Showing posts with label Wentzville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wentzville. Show all posts
Monday, June 22, 2009
Villa for Sale in Wentzville
http://vu.realbiz360.com/Listing-171985.html Click here to see a Virtual Tour of a fantastic villa listing in Beautiful Villa's at Huntsdale. This unit has everything you're looking for - 4 bedrooms, oversized deck, nice landscaping, privacy, finished lower level- custom features- call for a private showing. Jane 314-707-0902
Friday, May 1, 2009
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
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Going Green Clinches The Sale
Green is the hot color right now and should be your color too when you sell or buy a home. Becoming attuned to the current eco-movement will make a huge difference. As a seller, you will boost the value of your home with eco-friendly improvements and give your real estate agent more features to highlight that will set your home apart from the rest.
Buyers are much smarter about their home purchases and want lasting value for the money; an energy efficient system that saves on utilities; and a clean, healthy place to live. Given the current real market, a buyer has the upper advantage and green may very well clinch the sale.
Here are some smart eco-improvements that will attract buyers and sell your house faster.
Breathe Easy
Applying a fresh coat of paint is a standard way of freshening up a home, but you really don’t want that “fresh paint” smell. To make it more comfortable and physically healthy for potential buyers, use paint low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This paint is readily available and comes in a wide array of colors.
The Hogs In The Kitchen
Two rooms attract the most attention from buyers–the kitchen and the bathroom. Here’s where you can really shine and show buyers you care about their utility bills. Upgrade old appliances with new Energy Star certified models. While this may seem expensive on the front end, the replacements will more than pay for themselves on the back end and increase traffic.
Don’t Take It For Granited
While we’re in the kitchen, take a look at those countertops. But here’s the deal; don’t automatically assume that granite is the way to go for replacement. Granite countertops may still impress some buyers, but true trendsetters will be on the lookout for kitchens that incorporate some of the hottest new materials. So, what about paper? That’s right, paper. Compressed post-recycled paper sealed with resin makes an extremely durable countertop. It’s less expensive than granite–which is not a renewable resource–and has a warm, sleek feel. Maintenance is low too. A yearly application of mineral oil will keep the countertop looking fresh and new.
Drips Are Out
Leaky faucets, showerheads and old toilets are not selling points. Now’s the time to install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. Did you know that showers account for 22% of the individual water use in North America? That racks up really big water and utility bills and rates will continue to rise. Take a look at that toilet too. It’s the biggest water user in the house. By installing a low water usage unit, you can save around 2,000 gallons of water a year.
It Makes Scents
Potential home buyers get a feel for a property as soon as they arrive. To give your visitors a preview of what’s inside, arrange fresh plants new the front door. Especially effective are scented geraniums and herbs that offer an aromatic experience. To spruce up your landscaping, support your state and choose native Missouri plants that grow well in local soil and weather conditions. Inside, remove any chemical room fresheners and display herbs, especially in the kitchen.
Flaunt It
When you go green to sell your home, make sure that potential buyers know about your efforts. Discrete signs here and there, noting low VOC paint, Energy Star appliances, low water usage products and native plants show that you care about your environment and that of the new owner.
For sellers who use eco-friendly techniques, your property has an edge on the competition. Take advantage of these smart tips to be green and earn more green!
Buyers are much smarter about their home purchases and want lasting value for the money; an energy efficient system that saves on utilities; and a clean, healthy place to live. Given the current real market, a buyer has the upper advantage and green may very well clinch the sale.
Here are some smart eco-improvements that will attract buyers and sell your house faster.
Breathe Easy
Applying a fresh coat of paint is a standard way of freshening up a home, but you really don’t want that “fresh paint” smell. To make it more comfortable and physically healthy for potential buyers, use paint low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This paint is readily available and comes in a wide array of colors.
The Hogs In The Kitchen
Two rooms attract the most attention from buyers–the kitchen and the bathroom. Here’s where you can really shine and show buyers you care about their utility bills. Upgrade old appliances with new Energy Star certified models. While this may seem expensive on the front end, the replacements will more than pay for themselves on the back end and increase traffic.
Don’t Take It For Granited
While we’re in the kitchen, take a look at those countertops. But here’s the deal; don’t automatically assume that granite is the way to go for replacement. Granite countertops may still impress some buyers, but true trendsetters will be on the lookout for kitchens that incorporate some of the hottest new materials. So, what about paper? That’s right, paper. Compressed post-recycled paper sealed with resin makes an extremely durable countertop. It’s less expensive than granite–which is not a renewable resource–and has a warm, sleek feel. Maintenance is low too. A yearly application of mineral oil will keep the countertop looking fresh and new.
Drips Are Out
Leaky faucets, showerheads and old toilets are not selling points. Now’s the time to install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. Did you know that showers account for 22% of the individual water use in North America? That racks up really big water and utility bills and rates will continue to rise. Take a look at that toilet too. It’s the biggest water user in the house. By installing a low water usage unit, you can save around 2,000 gallons of water a year.
It Makes Scents
Potential home buyers get a feel for a property as soon as they arrive. To give your visitors a preview of what’s inside, arrange fresh plants new the front door. Especially effective are scented geraniums and herbs that offer an aromatic experience. To spruce up your landscaping, support your state and choose native Missouri plants that grow well in local soil and weather conditions. Inside, remove any chemical room fresheners and display herbs, especially in the kitchen.
Flaunt It
When you go green to sell your home, make sure that potential buyers know about your efforts. Discrete signs here and there, noting low VOC paint, Energy Star appliances, low water usage products and native plants show that you care about your environment and that of the new owner.
For sellers who use eco-friendly techniques, your property has an edge on the competition. Take advantage of these smart tips to be green and earn more green!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
'Psychological' Blueprint Helps House Hunters
Environmental psychologist Toby Israel, author of a new book, Some Place Like Home: Using Design Psychology to Create Ideal Place, says people’s childhood homes have a profound effect on what kinds of homes they like best.
Before anyone buys, builds, rents or remodels, Israel believes they should consider what kinds of living spaces satisfy them, she says.
One exercise she recommends for anyone searching for a home is to draw a timeline of all the places they've lived for six months or more and circle those that they liked the best, then describe why. She calls the result a "design psychology blueprint" that can help a real estate professional identify what a client really wants.
Source: Star-Tribune, Jim Buchta (03/14/2009)
Before anyone buys, builds, rents or remodels, Israel believes they should consider what kinds of living spaces satisfy them, she says.
One exercise she recommends for anyone searching for a home is to draw a timeline of all the places they've lived for six months or more and circle those that they liked the best, then describe why. She calls the result a "design psychology blueprint" that can help a real estate professional identify what a client really wants.
Source: Star-Tribune, Jim Buchta (03/14/2009)
Monday, April 13, 2009
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:
Source: 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
Monday, March 23, 2009
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.
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
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.
- Cash is king. With down payment increases from FHA and Fannie Mae, cash has more buying power than before.
- 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.
- Save for a down payment. Set up a budget and include savings. The ideal goal is for 20% down on your new home.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Watch for certain neighborhoods. A Realtor will be able to help you avoid traffic issues, zoning changes, and higher crime areas.
- Consider foreclosed homes. With the number of foreclosed homes on the markets banks should be eager to sell.
- 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
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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
Friday, February 27, 2009
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