’t affect your score.

Find the perfect real estate agent. Now’s the time to choose a qualified real estate agent who will work for you and with you. Check the agent out online, ask friends for referrals and schedule a personal interview. The agent you choose should be familiar with the specific area you want to live in, and willing to show you homes within your price range. Personality makes a difference too. If you feel there might be a conflict, move on to another agent who fits your style better.

Decide what you want. Sit yourself down and have a good chat with yourself to determine what type of home, where you want to live and what you are willing to do after you move in. Do you want a fixer-upper or a property that is move-in ready?

Do you want an older home or one that is brand new? Each has advantages, but again think hard about maintenance and your capabilities. New homes come with a builder’s warranty and the smart seller of an older home will have purchased a home warranty that can be transferred to the buyer.

How green is your garden? Decide what your perfect lawn is and how much time you are willing to allocate for outside maintenance. Some buyers want the absolute minimum in lawn maintenance. Others love huge lawns and lots of flower beds. Think weeding. Be very honest about the yard. If you’re really a minimalist but see a beautiful lawn and flowers in your head, you may end up with a considerable burden if you choose the expansive option.

Ok, now you can get out those paint chips and begin making your next house yours.

St. Louis History

The St. Louis area encompasses several Illinois counties which include St. Louis in their newscasts and weather. Most people in this vicinity are diehard Cardinals fans. Cubs fans tend to live north of Springfield , with exception. The late Harry Caray, one time voice of the Cubs, started his baseball broadcast career with the St. Louis Cardinals. (why he left St. Louis and how he wound up in Chicago is another story)

How much do you know about St. Louis ? Most of us know that St. Louis is called the Gateway to the West.

St. Louis is home to the world's largest brewery, Anheuser Busch.

Enjoy these St. Louis fun facts and learn a little more about this great city.

A. St. Louisans consume more barbecue sauce per capita than any other city in America .

B. The first lung cancer operation and first lung transplants were performed in St. Louis .

C. The soft drink Dr Pepper was introduced at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis . 7-Up was invented in St. Louis .

D. St. Louis was the site of the demonic possession treated by a Jesuit priest from St. Louis University Theological, that inspired the book, and later the movie, "The Exorcist."

E. The ice cream cone was invented at the 1904 World's Fair. So was iced tea. Hot dogs and hamburgers were popularized to a wide audience at the Fair.

F. St. Louis was once the largest shoe-manufacturing center in the world -- home of Buster Brown and other famous brands.

G. The largest collection of mosaic art in the world graces the walls and ceilings at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in the Central West End neighborhood.

H. St. Louis is home to the oldest institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi River - Saint Louis University .

I. Hawken Rifles and Murphy wagons, used by the western pioneers, were made in St. Louis.

J. The cocktails, Planter's Punch, Martini, Bloody Mary, and Tom Collins,were invented at a St. Louis hotel, the Planter's House.

K. The custom of placing chocolates on hotel pillows began in St. Louis when theactor, Cary Grant stayed at the Mayfair and used chocolate to woo a woman friend.

L. The first Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi was founded in St. Louis, as was the first library (The Mercantile Library-still in existence today) west of the Mississippi.

M. Famous writers including T.S. Eliot, Maya Angelou, William Gass, Tennessee Williams, Eugene Field and many others were from St. Louis.

N. The Missouri Botanical Garden is among the top three botanical gardens in the world.

O. The first ironclad boat was built by James Buchanan Eads in the Port of St. Louis . Eads also invented the diving bell to salvage steamboat wrecks from the Mississippi River and built the first bridge using steel truss construction - the 1874 Eads Bridge.

P. St. Louis offers more free, major visitor attractions than anyplace outside of the nation's capital, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, Cahokia Mounds, Museum of Westward Expansion, St. Louis Science Center , Missouri History Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Grant's Farm and more.

Q. The first kindergarten in the U.S. was founded in St. Louis by Susan Blow.

R. Peanut Butter was invented in St. Louis on a visit from George Carver.

S. Famous musicians including Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, Miles Davis, Albert King, David Sanborn, Michael McDonald, (The Doobie Brothers) were from St. Louis . Missouri native Sheryl Crowe taught school in St. Louis ..

T. St. Louis was the first American city to host the Olympic Games (1904).

U. Famous contemporary actors including John Goodman, Kevin Kline and Scott Bakula were born in St. Louis . Other famous actors and entertainers including Josephine Baker, Betty Grable, Vincent Price, Buddy Ebsen, Redd Foxx, Shelly Winters, Virginia Mayo, Marsha Mason and many others also called St. Louis home.

V. The Mercury and Gemini space capsules were built in St. Louis by McDonnell Douglas - now Boeing.

W. The world's first skyscraper - Louis Sullivan's Wainwright Building - was built in 1897 in St. Louis ..

X. Charles Lindbergh flew mail routes into St. Louis and named his plane "Spirit of St. Louis " to thank the businessmen who provided financial backing for his solo Atlantic flight in 1927.

Y. The nation's first interstate highway was constructed in St. Louis

Z. The Gateway Arch - at 630 feet - is the nation's tallest man-made monument.

AA. The Mississippi River runs 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico . The word " Mississippi " comes from the Anishinabe people (Ojibwe Indians). They called the river "Messipi" which means "Big River." The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a navigation channel nine feet deep in the center of the river.

BB. The bread slicer was invented in St. Louis circa 1900.

CC. The 2nd professional fire dept in the USA was started in St. Louis in 1850. ( Cincinnati , Ohio started the first 2 years prior)

DD. Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee both served as new West Point officers at St Louis ..

EE. Jefferson Barracks, still open as reserve base, with museums & park, is the second largest military cemetery in the U.S. and was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War with 25,000 killed.

A few added facts:

Pork steaks, the number one choice of backyard barbecues, originated in St. Louis ..

Cork Ball originated in St. Louis .

St. Louis is the original home of blues music.

And toasted ravoli!

Turn a potentially sick home into a healthy one

Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making healthy living a challenge

We’ve really taken a hit this winter and Missouri weather, being what it is–unpredictable–most likely the snow and ice will stick around for a while. This means more time than usual cooped up indoors, at home, at the office, at the mall, restaurants, anywhere to keep warm.

According to the National Safety Council, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and 65 percent of that time at home. We’re willing to bet that percentage is much higher now. In which case, indoor air is going to impact our health far more than outdoor air.

Being stuck indoors for long periods of time isn’t a healthy, both mentally and physically, especially if the air quality is unhealthy. Here are a few ideas to consider now and when spring project time rolls around to avoid sick house syndrome.

Bring the green in. Plants are natural air filters. They exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, cleaning the air fulltime. Recommended plants include the peace lily, English ivy, mums, gerbera daisies and Chinese evergreens. For rooms that have just been painted, work in a philodendron, a spider plant or a snake plant. Not only will plants help with air quality, they are emotionally soothing and promote a sense of wellbeing. We can use some of that around here lately.

Vacuuming a carpet does remove surface dirt and grim, but your vacuum also spews a fine mist of particulate. Use a vacuum with HEPA filters to avoid that problem and help make your home healthy.

Pillows should be replaced every six months. Dust mites love to snuggle down in your favorite pillows, but they do you no favor. Also, bedding should be washed every week in hot water. Bring a green plant into your bedroom and that’s a perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep–new pillows, clean sheets and soothing plants.

On a larger scale there are lots of projects that will help you avoid sick home syndrome, such as high efficiency furnaces that have built-in filters, waterproofing the basement, sealing all gaps around windows and doors, and removing paints, solvents, pesticides and fertilizers from inside storage.

If you are going to spend a lot of time indoors this winter, why not make it a healthier experience and tackle that sick home syndrome?

Happy Valentines Day

Women's Favorite Valentine's Day Gifts

Ok, cards and flowers work fine. However, those may not work too well with many women when it comes to Valentine's Day presents. Women want romance and thoughtfulness every day of the year, but they especially expect it on this day. If you are like most men, shopping for the perfect gift is probably a daunting task. This article will hopefully shed some light on great gift ideas for the woman in your life. Follow the advice below and you can't go wrong this Valentine's Day. (read more)

Who Was Cupid?

The chubby, arrow-toting cherub who adorns modern Valentine's Day cards wasn't always such a minor figure in Greek mythology. Originally, Cupid was known as Eros (love). Eros was a primordial being, thought to have arisen out of Chaos, along with Tartarus (the Underworld) and Gaia, the Earth. Later Eros became associated with the love goddess Aphrodite, often as her son Cupid, most notably, in the myth of Cupid and Psyche.

Jewelry may be the quintessential gift for women anytime of the year, and especially on Valentine's Day. Most women love things that glitter and shine. That's what makes jewelry such a great gift. Emeralds, rubies, diamonds; gold silver or platinum; rings necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches…It probably won't matter to her. She'll be thrilled to get whatever piece you choose. Regardless of whether you can spend $100 or $1000, there is a piece of jewelry out there she will love. (read more)

St Charles Winter Storm Warming Center and 24 Hour Help

Please stay warm and safe during the storm. Here are numbers to local businesses and warming centers:

Ameren UE Electrical Outage 800.552.75.83
Mister Sparky 24 Hour Electrical Services 314.781.9998
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Services 24 Hour Plumbing Services 636.587.2440
Matheny Heating and Cooling 24 Hour Heating and Cooling services 314.727.9000

Warming Centers agree to open their doors for individuals to seek shelter from excessive cold conditions during the hours listed.

Excessive cold indicators are: wind chill is expected to be -15 degrees or less or the stagnant air temperature is 15 degrees.

63301
St. Charles Senior Center - MEAAA 1455 Fairgrounds St. Charles MO 636949-0658
Warming Center - Open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through
Friday Meals available for a fee. Call MEAAA 636-207-0847

63366
O'Fallon Senior Center - MEAAA 106 North Main O'Fallon MO 636272-4180
Warming Center - Open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday Meals available for a fee. Extended hours
possible. Call MEAAA 636-207-0847

63376
St. Peters Senior Center - MEAAA 108 McMenamy Road St. Peters MO 636278-2410
Warming Center - Open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday Reservations required for meals - fee. Extended
hours possible operated by the City of St. Peters.. Call MEAAA
636-207-0847

Plan your house hunting efficiently and avoid stress

With so many houses on the market now, buyers can be overwhelmed if they don’t have a plan.

With the number of houses on the market now, searching for that perfect property can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating. The number of homes potential buyers want to see has increased dramatically in the last couple of years, with buyers searching for the perfect home at the perfect price.

How do you cut through the process and become efficient in your search? First, be honest with yourself and your Realtor. Make a list of all the features you want in a home and stick to it as much as possible. That includes location. By not straying, you and your agent can be much more efficient.

Be fair about what you can pay. While homes at the very upper end of your budget may dazzle you, spending time on the unobtainable is inefficient. Keep in mind that buying a house is a very long-term financial commitment.

Almost nine out of ten homebuyers start their search online. Here you can see virtual tours and get a feel for the property. Download the information and put it in a binder that you will refer to frequently. Set up a driving tour by using an online map application. That will guide you in a logical route and you won’t waste time and gas.

The market has been flooded with short sales and foreclosures. What if the home you find falls in one of those categories? Are you ready and patient enough to deal with the special circumstances surrounding these properties? The bank owns foreclosures and there is virtually no variation in price, plus the property may have been neglected and will need extensive repairs after you buy it. Short sale properties are usually in better shape, but, since the buyer will be dealing with the seller as well as the bank, negotiations can take months. If you see a foreclosure in your future, work with a Realtor who specializes in this type of sale. You want an agent who is experienced and can work through this lengthy process.

Trust your emotions. If you feel an initial connection with the home, give it serious consideration. Be cautious about seeing the next home and the next home, hoping an amazing bargain is right around the corner when you heart lies with the first one you saw.

When you find that special home, be flexible during negotiations. Just because more homes are available doesn’t mean you can walk away with a very lowball offer. You want to get to a place where both you and the seller are comfortable and the price is fair market value.
With a bit of focus and planning you can land your new home efficiently and start your new life without stress and tension.

Repairing your credit after a foreclosure will take some time but is possible

Understanding why your home went into foreclosure and making financial adjustments will go a long way toward buying another home

Enduring a foreclosure on your home is painful and disheartening. Even though the past three years have been tough for many homeowners, being in the same boat doesn’t make the situation any better. Foreclosures have many ramifications for the family, the least being a damaged credit score that could prevent future homeownership.

All is not lost. A foreclosure stays on your credit record for seven years, while a bankruptcy is 10 years. While you won’t own another home with a mortgage in the near future, you can look to the future and begin making repairs.

First, examine the cause for the foreclosure. Possibly a job loss or health issues prevented you from making mortgage payments. In these cases you can apply to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in three years. If the foreclosure is due to financial mismanagement, the waiting period is seven years.

Request a copy of your credit report from all of the three credit bureaus–Trans Union, Experian and Equifax–and write a detailed explanation of the foreclosure for each bureau. This is especially important if the foreclosure was the result of health issues or a job loss. It’s not going to change your score now, but in the future the facts may help you look credible to a potential lender. You can receive a free credit report by going to annualcreditreport.com.

Pay your bills on time. Credit reports look at payment history, so it is extremely important to make regular payments on your accounts, including utilities. You will demonstrate that you are now stable and have a consistent financial plan in place. That makes you more appealing to lenders.

Oddly enough, you should apply for credit. Just a little at a time, but having a car payment, a credit card or a department store revolving charge will begin the rebuilding process. Don’t go crazy though–keep you purchases low and pay them off every month.

Plan a budget and adjust your spending habits. Doing this will relieve more financial stress. Keep track of how you’ve spent money and evaluate those purchases at the end of each month. You’ll have physical proof of what you bought and can determine if that purchase was really necessary.

By being patient and practicing financial discipline for the next few years, you may indeed be able to purchase another home and start a better life.

Seed catalogs herald the beginning of spring planting

Make a plan, choose wisely and use native plants for a low-maintenance gardening experience.

The seed catalogs begin arriving. Beautiful, verdant pictures of luscious flowers blooming merrily along in sculpted gardens, all framed by well maintained rolling lawns. Leafing through the catalogs is certainly a fine diversion to chase away the gray January clouds and a way to begin planning your spring garden.

Now, for a douse of reality. Those vibrant pictures of flowering roses, deep purple clematis, impatiens bursting in oranges, pinks and lavender¬–they live in a controlled climate carefully tended by nursery people who care for them correctly, not in our Missouri yards.

So, keep in mind that what you see in the catalogs may not exactly work here. There’s no harm in dreaming, but as you begin to plan for spring, think of the reality of your yard and how much effort you will contribute to keeping it up.

While we can’t promise a no-maintenance landscape, we do have some suggestions for a low maintenance garden.

Begin with a plan
Whether you are starting from scratch or refreshing your current garden, a plan is a must. Look at the environmental aspects of your space and designate shady areas, full sun gardens, windy areas and extremely dry or wet locations. When you’ve completed your assessment move on to choosing the appropriate plants for the right spots.

The design
As with most things simplicity, is much more elegant than an explosion of plant clutter. Each plant should serve a purpose, whether as ground cover, a backdrop or bits of color throughout a coordinated scheme. Give each plant enough room to grow, and be very generous with mulch. This nurtures plants, if you choose organic mulch, and reduces the need to water. Plants grouped into small beds are more eye-catching than a sweeping view more suited to public spaces. Small beds are also easier to maintain, which means success for you. The Missouri Extension Service has landscaping guides and plans that will be quite helpful.

Plant selection
When choosing your plants, keep in mind the Missouri summers that can be extremely oppressive in July and August. That kind of heat stresses plants and the people who care for them. Choose plant matter that can handle low watering and high heat.

The best bet for low maintenance plants are native ones. These plants live here in Missouri and have adapted well to the climate. Grownative.org, a cooperative project between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Agriculture is an excellent resource to stock your garden with natives that you can enjoy the whole growing year with a minimum of effort. The Missouri Botanical Garden also offers Plants of merit that will grow well here.

Curl up with the delicious seed catalogs as the cold winter wind blows outside. Choose wisely and decide how much work you are willing to contribute to your garden. Then you’ll have great success and an enjoyable summer.