Jan. 2011 Calendar of Events

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

Lightning and thunderstorms can put you, your family and property at risk

Learn how to use common sense tips to avoid tragedy


With the advent of summer, thunderstorms and lightning are sure to follow. Unstable weather in the St. Louis area has almost become commonplace this year and during the latest round of thunderstorms, lightning was suspected to start a hotel fire in O’Fallon, Illinois.

May is designated National Electrical Safety month by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and gives us the opportunity to offer suggestions to keep you, your family and home safer this season. When a storm approaches…


• Unplug all appliances and electrical devices, including computers, and turn off the air conditioning. The fewer electrical connections active can mean less damage should your home be struck. And, you can avert harming your computer system.
• Don’t talk on a corded phone while a storm is in process. That small electrical current running through the phone line puts you in contact with a potential strike zone.
• During a storm is not the time to wash dishes, decided to take a shower or do laundry. Water is an excellent electrical conductor and again puts you and your family at risk.
• Stay away from windows and doors to avoid potential flying glass.
  

The NFPA estimates that lightning fires in the United States caused more than $213 million in direct property damage during the past seven years, more than half of that in residential homes. Since a single lightning bolt can register 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the likelihood of fire is high.

Don’t underestimate the power of lightning–the National Weather Service School For Weather notes that lightning kills more people each year in the United States than tornadoes or hurricanes. Only floods claim more lives. To learn more about how to keep you and your family safe from lightning, check out these tips and enjoy a more carefree summer.

St. Charles County Real Estate
Written by Myra Vandersall

St. Louis region ranked in top 10 best housing markets

Our area is also a “best-bang-for-the-buck” and home prices edge up.

It seems as though St. Louis has a lock on the good news department lately. Our region was selected for two Forbes.com lists and home prices are moving up. If you’re shopping for a house, St. Louis is one of the best markets, according to Forbes.com. The magazine recently released their list of Top 10 Best Housing Markets and St. Louis landed in the number eight slot. The list is based on the stability of each metro area as measured by affordability rankings and foreclosure rates as an indicator of a lack of excess inventory, making the top cities what they call the best opportunities for home shoppers. The top 10 housing markets include: Pittsburgh, PA, Louisville, KY, Houston, TX, Minneapolis, MN, Indianapolis, IN, Memphis, TN, Columbus, OH, St. Louis, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX and Austin, TX.

In another Forbes list, St. Louis made the “Best-Bang-For-The-Buck Cities” analysis. This top 100 list is based on solid housing markets, relatively stable employment, a low cost of living and quick commutes.

Home prices are on the way up too, growing for the second straight month in January–up 0.6%, according to real estate data firm First American Core Logic’s Home Price Index. In December the year-over-year increase was 1.54 percent, the first positive number after at least nine months of declines. Nationwide, prices are still falling, down 0.7 percent in January, according to First American.

All good news as we look forward to a spring surge in home sales.

Search homes from St. Charles County Real Estate.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Calendar of Events

The Big Read
Foundry Art Centre
The 2010 BIG READ, featuring Mark Twain’s classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Events include book discussions, live theatre, music, film screenings, concerts, an essay contest, lectures, field trips, interactive art projects and culminate with an ice cream social and raft building contest. The Big Read is sponsored by the Foundry Art Centre and St. Charles Community College Library. For a full list of events, go to the Foundry’s website and download the schedule.

Friday, February 5
Peter Martin Music: The Duo featuring Dianne Reeves
8 p.m.
The Sheldon
Peter Martin Music, a new concert series by St. Louis' own, jazz pianist Peter Martin. He brings jazz home to St. Louis with this exciting new series featuring Martin on piano along with special guests. The first in the series will be The Duo, featuring four-time Grammy® Award winner Dianne Reeves.
For info, call MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or go to The Sheldon website.

February is a month of celebration for Mardi Gras lovers, and everyone who likes a good time. Check out the family celebration in Frenchtown, and all the activities offered during the month at the St. Louis Mardi Gras.

Saturday, February 6
Frenchtown Mardi Gras Parade
3 p.m.
The Frenchtown District of St. Charles is hosting an alcohol-free, family friendly Mardi Gras parade from Sundermeier RV Park to Transit, left on 2nd Street, Left on Clark, and ending at the Foundry Art Centre.

Saturday, February 6-Thursday, February 18
Mardi Gras, St. Louis style
Various times/events
St. Louis is one of the premier Mardi Gras celebrations, second only to New Orleans. The Soulard neighborhood comes alive with spectacular events for all. The big day, Saturday, February 13, is the River City Casino Grand Parade, but there’s plenty to do before then, beginning with the Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard on February 6 and 7, the Beggin’ Pet Parade, the wiener dog derby, the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball and lots of music featuring St. Louis’ best, plus bands from New Orleans. For a full schedule, go to the St. Louis Mardi Gras website.

Wednesday, February 10
Cheesemaking
6-9 p.m.
Primrose Farm, St. Charles Park District
Learn how to make cheese and see each stage of the processing from whole milk to culturing, pressing and aging.
$20 per resident. Advanced reservations required. Call the St. Charles Park District at 630-513-6200 for registration details.

Friday February 19-Sunday, February 21
Working Woman’s Survival Show
Fri. 11 am-8pm, Sat., 10am-8pm, Sun, 11-5pm.
Saint Charles Convention Center
More than 350 exhibitors present products, workshops, financial tips, fashion shows and fun for a perfect girls’ day out. For detailed information go to the Working Woman’s Survival Show website.
Adults $8.50, 6-11 yrs. & 60+ $6.50, 6 & under free.

Friday, February 12
Mom and Son Pottawatomie 500
6:45-8:30 p.m.
Pottawatomie Community Center
A fun-filled race themed night for moms and sons. Dancing, games, refreshments and a special memento for each son. Look for the Daddy and Daughter event in March.
$11.50 per resident. Advanced reservations required. Call the St. Charles Park District at 630-513-6200 for registration details.

Wednesday, February 24
Music as Medicine
1-2:30 p.m.
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
Learn about the power of music for the restoration, maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health. Offered in partnership with OASIS.
Free

Thursday, February 25-Sunday, February 28
St. Louis Builders Home and Garden Show
Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
America’s Center and Edward Jones Building
St. Louis
The Builders Home and Garden Show is actually 5 complete shows in one - Lawn and Garden, Pool and Spa, Kitchen & Bath, Interior Design and Building Products. Enormous feature gardens, local and national celebrity speakers and family fun areas. More than 600 exhibitors, here’s the place to get ideas for your spring home and garden projects.
Adults: $9;Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and Under: Free

Written by Myra Vandersall

St. Charles Real Estate

Calendar of Events - January

Friday, January 1
21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride
11 a.m.
Defiance, MO
Sponsored by Trailnet. An enthusiastic group of bicyclists have started each New Year with a bike ride on the KATY Trail. Join them this year for the 21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride. The group will leave from the KATY Trailhead in Defiance at 11:00 am and ride to Augusta (7 miles). They will stop for lunch upon their return to Defiance, depending on restaurant availability. Please dress in layers and wear a helmet.

Sunday, January 3
St. Louis’ Best Bridal Show
St. Charles Convention Center
Noon-4 p.m.
The bridal fashion show features elegant and popular wedding dresses, gifts, appetizers, drinks, music and wedding planners.
$5
For more information, go to http://shows.stlouisbestbridal.com/ or call 314-744-5777

Saturday, January 9-Sunday, January 31
Eagle Days
Various locations
Events include live eagle programs, activities, exhibits, video, guides with spotting scopes and refreshments.
For details go to the Missouri Department of Conservation and download the Eagle Days brochure, or call 573/751-4115 ext. 3289

Saturday, January 9-10
Snowflake Making
The Magic House, Kirkwood, MO
Saturday, 10:00-5:00 Workshop
Sunday, 11:30-5:00 Workshop
Let it snow with artist Marion Nichols as she shares the unique art of cutting paper into intricate snowflakes. Join the blizzard of activity in the museum’s Expericenter to discover how to snip fantastic flakes of your own designs. A former preschool art teacher, Marion Nichols is renowned for transforming ordinary sheets of paper into delicate snowflake patterns, and is the author of several books on the subject.
Info at the Magic House or call 314-822-8900

Friday, January 15-Sunday, January 17
St. Charles Boat Show, Sale and Fisherman’s Expo
St. Charles Convention Center
Friday, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Boat dealers showcase their new, non-current and pre-owned boats, plus all things fishing, including tackle, rods, reels, boating accessories. Family fun for young anglers, seminars and speakers, and boating safety by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Regular Admission - $6.00 / Ages 6-15 $3.00. 5 & Under Free
On Friday, seniors age 60 and above admitted for $3.50
Info at http://www.letsgoshows.com/

Saturday January 23
Winter Wildlife Tracking-Learn from the experts
St. Charles Park District
Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave.
9 a.m.-noon
You’ll never look at “bare” ground again after this tracking class taught by top experts in the field. Learn how to interpret tracks, tail patterns and scat to identify wildlife. Begin with an interactive indoor class with overview of local fauna and tracking techniques, the outdoors to practice what you’ve learned.
Ages 18 and over. To register, call 630-513-6200.
$10

Saturday, January 30
Fete De Glace (Festival of Ice)
100-200 block of North Main
Watch professional ice carvers bring the art to life in a competition using chain saws, power grinders, sanders, cold chisels, hand saws, and irons from 10am-3pm. This competition is judged and juried by the crowd. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available and nearby fire pits to warm up.
Free

January 31-February 28
The Big Read National Endowment for the Arts
The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of reading in American public culture.
Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street
The book chosen for participation is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. The Foundry Art Centre and the St. Charles Community College Library sponsor the Big Read in St. Charles City/County and bring the community the power of literature.
For more info call 636-255-0270

October planting for spring sale

October is the time to garden for now and for a spring sale
Look to the future when planning your fall garden. Putting in some extra work and planning now will pay off in ready–made spring blooms

By Jeanne Baker, MLA, Landscape Designer

Fall is officially here. The nights are cool and the trees are starting to change. There are beautiful flowers that wait to bloom until the temperature drops and the days shorten. Take advantage of this opportunity to add color by planting fall blooming perennials in containers, flower boxes or perennial beds. Containers are the perfect way to extend the growing season and bring color to your entrance. Remember to plant a mix of different species in your container and play with color. Choosing plants with contrasting color and form will stand out from a distance inviting a closer look.

Excellent container plants are chrysanthemums, asters (‘Purple Dome’), pansies, ornamental kale, purple fountain grass and Japanese blood grass. To plant, partially fill your container with potting soil or Styrofoam and insert plants still in their nursery pots. Protect your containers from an early frost by covering or moving them to an unheated garage. This will typically allow you to have beautiful plantings through Thanksgiving. Once the weather turns and an extended period of freezing temperatures is predicted, remove potted plants from their container and place pots in holes in the garden, water well and mulch heavily. Plants can over winter and be planted in a permanent home in the spring or repotted in containers.

Work now to insure a vibrant spring sale
If you want to sell your home next spring, now is the time to get a head start by planting spring flowering bulbs. The more planning you do now, the less work you’ll have come March and April. Pairing bulbs with compatible perennials will keep your beds looking neat even when after your bulbs have bloomed and their foliage have started to droop and yellow. The key is picking bulbs and perennials that require similar growing conditions, such as sunny/dry, moist or shady. Plant the bulbs with their companion perennials so that spreading plants will grow in over the spent bulbs. Suggested combinations:

• Sunny/dry locations – pair daffodils, tulip and/or hyacinth with peony, cranesbill or lamb’s ear to cover. You can plant dianthus in front of bulbs/perennial companions.
• Moist locations – pair Spanish bluebell, fritillaria and/or quamash with astilbe, cardinal flower or brunnera to cover. Can plant mazus and/or coral bells in front of bulbs/perennial companions.
• Shady locations – pair wood hyacinth, windflower or toad lily with hostas, celandine poppy or ferns to cover. Can plant sweet woodruff in front of bulbs/perennial companions.

Don’t have the time or the budget to plant everything at once? Plant the bulbs this fall and fill in with the perennials in the spring. Bulbs need the cold weather in order to bloom so be sure to get them before winter.
For more on bulb/perennial companions go to: http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/extras/083/bulb_companions.php

Fall is the perfect time to plant new trees and shrubs
Give the new plants time to start acclimating to their new environment during their dormant period before spring and the demands of new growth. Be sure to follow planting instructions carefully. The top of the root ball of a B&B plant should never be below ground level. Water thoroughly and apply 3 inch layer mulch. If you haven’t yet selected a tree/shrub the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) has excellent online references to help you decide.
Try using Plants of Merit if you are looking for something different that you aren’t likely to see in everyone’s garden. Plants of Merit have all been tested by MOBOT and local horticulturalists and have proven to be reliable performers with excellent plant characteristics but are underutilized in our region.

Want to browse and look at all the trees there are to choose from that like a wet and shady location? Use Plant Finder Search. Plant Search is the garden’s most extensive plant database search engine. It allows you to search by plant type; cultural requirements, such as sun, water, and planting zone; plant characteristics, like height, width, bloom color and time; uses for plant; features of flowers, leaves and fruit.

With a bit of planning, some imagination and digging power, you can enjoy your fall garden now and potential buyers will enjoy your efforts next spring.

Buyers are looking for homes during the autumn season

Spring and summer may be the traditional time to buy and sell homes, but autumn and the beautiful fall palate could be your time for a successful sale.

Autumn is traditionally a season of recovery and reflection, a time to burrow in after the frantic pace of summer. For sale signs pop up on lawns during spring and summer, as families with children want to get settled before school starts.

But buyers are still out there during the fall season, looking for a good deal. And there’s more good news. A recent survey by Relocation.com found that 50 percent of those surveyed moved to improve their living situation, whether a bigger house or to a better neighborhood. A previous survey in March 2009 indicated the recession played a major part in selling and buying decisions.

Here are some tips to help you get maximum dollars for an autumn sale.

• How your house appears during a drive-by is the first step. Trees have great appeal, especially in the fall with the brilliant red, gold, yellow and green palates showcasing your house. Continue tending to your outside upkeep. Trim back shrubs, remove dead or almost dead annuals and trim dead limbs from trees. Add color with freshly planted annuals like mums, pansies and petunias. Rake leaves, or shovel snow, making a clear path to your home and one that is not fraught with dangers.
• Light and bright on the inside is the way to go. Let abundant sun shine in. Consider replacing heavy drapes with lighter ones to show off your house and avoid that gloomy look.
• Give your potential buyers that cozy feeling. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s in working order, and have a nice fire burning. The glow really sets off the richness of hardwood floors and offers the viewer an at-home feel. Temperature control is important too. Not too hot and not too cool.
• Decorating is a nice touch, but take it easy on the holiday decorations. Potential buyers are not impressed when they have to work their way through dangling spiders, ghosts, witches and giant turkeys. Prepare you home for the season, certainly, but use some restraint.
• Speaking of spiders, wee little critters do come in your house in the fall, and that’s normal. Be vigilant and eliminate cobwebs and insects. Check corners and closets so that a buyer doesn’t have any unpleasant surprises.
• Be flexible. The housing market is in the recovery stage, but we’re not at the robust stage. Give serious consideration to your price and negotiable points, such as closing costs and inspections.

Heritage Landing St. Charles Missouri Townhouse for Rent

Bedrooms:	3	Bathrooms:	2.5
Square Foot:	1,892	Garage:	2
County:	St Charles	Property Type:	Condo or Townhouse
Year Built:	1977	MLS Number:	90048497
Property Description
This spacious townhome(almost 1900 sq. feet!), minutes from the Page Ave. extension) has a lot of charm and some great features that you're gonna love! Huge, sunny, country kitchen with a corner fireplace for those cool fall days and long winter nights with a view of the back yard fenced for privacy and totally bricked and landscaped as a lovely oasis get-a-way. The second floor has 3 bedrooms and a loft area perfect for media room or office all with newer Pergo flooring. The bathroom updates are extraordinary and will please the most discriminating buyer. If you're looking for a large master suite and lots of closet space, look no further! Newer windows, doors, AC and front patio are just a few more of the features that make this a great buy
Features List
1800+ sq. feet 2nd story loft main level laundry large county kitchen fireplace in kitchen newer windows newer AC 6 panel doors pergo flooring tile floors/bathroom granite counter bath update full bath spacious master walk in closet faux wood blinds Faboulous patiio privacy fence paver landscaping front courtyard ceiling fans living/dining combo

Are You On The Fence? Now’s The Time to Jump Off

Intrepid first-time homebuyers jumped off the fence and made an important impact on the housing market this week. Pending home sales rose 3.2 percent in March, according to the National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index. Closer to home the news is even better–pending home sales in St. Charles County rose 26 percent in March, says Karen Vennard, president of the St. Charles County Association of Realtors.

Investors liked the news too. Infused with a sense of optimism about the economy, the stock market responded with the Dow Jones Industrial gaining 214 points and the Nasdaq 44 points in one day.

First-timers evaluated the housing situation and decided that now is the time to buy. Interest rates are at an all time low, there is plenty of housing available, prices are affordable, and then there’s the 8 percent tax credit incentive for first-time buyers.

That tax credit expires December 1, 2009. The credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to $8,000. This has really moved people into the market instead of waiting to see what might happen down the line.

Because of the time limit on the tax credit, if you are a first-time buyer even remotely considering a home purchase this year, now is the time to get organized. This is excellent advice even if you don’t qualify for the tax credit.

Potential buyers should:

• Keep saving! Cash is king and the bigger the down payment, the better mortgage terms you’ll get.
• Investigate financing now and get pre-qualified for a loan.
• Be very honest with yourself and determine how much house you can really afford. Do research on how much your monthly payment would be and consider expenses like utilities and taxes.
• Check your credit report. You don’t want any surprises there.
• Work with a SCHNEIDER Real Estate Realtor who knows the neighborhoods, schools, social amenities and has your interest as a buyer as first priority.
  

Sellers should:

• Communicate with your Realtor. Pass along improvements you’ve made that would make a good selling point. Open communication is absolutely necessary for your Realtor to bring you the best qualified buyers and avoid misunderstandings.
• Speaking of communication, make sure everyone knows your home is for sale. Word-of-mouth is one of the best marketing tools. Welcome neighbors at your open house. They in turn may very well bring your buyer to you Realtor and clinch the sale.
• Keep your property neat, clean and inviting. Mow the grass, trim the shrubs, water those annuals and perennials. Nothing says you’re not welcome like dead flowers and overgrown grass. Potential buyers will find your listing on the Internet or in the newspaper and drive by to preview the property. You have about 45 seconds of curb appeal to convince a buyer that your home is well cared for and the right purchase.
• Green, green, green is the way to go. The current movement toward energy savings and sustainable resources is not a fad. Buyers are looking for ecological solutions in their purchases and sellers need to incorporate these features into the home’s selling points.
  

While things are looking up right now, we still don’t know if the market has bottomed out and is on the way up to more robust times. Both buyers and sellers must make their own personal decisions about the housing market. Returning to a growing economy and housing market won’t be easy. But if we all get off the fence and show some confidence, we’ll get there sooner rather than later.

Around St. Charles County

• Saturday May 2, Garden Tour and Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to noon, Saint Charles County Master Gardeners, University of Missouri Extension Center, 260 Brown Road, Saint Peters, Free
• Friday, May 8, American Cancer Society Relay For Life St. Charles: 6 p.m.-6 a.m., St. Charles West High School Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2009
• Saturday, May 9, St. Charles County Spring Garage Sale: Family Area parking lot, 8:00 am - noon, $5 per car
• Saturday, May 9, Lewis and Clark Heritage Days, Frontier Park, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday/9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase encampment reenactment, Crafts, food, museum tours, period music, children’s games, Fife and Drum Corps parade, Free
• Saturday, May 16, Charity Auction begins at 9 am, Harvest Ridge Elementary School Parking lot - 15 year anniversary Garage Sale of The Woodlands, Whispering Ridge, Heatherbrook, and Nantucket Place neighborhoods
  
• Saturday, May 16, Great River Rendezvous, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Canoe and kayak race on the Mississippi River, Begins in Grafton and ends at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton, Small registration fee donated to the Treehouse Wildlife Center of Madison County
• Saturday, May 16-Sunday, June 7, Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire: Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer Rd., Foristell, Adults-$12; seniors and students, $9; children $6
• Wednesday, May 20, 2009 thru September 16, Music on Main: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Food, drink and live music, Free
• Saturday, May 30, Helmet Safety Check for Kids: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Children’s Hospital professionals, St. Charles City-County Library District, Middendorf-Kredell Library, Free
  

6 Landscaping Tricks That Wow Buyers

In today's market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite.

Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.

1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. "It’s best to use one or two and repeat them," Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.

2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.

3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.

4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn’t resemble an airport runway.

5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn’t just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.

6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.

Source: Michael Glassman, landscape designer, Michael Glassman and Associates, Sacramento, Calif., www.michaelglassman.com

Survey: Households Say Now Good Time to Buy

More than three-quarters (78 percent) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy.

Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68 percent think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.

Prices are the driving motivation for potential first-time home buyers with more than eight of ten first-time home buyers (85 percent) saying they consider current home prices affordable and 73 percent citing that taking advantage of current prices is a major factor in their decision to buy.

Interestingly, potential first-time buyers are still split between “being willing to consider an offer now” (42 percent) and “waiting for prices to go down before they seriously consider making a purchase” (48 percent).

“Current pricing, rates and incentives, such as the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, provide tremendous opportunities for first-time home buyers to get into the market,” said Tom Kunz, Century 21 Real Estate president and CEO. “Our research shows that while consumers still have concerns about the future of the economy, many are actively considering their options as we move into the spring selling season.”

Among the survey’s other key findings:

• Bargains in the marketplace are providing additional options for buyers to consider. 56 percent of potential first-time home buyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed or short sale home, and 63 percent are open to purchasing either a “fixer-upper” or “as-is” home.

• When asked to rate the features that they look for when choosing a home, price is the primary consideration with 87 percent saying this feature is “very important,” followed closely by neighborhood safety (80 percent) and the condition of the home (71 percent).

• Having enough money for a down payment is a top concern of potential first-time home buyers as nearly half (46 percent) said they are “very worried” about the issue.

• Most respondents (86 percent) are in the market for single family homes.

Source: Century 21

4 Questions You Need to Answer Today

1. Why are the prices of homes dropping substantially in today’s market?

Prices are dropping because of the anomaly that occurred during the market boom. Professor Karl Case of Wellesley College and contributing author of the Case-Schiller Home Prices Indices, a quarterly nominal housing price report, looked closely at the appreciation of median home value over five-year increments dating back to 1980 (see chart: "Appreciation Went Into Overdrive"). His research shows that home values appreciated 26.5 percent on average for the 20-year period from 1980 through 2000.

In the six years that followed, average appreciation was 89 percent. Prices are now adjusting to the inconsistent and unsustainable growth that occurred during the first six years of this decade. In other words, the market is not on the decline. Rather, it is moving toward stability, which will mean healthier markets in the future.

2. How do I determine the direction of prices in my market?

Although there are no steadfast rules to determine future pricing, months’ supply of inventory (total inventory divided by the number of houses sold per month) is a great guideline. A normalized or balanced market has five to six months of inventory. If 100 houses sell a month, there should be 500 to 600 houses in active inventory.

Based on this principle, if you have one to two months of inventory, double-digit appreciation is likely to occur. Lack of supply will cause potential buyers to clamor over the few homes that are for sale, which in turn drives prices higher. On the other end of the spectrum—where many markets are right now—there is a seven- to eight-month inventory. With this abundance of supply, there simply aren’t enough buyers to support the number of homes for sale.

Current economic conditions will also have an effect on the direction of pricing, as pricing is directly connected to average income. Traditionally, the national average sales price of a home is two-and-a-half times the average household income. Through the boom years of 2004, 2005, and even into 2006, that ratio was distorted, reaching up to four times the average income. We’re now getting much closer to the 2.5 ratio. However, with unemployment rising, prices may have to drop further to stay in line with the average American family income (see chart: "Lots of Listings = Depressed Prices").

3. Why should I buy now?

Any investment consideration, whether it be real estate, gold, or fine art, follows a predictable cycle with nine stages (see chart: "The Stages of a Market Cycle"). Let’s start with optimism, the period in which many people are excited about buying a home. When the market is strong, people’s purchases quickly increase in value, which leads to euphoria, which can lead to rash decision making.

From euphoria starts a downward cycle. As prices start to fall, buyers go into denial, with statements such as "I’ll be in the house a few years, so this won’t be a challenge." After denial comes fear, as prices continue to fall, followed by panic, despondency, and depression. After depression comes hope and then optimism (back to stage one).

The point of maximum risk for any investment is during the euphoria stage. The point of maximum opportunity is at the lowest point, between despondency and depression. That’s exactly where we are in many real estate markets today. Clients who are motivated and qualified to buy will be able to look at the market cycle chart and understand why now is the best time to invest in real estate.

4. Is homeownership really a good way to build wealth?

According to NAR, home values appreciate 4.5 percent annually on average. That’s a great return; however, very few buyers pay in cash. Most try to put as little cash down as possible. The amount of cash buyers put into their home determines their return on equity, which is the total return on the cash they initially invested. So the return on equity can be astronomical. It’s easy to see that real estate isn’t just a good investment; it’s a great investment.


Source: Steve Harney specializes in negotiation and leadership training. He has been in the industry for more than 20 years, first in sales and then as broker-owner of a 500-associate real estate company. Visit him at www.KeepingCurrentMatters.com.

9 Tips for Homebuyers

As demand for homes is expected to increase this Spring, Bankrate.com offers 9 tips for homebuyers.

Buyers have access to the lowest mortgage rates in years and an $8000 first time home buyer tax credit that does not have to be repaid if the homeowner lives in the home for at least three years. This should improved demand side for the housing market and with these nine tips, buyers should be moving in to their new home soon.

1. Cash is king. With down payment increases from FHA and Fannie Mae, cash has more buying power than before.
2. Negotiate everything. Home sellers will be offering more incentives to sell their home quickly. Consider asking for seller paid closing costs, property taxes, and home association fees.
3. Save for a down payment. Set up a budget and include savings. The ideal goal is for 20% down on your new home.
4. Determine how much home you can afford. Understand what you would like your monthly payment to be before finding out what amount you qualify for.
5. Improve your credit score. Check your credit report for reporting errors, pay your bills on time, and do not cancel or close any open accounts.
6. Research the local housing market. As you work with your local Realtor, search online to find out how long homes have been on the market and what they have sold for. The more you know, the better off you are in negotiating your purchase.
7. Watch for certain neighborhoods. A Realtor will be able to help you avoid traffic issues, zoning changes, and higher crime areas.
8. Consider foreclosed homes. With the number of foreclosed homes on the markets banks should be eager to sell.
9. Look ahead. If you don’t qualify for a mortgage today continue to watch the market and keep up your savings.

For assistance on qualifying for your home purchase or for a Realtor referral contact us directly at JaneNicoletti@schneidersells.com or 636.946.5553 ext. 216.

Source: Bankrate.com
9 Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers in 2009
February 24, 2009

Around St. Charles County

• March 3-8: The American Girl Fashion Show, Academy of the Sacred Heart; Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm - Dessert; Saturday, March 7 at 10am - Breakfast & 2pm - Tea; Sunday, March 8 at 2pm - Tea; Tickets are $40.00
• March 7: Fabulous Baby and Kids Expo, St. Charles Convention Center; 9am-4pm
• March 12-15: Missouri Valley Conference, -St. Charles Family Arena; The tournament weekend begins with a luncheon on March 12, followed by opening-round action starting at 6:05 p.m. The quarterfinals begin at noon on March 13, with the semifinals starting at 5:05 p.m. on March 14. The tourney concludes with a 3:05 p.m. championship game on March 15.
• March 15: Crescendo Concert Series, First United Methodist Church; Concert on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM with a pre-concert talk at 2:30
• March 21: Moolah Shrine Parade, Starting Noon at the north end of Riverside
• March 26-29: Moolah Shrine Circus. St. Charles Family Arena; Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm Friday, March 27at 7:00pm Saturday, March 28 at 10am, 2:30pm, & 7:30pm Sunday, March 29:30pm & 6pm Tickets: General admission $13.50 Reserve $18.50 VIP $28.50 Executive VIP $36.50 (Tickets on sale now)
• March 28- April 4: New Melle Passion Play, New Melle Sports Center; Performances are Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m, Free