Tom Kreger's Blog

13 THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

2012-02-28T07:50:00.001-08:00

Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If yo u're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it athttp://www.faketv/.com/)

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs http://www.crimedoctor.com/ and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Short Sales – There’s Nothing Short About it

2012-02-22T08:05:00.001-08:00

A short sale is a property that will sell for less than the balance owed on the mortgage. If the seller is going through hardship, owes more on the property than the value of it, then it can be a short sale. A short sale can be a way to get a great deal on property, but the buyer needs to be aware and informed. Banks will only accept a short sale if it is in their best interest financially, and deemed better than foreclosure on the property. Banks are under no obligation to approve a short sale. Depending on the bank, it can take 2 weeks to several months to get an approval (or not), and in the meantime, even if the buyer is able to wait, there could be snags that are unforeseen. The best advice is to work with a Realtor who has experience in short sales. Your Realtor will act as a guide for you, and protect you in these unfamiliar waters.

What is the Cost of Waiting?

2012-02-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

A 1% INCREASE IN MORTAGE INTEREST RATE CAN REDUCE

YOUR “BUYING POWER” BY APPROX 15%!

For example, if you could afford a $200,000 home at a 4% interest rate and the rate rises by just 1%, then the same principle and interest payment might only buy a $170,000, or 15% less home

10 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Home

2012-02-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Make sure you are credit worthy. Check your credit history, build up your rating if needed, and fix any errors on your credit report.
Consider buying vs. leasing. With costs of buying and selling, plus time needed to build equity, you could end up losing money if you move too soon.
Buy a home you can afford. The rule of thumb is you can afford housing that cost about two and one half times your salary, but there are calculators available online to help you figure exactly what you can afford based on income, debts and expenses.
You may qualify for a loan with less than 20 percent down. Meet with a lender to discover programs that you qualify for.
Even if you don’t have children, buy in a good school district. When it comes time to sell, good school districts are a top priority to many home buyers.
Get a REALTOR®. Sure, you can go online, and go shopping. But you’re better off with someone who has your best interests at heart and a buyer agent can help you in negotiations and strategies in the bidding process.
Choose wisely between points and interest rate. If you plan to stay in the house a long time, it’s usually better to pay additional points to lower the interest rate.
Get pre-approved before house hunting. Know upfront what you can afford to save you time lost looking at what you can’t afford and you will be able to make a serious offer when you do find one you want.
Be a smart bidder. Ask your REALTOR what similar homes in the area have sold for, and if homes have been selling for 5% less than asking price, then work with your REALTOR to make a competitive offer.
Hire your own home inspector. One can be provided for you, but choose one that you feel will do a thorough job and have your best interest in mind.

New housing data suggests some improvement ahead in 2012.

2012-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

Home shows are great places to learn what buyers want in their new homes and how you can do it.

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin With new housing data released last week, there are some glimmers of hope in the real estate market, which can lead to more sellers stepping out to sell their properties. The federal government is trying to keep interest rates low and stable by extending the federal funds rate near zero through 2014. This move helps mortgage rates stay under 4 percent, with a little fluctuation here and there.

Foreclosures are decreasing in the St. Louis metro area, and the supply of homes for sale is also down, according to the St. Louis Association of Realtors. The national organization checks in with good news too; existing home sales rose by 5 percent in December, higher than a year ago. To be realistic, we do realize there’s a long road ahead of us and we, as a community, may be taking baby steps, but there is some cause for hope as 2012 moves along.

Kitchens rock! To build more interest in your property or just spiff it up for your family, the kitchen is the best place to start. To get ideas, learn about paint colors, hardware, cabinets, energy savings, green products, anything that goes in your kitchen and the rest of the house, we think you should attend the St. Louis Builders & Garden Show coming up Thursday, February 23 through Sunday, the 26th at America’s Center and the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

This is the best place to start any remodeling project and learn what buyers are looking for in their next home. With 500 exhibitors, a wide range of featured speakers you can’t go wrong.

Also coming up is the Builders St. Charles Home Show April 2012 at the St. Charles Convention Center. More about that later.

Blanchette Bridge renovation will challenge motorists, but in the long run, the new bridge will enhance St. Charles livability.

2012-01-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Big changes are in store for St. Charles residents and those who use the Blanchette Bridge regularly, going from St. Louis County and back. The good news is the westbound section will be replaced with a new, safer modern span. The not-so-good news is travel will be impacted when the westbound section is closed for renovation.

While inconvenient in the short term, rehabbing the westbound lane will add even more appeal to St. Charles, our businesses, economic environment and livability.

The construction, slated to begin around November, will take less than a year, according to the contractor Walsh Construction Company. However, between now and actual construction, anticipate nightly lane closures for utility work.

To keep up with the latest bridge info, go to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s website. You can also sign up for periodic email alerts or call MODOT at 888-275-6636.

When the westbound span is entirely closed, traffic will be routed to the eastbound span (three lanes west and three lanes east). Lanes will be reduced to 11 feet with no shoulders. Top speed is 45 mph.

Motorists are urged to use Route 370 and Route 364 (Page Avenue) instead of the Blanchette Bridge compressed lanes to avoid traffic snarls. It wouldn’t hurt to begin practicing your new route now so that when the time comes, you’ll be an old hand at getting to and from St. Louis County.

Because of traffic rerouting, the bike lane on the Route 370 Missouri Bridge has been closed and re-striped to add a fourth traffic lane. The bridge will be re-striped again in 2014 and the bicycle lane restored.

An important note here: Slow down! Tempers are bound to flare with frustration on the rise, but be considerate and honor the 45 mph or lower speed. Getting to your destination two minutes early is not worth the life of a construction worker or another motorist. Put yourself in their place; what would it feel like if you were working on the bridge surface and cars are whizzing by at 65 miles per hour. We think terrifying.

A sense of renewal and promise is in the air

2012-01-18T08:21:00.001-08:00

It’s the beginning of January and we’ve just come in from raking leaves in 70-degree weather! After what seemed like months on end of gray clouds, the sun is shining. Our fall pansies are still saturated with bright color and some over-ambitious crocuses are peeking out of the ground. All in all, we feel like the sun¬–bright and optimistic.

The National Association of Realtors reports pending home sales and existing home sales continue to increase, new home starts ticked up a bit in November, employers are beginning to hire again and mortgage rates are still exceedingly low, is encouraging too.

This brings a sense of renewal for our region. Not to discount that rocky times may still be ahead and the snow will come to cover the early spring blooms, but overall we believe we have the strength to weather the bumps and detours.

How will your renewal unfold? Will you brighten your home with an improvement project? This year outside improvements offer the best return on your dollar. Projects that are energy efficient, such as siding, entry doors, windows and kitchen upgrades with money-saving appliances are cost effective. We love outdoor living, even when the St. Louis region is shrouded in humidity. Decks and patios are real pleasers, increase living space and welcome potential buyers to your landscaping.

We’re also invigorated about the landscaping and what is to come in a few short months. The Missouri Botanical Garden will help with month-by-month garden tips to get you up and running, while the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Grow Native! program has excellent resources on how to incorporate native plants in your landscaping plans. Not only do you honor Missouri traditions with native plants, you’ll also save money on watering and the time spent in your garden during the oppressive heat in July and August. We have learned a lot during the past few years. From that knowledge we can look forward with a sense of promise, and yes, hope for renewal this year.

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

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-12-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-18T09:21:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-07-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

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?

2011-06-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-05-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-25T09:03:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-04-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-04-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-03-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-02-28T07:40:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-25T06:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

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.

January-February Calendar of Events

2011-01-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

January-February

Bald Eagle viewing and events
Various dates and locations
The eagles return. The Middle Mississippi River Valley is home to the second largest population of bald eagles. Various state agencies and parks, nature and other local organizations and communities celebrate our nation’s symbol with many types of viewing and educational opportunities. Participants can find those activities here.

Friday, January 7
Star Party
6:45 p.m.
St. Louis Science Center
View the brilliant night sky with the St. Louis Astronomical Society. The Society and the Science Center will provide telescopes and answer questions. For more information, call 314-289-4453 or visit the Science Center website.
FREE

Saturday, January 8
All about the farm
Primrose Farm
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
5N726 Crane Rd.
St. Charles Park District
Learn about the historic Primrose Farm during farm story time from 10-11 a.m. Enjoy a snack and visit with the farm’s animal residents. At 2 p.m. guests can have a hands-on experience with farm animals and learn more about their care and feeding. Classes are available for both events. Primrose Farm provides interpretative experiences about life in the 19th century on a farm and how technology has changed farming life. For more info, call the farm at 630-513-4370.

Friday, January 21
Russian National Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet
8 p.m.
Bezemes Family Theater
Lindenwood University
This full length ballet is performed by the Russian National Ballet in a dramatic and visually stunning production featuring more than 50 dancers in the great Russian ballet tradition.
For more information and to purchase tickets call the box office at 636-949-4433 or vist the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts webpage.

Daily through April 3
Treasures of Napoleon
Missouri History Museum
Forest Park
Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Look inside the private life of Napoléon Bonaparte, the Corsican general who attempted to conquer Europe and North Africa. Here is a look behind the legend with a showcase of his personal possessions, historic artifacts and paintings. For info and tickets, go to the History Museum’s website or call 314-746-4599.

Saturday, January 29
Fete De Glace
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Historic Downtown
Fete de Glace or the Festival of Light is an outdoor ice-carving competition where skilled carvers from around the region turn blocks of ice into amazing creations. Coffee, hot chocolate and fire pits are available for warmth. Call 636-946-1898 for more info.
FREE

Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30
The Great Train Expo
St. Charles Convention Center
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This is the place to be for model railroad enthusiasts. The show offers a variety of model railroad and toy layouts in many different scales and gauges. Hundreds of dealers will display their wares and model train experts are there to answer your questions. There are also free workshops for beginners and more experienced collectors. For information, call the Convention Center at 636-669-3000 or visit the Expo’s website.
Adults $7/ kids 12 and under FREE

THE FOLLOWING TIPS ARE GREAT FOR THE COLD WEATHER!

2010-12-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Keep your headlights clear with car wax. Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights - lasts 6 weeks.

Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia. This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence & clarity.

Ice-proof your windows with vinegar. Frost on its way? Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water---preventing water from freezing!

Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray. Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber

Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream. Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers.

De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer. Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved!
Pass this information along to your friends and help everyone have a safe winter.

Driving During Bad Weather

2010-12-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

Living in the Midwest has brought us from warm weather and sunny skies, to cold winds and snow covered streets in a drastic way this year. With the weather changing so rapidly, our friends over at Marquitz Buick, Cadillac, GMC in Troy, Missouri want to provide you with some tips for driving in the snow and ice. The best tip available for driving in bad weather is to not drive at all. Although, it is understandable that not driving is the safest way to avoid accidents, it is not realistic and sometimes a trip to the grocery store is necessary.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed, and leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space between your vehicle, and the one in front of you.
2. Brake with slight pressure, and release the brake if you detect slippage.
3. Drive with your headlights on.
4. Remove snow, and any road grime from headlights and windshield.
5. Ice patches can be found in several spots even with temperatures above freezing. Be careful when driving on roads that are not traveled often.

If your wheels skid

1. Take your foot off the gas pedal, and steer in the direction the vehicle is traveling. If the vehicle is sliding right, steer right. You may have to steer left and right a few times in order to get the vehicle completely under control.
2. Most vehicles come standard with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), and you will need to put steady pressure on the pedal to help reduce the skid.

If you get stuck

1. Always travel with a cell phone in order to call for help if necessary.
2. Do not spin your wheels as this will dig the vehicle in deeper.
3. Try to clear the snow in front of the tires with either a shovel, or by turning the tires from side to side.
4. Place kitty litter, gravel, or salt in front of your tires to help gain traction.
5. Attempt to rock the vehicle back and forth. Check the owner’s manual first before attempting.

More information can be found at Weather.com, with the National Safety Council, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Washington State Government Information & Services.

A touch of paint adds up to a bright home, livable home for the new year

2010-12-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Painting can make all the difference in how potential buyers perceive you home

As 2010 takes its last bow, it’s time for a fresh, new outlook. Pack away those holiday decorations and give your home a bright look that will lift your spirits and position your home as more marketable. There are many small projects that can be done in a weekend, but nothing makes more of an impact than painting.

It’s amazing how much a coat of paint can change the outlook of a room. Color makes a great difference, so start with a quart of your color choice just to make sure you like it, and it shows well during different times of day.

When you buy paint, consider the type of finish and how well it will hold up. The most common finishes for walls and woodwork are eggshell and satin because they are easy to clean and give a crisp finish. Eggshell has a lower gloss than satin. In some cases, these finishes will show imperfections in the walls, so good wall prep and plastering are a must before you paint.

Other choices include flat, or matte, which has no sheen and can be hard to clean. High gloss finishes aren’t used much for interiors, but they are becoming popular for a dramatic look on cabinets and very modern designs.

Usually homeowners are counseled to present their homes in neutral colors, but don’t restrict yourself to whites and creams. Done well, even a contrasting wall in a related color will be pleasing to potential buyers. For instance, if you have a wall with French doors leading to a patio, you can make that wall a focal point with a darker shade of paint. Because the focal point wall has natural lighting, a darker paint won’t minimize the size of your room.

Crown molding is a great selling point now. Show it off with a different color than your walls, but keep the ceiling light to make the room more expansive.

Since you will be painting in the wintertime and have a limited ability to open windows for ventilation, it’s important that you choose a low or zero VOC paint. This type of paint does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home. These paints have a slight odor when applied and no odor after curing. They are just as durable as traditional paints and are less harmful to you and your environment.

Get started soon. A painting project is just what you need to brighten your home and your life.

Give homeowner tax credits, rebates to you and your house for the holidays

2010-12-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to a close and attention turns toward giving, you can give you, your family and your house the gift of energy efficiency that will last long after the holiday hubbub. Electronics are usually gift pleasers and can mean even more if you choose those that are energy efficient. As an example, over the lifetime of a home office equipped with an energy efficient computer, printer and lighting, you can save around $350. Retail and online stores routinely offer rebates on energy efficient products that will help you save money.

The deadline for the federal government’s energy tax credits is December 31, 2010, so speed is of the essence here. Those credits include qualifying heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, insulation, roofing materials, windows and doors. Credits are for 30 percent of the cost up to $1,500 for certain products.

But if you want to install a solar water heater, those tax credits extend through 2016. Closer to home, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources offers energy efficient incentives while Ameren Missouri offers renewable energy initiatives with customers and rebates and free pick-up for old refrigerators and freezers.

The federal tax credit program is a memory now, but homeowners can get help from the city of St. Charles and the Community Development Homeowner Assistance Program or check out the homeownership possibilities with the state of Missouri compiled by the Missouri Association of Realtors.

When the April 15 income tax deadline looms next year, keep in mind that you can get some tax breaks by deducting the interest on your home loan. Real estate, or property taxes, are also deductible and points are too if your real estate purchase was for your main residence. To receive these tax breaks you must file a long for and itemize your deductions.

Learning to take advantage of energy efficient deals, tax breaks and homeowner assistance will help you end the year with a bit more change in your pocket.

Winter buyers are serious. Give them a treat and don’t over decorate during the holidays.

2010-11-29T09:32:00.001-08:00

Using some restraint in holiday decorating goes a long way to selling your home now.

Celebrating the holidays and selling your home can go hand-in-hand if you use a little restraint in the decorating department. Keep in mind that buyers who look at homes during the winter are serious; with interest rates low and a wide variety of housing to choose from you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to sell because of overwhelming decorations.

Beginning on the outside, curb appeal is even more important during the winter because of the lack of grass and trees. Making potential buyers feel welcome is a great start in the sales process. Hanging a beautiful, real wreath on the door is a good start. Use fresh greens rather artificial so visitors enter your home with the pleasing scent of pine.

If you are an outdoor lights aficionado, go ahead but keep it simple. The inflatable Santa that is your family tradition–keep it packed up for your next home, but do add lights around your door and along the walkway. Generally non-twinkling white lights are preferable because they do light the way for prospective buyers and reduce potential falls in the evening hours.

Decorating for the holiday season follows the same rules as other times…declutter, keep it simple, keep it impersonal and show off your home’s best points. Yes, you can have a Christmas tree this year and sell your home at the same time! When choosing that tree, pick a slender one rather than a bushy behemoth. And before you bring the tree in, take a few pieces of furniture out of the room. Offering a view of a cramped, cluttering room is not a holiday treat for buyers. They need to see the true strengths of your home and imagine themselves celebrating the holidays here next year.

As with the refreshing pine scent from your door wreath, tempting your buyer’s senses inside increases the chance of a sale. If you have an open house during the holidays, offer mulled cider and bake some Christmas cookies instead of using artificial, chemical imitations. Buyers know the real thing and will respond.

Inside decorations should be low-key and subtle. Unpack only a few prized, but impersonal things. Small table decorations, some holiday flowers, a few pine cones and some simple greens over the fireplace will do the trick.

Once the holiday cheer dies down, remove all your decorations directly after New Years. Buyers want to know you’ve taken care of their potential home and attending to such details shows you care about selling.

Despite having to show some restraint with your holiday decorating, just remember you can do what you want next year in your new home.

1st Time Home Buyer Tips

2010-11-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Pending home sales are up for the second month in a row

First-time homebuyers can make the purchase rewarding with careful planning and financial honesty.

A glimmer of positive movement surfaced in the real estate market this week–pending home sales increased for the second straight month. Low interest rates make purchasing a home very attractive now.

For first-time homebuyers, the process can be intimidating, but breaking down the steps brings the experience into perspective. Here are some hints to make your home purchase as smooth as possible.

Determine a budget–Be honest about how much you can spend. Factor in expenses not directly included in the actual purchase price, such as closing costs, inspections, repairs and mortgage insurance. Also think about long-term expenses–in addition to the mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, small and large disasters and maintenance can eat up a large chunk of your monthly income.

Just because you’ve been pre-approved for a $200,000 loan at $2,000 a month doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to spend that much. By pushing your financial limits, you could be “house rich and cash poor” or even houseless should your income be severely diminished.

Find a reliable lender–This is important and will avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. For starters, discuss your potential mortgage with a loan officer at your bank and get some basic figures. Ask your real estate agent for referrals. Loan officers who have a good working relationship with real estate agents will be fair and get the loan closed on time. (By the way, there are no referral fees; that’s illegal and a good agent would never do that.)

Be competitive and fair–In a slow moving market, some homebuyers feel that sellers are so desperate to sell their home that they will take any lowball offer just to move on. That can be very insulting to a seller, who may not wish to deal with you. Of course you want the best price possible, but the process entails mutual respect, a reasonable starting bid, and fair market value.
Choose your agent carefully–Not only should professionalism and a great sales record be a choice for an agent, but personality plays a part too. Interview several agents and, all being equal at the end, decide which agent you would best work with on a personal level.

Plotting a methodical, sensible course to home buying with your dream house as the prize at the end will make the process less stressful and more rewarding.

Fireplaces draw potential buyers into your home

2010-11-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

With a few furniture changes and a good cleaning, your fireplace will welcome buyers and make them feel at home

As the temperatures drop and our attention turns inward, having a cheery fireplace as the focal point of a room is a soothing experience. And, if you are selling your home during the winter months, the fireplace adds value and interest if staged properly.

Before you begin using your fireplace, have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect it. You want your winter to be safe. Small cracks in the firebox and chimney coatings can cause problems if sparks land there and smolder long after you thought the fire was out.

Cleaning makes a big difference too. Removing ashes from the firebox once a week during winter months is the rule, and more often if potential buyers are viewing your house. Like the rest of the home, cleanliness in your fireplace means attention to detail and good maintenance. Scoop the ashes out into a container and dispose of them in the trash. Never use a vacuum cleaner; latent coals may still be burning.

Don’t hide your fireplace behind furniture. Show it off with a welcoming seating arrangement that begs you to sit down and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Switch out the worn fireplace screen and invest in a new one. To keep your fireplace the center of attention, de-clutter the mantel and surrounding area. While you enjoy seeing a mantel full of family photos, this is a distraction for the winter buyer. Simplicity is the key here and you may also enjoy admiring your fireplace’s architectural details.

Enhance your fireplace with a few decorative touches. In this case odd numbers are in. Use one, three or five objects that are in proportion to your fireplace. For instance, a painting too small or too large will detract from your fireplace’s impact.

Whether your fireplace is sleek and ultra-modern or Tuscan brick, use it to welcome potential buyers who will say, “Ahhh, this is home!”

Selling your home during the fall season requires patience

2010-11-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Sprucing up your home’s exterior and curb appeal will go a long way toward welcoming a buyer

Buyers and sellers should not be deterred just because fall and early winter are considered slower for real estate sales. People do buy homes now and astute buyers know this is the time to purchase very special deals. Fall home sellers can make a favorable impression by enhancing curb appeal and making appealing to the buyer’s senses. Fall selling tips include:

Keeping your lawn in shape. Summer may be recent history, but buyers want to see your lawn’s potential. Re-seed bare spots, rake fallen leaves and replace faded summer flowers with colorful fall plantings, such as mums and pansies that have been hybridized for fall and early winter blooms.

Exterior street appearance is vital. We are a bit past the brilliant autumn foliage so your home becomes more exposed and the exterior appearance is extremely important. Cleaning gutters and downspouts shows potential buyers that you are serious about home maintenance. Chipped exterior paint and discolored siding will be more apparent; a good power washing is in order with some paint touch up. Also, make sure outdoor lighting is bright and shiny–you may be showing your home in the dark and the potential buyer should feel safe.

Pictures say it all. If your home was originally put on the market in the spring or summer, take new fall shots for your real estate agent’s website. You don’t to seem dated or indifferent to a sale.

Bring the natural light in. Buyers want a sense of openness, cleanliness and space. Wash all your windows and open the drapes for maximum exposure to the outdoors. A gloomy inside just doesn’t make the buyer feel inspired. Add a few fall decorations too, but hold back on those fake plants and leaves.

Understand the buyer’s mindset. You may encounter homebuyers who will come in with an unacceptably low bid because they think fall sellers are eager to sell. Depending on what you need, deal with these potential buyers accordingly and work to find a mutually agreeable price if that is possible.

Flexibility is the key. Selling a home this time of the year means a certain amount of flexibility. Working with your buyers will help with a sale. Be prepared to show your home at any reasonable time and hold open houses. Also consider paying closing costs and pitching in with minor repairs.

While fall isn’t the easiest time of the year to sell, with some flexibility and negotiation, both the seller and buyer can experience a positive sale.

Home affordability is the best in 40 years

2010-10-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

Home sellers and buyers can win with flexibility and diligence

If you’re on the edge about buying or selling a home right now, consider this: according to the Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index, homes are at their most affordable level since 1969. An August 2010 estimate shows the cost of home ownership, including mortgage, interest and principal payments with a 20 percent down payment, leveling at 16.9 percent.

Nationwide, prices are down approximately 25 percent from their peak, and mortgage rates are at all-time lows, according to Christopher Thornberg, Beacon Economics Founding Principal.

All well and good, but how do buyers and sellers come away from a transaction with satisfying results? Flexibility, adaptability, and above all, respect are the keys.

Buyers should:

Respect a budget. Even before you start the search, check your finances and be realistic about what you can afford. Don’t just consider the purchase price, but all the expenses that come with buying and maintaining a house. Write that number down–make it real–and keep that number in your head. If you are buying with a partner, be sure both of you agree on a price in the beginning. Purchasing real estate can be stressful without adding personal conflict.

List your home first. If you own a home now, get the property up and running. Simplicity is the key right now. Lenders prefer uncomplicated sales and contingencies can be rejected.

Make a reasonable offer. While many homes are selling below asking price, submitting a really lowball offer is offensive and counterproductive. Do go for a good deal, but show respect for the seller too.

Get an inspection. Hiring a trusted inspector to check out your potential home is an absolute must. You don’t want surprises just before the keys are yours. The cost of an inspection is miniscule in comparison to massive repairs you may have to make in the future.
Sellers should:

Be reasonable. The market, not your emotions, will dictate your selling price. Being greedy in this market is counterproductive. If you price at market, or a bit below, you could experience a bidding war and end with more money.

Clean it. Decluttering is essential. Pack up all personal collections that make the potential buyer distracted from your home’s architectural features and seeing the home as theirs.

Be flexible. One small thing may push a potential buyer into a contract. If the buyer really likes your wine cooler, consider it part of the sale. What is the advantage of haggling over a small appliance in relationship to selling your home at the best price?

Both buyers and sellers can work together for a happy ending with a bit of flexibility and respect.

Pending home sales are up for the second month in a row

2010-10-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

First-time homebuyers can make the purchase rewarding with careful planning and financial honesty

A glimmer of positive movement surfaced in the real estate market this week–pending home sales increased for the second straight month. Low interest rates make purchasing a home very attractive now.

For first-time homebuyers, the process can be intimidating, but breaking down the steps brings the experience into perspective. Here are some hints to make your home purchase as smooth as possible.

Determine a budget–Be honest about how much you can spend. Factor in expenses not directly included in the actual purchase price, such as closing costs, inspections, repairs and mortgage insurance. Also think about long-term expenses–in addition to the mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, small and large disasters and maintenance can eat up a large chunk of your monthly income.

Just because you’ve been pre-approved for a $200,000 loan at $2,000 a month doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to spend that much. By pushing your financial limits, you could be “house rich and cash poor” or even houseless should your income be severely diminished.

Find a reliable lender–This is important and will avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. For starters, discuss your potential mortgage with a loan officer at your bank and get some basic figures. Ask your real estate agent for referrals. Loan officers who have a good working relationship with real estate agents will be fair and get the loan closed on time. (By the way, there are no referral fees; that’s illegal and a good agent would never do that.)

Be competitive and fair–In a slow moving market, some homebuyers feel that sellers are so desperate to sell their home that they will take any lowball offer just to move on. That can be very insulting to a seller, who may not wish to deal with you. Of course you want the best price possible, but the process entails mutual respect, a reasonable starting bid, and fair market value.

Choose your agent carefully–Not only should professionalism and a great sales record be a choice for an agent, but personality plays a part too. Interview several agents and, all being equal at the end, decide which agent you would best work with on a personal level.

Plotting a methodical, sensible course to home buying with your dream house as the prize at the end will make the process less stressful and more rewarding.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Tax breaks are available to homeowners

2010-10-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Buying a home comes with some tax perks if you’re willing to file the IRS long form

April 15 may seem like a long time away, but if you’ve just bought a home, you can make tax time less stressful now. Proper tax planning now may reap deduction benefits next year. Tax breaks are available for property owners, but only if you itemize your deductions instead of filing the short form.

Tax breaks for property owners include:

• Mortgage interest¬–For most homeowners, the biggest portion of your house payment goes to interest. All of the interest is tax-deductible. In the beginning of your loan, a much smaller part begins repaying the debt.

• Real estate taxes¬–Also known as property taxes, this is the annual tax that most state and local governments charge on the assessed value of your real property.

• Points–These are lender fees associated with getting a mortgage. Each point equals 1% of the loan principal. Points can add up to thousands of dollars, with one to three points common on most home loans. You can deduct points in the year you paid them if the loan is to purchase or build you main residence.

• Moving expenses–You could deduct moving expenses if you are self-employed or an employee, if your move is related to starting work at a new job location.

You also have a new address and to make life a lot simpler before tax time, you need to notify several agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Service and your employer. If you’ve had a name change too, notify the Social Security Administration so that your Social Security number will match when you file your tax returns.

The IRS requires that you file Form 8822. That form is downloadable at IRS.gov or by calling 800.829.3676. If you’ve had a name change, it’s necessary to filed Form SS-5, which is an application for a new Social Security card. That form is returned to your local Social Security office.

With a bit of advanced planning, tax deductions can make your home sweet home sweeter than ever!

Older Americans are willing to downsize homes and work longer to maintain lifestyle

2010-10-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Boomers have also redefined what are necessities instead of luxuries.

One of the most influential groups in modern history–the Baby Boomers–changed the fabric of American life and are in the forefront again, in housing and what they define as basic needs.

More than 35 million Americans are age 65 or older and the home ownership rate is 80 percent, according to the Aging In Place Initiative. Older Americans are willing to downsize their homes to maintain a certain lifestyle.

Rather than moving to warmer climates, most want to stay in the communities where they live, work and raised their children. MainStay Investments found that 47 percent of older Americans surveyed would downsize their home and work longer to maintain what they consider basic needs.

Traditionally those would be food, clothing and housing. Now, those basic needs include a far more eclectic mix. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed reported having an Internet connection is a basic need, and 66 percent felt that shopping for birthdays and special occasions is a necessity.

Pet care is considered a necessity for 51 percent of respondents while 50 percent feel that taking a vacation once a year is a need, not a luxury. The list also includes weekend getaways, professional hair care, education and dining out.

Many of these needs do make sense; because families can be spread all over the country, the web helps keep them connected with each other’s lives. Pets have become another source of emotional support when families no longer have a local connection.
But the age of excess is over and older Americans, never very good at saving, must continue to re-evaluate what is important and make adjustments for a future in an uncertain economy.

Homeowners can save money and improve quality of life by using free conservation tips.

2010-09-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Turning lights off and reducing water usage will make a big difference

This summer was hot. And humid. And uncomfortable. Those temperatures are moderating, but the utility bills are flooding our mailboxes. Keeping cool in Missouri can be an expensive undertaking. We know that energy efficiency for our homes is the way to go now, not only from an expense standpoint, but also from an ecological view. EnergyStar® appliances, new windows, solar panels and more insulation are very important, but there are also things that you and your family can do every day that cost nothing and considerably reduce your utilities.

Turn the lights out. Your furniture is not afraid of the dark. If you or a family member won’t be in a room for more than five minutes, flip the switch. Ditto for the television, radio and video games. Where ever possible use compact florescent light bulbs. They use a fourth of the energy of an incandescent bulb and produce the same amount of light.

Homeowners can save money and improve quality of life by using free conservation tips.

Window coverings are another energy saving method. Keep the drapes closed on the east side of the house in the morning, open in the afternoon, and drapes closed on the west side during the late afternoon.

With cooler temperatures coming, turn off the air conditioning, open the windows and enjoy real air. Ceiling fans will help circulate fresh air both during the day and nighttime. As frigid air moves in, keep your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and around 55 at night. Programmable thermostats are great and help keep a constant temperature. If you go away for an extended period of time, set the thermostat at 55 degrees. You can save from five to 20 percent on your heating costs.

Water runs freely in this part of the country, but it really is a very precious resource. Just a few techniques can save hundreds of gallons of water each week and reduce your water bill. Approximately 75 percent of the water we use at home is in the bathroom. According to the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average bathroom faucet flows at two gallons per minute. If you turn the tap off when brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime you can save up to eight gallons of water per day, and that equals 240 gallons a month!

Americans love their long, hot showers and baths, but consider this: taking a five-minute shower uses 10-25 gallons of water while a bath can consume up to 70 gallons. Replacing current shower and sink fixtures with low flow aerators will also save a considerable amount of water.

Would you like to know how much water your family uses in a day? The U.S. Geological Survey has a great survey you can complete to find out your totals. This is a fun exercise to do with children to help them understand the ramifications of letting the faucet run.

If you would like to learn more tips on saving energy, saving money and being more environmentally friendly, The U.S. Department of Energy has a booklet you can download or order.

With just a few minor adjustments in habit, homeowners and families have the opportunity to keep energy expenses under control and help our quality of living.

by Myra Vandersall

Fixed-rate mortgages are down again, opening more opportunity for buyers and sellers

2010-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

In the very near future, the Echo Boomers will have a positive effect
Fixed-rate mortgages (FRM) have declined again according to Freddie Mac’s Mortgage Market Survey, and there are some very motivated sellers out there who are willing to deal. This week the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.36 percent, a 0.7 point drop from the previous week. A year ago, this mortgage averaged 5.24 percent.

The 15-year FRM set a record low with an average of 3.86 percent. Last year at this time the 15-year mortgage averaged 4.58 percent. Home sales, both existing and new, slowed down precipitously in July following the close of the $8,000 tax credit plan. Freddie Mac Deputy chief economist Amy Crews Cutts reports that much of the recent housing slowdown was “expected due to the recently expired homebuyer tax programs.” On the plus side, Crews Cutts sees house prices stabilizing. “Nationally, house prices rose 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted during the second quarter. This after 11 consecutive quarterly declines.”

While much of the economic news isn’t as heartening as we projected, there is some room for hope for buyers and sellers. Sellers really want to sell. They are motivated, want to deal and move on. In the same scenario, lenders are eager to sell foreclosed and underwater properties. This is an opening for buyers who are patient, willing to wait and push complex contracts to a successful end.

As it is now, the crux of economic recovery depends on more employment, which will lead to a more robust housing market and increased consumer spending. Looking ahead, another massive influence in housing is the coming of age of the Echo Boomers, or the children of the baby boomers. Born between 1977 and 1997, this group is the largest demographic group in the United States and is expected to raise housing demand for the next two decades.

This group will be buying real estate, but in a much different way than their parents. Tethered to high-tech, digital devices and more impressed with their peer’s opinions rather than traditional advertising, this social networking generation will test buyers, sellers and the real estate industry to adapt to their way of doing business.

As we struggle with a slow economic recovery, it will be interesting to see how we learn to adapt to a new way of doing business in the very near future.

10 Reasons to Buy a Home

2010-09-17T06:56:00.001-07:00

Time magazine is being overly pessimistic in its recent cover piece that called into question the benefits of homeownership. In fact, now is a great time to buy. And, what's more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn't changed.

Why is now a great time to buy? Here are 10 reasons:

1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.

2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.

3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.

4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?

5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.

6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.

7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.

8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.

9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something you like and get it.

10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Brett Arends (9/16/10)

Amendment 3 to stop double taxation will appear on the November ballot

2010-09-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Make sure to vote “yes” to prohibit real estate transfer taxes

There’s good news for Missouri homebuyers and sellers as Amendment 3, which if approved, would prohibit double taxation on real estate, will be placed on the November 2 ballot. The initiative had been stalled when the state of Missouri challenged the number of petition signatures to get the initiative on the ballot.

Amendment 3, supported by the Vote “YES” To Stop Double Taxation Committee and the 21,000-member Missouri Association of Realtors, would prohibit real estate transfer taxes on a sold property. The advocates see transfer taxes as double taxation because Missourians already pay property taxes on real estate, often over many decades of ownership. Missouri is one of just 13 states that do not impose the transfer tax, including all of Missouri’s neighboring states.

The Missouri Association of Realtors believes the transfer tax places undue stress on low-income Missourians who typically spend a larger percentage of income on their home.

Add the mix of Missourians who have lost their jobs, had pay cuts and have been forced to sell their homes or experienced a drop in property values, and the transfer tax just isn’t good for the recovering Missouri economy.

Here’s the simple and straightforward proposal: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

The state's dismissal of its appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court followed positive talks between the Vote "YES" To Stop Double Taxation Committee and the offices of Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Attorney General Chris Koster. Together, they agreed to ask Cole County Circuit Judge Paul Wilson to modify his ruling in the committee's favor. The judge agreed to the modification, addressing the state's issues while declaring there were more than enough valid signatures of registered voters to place Amendment 3 on the ballot.

The next step is encouraging massive voter turnout on November 2 to insure Missouri sellers and buyers are not assessed yet another financial burden.

Bathroom renovations top kitchens as the best home investment

2010-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Curb appeal, updated kitchens and bathrooms are always big draws for potential buyers. Kitchens were traditionally the most common remodel, but this year the bathroom has surged ahead, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.

Homeowners are also avoiding large remodeling projects, such as room additions, whole house remodeling, installing pools and lavish outdoor living spaces. Instead, they choose the smaller bathroom project that can add panache and a sense of individuality.

While small, a bathroom remodel can be expensive, as is any project involving plumbing and water. Bathrooms today are being designed as personal retreats from the frenetic pace of life. Soaking tubs are big, as is a separate shower, beautiful tile, radiant heating and heated towel racks.

Still, remodeling a bathroom is one of the smarter investments a homeowner can do to add value.

The first step is to conceptualize just what you want for your bathroom. Writing a wish list helps with organization, and with deciding how much the project may cost. Research bathroom ideas at retail stores and by visiting newly remodeled bathrooms. You’ll be surprised how a simple idea turns into a functional centerpiece. The Internet is another wonderful resource for ideas, color coordination, bath features and online planning guides.

Doing this preliminary work also sets the stage for the second step, finding a reliable, professional contractor. Communication is the absolute key when doing a renovation, and unless you and the contractor are speaking the same language and understand the ultimate goal, problems will pop up.

While some do-it-yourselfers may be able to take on a bathroom remodel, a contractor is usually the best bet. He or she knows how to get the required permits and build according to your local code. Nothing is more disheartening when an inspector comes, finds issues and the whole job needs to be taken out.

Two major concepts are important in your remodel–lighting and circulation. John Rhia at houselogic.com emphasizes how important natural lighting and heavy-duty ventilation are. Good lighting creates an open, airy feeling, which is especially important in a small bathroom. And, well-designed lighting systems remove shadows so you’ll know how you look in the morning.

Ventilation is a major issue. Without it, the bathroom not only smells, well, like a locker room, but also breeds humidity, mold and mildew. Not only are these culprits expensive to remediate, they also will destroy expensive cabinetry.

A bathroom upgrade will bring many rewards, not only by adding value to you home, but also by providing you with a peaceful retreat to start and end your day. For success, take it slowly, be specific about what you want, and let the experts handle the water and plumbing.

Native plants show a respect for our environment and reduce the homeowner’s labor

2010-09-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Missouri is blessed with a burst of colorful native plants that will increase your curb appeal and show off your eco-friendly property.

Missouri is a wonderfully diverse state, with flat plains to the north and the craggy Ozarks to the south. With different terrains come a cornucopia of native plants that will do quite well in your landscaping plans and require little maintenance once established.

The first look a potential buyer has of your house is the drive-by, or curb appeal. If the buyer doesn’t like the outside, most likely the interest goes down, almost regardless of how wonderful the inside is. Enhance your property and show off the beautiful Missouri native plants, whether you are selling now or planning on staying for a while.

From a small balcony garden to acres and acres of land, planting native has distinct advantages:
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. This reduces the need for commercial fertilizers and pesticides, thereby saving you money and reducing your chemical footprint.

Birds and butterflies thrive on native plants, giving you a garden paradise and hours of entertainment watching those in flight coming and going.

Missouri native plants adapt well to sun or shade. For your sunny garden, the Missouri black-eyed Susan is a sure hit. Found in the Ozarks, this tenacious flower can handle rocky areas with well-drained soil. Another winner is the Missouri primrose, or the glade lily, which also does well in rocky areas. The lemon-yellow flowers open in the afternoon for nighttime pollination. The prairie blazing star is another sun worshipper and blooms into October to keep your garden colorful. Butterflies love these purple plums.

On the shady side, there are plenty of choices, all attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The crested iris is an impressive ground cover in partial shade and just right for landscape borders. The columbine, with its red tubular flowers, is a popular nectar source for hummingbirds and flowers from April through July in average to moist soil. Very common but still spectacular and tough is the purple coneflower. Well into October, the purple blossoms will provide flowers for cutting bouquets.

Including native plants in your yardscape is a gradual process, one the demands planning and patience, but you’ll be rewarded with a low maintenance, natural garden. To learn more about planting native, visit grownative.org and for a downloadable guide, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

10 Features Home Buyers Want

2010-09-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

New homebuyers know what they want–family togetherness, casual living and flexible spaces, said Carol Lavender at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas. Buyers also want cost-effective features and reject things that don’t have lasting value.

And what are the hottest must-haves now? Avid Ratings identified these buyer preferences:

Large kitchens with islands
Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation and high- efficiency windows
Main floor master suite
Soaking tub in the master suite plus an oversized shower with seating area
Home offices
Outdoor living space
Two-car garages, but three-car is even better
Brick and stone exteriors instead of stucco or vinyl
Community walking paths and playgrounds
Ceiling fans

Older Americans are willing to downsize homes and work longer to maintain lifestyle

2010-09-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Boomers have also redefined what are necessities instead of luxuries.

One of the most influential groups in modern history–the Baby Boomers¬–changed the fabric of American life and are in the forefront again, in housing and what they define as basic needs.

More than 35 million Americans are age 65 or older and the home ownership rate is 80 percent, according to the Aging In Place Initiative. Older Americans are willing to downsize their homes to maintain a certain lifestyle.

Rather than moving to warmer climates, most want to stay in the communities where they live, work and raised their children. MainStay Investments found that 47 percent of older Americans surveyed would downsize their home and work longer to maintain what they consider basic needs.

Traditionally those would be food, clothing and housing. Now, those basic needs include a far more eclectic mix. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed reported having an Internet connection is a basic need, and 66 percent felt that shopping for birthdays and special occasions is a necessity.

Pet care is considered a necessity for 51 percent of respondents while 50 percent feel that taking a vacation once a year is a need, not a luxury. The list also includes weekend getaways, professional hair care, education and dining out.

Many of these needs do make sense; because families can be spread all over the country, the web helps keep them connected with each other’s lives. Pets have become another source of emotional support when families no longer have a local connection.

But the age of excess is over and older Americans, never very good at saving, must continue to re-evaluate what is important and make adjustments for a future in an uncertain economy.

Welcome home. The fun is just beginning when first-time home buyers move in and personalize their new space.

2010-09-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Furnishing a new home can be expensive. Have enough funds to provide the basics and not experience short-term financial stress.

First-time home buyers who took advantage of the $8,000 tax credit program now have the experience of moving into home ownership with all accompanying responsibility and adventure. For many, this will be the first real place to call home; the urge to personalize the new “nest” is compelling.

Coming from apartments and their parents’ homes, new home owners may not realize the scope of furnishing a home with all the necessities to make the place livable, let alone lavish. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a typical homebuyer spends an average of $7,400 on their home, with more than half of that during the first year after purchase. The first order of business for new owners is to make sure at least that amount is available and won’t send the owner into a severe budget crunch. Here are some tips to make that house a real home.

Before moving, take stock of what you have and what has just become part of the scenery. Make a list of what has sentimental value and what is clutter. Moving clutter can cost a lot, either through professional moving companies or calling on friends to heave all those boxes.

After you’ve packed up your stuff, outfit and pack a basic toolbox. Many of projects you’ll do to personalize your space require tools. The basic minimum includes a hammer, screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure and a staple gun. Hanging those new curtains loses a lot of appeal if you have to run to the hardware store in the middle to get tools. Be prepared first.

Personalizing and furnishing your new home is one of the most exciting activities for new home buyers. Before running out to purchase that super extra king size bed or several pieces of oversized living room furniture, take accurate measurements of all the rooms and use them to judge what fits and what doesn’t. After all, too much furniture in a room makes it feel small and claustrophobic. Be a fair judge of what would compliment the furniture you already have.

You’ll also need basic appliances to get started. A stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer should be energy efficient to reduce your utility bills. Spending a bit more right now makes more sense than purchasing a cheaper model that may become a problem and financial drain later on. If you are angling for an entertainment system and a huge flat screen television, check your budget first to make sure you can buy basic furnishings before such large ticket items.

Window coverings and linens are another way to express your personality, plus add security and privacy. Budget accordingly, since some new home owners don’t plan for the cost of outfitting a house with new drapes and curtains.

Garden tools will be a necessity to keep your curb appeal top notch. The basics include a lawn mower, garden hose, sprinkler, clippers, a shovel and rakes. For people moving from an apartment, this category of necessities will be a new experience.

Purchasing and personalizing your first home is a real thrill. Be creative but approach this one room at a time. As you begin feeling at home, you’ll be able to capitalize on your home’s features and blend that with your own uniqueness.

Cleaning For A Reason helps women in treatment for cancer have sparkling clean homes

2010-08-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

Through local cleaning and maid service partners, the Foundation relieves cleaning chores so women can focus on getting well.

Housework can be drudgery in the best of times, but for women being treated for cancer, the task can be insurmountable. Fortunately help is out there. The Cleaning For a Reason Foundation is dedicated to easing the housekeeping chores as women undergo treatment. Working with local cleaning and maid companies, the Foundation provides cleaning services once a month for four months.

Participating cleaning companies in the St. Louis area include Marvelous Maids, O’Fallon; Dee’s Cleaning Service, St. Charles; Green Angel Cleaning Service, St. Louis; Home Cleaning Centers of America, St. Louis-Midtown-South; and Go Green Clean in Webster Groves.

Founded in 2006 by Debbie Sardone, a 29-year veteran of the cleaning industry, the organization has provided more than $500,000 in free cleaning services. What a wonderful mission this group and affiliated cleaning services have taken on. By offering to help women in treatment, we see direct, immediate assistance to make their lives easier and more normal during a very difficult time.

If you know of a woman who would qualify, go to the Cleaning For A Reason website to help her begin the application process. While the Foundation does have sponsors, including Hoover and Allstate, donations are still needed to expand cleaning services. You may go here to help even more women being treated for cancer to have clean homes!

Posted by St. Charles County Real Estate at 1:28 PM

With a plan and a dose of flexibility you can find the right house for now and the future

2010-08-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Even if it doesn’t have everything you want now, good financial planning will help

Is now the right time to buy your first or next home? With interest rates low, prices at a fair level and many choices out there, the temptation is to jump into the real estate market. The question is how to decide what you can afford, what features are a must, and what would be great but not a necessity.

Affordability
Even before you make a list of what you want and where you want it, the first consideration is: can you afford it? That’s non-negotiable. Consider long-term expenses, not just the up-front incentives that can dazzle a buyer. Over extending a budget for a few glitzy perks is a disaster in the making. The standard in financial planning is to spend no more than 35% of your pretax income on the mortgage, insurance and home insurance. You’ll also want to pay at least 20 percent down on the property and get a fixed-rate loan so you know exactly what your monthly payments will be.

The list
Here’s where you will detail, on paper, the type of home you want and the location. Be realistic about the positive and negative features and consider the long-term consequences of each feature. Think ahead. Don’t just buy a home for now, but consider the future. Resale value is an important factor, style can be an issue, plus room for children (and schools) and physical needs for aging parents who may move in.

Flexibility
Consider your purchase as a long-term investment, not a short-term gain. Now you have time to choose what you absolutely cannot do without, and what features are flexible. Most buyers won’t find everything they want at a price they can pay. So, if a swimming pool is on your list but the property you like doesn’t have one, putting a pool in is a goal for the future. Ditto for cosmetic things like countertops, bathroom spas and landscaping. While you may not have these up front by choosing a home with a mortgage you can manage, you’ll have the financial flexibility in the future.

With an organized home buying plan, you can minimize a great deal of the emotional impact. By determining your buying power, your wants and needs, and having an organized search plan, your chances of a stress-free experience are much better.

Inexpensive staging tips can increase a buyer’s interest and help sell a home quickly

2010-08-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Decluttering and a good cleaning are givens when selling a home, but the owner can increase the probability of a sale by using staging techniques. Staging helps a seller think like a buyer. Embracing this perspective early on will help prepare the home for the market. Small staging changes can make the biggest difference in the sales price and time on the market.

Make a Difference and Set Your Home Apart from the Crowd

To sell a home in this market, homeowners must compete in two areas–visual appeal and pricing, which is 80% of selling a property. While the price is the first lure, how well the home looks is the clincher.
Here’s where home staging plays a pivotal role. The technique highlights the home’s positive features and downplays the problem areas. Sellers have the opportunity showcase a home that welcomes a potential buyer into a space they can see as their own.

Set the Stage

While a seller can hire a professional stager, a lot of small-scale changes can help the process along. Here are some home staging tips that any seller can do personally.

Paint–Neutral colors that leave the buyer room for imagination are standard, but that doesn’t mean boring works. Earth-toned palettes, such as grey, sage, soft yellow, spa blue and beige warm a home and give the potential buyer a sense of well-being.

Give rooms a purpose–Even if the seller is comfortable with the computer in the dining room, the buyer needs to see a dining room table, not a nest of cables. Each room should be staged to reflect a specific purpose. Even a space that seemly don’t have a purpose can be set up as a cozy reading area with a chair, lamp and side table.

Furniture arrangement–The point is to open up visual space and create conversation areas that feel light and airy. A good rule of thumb is to remove two pieces of furniture, especially if they are oversized, and move the remaining furniture away from the walls.

Bedroom oasis–The bedroom should be an inviting focal point with upscale bedding in simple patterns. Include throws, pillow shams and a comforter folded at the end of the bed. A small sitting area with a cozy chair and reading lamp will also welcome a buyer.

Expert help
Real estate agents who value staging as the ramp to the sale will make all the difference. Choose an agent who can see the home as a buyer would, and who will offer the best advice for a seller to be competitive in today’s market.

Ceiling fans make life more comfortable year round

2010-08-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Cooling in the summer, warming in the winter, ceiling fans sweep away energy costs

The August sizzle is in the air, a blanket of humidity has descended over the metro area and air conditioners are working overtime. One inexpensive solution to help the AC is adding ceiling fans to your home. If you choose an Energy Star fan, you’ll not only increase your comfort level but also decrease your utility bill, sometimes as much as 15 percent. Fan design has improved so much over the years that there’s a fan for any décor, from the traditional Tiffany glass and dark wood models to ultra modern one-blade fans. Prices are also reasonable in relationship to the ultimate cost savings and comfort.

Don’t think of ceiling fans as just a summertime thing–in the winter fans with reversible blades circulate the hotter air that rises to the ceiling, helping to lower your heating bills too.

Before you rush out to buy a fan, do some homework first and determine the square footage. Measure the length and width of your room and multiple the numbers. That’s the square footage. Keep in mind the style of the room, and decide if you want a light kit and remote controls.

According to the American Lighting Association, choosing a fan that fits your room size gives you the maximum efficiency. In a room up to 75 square feet, like a bathroom, a 29-36 inch fan is appropriate. Medium sized rooms up to 144 square feet can handle ceiling fans from 36-42 inches. For larger bedrooms and family rooms in the 225 square foot range, the most efficient fans are 50-54 inches. The number of blades makes some difference in airflow, but whether to choose a four, five or six-blade fan is really a matter of personal design choice.

Ceiling fans do such an efficient job of circulating air when used correctly. Paul Vrabel of ICF International, an energy solutions firm, explains how to operate fans properly. “Put them on when you are in the room–during the day and when sleeping–and turn them off when you leave. Ceiling fans cool people, not the air. Using fans wisely and turning down the AC can save a lot of money.”

O’Fallon, St. Peters are recognized in Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live among small U.S. cities.

2010-07-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Both cities are praised for affordable housing, and as great places to raise families.

Our hearty congratulations go out to O’Fallon and St. Peters for being recognized in Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live 2010! Communities in St. Charles County routinely appear on many “Best of…” lists and this time O’Fallon checked in at 26 and St. Peters took the 60th spot.

O’Fallon was noted as home to several corporate offices, including MasterCard, which helped keep the unemployment rate under the national average. Also highlighted is O’Fallon’s 400 acres of parkland, affordable homes at a median sale price of $172,250, low crime, plenty of restaurants and nearby cultural attractions.

Celebrating its centennial year, St. Peters was ranked in the top 100 as a small city “…older and more established than some of its neighbors. That gives the place character and makes many houses more affordable.” St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano is especially pleased with the designation during the Centennial because “we’ve talked about how we owe a lot to our history and the great planning that took place through the years.”

The survey, in the August 2010 issue, considered small cities within the 50,000-300,000 population range. Locally, St. Charles, St. Louis and Florissant were noted in the unranked contenders. Eden Prairie, MN, topped the list. The survey focused on small cities that offered jobs, good schools, safe streets, low crime and lots of activities that benefit raising a family.

Keeping a financial even keel is essential to purchase a home these days

2010-07-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Pay off your credit cards on time and in full, skip the new car or the new furniture. Banks and mortgage companies want to see financial stability with no big changes.

Anxious to close on the house? Sometimes the waiting period between finding your perfect place and driving up to your new home with keys in hand can be nerve wracking. You’ll want to be seen in the best light possible, so don’t get ahead of yourself.

Most likely you’ll need a mortgage and you want to be financially stable. When you begin your search, get copies of your credit report to make sure it is clean. If you find any errors, fix them.

Making large purchases in anticipation of buying a house, like new furniture, is not a good idea. That can affect your credit rating. The same goes for taking out another loan, buying a car or funding an education. Keep your credit situation as-is for right now.

Any changes to your credit status can make a difference for mortgage approval. Pay all your credit cards before the due date to make sure they are processed on time and don’t increase your credit balance. A mortgage pre-approval doesn’t make it a done deal.

Wait on any large purchases. For instance, no new car, or a new loan, or even new furniture for your home. Keep your credit situation as-is for now. Also, don’t co-sign a loan because that will add credit liability and could very well eliminate your chances of obtaining a mortgage.

Moving large sums of money is not a good idea. Don’t jump the gun and take money from savings to checking in anticipation of closing. Last minute credit and bank checks will generate inquiries about the shift and could slow down the process.

And if you leave the money in the savings account you won’t be tempted to spend it. Funds designated for closing should be left alone in the event of unexpected house-related costs. After all is said and done, you may have a bit left over but spending that won’t affect your closing.

Keep copies of all your paperwork in one place and have it ready in case someone in the process loses a crucial document. By keeping copies, you’ll be able to provide information quickly, getting you that much closer to your new home.

The time leading up to buying a house is all about financial restraint. Right now banks and mortgage companies are taking very close looks at their clients and you want to show you are a good candidate. After the closing, celebrate!