10 weekend projects to make yours a smarter home

For the most part, having a smart home is simply a matter of energy efficiency. These projects, plus 14 quick tips, will help you save both energy and money.

By Popular Mechanics

Kitchen

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1. Find sustainable finishes.
Kitchen upgrades offer a chance to choose products made from recycled or renewable materials. Consider a stone countertop made with recycled glass, a sustainable cork or natural linoleum floor, or cabinetry made from formaldehyde-free plywood.

Slide show: 10 Earth-friendly kitchen counters

2. Go chemical-free.
Caustic chemicals will partially dissolve a clog, but they contaminate water supplies and the fix won’t last. Instead, turn to the sink plunger — its flat bottom sits flush with the sink, unlike a bell-shaped toilet plunger. Before snaking a drain or removing the sink’s trap, try using needle-nose pliers or creatively bent coat hangers.

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Living room

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3. Build better fires.
To boost efficiency in the fireplace, begin by replacing the leak-prone midchimney “throat” damper with a “top-sealing” or “chimney cap” damper. This opens, shuts and seals like a storm door for the chimney. Then add a fireback — a handsome iron plate that protects firebox brick and radiates heat into the room. A fireplace heater will distribute the fire’s warmth by circulating air into the fireplace. A heat exchanger warms the air and fans blow it (smoke-free) back into the room, increasing the fireplace’s efficiency from 5% to 65%. If you don’t use your fireplace at all, contact the National Chimney Sweep Guild to find a certified contractor to seal your flue, which will prevent heat loss through the chimney.

4. Upgrade the thermostat.
Nearly half of the average home’s $2,000 annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling, but a programmable thermostat can reduce that figure by about $180. Instead of a seven-day model, opt for a five-plus-two-day one — this will allow you to program the temperature for different weekday and weekend schedules, maximizing comfort and efficiency.

Basement

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5. Insulate the edges.
Sealing a basement’s perimeter walls with a vapor barrier and insulation helps heating and cooling systems work less hard to maintain indoor temperature and humidity. Insulate the ceiling’s joist bays against the foundation walls with expandable foam for an airtight seal. Then spray foam to plug up gaps where pipes and vents exit the house.

6. Heat water wisely.
Use foam jackets to insulate exposed hot-water pipes within 5 to 10 feet of the heater. Gas users can upgrade to fuel-saving tankless heaters; electric users should add timers so water stays hot only when it’s needed.

Attic

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7. Ventilate the space.
Install inconspicuous ridge vents that run the length of the attic’s peak. These work with soffit vents to cool the attic in summer; in winter, an exit route for warm air reduces the risk of leak-causing ice dams.

8. Cut air conditioning consumption.
Whole-house fans pull in outside air through the downstairs windows and push out hot air through the attic vents, cooling your house at a fraction of the cost of central air conditioning. Effective except on the most stifling summer days, the typical whole-house fan consumes less than 600 watts, but a 5-ton central air unit can draw more than 6,000. Solar-powered attic fans are very efficient, too, but ventilate only the attic space, not the living area.

Yard

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9. Make decks last decades.
Composite decking built with recycled plastic uses waste headed for a landfill. Redwood, cedar and ipê (pronounced ee-pay) naturally resist rot and can last much longer than pressure-treated wood. But buy only lumber certified “Pure” by the Forest Stewardship Council — there are no bad species, just bad forestry.

10. Add an awning.
Decks reflect the sun’s rays into your house, but adding shade above nearby windows and glass doors can reduce heat intake by up to 77%. In the summer, a retractable awning cuts an adjacent room’s air conditioning use by nearly 25%. It rolls out of the way in the winter to allow warm sunlight in.

14 steps to take today

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Stroll through your home with Popular Mechanics’ list of low-cost (or free!) upgrades, making quick fixes as you go.

1. Turn down the water heater: Lower the temperature to 120 F, and for every 10-degree drop, you recoup 3% to 5% of the power bill. No temperature dial on the tank? Check the temperature at the tap farthest from the heater.
2. Unplug appliances: Turn off power strips or pull the plug on appliances completely. Idle machines suck up 11% of your home’s electricity.
3. Clean your dryer: Slip a shop-vacuum hose into the dryer’s guts to remove lint wads and boost efficiency. Use an electric leaf blower to clear lint from vents that lead to the outside. It’ll work like new.
4. Optimize heating and cooling: Move furniture and rugs away from vents and radiators. Run a fan with the cooling system raised 2 degrees to drop cooling costs by 14%.
5. Drip-irrigate beds: Line gardens with hoses — no sprinklers, no hassle. Use mulch to retain moisture, and set timers to water in the morning.
6. Adjust mower blades: Cut no more than one-third the grass blades’ height — this helps your lawn develop strong roots, remain moist and absorb runoff.
7. Trust the dishwasher: Fully loaded, the dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing dishes. Save power by using the air-dry mode, not heat.
8. Insulate the attic hatch: Keep the conditioned air downstairs by weatherstripping the attic hatch’s edges. Cover the hatch with rigid polystyrene insulation.
9. Use small appliances: Downsize your cooking device: Toaster ovens consume half the energy of a full-size electric oven; microwaves use only one-third.
10. Install storm windows: Storm windows reduce heat loss through windows by 25% to 50%. Magnetic internal storm windows go up without a ladder.
11. Streamline the fridge: Fridges work best at about 38 F; freezers should register between 0 F and 5 F. Leave a thermometer inside for 24 hours, then check it.
12. Keep filters clean: Pleated electrostatic filters catch up to 60% of allergens (blue fiberglass ones catch only lint and dust). Change them every two to three months or as soon as they show discoloration.
13. Draw the curtains: Cover windows to prevent air loss. Curtains engineered for insulation multiply the R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) of standard insulated glass.
14. Fix a leaky toilet: Drop food coloring in the tank; if it ends up in the bowl, there’s a leak. Replacing the flapper can save thousands of gallons of water a year.

This article was written by Elizabeth Svoboda for Popular Mechanics.

Don't Sit on the Fence, Now is the time to Buy

With the Spring and Summer season upon us, there couldn't be a better time to buy! Inventory is still high in most markets, giving the home buyer many choices. The first time home buyer $8,000 tax credit is available to buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years. You can amend your tax return and get a check this year if you make a purchase now. FHA is in the process of possibly allowing the tax credit to used as a down payment, I'll post more on that as the news breaks.

Here in St Charles County, MO we are starting to experience a definite increase in showings and closed sales. I'm confident that with the sunny weather we also have a sunny real estate forcast. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, NAR Research, in a recent market update, "Housing affordability is one of the best headlines I can give you. The first quarter housing affordability index figure of 172 is the highest ever recorded since NAR began tracking the measure. The higher the figure, the more people have the financial capacity to enter the market. A median-income family, earning $61,100, could afford a home costing $291,600 in March with a 20 percent down payment, assuming 25 percent of gross income is devoted to mortgage principal and interest." If you've been on the fence about buying now is not the time to hesitate! As interest rates begin to increase, even a .5% hike could cost you $30,000 in interest over the length of your loan (based on $150,000 purchase price). You'll never find conditions more favorable- BUY NOW!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS IN ST CHARLES COUNTY

Week 1 June 8 - 12
• Camps Edge, 9 am - 3 pm: Calvery Church on Mid Rivers for K - 5th Grade or 9am - 11:30 for 4 years old +: $30 or $15 respectively - register online or at church
• Crocodile Dock, 6 pm - 9 pm: Willott Road Community Church, 4 years old - 6th grade
Week 2 June 15 - 19
• Gadget's Garage, 9 am - noon: Immanuel Lutheran in St. Charles
• Crocodile Dock, 9 am - noon: Messiah Lutheran in Weldon Springs
• Bommerang Express 6 pm - 8:30 pm: First Baptist Church O'Fallon, pre K+
• Camps Edge, 9 am - 3 pm: Calvery Church in Wentzville for K - 5th Grade or 9am - 11:30 for 4 years old +: $30 or $15 respectively - register online or at church
Week 3 June 22 - 26
• Boomerang Express 9 am - noon: First Baptist Church Harvester, 3 years old+ if potty trained
• Crocodile Dock, 9 am - noon: Zion Lutheran in Harvester
• Crocodile Dock, 9 am - noon: St. Cletus in St. Charles
Week 4 June 29 - July 3
• Crocodile Dock, 9 am - noon: First United Methodist in St. Charles, 2 years old+
Week 5 July 6 - 10
• SunRock Kids Camp, 9 am - noon: St. Charles Presbyterian Church
Week 6 July 13 - 16
• Camps Edge, 6 pm - 8:30 pm: St. Charles Christian Church, 2 years old+

Tips to Help Sell Your Home this Spring Season

By JUNE FLETCHER
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in my hometown of Washington, D.C., marking the beginning of the spring home selling season.

If you, like me, are preparing to put your home on the market, that means that you not only have to stage your home's interior to impress potential buyers, but you have to spruce up your yard, too.

Although many sellers in my market hope that a drift of daffodils will clinch a deal, in truth, plants can hurt a home's curb appeal as much as they can help it. For instance, a drift of wild, weedy onions hidden in the grass can make a newly mowed lawn smell like a gas station restroom; trees planted too close to a house mask its best features and conjure alarming visions of weekends on a rickety ladder, cleaning gutters. That's not the impression you want to make on buyers who fantasize about lounging on the patio, not messing with pole pruners. So here are some tips for staging your yard for sale:

Baby the lawn. Find a high-quality weed killer with lots of micronutrients as well as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with pre-emergent herbicides (organic ones use corn gluten) to kill growth before it starts. Send your soil to your county or state's extension service, an agricultural resource center that you can find through the USDA's Web site, to have its pH levels tested; spread lime on your lawn if the pH level is below 6.0, or an acidifying agent like gardener's sulfur if it is above 7.0. And set your mower high (about three inches) to reduce the grasses' stress and cut down on the need for water.
Trim the overgrowth. Prune any branches that touch the house, cover a window or block a path. To reduce mold growth, keep plant material at least a foot away from siding.
Splurge on mulch. The new mulches that retain color throughout the season cost about a dollar a bag more than traditional mulch, but good first impressions are worth it. Although I normally use chipped mulches because they last longer, I plan to use a finely shredded texture this spring for its superior visual appeal.
Edge your flowerbeds. There's no easier way to make your yard look neat and groomed. Don't bother with the plastic edging; simply tie a string between two sticks and follow the line with a sharp, flat-ended spade pushed about four-to-six inches into the soil.
Powerwash everything. Cobwebs, mold and dirt accumulate on decks, patios, fences, trellises, eaves, windows and siding over the winter, but can be blasted away in an afternoon with a power washer. Just be sure not to get the water under the siding courses or in soffit vents, where the moisture can cause damage.
Plant annuals. Perennials are wonderful if you're building a long-term garden, but they are expensive and tend to have short blooming seasons. For color and impact, place low-care annuals like impatiens, petunias and geraniums in beds. Potted flowers and hanging baskets can brighten dull spots in your yard, draw attention to features you want to emphasize or flank an entrance—and you can take them with you when you move.
Plant a garden. If you have a sunny corner, a small raised bed with decorative veggies such as rainbow-stemmed Swiss chard and bush beans, or fragrant herbs like sage and rosemary, can suggest your yard is useful as well as pretty. (And hey, the Obamas did it.) But stay away from plants, like corn, that suggest a barnyard, or are prickly and prone to spilling out of bounds, like summer squash and pumpkins. If you must have tomatoes, choose pretty, bush-style cherry tomatoes rather than the regular vining varieties which need to be caged and are prone to unattractive wilts and fungal attacks.
String a hammock. Nothing suggests that the living is easy (and your yard is low-maintenance) as much as a hammock. If you don't have two trees close enough to string one between them, spring for a hammock stand.
Create conversation areas. To draw attention to a birdhouse, sculpture or other attractive feature in your yard, arrange two colorful side chairs and an end table facing it. When you have an open house, place a book and a small glass of water with yellow food coloring on it to suggest lemonade (don't use the real thing, or you'll attract bees).
Write to June Fletcher at fletcher.june@gmail.com

Copyright 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Green Home of the Future

By ALEX FRANGOS What will the energy-efficient house of the future look like? It could have gardens on its walls or a pond stocked with fish for dinner. It might mimic a tree, turning sunlight into energy and carbon dioxide into oxygen. Or perhaps it will be more like a lizard, changing its color to suit the weather and healing itself when it gets damaged. The Journal Report See the complete Energy report. See the green houses of the future: The Rios Clemente Hale House and The Mouzon Design House The William McDonough + Partners House and The Cook + Fox House Those are just a handful of the possibilities that emerged from an exercise in futurism. The Wall Street Journal asked four architects to design an energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable house without regard to cost, technology, aesthetics or the way we are used to living. The idea was not to dream up anything impossible or unlikely -- in other words, no antigravity living rooms. Instead, we asked the architects to think of what technology might make possible in the next few decades. They in turn asked us to rethink the way we live. "This is a time of re-examining values, re-examining what we need," says one of our architects, Rick Cook, of the New York firm Cook + Fox. "We are re-examining the idea of home." A fresh look may be long overdue, given the amount of damage that homes can do to the environment. It's easy to envision a power plant spewing pollution or a highway full of cars burning billions of gallons of petroleum. But buildings -- silent and unmoving -- are the quiet users of much of our energy, through electricity, heating and water consumption. The U.S. Energy Department estimates buildings are responsible for 39% of our energy consumption and a similar percentage of greenhouse-gas emissions. The growing awareness of that fact helps explain why green building is one of the most pervasive trends in the construction industry -- even as the economy struggles and home-building is at its lowest level in a generation. So, how will the green homes of tomorrow help solve the energy puzzle? Here's a gander into the future. View Full ImageRCH Studios ON THE HOUSE The Rios Clementi Hale Studios house has a garden façade that includes chickpeas, tomatoes and other plants. The plants also provide shade and cooling. A rooftop reservoir collects water and keeps the building cool, while rooftop windmills generate energy. Out on a Limb "I'd love to build a house like a tree," says architect William McDonough of the Charlottesville, Va., firm William McDonough + Partners. And that's what he set out to do here. The surface of his house, like a leaf, contains a photosynthetic layer that captures sunlight. Unlike today's solar panels, which are often pasted above a roofline, these are woven into the fabric of the exterior. They heat water and generate electricity for the home -- and create oxygen for the atmosphere, to offset carbon produced in other areas of the home. The appeal of ultrathin, integrated solar panels goes beyond convenience. Today's solar is plain ugly and off-putting to many homeowners, something Mr. McDonough calls the "potpourri of miscellany stuck on our roofs." Unseen solar arrays, especially ones that create hot water, will be a "breakthrough from aesthetic perspective, which is a huge issue," he says. As for the rest of the design, Mr. McDonough envisions a sleek, curved roof with generous eaves to provide shade, which lowers the heat load in summer, thereby reducing the need for energy-hogging air conditioning. The roof also insulates and provides an outdoor garden. (Mr. McDonough designed a similar "green roof" for a Ford Motor Co. factory -- one of the first large U.S. buildings with that design.) The "bark" of the treelike house would be thin, insulating films that would self-clean and self-heal, Mr. McDonough says, thus avoiding the need to replace them after years of exposure to the elements. View Full ImageWilliam McDonough and Partners BRANCHING OUT William McDonough + Partners envisions its house like a tree. The "bark" of the house is made up of thin, insulating films that would self-clean and self-heal if damaged. A curved roof with large eaves provides shade, which lowers the heat load in summer. The "trunk," or the frame of the home, consists of carbon tubes, while the "roots" are a heat-pump system buried in the yard. It sounds far-fetched, but some of these technologies already exist. Self-cleaning glass, for instance, has a special coating that uses ultraviolet sunlight to break down organic dirt; rainwater then washes the filth away. Self-healing paints that contain microscopic capsules of color are in use on some car paint, for instance. These vessels break open when the surface of the paint is scratched to repair the damage. Similar ideas could expand to repair other materials such as glass or cladding. The "trunk" -- or the frame of the home -- would eschew wood or metals. Instead, lightweight, "resource efficient" carbon tubes would keep the structure standing upright. Finally, the "roots" of the home would be a ground-source heat-pump exchange system buried in the yard. It would take advantage of the relatively constant temperature of the soil to control the home's climate -- bringing in heat in winter, when the ground is warmer than the surrounding air, and cool in the summer, when the ground's temperature is lower. Such systems exist today, but cost puts them out of the reach of most homeowners. Other technological advances in the home include cement that would absorb carbon dioxide as it cures, offsetting the heavy loads of energy used to make the material. What's more, special surfaces on the house would capture condensation for water use, avoiding the need for wells or faraway sources. The design also takes into account what happens to the building when its useful life is over -- something most builders never consider, Mr. McDonough says. Today's buildings are often filled with chemical insulators and films on windows. While there have been major advances in these areas, such as the use of low-chemical-emitting paints and carpets, most insulating windows today still contain mercury and other heavy metals. View Full ImageCook+Fox UNDER MY SKIN Cook + Fox's house reacts to the weather, turning dark in the bright sun to insulate the house from heat and turning clear on dark days to absorb light and heat. The façade also captures rain and condensation to fill the household's water needs. Inside, walls and furniture are on rollers to take advantage of the fact that some spaces, such as bedrooms, are underutilized most of the day. Mr. McDonough envisions a building industry in which everything that goes into a house eventually breaks down harmlessly, much as a tree falls and biodegrades on the forest floor. So, in his house, building materials from the cladding to the floors would be easily disassembled and reused, or, as he says, "return to the Earth." The Reptile House If Mr. McDonough's house is a tree, then this one is a lizard -- whose skin is among its most important features for survival. Cook + Fox's house has a "biomorphic" skin that reacts to the weather, turning dark in the bright sun to insulate the house from heat and turning clear on dark days to absorb as much light and heat as possible. The façade also captures rain and condensation to fill the household's water needs -- much like a desert-dwelling horny lizard rolls drops of dew from its nose to its mouth. Mr. Cook sees the house of the future looking toward nature's way of solving problems as much as it looks to technology, a concept called biomimicry. "You need to view a house as a surface area for life, as opposed to a thing to be power-washed," Mr. Cook says. Cook + Fox is well known for its green designs. Its biggest green project is the New York headquarters of Bank of America, which is known as One Bryant Park. The sculpted white-glass tower, Manhattan's second-tallest after the Empire State Building, creates massive ice blocks in the evening when electricity is cheapest. As the "ice batteries" melt, they are used to cool the building during times of peak electricity loads during the day. View Full Image OLD AND NEW The Mouzon Design house uses tomorrow's technologies -- as well as ancient techniques to reduce energy use. Solar paneling built into the roof and façade provides electricity and hot water. The house also employs a "breeze chimney," an ancient architectural tool, as a kind of air conditioning. The Cook + Fox house has a modern look, but it's designed to fit into a traditional neighborhood setting. Inside, rooms are easily configurable for lounging or work. Walls and furniture are on rollers, for instance, to take advantage of the fact that some spaces, such as bedrooms, are underutilized most of the day. What's more, toilets and washrooms are separated, serving more people with less space. Making a house that's more conducive to work is important for energy efficiency because it eliminates driving -- and thus reduces energy consumption. A key feature of the house is perhaps its most traditional: a front stoop, which enables the home dweller to look out on neighbors and observe the area. Noting an idea from scientist E.O. Wilson, Mr. Cook says, "No matter how advanced we get with technologies, there are things that make the human feel good no matter what. People like to see a horizon view and feel safe." Meals at Home Rios Clementi Hale Studios cheekily calls their concept the "Incredible Edible House." This somewhat fantastical design seems to be as much about the future of food production as architecture. The façade of the three-story abode is slathered in a vertical garden that includes chickpeas, tomatoes, arugula and green tea. Step outside in the morning and harvest your meals. The plants both nourish the inhabitants and provide shade and cooling, absorbing heat better than a wall made of wood, brick, stucco or glass. Rios Clementi Hale, based in Los Angeles, has a reputation for playful and innovative designs. Its best-known works include the angular red, ochre and green-striped campus of the California Endowment in downtown Los Angeles. It has also done designs for Hollywood powers such as Walt Disney's Robert Iger and movie and music impresario David Geffen. But the plants aren't the only striking feature of the design. At three stories, the edible house is also more vertical than the typical suburban home, a nod to the importance of building dense, urban-style houses in order to reduce energy use. A rooftop reservoir collects water and keeps the building cool; rooftop windmills generate energy. The house is also put together in an intriguing way: It's made of three prefabricated containers stacked on top of each other that can be moved on a trailer if the mood fits. This method exists today, but it's not used very much, since homeowners associate prefabrication with lower-end homes. But the benefits for lowering energy use are substantial. The standardized construction in prefabricated homes reduces defects that can hamper energy conservation. And it's easier to ship prefabricated parts, which means reduced fuel use for deliveries. Learning From the Past Looking to the future isn't the only way to be innovative. The house from architect Steve Mouzon, of Mouzon Design in Miami Beach, Fla., uses tomorrow's technologies while mining ancient techniques to reduce energy use. For instance, solar paneling built directly into the roof and façade provides electricity and hot water. But the house also employs a "breeze chimney," an architectural tool used by the ancients, as a kind of old-school air conditioning. The difference between the air pressure in the chimney and outside causes hot air to flow out of the chimney stack and cooler air to enter through windows and doors. "It must make sense first," says Mr. Mouzon, a so-called New Urbanist architect who believes in traditional designs that emphasize pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. His house "isn't trying to do wild and wacky things with roof shapes or wall shapes but a good sensible building that is highly lovable. It is inventive where it needs to be." Like Rios Clementi Hale, Mr. Mouzon sees the house as a source of food. He would add "melon cradles," an invention he says he thought up for this project, to allow heavy melons and other vegetables to grow vertically up the sides of his house. Another of his innovative ideas would require Americans to do more than just feed the goldfish bowl: He would install tilapia pools in a "kitchen garden" to provide fresh fish to the homeowner. It's among the most energy-efficient ways to raise animal protein, Mr. Mouzon says. But the most important order for Mr. Mouzon is to make the house compact. "The smaller thing you can create, the more sustainable it is." In fact, that's something that all four of our architects agree on: Americans need to learn to live in smaller spaces if we are going to make an impact on the environment.—Mr. Frangos is a Wall Street Journal staff reporter in New York. Write to Alex Frangos at alex.frangos@wsj.com Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page R1 Copyright 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com
Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 9:51 AM
Labels: Career in Real Estate, Green Home, posted by Jane Nicoletti, SCHNEIDER Real Estate, St Charles, st charles county

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Habitat for Humanity "Women's Build"

Habitat for Humanity is doing a "Women's Build" on a home in St. Peters, MO. It's my understanding that is is being built for a single mom. SCHNEIDER Real Estate is putting together a team of Diva's headed up by Julie Quinones to participate in a work day. Tentatively scheduled for the 24th of June to assist in dry walling the home, we are all looking forward to a productive day and an opportunity to "Give Back" to our community.

Record Low Interest Rates- Time to Buy!

Rates Below 5% for Ninth Week Straight Freddie Mac reports a slight rise this week in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 4.86 percent from 4.84 percent in the previous week.Rates have been below 5 percent for nine weeks in a row. Last year at this time, the average 30-year rate was 6.01 percent.The 15-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 4.52 percent from 4.51 percent. Meanwhile, the five-year adjustable mortgage rate slipped to 4.82 percent from 4.9 percent; and the one-year ARM fell to 4.71 percent from 4.78 percent. Freddie Mac collects mortgage rates on Monday through Wednesday of each week from lenders around the country.Source: Freddie Mac

Finish Strong!!!

Finish StrongHow Do You Respond to Challenge?

Irving Berlin once said, "Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it." So, how do you take it? Before you answer the question, we urge you to use the next few moments to watch Finish Strong, an inspirational video with a meaningful message.
Any challenges you face in life will always elicit a response on your part. As Dan Green points out in the book that inspired this month's Simple Truths video, how you respond is completely your choice. His message - ALWAYS choose to finish strong.
Through telling us stories about real people who've overcome some incredible challenges, Green is able to point out a very simple fact. No matter how difficult your life may seem, there is someone who has overcome a greater challenge. The point here is not to draw comfort from their situation, but to find inspiration in how they dealt with it.
When it feels like the game is over, or an opportunity has passed you by, you must remember that the story isn't complete until you respond to the challenge at hand. According to the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react that matters."
So, how will you choose to respond to life's challenges? Think carefully because the choice is only yours.
Good luck and remember, always choose to finish strong.
YOU Magazine is pleased to present Finish Strong, a short film produced by Simple Truths, a consumer-direct publisher of motivational books and films. Visit www.simpletruths.com to learn more about this unique company.

$8,000 Tax Credit can be used for a Down Payment!

Real Estate News May 12, 2009 ShareTax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.Other Solutions for Today's MarketDuring his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. “I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing,” Donovan says. “Since January we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC’s Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation’s taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort. “Right now the Federal Reserve is the market,” said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. “What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?” Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.“We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond.”

SCHNEIDER Agent Help Host Local Fear Factor!

SCHNEIDER agent Julie Quinones, recently hosted a fun-filled night under the big top at their AWANA lock in. Boys and girls 3rd - 6th grade are locked in for a night of clowns, gross out games, circus themed food and sleep around 4 am when the movie began-and very grateful adults!
Julie is also co-ordinating a team to assist in the Habitat for Humanity "All Women's" build breaking ground next Friday in St. Peters. Her once small group has gown to about 50. These 50 enthusiastic women (including SCHNEIDER agent Becky Jecha) have been attending the free LOWES seminars weekly to learn the tricks of the trade.

You are invited to view wrccsoundbooth's photo album: Awana 2009 Overnighter

St Charles County Real Estate Forecast for the Future

Today's General Membership Meeting (sponsored by St Charles County Association of Realtors and St Charles Chapter Women's Council of Realtors) featured guest speaker Joe Zanola. Zanola Company, LLC, specializes in Feasibility Studies, Market Graphics and Business Consulting. Mr Zanola gave a very informative power point presentation showing past, current and projected trends in real estate. His research was very insightful on such topics as supply and demand and how that has changed over the last few years and what that means in conjunction to Realtors selling homes successfully. Joe had charts of each city in our county with helpful statistics including the projected "growth markets". Joe's was an excellent presenter full of helpful facts and insight

Foreclosures VS Short Sales

Elizabeth Kayser, Esq.
Kayser & Associates, LLC
Short Sale Negotiators
St. Louis, Missouri
(314) 402-1788
attykayser@sbcglobal.net

Attorney at Law

OVER HALF OF FORECLOSURES SHOULD BE
SHORT SALES USING REALTORS, NOT FORECLOSURES
Short sales produce financial and nonfinancial rewards for all key players including the economy:
 Protect homeowners’ credit
 Keep properties occupied v. vacant properties (blight)
 Produce a happy buyer
 Minimize losses to lenders
 Allow Lenders to avoid having take back more distressed properties which results in the deepening national financial crisis.
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What is a “SHORT SALE?” Millions of homeowners are behind on their mortgage and can no longer make their mortgage payment due to either job losses, divorce, bad loans they should have never been placed in, an ARM that’s resetting higher, etc. Up to recently the only generally accepted option was foreclosure. That is usually not the ideal solution even if it does erase the mortgage lien since, 1) it does not preclude the bank from seeking a deficiency judgment against the borrowers (a personal judgment that is collectible after the conclusion of the foreclosure) and 2) a foreclosure devastates the homeowners credit. . . not good for realtors either as they are effectively removed from your client base.
Solution: Short Sale. Get the lender to accept an amount below the mortgage payoff and waive the deficiency against the homeowner. In most cases, all closing costs are built into the deal where the lender pays the closing costs. On occasion the Seller will need to bring cash to the closing table. Everything is case by case basis. Lenders generally demand fair market value for the property – which in a short sale is significantly below the mortgage balance.
Credit implications
The number one reason a distressed homeowner should proceed with a short sale is to protect their ability to obtain financing in the future. Most short sales result in a “settlement” status on their credit report as opposed to “foreclosure”. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines are much more favorable to borrowers with short sale on their credit report, typically allowing a borrower to obtain financing for a new home within a couple of years. In sharp contrast, a foreclosure remains on a credit report for seven years, making it very difficult to finance another house, a car, open a new business, or even qualify for credit cards. Any loans received will most likely bear very high interest rates.
A Short Sale offers a fresh start, eliminating debt, while minimizing damage to credit and avoiding eviction proceedings.
What services are provided as part of the Short Sale Fee?
A crucial part of the SHORT SALE process is negotiating the terms of the short sale. In order to provide the best possible result, we gather the relevant information from the seller, prepare a hardship package to submit to the bank, perform a preliminary title search on the property to determine what liens, mortgages and taxes are due on the property if one has not already been done, and negotiate with the bank in an attempt to have them accept a lower payoff on the mortgage than is currently due…potentially avoiding the credit impact and economic ramifications of a foreclosure or bankruptcy. Most importantly, regular updates and status reports are provided to realtors and homeowners as to the short sale process. Communication is everything and will never be compromised. We will be a team in the short sale process requiring a continuous flow of communication.
• Prequalifying the homeowner
• Assemble excellent lender packages
• Directly and immediately respond to negotiators' calls and emails
• Immediately provide well-written market narratives and critical analyses proving price
• Ensure that appraisers and bank BPO agents understand the subject property's challenges
• Immediately provide additional documentation required by the lender
• Keep the parties well-informed and in the deal
• Document all tasks in detail for transaction-saving reference
• Provide creative solutions to negotiators' demands such as promissory notes and cash contributions
• Use 12 years of negotiations skills as an attorney and mediator to ensure success
Why allow my firm for your short sale negotiations?
There are many articles out there that say it is extremely important to get an attorney to handle your negotiations. The lenders have their attorneys, you should have yours. Short sales involve a myriad of legal issues, timelines, and landmines that can kill the deal, and result in devastating consequences for the buyer, seller, and realtor. The process of obtaining approval for a SHORT SALE is lengthy…taking as much as 8 to 12 weeks. The first step is to prequalify your client/seller. Lenders in most cases pay the negotiators as part of the closing costs on the HUD. The realtor still receives their commission but avoids the burden and hassles of dealing with negotiating a short sale.
Convincing the Lender
The bank will have to be convinced that the seller deserves to be approved for a short sale. They will need to disclose to the mortgage lender financial hardships, including layoffs, loss of jobs, divorce, medical issues. Some or all of the following would be required: hardship letter signed by the homeowners, 2 yrs tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements, authorization for the negotiator to discuss the mortgage with the lender. Lenders also request listing history, recent sold properties, repair estimates and photos, second mortgage payoffs if any, and other lien information. Lenders will furnish their requirements as to sellers’ assets, liabilities, income, and obligations. Our hardship package aims to fit within each Lender’s parameters. Each lender has different parameters, a different short sale policy. The contract must not be contingent upon the sale or closing of another property, also the seller cannot do owner-financing or carry-backs. The Lender often times verifies with the buyers lender that they are pre approved with no contingencies. Also, properties with multiple mortgages, 2nd liens are not the best short sale candidates but it can work.
Short sales may take longer to close than more conventional sales, so plan accordingly. However, it is well worth it. Again, the alternative – foreclosure.
How is a sales price determined?Most lenders will request a BPO (broker’s price opinion) or full appraisal of the property. In some cases they will use a drive-by value or a computer analysis comparing other similar homes that have sold. In this real estate market, this is very difficult – there are few sold homes! This is where the negotiation begins. Some factors negotiated are such things as close proximity to power lines, railroads tracks, busy streets, high numbers of neighborhood foreclosures (blight), declining market, repairs needed, the banks loss severity rate in a foreclosure to justify our offer price. Also negotiated hard is the lenders’ Loss Severity Rate.
Loss Severity Rate (What is this?)
Let me talk a little bankalese here (not legalese). This is the rate of loss a lender incurs in a foreclosure. Here’s an example: In a foreclosure, the bank recoups only a portion of the mortgage balance plus they incur significant property preservation costs (aka maintenance costs), legal fees, liquidation costs, additional “carrying costs”. The ‘net’ the bank receives after a foreclosure sale is divided into the total costs or ‘balance’ due which is now much higher than the original mortgage balance . . .resulting in the Loss Severity Rate. This rate has climbed to 40% of more. Much higher than a short sale!
Closing
Once an agreement is reach, the lender issues a short payoff to the realtor and the title company being used for the short sale closing. This letter will state the closing date, names of the parties, a Release of any deficiencies incurred by the lender, and any cash or promissory notes required from the seller. I am not the closing attorney and I do not go to closings. The title company continues to be the closer.
When is it too late?In Missouri, the foreclosure process can happen quickly, therefore a short sale must be identified before the seller receives a Notice of Foreclosure. The bank cannot delay foreclosure by more than one week in Missouri, however, the lender may cancel or “continue” foreclosure proceedings only if we have an accepted contract. Short sale candidates need to be identified and counseled before a Notice of Foreclosure is received. However, if a Notice has been received recently, let us still counsel the homeowner, then we’ll see what we can do about securing an accepted contract quickly and we will communicate with foreclosure department and attorneys. There are instances where we may be able to get a short sale through before the Trustee Sale.
Short Sale vs. Bankruptcy
 Lenders cannot consider a short sale if the borrower is in an active bankruptcy. The bankruptcy would have to be discharged or dismissed prior to the lender considering a reduced payoff.
 There are many bankruptcies that are filed to save a homeowner from the deficiency judgment or shortage in the sale of their home – when really all they needed was a short sale of their home!
 A bankruptcy stays on the homeowners credit report for 10 years.
 Bankruptcies typically only delay the inevitable. . . a foreclosure. Then the homeowner has both a bankruptcy AND a foreclosure on their credit report. The worst case scenario for anyone.
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure
 Foreclosure is devastating to one’s credit report. Someone who goes the short sale route generally can buy a home in less than 2 yrs, compared 5 yrs + after a foreclosure. Many employers run credit checks on prospective employees and foreclosure is one of the top items that will put a potential new hire in jeopardy. Also, current employers may run credit checks and a foreclosure can put a current position in jeopardy. Security clearances (law enforcement) and government positions can be jeopardized by a foreclosure. Additionally, interest rates will be markedly high on credit cards and any credit with a foreclosure or a deed in lieu on one’s credit report.
 The lender can still pursue the former homeowner with a Judgment for any deficiency after the property sells under foreclosure. This deficiency most likely will tack on attorney fees, costs to sell the property, and many other related fees such as property preservation fees, insurance and the like.
 Foreclosure effectively reduces your potential clients as buyers as it is rare to secure financing for another home for a long time after a foreclosure is reported on one’s credit report. So, not only did you not make a cent off of that foreclosure. . .you just lost another potential client.
 From the lenders standpoint – see Loss Severity Rate above! Enough said.
Taxes
The Economic Stabilization Act extends the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act to 2012.

Qualified principal residence indebtedness is defined as acquisition indebtedness, the dollar limitation is $2 million with respect to the taxpayer’s principal residence. Acquisition indebtedness generally means indebtedness incurred in the acquisition, construction, or substantial improvement of the principal residence of the individual and secured by the residence. It also includes refinancing to the extent of the original debt (not any cash that was taken in the refi). So, the amount unpaid to a lender in a short sale is technically considered income to you. HOWEVER, for the tax years 2007 through 2012, the government is waiving any tax liability on that phantom income. The lender will send you and the IRS a copy of Form 1099-C "Cancellation of Debt," reporting that forgiven debt as income. To make sure you are not taxed on the amount, you will have to file Form 982, "Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness." Forms can be downloaded free from http://www.IRS.gov. Be aware, that forgiven debt on vacation homes and rental properties may be taxable, unless you can prove insolvency.

This document is not intended to give tax advice. It is advisable to confirm the current tax laws with each case with a CPA or tax attorney.

First-time Buyers Drive February Sales

Existing-home sales increased in February, reversing losses in January, according to the latest report by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. However, sales activity remains relatively soft, reflecting additional layoffs and buyers waiting for housing provisions in the economic stimulus package to take effect, according to NAR.

Existing-home sales— including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops—rose 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.72 million units in February from a pace of 4.49 million units in January. Existing-home sales are 4.6 percent below the 4.95 million-unit level in February 2008. Seasonal adjustment factors are more volatile in winter months, but sales rates over the past few months show dampened sales activity, according to NAR.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says first-time buyers accounted for half of all home sales last month, with activity concentrated in lower price ranges.

“Because entry level buyers are shopping for bargains, distressed sales accounted for 40 to 45 percent of transactions in February,” he says. “Our analysis shows that distressed homes typically are selling for 20 percent less than the normal market price, and this naturally is drawing down the overall median price.”

Home Buyer Tax Credit Increases Activity

NAR President Charles McMillan says home shopping activity has picked up with housing affordability at a record high.

“The number of buyers looking for homes rose 5 percent in February, and also was 5 percent above a year ago,” he says. “It appears most of the increase in buyer traffic occurred in the latter part of the month after the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit was put in place. At the same time, mortgage purchase applications have risen, so we expect to see sales picking up around late spring.”

McMillan notes that more potential buyers are learning about the tax credit, just as the traditional spring home-buying season begins.

Existing-Home Sales Rise in February

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $165,400 in February, down 15.5 percent from a year ago when the median was $195,800 and conditions were close to normal. The median is where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

“Given the downward distortion in price comparisons due to distressed sales, it’s important for owners to keep in mind that this doesn’t equate to a similar loss of value for traditional homes in good condition,” Yun says.

Housing inventory: Total housing inventory at the end of February rose 5.2 percent to 3.80 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.7-month supply at the current sales pace, unchanged from January. In the six months prior to February, the total number of homes for sale had steadily declined from a record level last July.

Single-family home sales: rose 4.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.23 million in February from a level of 4.05 million in January, but are 3.6 percent below the 4.39 million-unit pace in February 2008. The median existing single-family home price was $164,600 in February, down 15 percent from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales: increased 11.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 490,000 units in February from 440,000 units in January, but are 13.1 percent lower than the 564,000-unit pace a year ago. The median existing condo price was $172,200 in February, which is 18.7 percent lower than February 2008.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 5.13 percent in February from a record low 5.05 percent in January. The rate was 5.92 percent in February 2008. Last month’s average mortgage rate was the second lowest since data collection began in 1971. Last week the rate further declined to 4.98 percent.

Regional Breakdown

Yun says a recovery in the West is much stronger than expected. “Strong sales gains in the West are led by California, where the median listing price is beginning to rise for the first time in three years,” he says.

Here's how existing-home sales fared across the country:

• Northeast: jumped 15.6 percent to an annual pace of 740,000 in February, but 14.9 percent below February 2008. Median price: $251,200, down 4.8 percent from a year ago.
• Midwest: increased 1 percent in February to a pace of 1.04 million but 14 percent lower than a year ago. Median price: $131,000, which is 7.8 percent below February 2008.
• South: rose 6.1 percent to an annual pace of 1.74 million in February but 11.2 percent below February 2008. Median price: $146,700, down 10 percent from a year ago.
• West: increased 2.6 percent to an annual rate of 1.2 million in February and remain 30.4 percent higher than a year ago. Median price: $204,600, which is 30.3 percent below February 2008.

Source: NAR

A Bright Week!

Along with Spring came a sunny rally by the stock market this week and that's not all! Our office experienced a bright week as well. Along with our listing showings experiencing a dramatic increase so did our phone leads. It was pleasant to see agents back in the swing of showing property, writing contracts and closing sales. Our office is doing a mass mailing to our SOI with a brochure explaining the $8,000 tax credit available for First Time Home Buyers. The brochure answers many of the frequently asked questions the general pubic have regarding the rules and regulations of the buying credit. With interest rates staying at record lows and inventory priced lower than in years past the time is NOW to buy. We have also noticed that Lending Institutions are coming up with loan products to stimulate buying not only by owner occupants but investors as well. First Integrity gave an awesome seminar this week at the St Louis Association of Realtors. The panel discussion was led by their Operations Manager, Underwriter, two appraisers and the owner of their company. The room was packed and conversation lively. Everyone working together brainstorming ideas has got to pay off for the consumer and our industry. Indeed it's warming up out here! Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 12:46 PM Labels: FHA Assumable Loans, home for sale, loans, real estatae, SCHNEIDER Real Estate, St Charles, st charles county, st louis county, tcredit for first time buyers

Existing Home Sales Are Up

There’s a glimmer of hope in the housing market. Existing home sales increased in February 2009, at a rate of 5.1 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Chief economist Lawrence Yun says that first-time buyers accounted for half of all home sales last month, with activity centered in the lower price ranges. He attributes this increase to more potential homes buyers learning about the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers.

Merle Schneider of the St. Charles County Association of Realtors notes that “locally, most of the statistics are better than the national numbers. More buyers are looking for homes and we are in the traditional spring-early summer home buying season.”

Schneider, who is co-owner of SCHNEIDER Real Estate, adds “with the stock market beginning a slight rebound, buyers and sellers have a more positive outlook on their financial futures. Home ownership has always been the core value for American security. Recent statistics show that we have begun to re-invest in housing stability.”

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Frequently Asked Questions about First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit in Missouri

Click the $8,000 gift to download First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions PDF

Social Media Meeting

When and Where:
Thursday, April 9
Time11:00 p.m.
The Columns Banquet Center
711 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
St. Charles, MO 63303
(636) 947-4729
$15 for members$17 for guests

No matter your field, today's Public Relations and Marketing has seen a drastic change. No longer can we rely on mass media in the form of Newspapers and even traditional Television to send our messages. Strategic communicator and Public Relations Society member Melissa Wilson will expose you to upcoming trends and emerging technologies and better position yourself in today's evolving marketplace. Join us to:

• Identify Top Social Networking Sites
• Share local demographics and usage
• Create a plan to move yourself to the desired locations

About Melissa Wilson
Melissa Wilson, owner of Wilson Monnig Creative, provides strategic communication counsel, implementation, and reporting. Since beginning the company, Melissa has worked closely with international and local clients to spend effectively, and focus on reaching their target markets. Prior to founding her consultancy in 2007, Melissa held communications positions for a national funeral home business and international non-profit organization. Melissa is a Public Relations and Advertising graduate of Stephens College and continued her education earning a Master of Arts at Lindenwood University in the study of Communications. She is active in PRSA, selected as a judge for The Stevies Award for Women in Business, and recipient of design awards including the Davies, The Communicator, and Hermes.

About Wilson Monnig Creative
Wilson Monnig Creative, located in St. Peters - St. Charles, Missouri, is an innovative marketing, public relations, advertising, web and print design company. Award-winning talent provides cutting edge services in traditional and new media. Our client's come from a broad spectrum of industries including real estate, agriculture, automotive, folk artists, personal fitness, and entrepreneurial start-ups.www.WilsonMonnig.com

Ambassadors of Hope

Romans 5:3 "Rejoice in your sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

WE AT SCHNEIDER Real Estate had our annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday. Our theme for 2009 is "Time to Shine in 2009" as an introduction to the goal signing (we all sign a big poster with the company goals and I hang it in my office) I quoted the following scripture as an introduction to the following:
2008 was a challenge and you proved you were up for it. It may have been to prepare you for what lies ahead. You've been in training, and you are better equipped than ever to take on 2009. I know for many of us our goals were not realized last year and there is that little voice of discouragement that lies to us and would like us to be fearful about the future. We must choose to respond with a resounding NO!
Winston Churchill said, "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm". Hope is stolen when we misunderstand failure. Failure is natural, normal, and is going to happen. The way to success is to keep failure caged. Failure is caged when we realize it is not permanent. Henry Ford said "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently".
We need each of you to shine in 2009; Let's continue to encourage each other by lighting up the office with optimism and taking that spirit into our SOI. Hope is an act of the will and moves people to action- lets be ambassadors of Hope. Together as a team, we can make a difference! If we do that, WE WILL have a BRIGHTER 2009.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Congratulations SCHNEIDER Agents!
SCHNEIDER Real Esate, hosted it's Annual Awards Banquet today at Grappa Grill in St Charles. Dan Borgmeyer, a local entrepreneur, was on hand as a special guest speaker. He motivated the troops with a talk entitled What Makes a Winner. Enthusiasm, Exercise, Examination, Effort, Execution, Empathy, and Effectiveness were his talking points. The awards presentation followed with SCHNEIDER President, Cal Schneider, giving his view of the current market. It was encouraging as he pointed out that the average sales priced home(single family) of between $150,00-$300,00 in St Charles County experienced a 1% decrease in value from last year at this same time. St Charles County continues to be stable with a much better outlook than other parts of the country. Co-owner, Merle Schneider, honored long time associate and Training Coordinator, Jim Geiss. An honorary scholarship in Jim's name will be given to SCHNEIDER "Rookie of the Year" each year to be used toward an agent pursuing a Realtor designation. Awards presented by Sales Manager Jane Nicoletti and Recruiting manager Judy Bateman were: Agent of the Year, Grant Hickman; Rookie of the Year, Mike Everman; Production Growth Awards, Grant Hickman and Robert Clarke; Most Improved Agent, Steve Snarzyk; Best in Quality Service, Steve Snarzyk and Grant Hickman, Quality Service Award of Distinction, Cort Schneider & Robert Clarke; Quality Service Award of Excellence, Sue Brown & Rich Loughridge; Production Awards were awarded to agents for different levels of production; Platinum level: Grant Hickman; Gold level, Merle Schneider and Cort Schneider; Silver level, Rich Loughridge; Bronze level, Sue Brown, Robert Clarke, Roger Schneider and Steve Snarzyk.
Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 12:39 PM 0 comments

819 Honeywood Lake Saint Louis Mo

Honeywood Virtual Tour



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