Friday, March 12, 2010

MIssouri transfer tax on real estate tax

Say YesToSaveHomes.com and no to a transfer tax on real estate sales

Yet another tax on real estate transfers is double taxation. A petition drive to prohibit the tax would protect buyers and sellers from additional expense.

With deficit budgets and declining revenues, legislators are looking for new sources of revenue and a transfer tax on real estate sales is potentially viable. The Missouri Association of REALTORS® (MAR) is working proactively to prohibit such a tax in Missouri by sponsoring a grassroots petition drive to place a state constitutional amendment on the November ballot prohibiting such a tax.

A transfer tax is a tax levied by a governmental entity when ownership of a home, land or other real estate properties. When the tax is approved by legislators, the rate can be increased without a popular vote.

Homeowners already pay property taxes and Realtors consider a transfer tax as double taxation. The tax would also lower homeowner equity, negatively affect the buying and selling process, and target property owners and lower income residents equally.

To engage public support and encourage Missourians to sign the petition, the MAR website YesToSaveHomes.com is a convenient way to learn more about this initiative and register your support for no tax transfer fees. The group needs more 157,000 signatures from registered voters to place the amendment on the November ballot.

Here is the proposed amendment: "Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?"

Because of the wording required by the Missouri Secretary of State, a vote of “yes” is necessary to pass the amendment. When it comes to tax increases, voters are used to a “no” response, but in this case that would be a vote for transfer taxes.

The past few years have been difficult at best for Missourians and additional taxation will only have a negative impact. Thirty-seven states have a transfer tax; Missouri Realtors want to head off taxation in this state so as not to be the 38th state.

St. Charles County Real Estate

Written by Myra Vandersall

Monday, March 8, 2010

Home staging is vital for quick sell, best price

Staging increases your chances of a quick sell, reduces the time on the market, and supports your asking price.

Making your home alluring for potential buyers is a smart move in today’s real estate market. In fact, staging your home is now almost a must-do for a quick sell and the best price. The Internet has drastically changed how potential buyers initially shop for a home, and crisp, bright photos on a webpage are essential.

Home staging can take many forms, from the homeowner staging for little or no money, to hiring a professional stager to using the virtual staging technique. The two most important concepts of staging are valid for all methods–de-clutter and depersonalize.

Before doing anything, remove all clutter and personal effects, including that family photo on the mantel, the kids’ artwork on the refrigerator, the kitchen magnets and all those theme-room knick knacks. Sometimes this is a very hard thing to do because of the personal memories and comfort of living with your “stuff.”

Once you’ve done a de-cluttering and de-personalizing sweep, ask a friend or neighbor to come in a point out more things that should go. There will always be more and someone with an impersonal view can help you open up the space and show off your house to its best advantage. All your personal items will become an integral part of your new home. But right now you want a buyer to see their stuff in the house.

De-cluttering also has the added plus of helping you get organized for your move, and sorting thorough things that can be recycled, donated or thrown away. You’ll be ahead in the long run.

Next, remove excess furniture. Large, bulky pieces will make your home seem smaller and give a false perspective. Arrange your furniture in a conversational setting and let the room breathe with extra space.

If you have a fireplace, that should be the focus of your room. Remove the television; a flat-screen shouldn’t be the center of attention. If your fireplace has some black soot, it can be cleaned and even repainted.

Painting will be a big part of your home staging. Repainting an area makes it fresh and covers the scuff marks. You don’t have to stick to a neutral color—there are many softer shades of beige, light yellow, blue and green that will make an impression on potential buyers.

In the kitchen, remove ALL appliances from the countertops. This is extremely important if you have a small kitchen and need to create more countertop space. And as in the bathroom, cleaning and updating are the two most important tasks for these rooms. Kitchens and baths attract the most dirt, so showing a sparkling area will make a big difference.

A relatively new technique in home staging is virtual staging. This is used mostly with homes that are vacant and don’t show up to their potential. Virtual home stagers use computers to work with photos of the house and create a concept of the room, from changing the paint, placing furniture, lighting, and accessories.

This makes a better impression for potential buyers as viewed on the Internet, and can be less expensive than hiring a home stager and renting furniture. The trick here is to use prominent disclaimers saying that the property has been digitally enhanced to show the rooms can look with good design. Otherwise, a potential buyer who views the home online and sees a totally different looking house upon visiting will feel deceived and consider the treatment unethical.

More information on home preparing your home for sale and Home Buying Institute’s website.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Sunday, February 28, 2010

March Calendar

Through March 28
2010 Orchid Show
Missouri Botanical Garden
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Annual orchid show features more than 800 orchids from the Garden’s world-class collection in a lush garden of French-inspired design. Winding streets lead to a French bistro beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
$5 plus garden admission
Free for member

Friday, March 5
Star Parties
St. Louis Science Center Planetarium
6:45 p.m.
Visitors are treated to viewing the night sky through telescopes at the Planetarium. Members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will be on hand to answer questions. Included is a viewing of “The Sky Tonight” in the Orthwein Starbay. For night sky updates, call 314-289-4453

Saturday, March 6
St. Louis Moolah Shrine Parade
N. Riverside Dr.
Noon
The 68th annual Shrine Circus Parade will be held in historic St. Charles, beginning on N. Riverside Dr. and ending in the parking area at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center. More than 100 parade units will entertain parade viewers. Also, the Moolah little cars, national grand champion marching bands, the Wehrenberg Calliope and the Schnucks giant shopping cart.
Free

Thursday, March 11-Sunday, March 14
Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament
Family Arena
The 15th annual women’s tourney features 10 league schools with opening round action beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday and the championship game on Sunday. For details go to the Missouri Valley Conference website.

Thursday, March 11
Caregiving: What to do in emergencies
1-2:30 p.m.
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
Learn what you can do to prepare for an emergency and do what’s best for your loved one to minimize stress. Call 636.928.9355 to register.
Free

Thursday, March 18-Sunday, March 21
St. Louis Moolah Shrine Circus
Family Arena
Thurs., March 18, 7:00 p.m.; Fri., March 19, 10:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sat., March 20, 10:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 7:30 pm
Sun., March 21, 1:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m.
Hearing Impaired Performance: Sun., March 21, 1:30 p.m.
Shrine Circus comes to town with trapeze artists, clowns, tigers, elephants and carnival food and much more. Attendees can ride elephants and ponies at this family-centered event. For ticket info, go to the Moolah Shrine Circus website.

Friday, March 26
Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea in Missouri
10 a.m. – noon
St. Charles Community College
Dianne Moran, folklorist/naturalist and Chautauqua scholar will portray the story of Sacagawea, a Plains Indian woman, and how she helped Meriwether Lewis and William Clark secure their place in history as great explorers. Sacagawea visited St. Louis in 1809.
Fee: $15

Sunday, March 28
Spring Concert
Lindenwood University Cultural Center
2 p.m.
The St. Charles Municipal Band & Community Big (Jazz) Band present their annual spring concert. The Municipal Band, under the direction of Nancy Garza, will open its 140th season with a concert of contemporary American music. An Intermission will feature complimentary cookies & refreshments. The Big (Jazz) Band with vocalist concludes the afternoon's performance with swing and contemporary jazz.

Tuesday, March 30
New Trail-Dardene Creek
9:30 a.m.
Explore the back woods of St. Peters. Approximately 3-5 miles, mostly flat, partially paved trail. Meet at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Road, St Peters, MO, near trailhead.
Free

St. Charles County Real Estate

Written by Myra Vandersall

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Builder confidence increases as constructio of new homes rises in January

The federal tax credit program is a major component in the optimistic report

Builders are feeling a bit more positive and are looking toward the spring construction season to pump up sales of new single-family construction. The National Association of Home Builders reports that their market index survey results went up two points to 17, the highest level since November 2009. Regionally, the Midwest and South measured a two-point gain to 13.

NAHB chief economist David Crowe says that builders are beginning to see the results of the homebuyer tax credit combined with still low interest rates. Add the beginning of job stabilization and builders see their future with a sense of optimism.

Also on the plus side, housing construction posted an increase in January, rising to 2.8 percent with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 591,000 units, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. That department also cites the tax credit program as a major influence for the positive uptake.

Tax credits of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers will expire on June 30, 2010. To qualify the buyer must have a contract in force by April 30. Another set of tax credits is available through the stimulus program’s energy-efficient upgrades. Homeowners can receive up to a $1,500 tax credit for energy-efficient improvements, including exterior doors and windows, heating and cooling systems and insulation. That program expires on December 31, 2010.

On a statewide basis, Missouri is taking action to increase home buying with the $15 million Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement program (HOPE), which offers credits on a homebuyer’s real estate bill, up to $1,250. Energy efficiency also kicks in here; approved homebuyers may be eligible to receive an additional amount if they purchase a qualified, newly-constructed energy-efficient home; buy an existing home and remodel it; or purchase Energy-Star® appliances.

With all of these incentives, low interest rates and lower sale prices, now is the time to buy before April 30. Contact St. Charles County Real Estate - SCHNEIDER Real Estate.


Written by Myra Vandersall

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Foreclosures dip in St. Louis region; HUD relaxes rules for quick resale

HUD’s actions will help speed foreclosure sales and protect against predatory flippers.

With the housing industry still facing recovery challenges in 2010, there is some good news in the St. Louis area. Foreclosure activity from December to January declined by five percent, according to RealtyTrac. This is the second straight month that action on foreclosed property decreased here. Nationally 23 percent of homeowners owe more than their house is worth, while in our area that total is 15 percent.

Considering the continued foreclosure crisis, neighborhood stabilization and access to affordable housing is on HUD’s fast track. The agency has expanded access to FHA mortgage insurance and allow for quick resale. This change is a temporary one but will give buyers the ability to resell the home within 90 days.

HUD secretary Shaun Donovan emphasized the new policy has very strict boundaries to make certain that predatory practices such as reselling at inflated prices to unsuspecting borrowers won’t happen. “The FHA has an opportunity to fulfill its mission by helping many homebuyers find affordable housing and contribute to neighborhood stabilization,” he says.

The criteria is limited to these general factors:
  • All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction.
  • In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller’s acquisition cost, the waiver will only apply if the lender meets specific conditions.
  • The waiver is limited to forward mortgages, and does not apply to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for purchase program.

Learn more about this opportunity. Contact your St. Charles County Real Estate SCHNEIDER agent and visit the HUD website for detailed information.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Thursday, February 18, 2010

10 Features Home Buyers Want

Upcoming home shows will showcase the must-haves

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

And what are the hottest must-haves now? Avid Ratings identified these buyer preferences:
  1. Large kitchens with islands
  2. Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation and high- efficiency windows
  3. Main floor master suite
  4. Soaking tub in the master suite plus an oversized shower with seating area
  5. Home offices
  6. Outdoor living space
  7. Two-car garages, but three-car is even better
  8. Brick and stone exteriors instead of stucco or vinyl
  9. Community walking paths and playgrounds
  10. Ceiling fans

Potential buyers will have the opportunity to see these features at two upcoming home shows. The St. Louis Home Show is set for February 25-28 at the America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome. More than 600 exhibitors will be happy to show off their products and services. Plus, the event includes a garden and spa show, just in time to get homeowners excited about sprucing up curb appeal. Discount coupons are available at Schnucks.

The 2010 Builders St. Charles Home Show will happen April 23-25 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Admission is free. Celebrity speakers and interactive events make this show a positive experience. More about this show in April.

Visit St. Charles County Real Estate

Written by Myra Vandersall

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Going green with remodeling projects increases your home’s saleability

Earth friendly flooring, wallboard, insulation and roofs can bring in more potential buyers and do some good for the earth we live on.

As the selling season comes into sight, plans should be underway to spruce up your home with some remodeling projects. Last time we talked about small projects that have the best return dollar-for-dollar, such as changing out the tile in the kitchen and bath, re-facing cabinets and installing energy efficient appliances.

Making those improvements with earth-friendly materials will take your results to a higher level. Green materials have both financial and safety advantages.

Insulation is a must and most homes are under insulated. Natural based insulation is very popular now, such as recycled newspaper or cotton fiber, including recycled denim pieces. This insulation is soft, easy to handle and is treated to be fire resistant. There is no formaldehyde or other chemicals added to the product.

Wallboard can be a mold magnet, but by using gypsum, which has a moisture-resistant core, mold is no longer a problem. And, gypsum wallboard helps to maintain healthy air inside.

Heat rises–to the roof. In addition to quality insulation on the inside, a cool metal roof on the outside can save up to 30 percent on cooling bills. The metal roof lasts twice as long a conventional roof, and is resistant to fire, wind and hail.

Going green with flooring is another important factor in home remodeling. Linoleum is an excellent choice now. Yes, linoleum, but this product is far different than the linos in the 1950s kitchens of the past. The new linoleum is made from linseed oil, rosin, wood flour cork flour and limestone, all renewable resources and by-products of other manufacturing processes. This flooring is beautiful, designer-friendly and requires no major cleaning techniques.

To learn more about ways to live a greener life, check out the EarthWays Living the Green Life at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This interactive exhibit, which runs through March 14, is included in the Garden admission.

Written by Myra Vandersall