Why Now May Be the Best Time to Sell in St Louis!

After the real estate crash, many homeowners suddenly found themselves renters again. And younger generations dreaming of home ownership waited in the rental shadows, biding their time.
The result was a rental frenzy that actually drove rental costs through the roof. In some areas of the country, recent rental rates have far exceeded the monthly cost of home ownership! Now many experts are saying it looks like they’ve finally reached their limit and renters are returning to buying.

What does that mean for St Louis homeowners looking for a good time to sell? It means SELL NOW!

During the rental-mania, there was an abundance of home listings and not enough buyers; particularly because so many home owners were resolving to foreclosure or sell via short sale. Finding qualified buyers was a challenge and competition for them was fierce.
Now we are seeing many areas in St Louis trending back to favoring homeowners and not buyers! With renters on the hunt for a great deal, there’s not going to be enough housing inventory to go around.
The other sellers’ advantage is that you can be more conservative when pricing your home. Don’t overprice it, of course, but with a flurry of renters looking to buy, you can take advantage of the shortage and will get a better price for your home than you would have a couple of years ago.
One more advantage to selling right now? Potential buyers are even more eager this year because interest rates are still at historical lows. It’s also another reason why they may be willing to pay a little bit more for a home, knowing that they’ll be saving so much on their interest.
The key is to know who your target market is and work with a listing agent who can help you to find the buyers that are right for your home.

So, if you’ve been biding your time, waiting to sell, now may be it!

Talk to a local listing agent to discuss the market conditions in your area.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!

What to Do Before You Sell
Tips for Working with and Choosing a Listing Agent

How St. Louis Homeowners Can Prepare for the Big Move

Deciding to sell your home is a major step, and it may be something you’ve been thinking about for a while now. Before just diving in, though, follow these tips to make the process go more smoothly.

• Get your paperwork in order. Make sure you have a good record of home repairs and upgrades you’ve made over the years. This will come in handy when your listing agent and potential buyers want to know what’s been done to the house. And it’s a realistic place to start because it will give you a foundation for the current condition of your home.

• Clean! If there’s a closet you’ve been ignoring for years, or your basement has become littered with items you’ve tossed aside, now is the time to clear it out. If you try to show and sell a home that looks like a rummage sale, you may find it difficult to persuade buyers. A clean and organized home will show well and be much more appealing to buyers. It will also make it easier on you once it comes time to pack up and move!
• Do your homework. A listing agent will help with this, as well, but it never hurts to browse through the neighborhood to see what your competition looks like. How many homes are for sale on your block? What are their listing prices? How long have they been on the market? Get a good picture of what’s going on in your neighborhood and share any information you have with your agent. This will also give you a realistic picture of what you might expect with your home.
• Find a listing agent. Many homeowners decide to go it alone, but in today’s complicated housing market, it’s best to have the help of a professional. They’ll help you consider which home repairs, if any, actually need to be made, help you to price your home right, market it for you and bring in buyers’ agents to look; and all with experience and expertise. Now is not the best time to try and navigate the new real estate environment and laws on your own.

Preparation can make any process easier, and selling your home is no exception. The more organized you are from the beginning, the easier it will be. And with the guidance of a local listing agent, you’ll be sure to not miss any crucial steps.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!

Tips for Working with and Choosing a Listing Agent
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now

How to Get the Most out of this Useful Relationship!

Deciding to sell your home, whatever the reasons may be, is personal. So when you choose to obtain the expertise and professional help of a listing agent, you want to work with somebody whom you like and trust.
That being said, it is a relationship; a working one, albeit, but a relationship none-the-less. To make the most of your time with your listing agent, follow these useful tips.

• Set expectations

Be honest with your listing agent about your time restrictions, communication style, and what you’re looking for from her. A listing agents’ job is to make your home as visible and appealing as possible to buyers and to get you the best price conceivable in the end. They can only do that if they know what your expectations are and what you need from them. Don’t be afraid to tell the agent what you want, but also listen to what they have to say. Setting up the expectations upfront is the key to avoiding possibly conflict down the road.

• Be on time.

Keep in mind that your listing agent is working for free until your home sells, so this is a matter of courtesy, first-and-foremost. In addition, your appointments with your listing agent are important parts of the process and will help you to sell your home quicker. The more cooperative you are in keeping these critical appointments, the better your listing agent can represent you and your home.

• Follow their advice.

Your listing agent can be the best marketer in the world, and draw plenty of buyers to your home, but if potential buyers show up to a wreck, they’re likely to walk right back out. If your agent advises you to keep the house tidy, empty the dishes from the sink, or mow the lawn, know that they aren’t criticizing your housekeeping. They understand that life gets hectic. But they are trying to help you out. They’re experts at knowing the best way to present and sell a home, so try to be respectful of their advice and follow it as best you can.

While some of this may seem like common sense, they’re very important reminders.

When trying to sell your St Louis home, it’s easy to get caught up in preparing for the next step, and forget to stop and pay attention to what’s happening now.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now
Determining your Home’s Worth in St. Louis, Missouri

This one was off of Clark road in Webster Groves.

If you are thinking of selling, now is a great time to sell!

Signs it’s the Right Time to Sell Your St. Louis Home

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently highlighted some healthy real estate trends in our area that could possibly signify that it’s a good time to put your home on the market.
If it’s a question you’ve been struggling with during the recent unrest of the real estate market, then consider talking to your local realtor about these inspiring trends, and have them take a closer look at your neighborhood, in particular.

• First of all, home prices are slowly creeping upward.

  It’s not a massive increase, compared to other areas of the country, but it doesn’t need to be because the St. Louis housing market wasn’t hit as hard as some other areas. If the listing price of your home has kept you from moving forward, then think about having your local realtor do some research and give you an updated quote. You may be surprised at how much you can get these days.

• Second, there are still an abundance of distressed properties in the area, which may seem like a bad thing.

  However, if your home is in decent condition, and you’re not upside-down on the mortgage, then the market may need your home! Certain areas are in need of good housing inventory, so talk to a realtor about the situation in your community.

• Finally, interest rates for buyers are still at historical lows, so potential buyers are definitely out there.

  Take advantage of this trend while it’s alive and well, because there is no guarantee of how long mortgage loan rates will remain so affordable for your prospective buyers.

The best indicator that it’s time to sell your home is talking to a professional. They’ll be able to gauge your selling-power, trends in your own neighborhood, your personal financial situation, and more.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!

Determining your Home’s Worth in St. Louis, Missouri
Home Renovations That Actually Pay-Off

3044 Watson, St Louis, MO 63139-2635 (MLS # 13016352)

What a BEAUTIFUL home...and its only 7 years old??? This is a GREAT find! Get all the perks of a newer 7 year old home - great OPEN layout, huge closets, master bedroom suite...and in the south city you know and love! There truly aren't many houses like this gem in the area. Take a look at it before its too late! Additional features include - hardwood floors, large private deck off the master bedroom that helps create a private oasis, SO MUCH ROOM and sq footage, bonus room in upper level and laundry up there. An incredibly convenient location near parks, great restaurants, shopping and highway access. Also get to park in your attached 2 car garage!

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	4/30/2013	Tract	Highland Park Add
Year Built	2006	Community	South City
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	St Louis City
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	57

Price History

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #13016352)

If you are looking to put your home on the market in St. Louis, the first thing you have to do is determine its value. There are several ways in which you can do this. You can research the homes around your area to get a ballpark figure and you can speak with a professional realtor who will come and take a look at your home. There are several factors that affect the value of your home including:
• Age of the home
• Recent renovations
• Square footage
• Selling price of homes near yours
• Condition of the home
• Condition of nearby homes
• Number of Bedrooms
• Style of your house Vs the comparable properties

Each of these factors will have a significant bearing on your home’s value and you may be surprised to find out that your home is worth more – or less – than you expected.

Research it on Your Own

Even without intricate real estate knowledge, you can get a general idea on your home’s value by visiting websites such as Trulia.com or Zillow.com. They list the average selling and listing prices in your neighborhood and also estimate the value of your home. The main thing to consider with using these websites is that they rely on public records to create the listings and not all public records are accurate.
Visiting the websites, however, can at least give you an insight on what to expect.

Word of Caution

Do NOT use zillow’s ‘zestimate’ to determine your properties value. I have seen ‘zestimates’ before that were off by over 100K on a properties worth. The ‘zestimate’ is merely a computer algorithm and it has no way of measuring the condition of a home and then comparing that condition to the other sold properties.

Three Ways I Evaluate Property Value

The first way is that I take market data and measure appreciation and depreciation from when you bought the house to present day. This is a big picture way to evaluate properties, but is a good way to see what your area as a whole has done over the course of your ownership.
How this works is that we take houses that are within 5 miles of your property, that were bought within a year of when you bought your house AND have sold within the last year. We then calculate how much each property appreciates or depreciated and can use this data as a measuring stick to what your property is worth.
Of course if you dumped money into your house or ‘stole’ it and got a incredibly good deal when you bought it we have to make adjustments.
The second way is what I call the comparable method. I basically try and find the most like properties to yours that are as close as possible to your house. A ideal situation for this method is to have your next door neighbor’s house sell. The house sold yesterday, and is identical to your house in every way.
In this scenario, that one property is enough information to value your property. The problem with this scenario is that over the past 5 years of being in real estate, and having sold over 300 houses in my career, I have never actually had this happen.
Even if a house is very similar, the yard might be different, or one kitchen may be updated with granite will the other is original countertops. So typically you will need to take a small sampling of very similar properties and come up with the value that way.
The third way that I evaluate properties is by dollars per square foot. I will a macro sampling of sold properties in your area. I’m not as concerned with getting exact comparables to your house, but any outliers will be thrown out. For example, if you live in a ranch, I would generally throw out all non-ranch homes.
I then calculate the average dollars per square foot that homes have sold for in your area, which gives you yet another measuring stick for your house’s value. Depending on the condition and location of your home, you may be exactly average, you may be quite a bit below average or if your house is completely updated you may be able to fetch the high end of what your area’s houses sell for.

End of the Day – Contact a Professional

The best way to get an accurate idea of the overall value of your home is to speak with a professional realtor. A realtor can provide you with a Comparable Market Analysis – also known and referred to as a CMA. CMAs take into consideration many of the above factors and compare them with homes in your area that are similar in size, construction, amenities and location.

Word of caution

make sure you know that amount of experience your realtor has, and don’t confuse age for experience. I know many realtors that are twice my age that have not sold even a third of the homes that I already have in my career. Ask them how many houses have they sold in their career, AND how many houses did they sell last year.
Typically, while the CMA will reveal the details about similar homes in your area that are either up for sale or under contract, until they are sold, you cannot count a home as a comparable and should not use properties that are on the market as a measuring stick for how much your house is worth.
A professional agent will be able to help you evaluate all of the factors and make an educated decision as to what is best for you and your family.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!
Home Renovations That Actually Pay-Off
Long-Awaited ‘Qualified Mortgage Rule’ Released

4018 Manhattan Avenue, St Peters, MO 63376-6544 (MLS # 13010302)

Possible Short Sale. This wonderful split level home is ready for a new owner and that could be you! It has a newer roof (2 years). The pride of ownership shows through out this home. The large back yard us great for all your entertaining needs and your pets will love it! The deck is a great place to enjoy those summer evenings with family and friends. This Saint Peters home is in the highly rated Saint Charles School District. You must see this home that is priced to sell immediately!

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	4/28/2013	Tract	Cave Spgs Estate 04
Year Built	1979	Community	St. Charles
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	St Charles
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	51

Price History

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #13010302)

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 13011713 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

4412 Pennsylvania Avenue, St Louis, MO 63111-1211 (MLS # 13012221)

**Possible Short Sale** The pride of ownership is evident in this home from the moment you walk up to the front door. The home has been completed renovated inside over the years and shows the love and care of the owners. The warm living room opens into an oversized kitchen/dinning room combination. The eat-in kitchen area opens onto a nice sized backyard with fruit trees and garden area. As you walk upstairs the period millwork on the bannister will bring back memories of yesteryear. The two bedrooms upstairs are nice sized. The oversized lot also provides a wonderful patio on the side of the house for those summer evenings entertaining friends and family. The upstairs has a quiet balcony for enjoying a peaceful morning or washing away the stress of the workday. You must see this home as it will not last long.

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	5/20/2013	Tract	St Anthony Add
Year Built	1895	Community	South City
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	St Louis City
Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	58

Price History

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #13012221)

(And a Few That Don’t)
Choosing which home repairs and renovations to spend your hard-earned money on can be particularly challenging, especially if you plan on selling your St Louis home someday. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there about which repairs, upgrades and renovations will actually pay off when it comes time to sell your home. And it could cost you a pretty penny in the end!
If you’re thinking of selling your St Louis home, and want to prepare it to get the best possible price, then follow these tips for making repairs and renovations that will actually pay off at the closing table.

First of all, simple maintenance and repairs

will generally give you the most ‘bang for your buck’. Cleaning everything thoroughly, decluttering your whole house, and painting rooms neutral colors like kilm beige from Sherwin Williams will help your house sell faster and for more money. Fancy upgrades won’t mean much to your potential buyers if they have to crawl over the huge kitchen table that takes up the entire room. Decluttering large furniture in small spaces can do wonders to your house’s appeal to buyers. So, before jumping into any aesthetic renovations or upgrades, make sure that the basics are all taken care of first.

If the basics are in good condition, then a good rule-of-thumb with renovations is to focus on the kitchen or bathrooms first.

Buyers that fall in love with your home’s kitchen and bathrooms are buyers that end up writing offers on your house. Hands down, these are the most popular rooms in any home, and potential buyers will always be drawn to an upgraded kitchen or bath. If your funds are limited, but you still want to spruce these rooms up a bit, consider making simple improvements like adding new hardware and paint. Modern sinks are always a plus, as well, and don’t cost nearly as much as a marble countertop or expanded square feet.

Keep in mind that extravagant renovations are sometimes ok, but they don’t pay off nearly as well in weak real estate markets as they do in strong ones.

And while our housing market in St. Louis is definitely on the rise and gaining strength, it’s still in rebound mode, and not yet at its best. Your best bet is to choose smart renovations that will make your home noticeable, but aren’t so extravagant that they exceed the means of your potential buyers.

Last, but not least, think ‘Curb Appeal.’<./h2> The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see; usually via pictures before they even arrive. One upgrade that can provide major bang for your buck is new siding. The cost is relatively low compared to what buyers will be willing to pay for it. It means low-maintenance for them, and it’s aesthetically pleasing, which will make the home more inviting from the get-go.

When deciding on home renovations and upgrades, there are a few you should generally avoid

Swimming pools, manicured gardens, and customized windows, in particular, may seem like great ideas, but you’re not likely to get your money back when you sell. These types of upgrades mean high-maintenance, high-cost for the buyer, and they’re usually not willing to pay extra for them at the closing table.

At the end of the day, you have to make repairs, renovations and upgrades that make sense in your neighborhood, your home, and your current housing market, when you’re preparing your home to sell.

I couldn’t recommend more that you consult a qualified real estate professional to help you make any and all decisions on your house.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!
My St Louis House has been on the Market for Months, Why Hasn’t it Sold?
Long-Awaited ‘Qualified Mortgage Rule’ Released

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 13011458 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

And What it Means for the St. Louis Housing Market

While things have been steadily improving for housing markets across the nation, all eyes have remained on the federal government while they hashed out the new mortgage lending rules. At long last, on January 10th, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a general rule that provides consumer protection from lending companies, balanced with access to fair mortgage credit. In other words, the destructive lending, which led to the housing crash in the first place, is finally being addressed.

So, what does this mean for the St. Louis housing market?

First of all, the most observable result of this rule is that borrowers and potential home buyers will have to meet stricter guidelines in order to get a loan that they actually qualify for and can realistically pay back. This means no more 5-bedroom homes complete with backyard pool for folks who can barely pay for groceries.

If you’re a homeowner looking to sell, the benefits are less obvious; but they’re there, none-the-less. In recent years, if you were trying to sell your home, you might have wasted a lot of time with potential buyers who ended up pulling out, weren’t serious about the process, or found out they didn’t qualify at the closing table. (It’s happened!) That would have meant a lot of extra work for you, and many upsets along the way.

With the new rules, sellers will see a whole new set of prospective buyers; ones who are shopping within their means. This means that you should see more credible buyers showing up to view your home and ones who are more likely to make it through the lending process.
This may seem like a small thing, but it’s huge for those of you who have experienced unqualified buyers before, and the drawbacks that it inflicted.

For more details on the new lending rules, and what they mean for sellers, contact a local a listing agent who can walk you through all the details.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!
How to Prepare Your St. Louis Home for SaleMy St Louis House has been on the Market for Months, Why Hasn’t it Sold?

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 13006964 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

My St Louis House has been on the Market for Months, Why Hasn’t it Sold?

With the housing market in its current state, there is one thing that is certain. Today, it is a buyer’s market and this can lead to your home sitting on the market longer than you want or expect. In order to get your home sold, you need to evaluate the current situation – what is being done to help sell your home, and what areas can you improve on?

Reasons Why Your House is Not Selling

Playing the waiting game can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you had expectations that your home would sell quickly. There are several reasons why your home may not be selling

• Lack of Features

  Todays home buyers are looking for convenient homes. They look for homes that include appliances, often the washer and dryer. Despite the fact that they may not get used, gourmet kitchens are in hot demand too. Not every home has these features, however, and you have to price your home accordingly. List your home too high and you will find that it sits idle for quite some time. Working with a qualified real estate agent can ensure you list your home at a price that is right for both you as a seller, and the home buyer.

• Lack of Quality Marketing

  When you hire a realtor to sell your home, you want someone who is going to make every effort to sell your home. If your realtor is not aggressive in marketing your home online, buyers may never know it exists. Oftentimes the best realtors have online visibility reports that clients get to see on a weekly to biweekly basis. If you aren’t receiving these reports you should speak with your realtor and find out what they are doing – or what they have in mind – in terms of getting your home noticed. Remember – marketing is doing its job when people are looking at the house online, it is then your house’s price and features that will sell the house.

• Lack of Follow Up

  Another thing that can hurt your home’s sale is if your realtor is not working by following up with the potential buyers or their agents. It is important that your realtor work for you in following up with buyers and their agents to see if they are still interested in your home, or whether they have moved on. Although oftentimes getting feedback from 100% of realtors is not possible, your realtor should have a feedback system in place where they at the very least attempt to contact and get feedback from all the agents that show your house.

What are Your Options?

In order to sell your home, you need to increase its visibility on the market. If your current plan is not working for you, then you can help boost its presence by doing any of the following:

Hire a New Realtor

If your current realtor is not working out, it may be time to bring in a new one that can give you a fresh perspective and help you establish a new sales strategy. Discuss the sales strategy ahead of time, though, to ensure that there is a plan in place that will get the results you want. You also need to ask the agent how many St Louis houses that they have sold in their career. It is very possible to replace a realtor with another one that is not experienced and what get you the results that you want. Make sure that your new St Louis real estate agent has the experience needed to actually sell your house.

Lower the Sale Price

Because it is currently a buyer’s market, you might be able to sell your home quicker if you lower the sale price. Of course, this may not be possible if you are trying to recoup what you paid for the home in a better real estate market. If lowering your price is not for you, you can always touch on our next point – invest more money into your home.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!
Do I need a realtor to sell my house?
How to Prepare Your St. Louis Home for Sale

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 13004138 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

54 Jane Drive, St Peters, MO 63376-2225 (MLS # 13000782)

This is a real gem in desirable Saint Peters neighborhood. Close to shopping, highways and everything this great community has to offer. This three bedroom, two-half bath home is ready for your personal touch to make it your own. The pride of ownership is evident throughout this home. There are ceiling fans in every bedroom of this ranch home. As you head to the walk-out basement you see the pride and joy of this home. The wonderfully partially finished basement with a wood-burning gas stove that is perfect for those cozy winter evenings. The lower level also features a well-appointed bathroom. The basement opens onto a large fenced level yard that is perfect for entertaining. Don't miss this one!

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	1/6/2013	Tract	Brookmount Estate 11
Year Built	1977	Community	Francis Howell Cntrl
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	St Charles
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	35

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #13000782)

Advantages to Using a St Louis Realtor When it Comes to Selling Your Home

The STL real estate market may be on the rebound, but it’s still a slippery slope and there are a lot of new rules to navigate during the process. In year’s past, forgoing a real estate agent in favor of selling your own home might have been preferable, simply so you could avoid the minor fees while housing prices were already at rock bottom. But housing prices are up these days, and the drastically changing real estate environment is reason enough to seek professional help.
If that isn’t enough for you though, consider these key advantages to hiring a realtor.

• Expert Advice and Experience your list item

  A Google search or Wikipedia article on how to sell your own home are hardly a match for years of experience in the industry. A local realtor, who knows the ins-and-outs of real estate in your part of St Louis will be able to provide you with expert insight’s, selling tips and market research that you may not be able to find researching on your own.

• Less Work for You!

  Selling your home isn’t simply a matter of putting up a sign and waiting for a buyer to come. It involves listing it in the proper places, scheduling and hosting showings, completing the legal paperwork, negotiating with buyers, coordinating contractors, inspectors appraisers, title company closers…and the list goes on and on! A good realtor will do all of this for you, taking an enormous burden off of your plate. Your biggest task will be cleaning up a bit before showings

• Peace of Mind

  Using a local realtor takes all of the guess-work out of the process. Knowing with confidence that you’ve listed your home at the right price, properly filled out the paperwork, and advertised in the best markets, is well worth the realtor fees at the closing table. Selling your home can be stressful enough, without having to constantly second guess yourself throughout. Additionally, knowing up-front that things are being done correctly could save you a lot of heartache in the future. your list item

• Get a Higher Selling Price

  The bottom line is that a realtor is going to have negotiation powers and skills that you don’t. They know how to handle a buyer who’s playing hard-ball, or a buyers’ realtor who may be trying to rip you off. In order to get the best price for your home, with the least amount of hassle, you need the bargaining power of an agent.

Check out a couple of STL Real Estate LLC’s previous articles here!
How to Prepare Your St. Louis Home for Sale

How to Prepare Your St. Louis Home for Sale

With the Fiscal cliff leaving everyone on edge in terms of taxes and finances, some home owners in St. Louis, Missouri are also wondering if the time to sell their home is right. While the housing market is picking up a bit, with the right real estate agent and the right preparations, you can successfully sell your home. What do you have to do to prepare your home, though? While some aspects of home selling are basic, some of the answers below may surprise you.

Ensure your Home is Clean

This means more than just your simple, basic cleaning and storing clutter out of the way. Home buyers are looking for homes that are already clean and in move-in condition. Take the time to thoroughly clean each room in your house. Scrub down cabinets and walls, steam clean your carpets and ensure that all closets are in a neat and orderly fashion. The housing market is certainly a buyer’s market at this point and you want to present your home as best as you can to give yourself the opportunity to sell it.
One aspect of the home that many sellers leave out when they go through the home and clean it up is the yard. The yard is equally important because it is the first impression that buyers will have and it will set the tone of the rest of the walk-through. Make sure the lawn is mowed and shrubbery is landscaped, even if you just trim the stray branches.

Stage your Home

Home staging is a critical element that can make the difference between a few weeks on the market and a few months. Many sellers who opt to stage their homes as a last resort often wish they had staged it to begin with. You can use a professional staging company if the property is vacant, or take other more affordable steps as well if you are on a tight budget. You can use your own furniture if it is in good condition. Essentially, home staging is setting up the home – mainly the living area – to show how the space can best be maximized and made to look attractive with just the right placement of furniture and accessories. Most of my clients have too much furniture in a room, and some pieces need to be removed and the house as a whole needs to be ‘decluttered.’

That pink kids room

Another inexpensive alternative that can help raise your property value is to go through your house and see if their are any rooms that are painted in pink or non neutral colors. It helps to paint rooms in a neutral beige color that as buyers sometimes have a hard time getting past unorthodox colors.

These small simple steps can really make a huge difference when it comes to selling your house.

Despite the fact that sales prices are down, the average time that the homes spend on the market has decreased by about 10%, making it an ideal time to put your best foot forward and try to sell your house. With the right preparations and an ambitious real estate agent, you will find that your home sells quicker than you ever anticipated.

• The key to nearly any success is education on the proper sale process, and understanding the correct steps to prepare yourself for the sale.

Find out what homes have sold for in the neighborhood and immediate neighborhood using a QUALIFIED realtor that has experience selling houses in St Louis.

• Who is a qualified realtor?

  Not necessarily someone that your neighbor used or best friend used.  It could be this person, but you need to ask them about the transaction history.  How many houses did they sell last year?  8 to 10 is average for a realtor.  When you entrust a realtor with possibly the most important financial investment that you will make in your life, you should never use an average realtor.  So what we tell people to do is ask for the number of transactions, and look for an agent that is not just exceeding but at least doubling the business that an average realtor does.

• Mentally separate yourself from your ‘home’.

   
  It is important to now look logically at your house.  It is no longer your home, but a piece of property that you are going to try and sell.  I tell my clients all the time to start using the words ‘property’ and ‘house’ and stop using the word home. ‘Home’ is less about the four walls and roof the a building has, and more about the memories and shared experiences that you have with your family while you lived in your house.  Most people don’t realize this, but making this distinction for most people is the most difficult part of selling a house, and yet it is one of the most important mental distinctions that you need to do in order to clear your mind from emotion and make logical and sound decisions for your family moving.  Letting emotion tie you to a piece of property will more times than not cloud judgement and cause you to potential financial mistakes to be made.

• Do NOT use zillow ‘zestimates’, past tax appraisals, or even a past appraisal

  that you had completed for a refinance as the measuring stick for what your house is worth.  These measuring sticks are often inaccurate and do not reflect what your house will sell for in the current marketplace. Your house is only really worth what buyers in the current marketplace are willing to pay for it.  No human being or computer algorithm, no matter how educated or trained in making property valuations can outsmart the marketplace.

• DO use current market sold data

  from the Multiple Listing Service and objectively compare and contrast those houses to yours to come up with a valuation.

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Eureka Home For Sale

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Festus Home For Sale

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St.Charles Decatur Home For Sale

53 Briarchase Court, Lake St Louis, MO 63367-6462 (MLS # 12064352)

**Possible Short Sale** Great home in desirable Lake Saint Louis subdivision. Close to shopping and the interstate. This three bedroom house has a wonderful living area on the first floor with an updated eat-in kitchen. The open floor plan allows for maximum usage of space to make this home your own. The lower level is finished with a family room/recreation area. This is a great opportunity to get into a very nice home in a great community.

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	5/14/2013	Tract	Briarchase 02
Year Built	2005	Community	Wentzville-Timberland
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	St Charles
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	14

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St. Charles Briarchase Street Home For Sale

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South City Home For Sale

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McCluer South Home For Sale

6205 Weber, St Louis, MO 63123-3448 (MLS # 12041850)

Wonderful bungalow in south county! This two bedroom one bathroom home has been well maintained and is ready for a new owner. There is an additional room on the back of the house that allows for additional living space. This is a possible short sale and the seller prefers to sell as is.

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	2/27/2013	Tract	High School Lane
Year Built	1941	Community	Affton
Garage Spaces	1.0	County	St Louis
Total Parking	1	Walk Score ®	57

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Affton Home For Sale

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Normandy Home For Sale

612 Westbridge Drive, St Peters, MO 63376-3330 (MLS # 12066585)

Possible Short Sale but don't let that keep you from making an offer. You need to see this home to appreciate the incredible bargain to be had here. This four bedroom and two and half bath home is ready for the right owner. You need to see this home today.

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	4/30/2013	Tract	Graybridge 02
Year Built	1979	Community	Francis Howell Cntrl
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	St Charles
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	26

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St. Charles Home For Sale

13065-07 Old Halls Ferry, Florissant, MO 63033-4226 (MLS # 13000152)

This sturdy property is located on a very large and level lot. Has a large two car garage, and a circle driveway as well. Property features plenty of square feet as well. Property is to be sold in as-is condition, inspections are welcome but .

Property Type(s): Multi Family 2-4

Last Updated	4/29/2013	Tract	ke8
Year Built	1936	Community	Hazelwood Central
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Total Parking	n/a	Walk Score ®	15

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Florissant Home For Sale

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South City Home For Sale

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General contractors have an assortment of skills that allow them to perform more than just one adjustment to your home. Their versatile skill set allows them to do everything from repairing and renovating to adding on, which will ultimately increase the value of your home.

Repair

Repairing anything will not only boost the significance and worth of a home, but it will also make it safer and healthier.

• Plumbing:  Plumbing is one of the most important elements of a home’s infrastructure. If you find your drains are clogging or pipes are leaking, it’s a good idea to get those fixed and not just to increase your home’s value. Leaky pipes can cause water damage, which can lead to mold. Mold can be very detrimental to your health.
• Electrical:  Lighting and electricity is also a crucial aspect of our lives. Proper lighting can make all the difference when it comes to feeling comfortable at home. If you find some circuits blown or your lights are out of date and need an upgrade, it might be time to call a contractor.

Before choosing the right contractor, find one with experience and a license for his or her skills. Otherwise, it looks sketchy. Don’t choose a generic contractor, choose one that is professional and suits your needs. For more information about what a general contractor can do for you click here.

Renovation

Renovations are one of the bigger benefits that a contractor can do for your home. When giving a walkthrough of your house, these are the things that will impress people the most and draw them into wanting the house.

• Kitchens:  Kitchens are arguably the best room in a household. For families with active and creative eating traditions, kitchens are constantly being occupied and most likely use the most energy in the entire household. So, why not make it aesthetically appealing and fortified to last for the next generation that lives there?
• Bathrooms:  Bathrooms are the most susceptible to mold infiltrations. Without the right ventilation and with a great amount of water being passed through to these rooms, bathrooms might be in need of a renovation.
• Basements:  Basements are looked upon as the final touches of a home. Newly built homes oftentimes leave the basement unfinished due to lack of funds or time. This makes sense, since a basement isn’t necessary to fully decorate and furnish. However, the longer a home goes on without a completed basement, the more it’s missing out on a potential value boost.

Add-on

Finally, general contractors can add a whole new component to your home, expanding it in size and enhancing its quality and appeal.

• Decks/Patios:  Nothing says relaxation and comfort like a cozy back deck or enclosed patio. For those who enjoy grilling or soaking up the sunsets, a deck or patio add-on is right up your alley.
• Shed:  Once a family has settled into their house, they’ll soon realize organization is a must, especially if they want to keep their sanity. A shed, an outside garage or a workshop might be exactly what your family’s organizational skills need.
• Landscape:  Maybe it’s not construction, a repair or renovation that your house needs, but a new landscape. Landscapes will be the first thing a home buyer will see when they stop by to take a look. Imagine if your yard was fresh and full of greenery and flowers. That would certainly appeal to almost any home buyer.

A general contractor is someone that adds value to your home. It’s someone with a wide range of skills that can complete any construction, repair or renovation job that you throw at them. Unlike a generic contractor, a certified and experienced general contractor is the one that will serve your every home need.

About the author

Mike Wolfe Construction serves mid-Missouri with any home renovation, repair or construction need.

Whilst the array of projects available may leave you wondering where best to spend your money, the following solutions are designed to offer you a range of simple, affordable and stylish home additions that will increase the value of your home and undoubtedly add to the curb appeal of your home.

General Maintenance

In order to maximize the potential value of your home it is essential that regular maintenance tasks are completed to prevent the home falling into disrepair. From keeping the lawn trimmed and the path free of weeds to applying a fresh coat of paint to the windows and doors, all these small factors can either attract or detract potential buyers of your property depending how much effort you put in to the upkeep of them.

Build an Appropriate Sized Extension

Although not within the budgets of many homeowners, the addition of a well planned extension will undoubtedly increase the value of your home due to the increase in square footage available to use as living space. When building an extension, consider the potential rise in value against the build costs. There is no point spending a fortune on an extension only for your home to go over the ceiling price of the majority of properties in the area and not be able to get a return on the investment.

New Garage Doors

Forming a major part of the frontage of your home, a tatty old garage door can be a real eyesore on the rest of your home and lead to a decrease in the value of your house. If the door is in safe working order, the application of a fresh coat of paint will go a long way towards giving it a new lease of life and therefore help lift the look of your home for very little expense. Should the door be beyond repair, a far better solution is to replace it for a more modern door that will offer many other benefits including insulation, higher levels of security and usability however be sure to choose
a design that is sympathetic to the architectural design of the building.

Install New Gates & Fencing

As one of the first things you or a potential purchaser will see upon approaching your home, it is essential that any gates and fencing are in good condition and well maintained. It is also important that the overall design is in keeping with the architectural style of the property. Depending upon the type of property you live in will dictate the correct style of gates and fencing that should be fitted. In terms of design appeal, the best gates should mirror the look of the home. It is therefore advisable to install wooden gates and fencing to period properties and country cottages whereas a more
modern home should feature a starker metal design to mirror the straighter lines of the building.

In conclusion, adding value to your home need not be overly expensive if you make careful considerations as to where to spend your money to get the maximum possible return on your investment and to make the best possible impression to homeowners looking to purchase your home.

This article has been written by Dan who writes on a wide range of home improvement projects and ideas designed to maximize the potential value of the home. He also works for www.woodengatesdirect.co.uk, an online company specializing in the supply of a wide range of wooden gates and fencing.

Below are some ideas for saving energy, by reducing the amount that you use and therefore ensuring that your home is more eco friendly.

Saving Energy

One of the best ways of making your home eco friendly is to ensure that it is as energy efficient as you can make it. When we use less energy we reduce what scientists and environmentalists call our carbon footprint. If much of the energy you use is going out through the roof or through gaps in the windows, then it’s time to make some changes.

If your windows were installed ten years ago or more then it’s a good idea to get a professional to look at them and advise about any UPVC repairs that might need doing.

Make sure that your front door fits tightly if you want to prevent heat from going out into the street. Turning the thermostat down on your heating system, just a couple of degrees will save energy and money.

Insulation

Make sure that your home is well insulated and not suffused with drafts. If your loft is not already insulated then take advantage of some of the Government grants available and get it insulated as soon as possible. When it comes to making your home more eco friendly and energy efficient don’t forget to look after your doors.

For the most efficient insulation and eco friendliness doors should really be weather stripped. Weather stripping is designed to help keep the drafts out and should also have some kind of insulating properties to make it really effective. Buy weather stripping that has a padded strip or piece of vinyl as it will seal the warm air in but won’t make it difficult to open or close the door.

Check Your Floors and Skirting

Ill fitting skirting boards and gaps between the skirting and the floor boards can bring drafts into your home. Filling any gaps between skirting and floor with a plastic filler will stop the draft and help to keep the heat inside your home. Take a good look all around your home to see whether there are any more gaps letting out your expensive heat.

Saving Water

If you want you home to be eco friendly then you need to check where water is being wasted. If you have leaking taps then either fix them yourself or call in a professional to do the job. Have a quick shower rather than a bath as you will use less water this way.

When it comes to washing, wait until you have a full load before you turn on the machine.

And it’s so obvious and so simple not to do; yet many of us still don’t do it – turn off the tap while you’re cleaning your teeth!

Guest post on behalf of Hometech; experts in UPVC repairs. Click here to find out more, or visit the Hometech blog to read more advice for homeowners.

There are plenty of property management companies to choose from and so it can be hard to know where to start. As somewhat of a minefield it can often feel like no matter which company you choose there will always be potential problems – but also potential benefits – associated with your choice. In an area as crucial as property management it’s really important to choose the right people to look after your property– as a mistake can cost you dearly – and that’s why it’s worth doing your research before you choose the right property management company for you.

Ask yourself a few questions: What’s important to you? What do you want to get out of your investment? What is the most important part of your property investment? These are all important questions you should think about before you choose a property management company. It’s important that your needs and the abilities of your chosen property management company match well.

Here are five key things to look for in a good property management company, before you make your final decision:

• What is their record like? This is perhaps one of the most important elements that you should take into consideration. Looking at the record of a property management company can go a long way to giving you a good idea of what they are like. Have they worked well with previous clients, or have many clients been unhappy with the way they have worked previously?
• Have they worked with people you know? Although word of mouth is good, the opinions of someone that you know is perhaps even more valuable as you know that they have no vested interests in what they are actually saying. In this event it’s definitely worth listening to what they have to say.
• What kind of reputation do they have? Reputation means a lot to property management companies. If the company that you are working with has a good one then the probability is they have spent a great deal of time working closely with past and present clients to bring them the type of service that you would expect.
• Who do they primarily deal with? Most property management companies will have a specific type of clientele that they will directly deal with – this could either be commercial or residential clients, depending on the company. It’s worth looking in to this to decide whether or not they are the right people for your property.
• What was your first impression? First impressions definitely count and I’m a big believer that you can tell a lot about a person from the first impression that you get from them. A first impression can help to show you the way that a potential client works with their clients, and what they think about them. Accordingly it can often give you a very good idea about what to expect from working with this client in the future.

Part of the problem agents have with online marketing strategies is that most accepted strategies are surrounded by three common Internet marketing myths. It’s time to debunk those myths and produce actionable hints to improve real estate website lead generation.

Myth #1: Getting to the Top Spot in Search Engine Results is Easy
Real estate agents automatically envision their sites being listed at the top of major search engine results. It’s only natural. Many real estate agents assume that by taking advantage of paid SEO services and including quality content they will achieve top ranking almost instantly. This never happens.

Reality Check: Agents Must Implement and Maintain a Comprehensive Online Marketing Strategy
In order to dominate major search engines for relevant keywords and phrases agents must employ
comprehensive online marketing strategies, and stick with it. An effective strategy is centered around creating quality content on a regular basis through an agent’s website or blog. The content should always be promoted through social media networks, email marketing, offline advertising and traditional word of mouth venues.

Myth #2: Getting to the Top Spot in Search Engine Results is Impossible
Real estate agents often come to this conclusion after assuming that achieving top ranking is easy. Agents find out the hard way that it isn’t easy and automatically assume that a high ranking is impossible to get. Of course, it’s not easy to rise to the top, but it isn’t impossible either.

Reality Check: Agents Must Get to Know Their Target Audience and Market Services Directly to That Audience
It takes time to develop detailed a client persona, but it’s a great method for delivering the results that visitors are looking for. Agents should identify several types of target clients who would be using their services and find out more about that audience by asking several questions:

• Where are these clients from?
• Do they have pets?
• Are they tech savvy?
• How would they hear about the company?

This isn’t an all-inclusive list of questions, but it’s a start. Agents should find out as much as they can about target clients and then cater to the client’s needs via their website.

Myth #3: Visitors are Interested in Who Their Agents Are
Eventually clients will want to know more about their real estate agents, but initially prospects are most
interested in meeting their needs. They want to find what they are searching for. If they can find what they need first, then they will check out an agent’s profile. If agents don’t provide clients with the information and resources they are looking for at first glance, prospects are sure to look elsewhere.

Reality Check: Agent Websites Should Be Focused on a Client’s Needs, Not the Agent
Of course, agents should always include their personal information and qualifications on a designated “About” page, but the homepage should not be focused on the agent. An agent’s website should focus on providing client centered information and home buying resources and strong calls to action in order to generate quality leads.

Too many agents give up after spending an inordinate amount of time struggling in generating viable leads through their online activities. By taking the time to understand the realities of getting qualified online leads, real estate agents can channel online marketing efforts properly to achieve optimum results.

But, this may not be the right choice always. Selecting the right agent can save you efforts, aggravation, and time in selling your property quickly for the best deal or finding the ideal property at an affordable price. There are few things you have to probe into before opting for an agent; here’s how to choose the best real estate agent.

Basic Qualities

To start off, a good real estate agent should be an expert and knowledgeable at all times. He should have a good experience and should be open at the time of discussing costs.When dealing with real estate agencies, it is important to check if they are a member of the respective territory’s or state’s Real Estate Institute, otherwise you must never work with the new agencies that don’t have proper accreditation.

Referrals

Referrals are ofcourse handy; taking recommendations from people who have already worked with the agents can give you a fair idea about their professionalism. But, don’t always consider an option suggested by a single person… Speak to various colleagues, friends, and relatives and get a common opinion. Most of the agents remain in business because the clients who are satisfied with them refer to others. Speak to people about their experiences while working with the agents.

Keep a track of the Signs in Neighborhood

Keep a track of the listing indications in your neighborhood. Note the day they raise up and when the sold sign is put up. The agent who sells at the quickest rate could be a better choice to consider than the one with tons of ‘for sale’ marks, but poor rate of accomplishment.

Seek Suggestions from Professionals

Seek referrals from other real estate agents; they will be glad to refer sellers and buyers to associates, particularly if the needed service is not the referring agent’s specialty. Few agents specialize in new home builders, while others work in residential resale. Few others specialize only in investment or commercial property. You can also get good recommendations from mortgage brokers since they’ll have first-hand experience with the exceptional agents.

Perform Online Search for Agent Listings

There are many websites that will give a listing of agents; but these may not assure for quality. These sites refer people who have paid a fee to them for getting listed in their directory. So, you can do a Google search for the leading real estate companies in your place and also look out for customers’ testimonials online. But, more than the testimonials on their website look out for feedback and complaints against them on the Internet, because it’s a well-known fact that most of the testimonials on any website aren’t real!

Go to Open Houses

By attending open houses, you can get to meet up with real estate agents in a working environment that is not threatening. Communicate with them and collect their business cards and keep a note of their activities. Focus on how the agent shows the home, what kind of info he gives about the home, how he handles customers, and things like that. This may come handy when you plan to sell or buy homes.

Keep these things in mind before choosing a real estate agent. Finding a good agent is necessary to enjoy a trouble-free real estate transaction, and especially if you’re in a hurry to close a quick deal!

Author Bio:-

Alton G. James entered the real estate industry after college. He found courage and inspiration from people who have made it in the industry and companies like Marshall Reddick Real Estate Network that tisrelessly helps newcomers achieve their career goals.

1.

2. Use Alt Tags - I guess a photo is worth a million words! Google gives a lot of power to images. If used correctly this can really help your link juice. Name your photos with your key word phrase and link it to the appropriate page in your site or even to the page you are working on. It just drives home the relevance of the content.

3. Proper Meta Description – Google wants see 156 characters in any meta description. Remember to repeat your key word phrase twice for best results, three times is considered key word stuffing. Here is a good example of an optimized meta description: Bow Mar Heights is near Wynetka Ponds Bark Park. Wynetka Ponds is a great place to run your pooch. Learn about the Bark Park near Bow Mar Heights, Colorado   This example is 155 character but that’s as close as I could get without going over the 156 limit.

4. Bolding –  I see real estate professionals misusing bolding strategy constantly. I recommend bolding the keyword phrase for that particular page only. Bold once for every 200 words of content. Italics are treated the same way but are less potent. If you italicize something the spiders notice. Make sure they notice keywords not just any old words like best, is or save. (like my horrible example in tip number 2;)

5. Domain Tails – You or your webmaster can edit your domain tails in WordPress fairly easily, I believe in is included in the SEO pack these days. If you optimize your tails with keywords instead of the public name tile or /349832h, it is simply easier for Google to understand and locate the page.

About the Author: Nicholas Bowman is SEO certified and currently manages a leading real estate firm in Bow Mar, Colorado named House Calls Realty.  As a Denver Real Estate Brokerage  that seeks to help home buyers and sellers in the front range area, they invite you to visit their website.

Generally, the walk-through will happen anywhere from hours before two days before closing. It’s at this exciting moment that many buyers skip the opportunity to take a thorough look at the home. The excitement of holding your new house keys shouldn’t stop you from doing your final inspection properly. This will save you a lot of unnecessary headaches and expenses later.

Final Walkthrough Checklist

The checklist below needs to be in your possession during your walk-through. Have a pen with you so you can mark off completed items, and make note of things that need to be done. Before closing, discuss any issues you have with your real estate agent as soon as possible.

Requested Repairs

• Have all of the repairs that were agreed upon in your sales agreement been completed?
• Has the seller given you all of the warranty paperwork for any recent repairs made?

Fixtures

Make sure that all of the fixtures and other items that are supposed to come with the home are in tact:

• Play structures
• Sauna or hot tub
• Furnishings
• Light fixtures
• Appliances
• Drapes/Blinds
• Remotes for garage doors, alarms, ceiling fans and automatic sprinkler systems
• Owner’s manuals for home systems and appliances such as alarm systems, fireplaces, heating system, air conditioning system, etc…

Doors & Windows

• Do all of the doors in the home open and shut properly?
• Do all of the windows in the home open and shut properly?
• Do all of the windows in the home lock securely?
• Are all of the window screens in tact?
• Does the home have any storm windows that are missing?
• Do you see any condensation in between any double-paneled windows?
• Are any of the windows broken?

Plumbing Problems

• Do all of the toilets flush properly, without running, leaking or emptying slowly?
• Do any of the faucets leak?
• After the sinks and bathtubs are filled up, do they drain properly?
• Do you see any signs of leaks under sinks or in the basement?

Electricity

• Do all of the lights turn on and off?
• Are all of the outlet face plates intact?
• Do the areas in the bathrooms and kitchen near water sources have GFCI outlets with working “test” and “reset” buttons?
• Are all of the circuits in the circuit breaker labeled?

Cleanliness

• Are both the front yard and back yard clean?
• Are the sides of the home clean?
• Has everything been removed from the garage, basement and/or attic?
• Do you see any signs of bug infestations?
• Do you see any signs of pests, such as mice or rats?
• Are the carpets clean?
• Are the window coverings clean?
• Have all of the seller’s personal belongings been removed?
• Has all of the debris and trash been removed?

Author Bio: This checklist was written by Kiesha Joseph, a content marketing expert for Jensen and Company REALTORS®. Jensen and Company is a leader in Deer Valley real estate.

Postings by STL Real Estate

There’s more to Missouri than what you think. Owning real estate and living in Missouri has several benefits, including:

Lower House Costs

Housing prices in Missouri are significantly lower than most states. St. Louis, for instance, has the most affordable housing among the top 20 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S.  Not only are the house prices low, but the overall cost of living in Missouri is below the nation’s average.

Diversity of Real Estate

The prices of real estate are lower, along with the cost of living. Another great addition to the real estate market is the diversity it offers in Missouri. The Metropolis areas in Kansas City and St. Louis provide a wide variety of housing and real estate options; everything from suburbs, condos and lofts for residential living to small and large businesses for commercial purposes. This includes purchasing and renting options for home buyers and business owners.

Outside the metropolitan areas, you can find a wide variety of towns and cities that will suit any real estate and living option you could think of.

Finally, the rural areas in Missouri provide some of the most beautiful spectacles you will find in the state. Whether it’s a farm or just a lot of land, you’ll have the real estate option of investing or living on such property. Some real estate companies offer a wide variety of housing and property options, such as Assist-2-Sell, Kirksville MO real estate agents. They provide listings from farms to houses and other properties.

Lower Mortgage Borrowing Rates

Home sales have been increasing due to lower mortgage rates and lower home prices. This will change once the housing market gets back on track. Foreclosures have increased, especially in St. Louis, but that only means cheaper houses and lower mortgage rates, since the banks are sitting on all of these foreclosures and need to get rid of the excess. From a buyer’s perspective, this is good. Buying more foreclosed homes will help the real estate market balance itself, plus it’s very affordable.

Any state has its pros and cons. Missouri isn’t an exception, but much can be gained while living in it, whether it’s obvious or not. Missouri offers much diversity with its weather, people and real estate options. If you’re still uncertain, don’t take it from me. Let her show you and see for yourself.

About the author

Assist-2-Sell is a real estate company that seeks to educate buyers on the home buying process.

Posted by STL Real Estate

It is likely that you have been living in your house for a while and have accumulated a good amount of furniture, decorations, and more that represent your personality and taste. The thing is, while buyers are not buying your style along with the house, many people are not able to look passed what you have in the house to see the house itself. This is why home staging has become so popular to so many people who are looking to sell their home as quickly as they can.

So you have decided that home staging is the right thing to do but you need somewhere to go with all of your stuff. Opening up the house and arranging it to help sell quickly is likely going to mean removing a large amount of your possessions from the house. This is where self storage facilities can help you in a big way. Self storage facilities have been gaining popularity and people have been able to use them for many different things. These facilities have been evolving as they gain popularity and have all the features to accommodate your needs.

Most facilities provide a wide range of locker sizes ranging from 5×5 all the way to 10×40. If you are looking to clear out the house for home staging, a 10×30 might be the best option. This size can typically store a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment. Features to make sure you belongings stay safe include gated entrances, climate control, video surveillance, and much more. These features will be available at most self storage facilities but it is best to research facilities to find the one that best fits your needs. Check out some of the facilities available in St. Louis here.

Selling a home can be tough but home staging is an effective tool to make the house more attractive to potential buyers. If you need a place to temporarily store some of your possessions during the selling process, self storage provides you with a temporary storage solution at a very reasonable cost. It can certainly help make the selling process a little less stressful and help you put a sold sign in the front yard.

Aaron Mackel is a content writer and social media specialist. He works for USstoragesearch.

For more detailed reasons why, here is a good lists of things that shows why WordPress.org is efficient and effective for your online real estate business and profile web presence.

1.    Cheap Monthly Hosting Costs
-    WordPress provides low-cost monthly hosting fee which is very affordable to anyone who wants to start their website or blog and host it through them. WP’s most popular hosting providers include BlueHost with hosting services that starts at $3.95/mo. , Hostgator with hosting services that starts at $3.95/mo. , and Inmotion Hosting that starts at $5.65/mo. With this price ranges, anyone who’s only starting their website would be delighted to use WordPress and save almost thrice the cost when paying online web vendors to host and maintain your website.

2.    Maintenance fees for your website can be avoided when using WordPress.com
-    In times that you may need to edit or change something in your webpage, WordPress.com allows users to directly edit or tweak their webpage according to their needs and wants. It simply allow website owners listed under WP platform to manage their own profiles and pages without paying someone to do it for you. They have even provided a guide and frequently asked questions in using WordPress functionalities for the convenience of those who use it. Users can have access to basics tutorials and advance guides.

3.    Available Plug-Ins
-    Marketing in the real estate niche adds some fun using WordPress plug-ins. This plus-ins allows you to embed and share videos you have, allowing you to easily manage and post them on your website.

4.    Free and Affordable Website Themes and Designs
-    WordPress.com has also developed a way to help realtor agents choose the best design for their website – without the hassle of hiring and paying a web designer. Through WP, they already have listed the best web designs, both free and paid.

5.    Easy SEO and SEM
-    With recent changes to the Search Engine Marketing community, WP had already provided the right stuffs for your website to make it SEO-friendly. But you still have to learn the important factors that contribute to a successful website in terms of search engine optimization.

6.    WP as a Universal entity and Platform
-    Being one of the most popular CMS in the online community, WP has also become a universal platform for every website owners, businesses, companies and bloggers, real estate professionals and a lot more. Due to its easy-to-use CMS platform, it had delivered what users have needed in the past few years which could contribute to your success as a realtor agent.

7.    Social Media Compatibility
-    WordPress have also become compatible with social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Reddit and many more. Additionally, they have also developed their websites to becoming mobile-friendly allowing mobile communications device users to easily access them.

WordPress is among the best option you can use in starting your online web presence and business profile as well as for the purpose of real estate marketing. Start your online profile now and post your professional real estate training and experience with one of the world’s best online CMS platform.

Mark currently handles AgentCampus.com, a leading realtor education provider online in the U.S that seeks to help realtor’s get the proper training and education they need in the industry. For more info, feel free to visit AgentCampus at:http://www.agentcampus.com/about/overview/

Brought to you by STL Real Estate

When you are thinking about buying a house, you’ll naturally be judging how the house will meet your family’s needs.  You’ll probably also weigh the house’s pros against the cons in relation to the asking price.  Before you get your heart set on a place though, you should also consider the value of the house when it comes time for you to sell it.  Will other buyers see the greatness you’ve observed?  Will someone else love the neighborhood as much as you do?

There are several factors you should think about.  While determining a house’s resale value isn’t an exact science, there are some pretty obvious things to check.

Information Your Realtor Can Provide with a CMA

Ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA) for the home in question.  The CMA should include the activity of homes for sale in the neighborhood.

• Examine the sale prices of homes for the past year in that particular area.
• Calculate how many homes actually sold compared to homes listed.
• Check the average amount of time it took to sell a home in that area.
• Once you have finished analyzing the CMA, take it with you as you drive through the neighborhood.  Check out the houses that have recently sold, gauging the general appearance.

Information You Can Gather From a Visual Inspection

Once you’ve determined a home is right for you, take a step back and really look at what it has to offer.  Try to be objective about your evaluation.  See the house the way others will see it in the future.

Outside

• Note the condition of the lot and the size of the yard.  Most buyers look for plenty of space in both the front and backyard.  In a perfect world, the lot would be rectangle since odd-shaped lots are harder to sell.  Also, lots should be level.
• Yards with extensive landscaping tend to decrease a home’s sale price since they require so much upkeep and maintenance.
• Note the traffic flow and patterns around the house.  If the road isn’t busy now, traffic could pick up in the future.  What are the long-term plans for the neighborhood?  Will any new attractions increase traffic?  Are there plans for a new school to be built?
• A two-car garage will increase the likelihood of a sale.  A smaller garage will decrease the home’s resale value.
• Swimming pools aren’t as favorable as they used to be.  Maintenance and safety issues are a big hassle.

Inside

• The ideal home has three or four bedrooms.  Also, a minimum of two bathrooms is usually required.  However, 2 ½ baths are best.
• Storage space is another big selling feature.  Walk-in closets are popular for master bedrooms.  And bathrooms should have a linen closet.
• Most buyers demand first floor laundry facilities that are away from the main living space.
• Kitchens are one of the biggest selling features of a house.  Small kitchens are undesirable.  Large, spacious kitchens with an adjacent dining room are preferable.
• Also, most homeowners appreciate outdoor access from the kitchen to make backyard parties and BBQs easier.  Likewise, a door from the kitchen to the garage is nice – it makes carrying grocery bags less cumbersome.
• If the kitchen doesn’t have modern appliances, you’ll have to upgrade before selling.

Right now, you probably can’t fathom selling this wonderful gem you’ve stumble upon.  However, there may come a time when you want to move on.  Make sure you purchase a home that is a wise investment so you won’t lose money down the road.

Guest author Denis works for Pall Spera.  The agency has several Waterbury Vermont real estate listings.

Brought to you by STL Real Estate

The economy is always changing. However, Australia’s recent troubles have some people wary of investing in real estate markets. Many people can’t help but remember the real estate meltdown from just a few years ago, and they are scared to take on a large mortgage. What such investors don’t realize is that this is the time to buy. There is always an element of risk in investing. However, one cannot allow the economy’s peaks and valleys deter him or her from investing. After all, this is a long-term game. People need to buy up real estate, hold it, repair and upgrade it and then understand when to sell. The following are three tips to protect investors.

Hope for a Sunny Day but Plan for a Rainy Day

No one should spend their last sent on real estate sale. It is important to make smart financial decisions so that an investor always has a buffer in case the market turns, he or she has an emergency or some other issue pops up. Having a rainy day plan for dealing with cash flow issues is important.

A cash buffer is very important for anyone that wants to protect themselves. A line of credit is a smart idea, especially when it is linked to a mortgage or home loan. This can reduce interest rates and open up cash flow. Sometimes, rental income and monthly payments have a gap. Savings or credit can full this gap.

Smart property investors will look for long-term tenants. However, there may be times where a property is between occupants. Having a line of credit or reserve of funds makes it easy to deal with such gaps in payments. Additionally, property owners will have funds for any maintenance issues like a broken pope or leaky roof. This protects the value of the home, makes tenants happen and ensures issues are quickly taken care of before they do serious damage.

Invest in Great Insurance

No one wants to wake up to hear about a particularly bad storm or natural disaster hitting the area. This can be devastating to a property investor. Having the right insurance policy is important in case a space is damaged or even ruined because of a flood, fire or some other disaster.

There are other forms of insurance policies too. For example, public liability protects the owner if someone is injured on the premises. Landlord’s insurance covers payments if tenants are unable to pay rent or if they damage the space.

Before signing on the dotted line, property investors need to know what they are getting into. This ensures that a person knows what is or is not included. There are many companies and policies out there. It is important to shop around and see what is available.

Lastly, investors should take the time to protect themselves. For example, there are policies out there for people who are hurt and no longer able to work. No property owner should be put in a jam because they have fallen ill or have been injured and are recuperating.

Insurance is a safety net for an investor and his or her loved ones. This is why insurance on the property, its contents and more personal insurance like life, health and auto insurance are smart investments. A person who plans for the worst is sure to land on his or her feet.

Be Smart with Purchases

Properties are always changing in value. This is the nature of the market. Smart investors understand that location, interest and potential all affect this decision. Analyzing each available property is important. A smart investor thinks about the space, its current allure and any possible updates or renovations that could increase its value. It is also important to consider

Smart investors will try to purchase properties below their actual value. This means that a property owner can turn a profit if he or she decides to sell the space. Buying a property at the right price is important so that an investor can keep building his or her portfolio.

Location is everything in real estate. Experienced investors understand to look for properties that are located in thriving areas. In good times, a thriving city with a great economy can only increase one’s profits. These profits make it possible to get through lean times.

Investors should have fun with their property choices. Looking for original spaces makes investing fun, and it ensures a property will be noticed. This means looking for homes or spaces with historical allure, special architecture or some other twist or unique feature. If an investor decides to sell the space, he or she can highlight this special feature to potential buyers.

Potential is just as important as the asking price. After all, some homes only need new floors or a coat of paint to be viable investments. Polishing up an old property with some minor repairs will increase its value and really make this investment worth one’s while. However, smart investors should make sure that the repairs are minor so that the cost is just a fraction of the profit.

Considering all of the above when selecting a property means that the space can only increase in value over time. This is also a chance to weather any dips in the economy. A portfolio should be diverse, special and should have the ability to grow in both slow and peaking economies.

Jacob Pettit is a residential property manager and a loving father. After getting his degree he started working with Your Local Movers in Melbourne, advising them on how to do the job better and provide more professional service to become the best removalists in Melbourne. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and he likes to write articles on various topics related to his expertise.

Job Description

Summary:  The Short Sale Real Estate Agent position will be the face of our short sale business.  When distressed sellers call our office, you will be the primary contact.  Your goal is to collect as much information as possible from these sellers in order to effectively analyze each new lead and determine whether or not it is a potential deal.  Once the lead has been qualified, a listing appointment will be scheduled.

The best part of this position:  you will not have to do the negotiations directly with the lenders, AND you will not be doing the lead generation.

Say goodbye to cold calling and mailings!  Say hello to new clients through our already in place marketing systems!

Your main goal is to convert these leads into listings.  Then, acting as the main point of contact with our clients, service the listings.

Skills for a Qualified Candidate:

• Some Short Sale Experience
• Self-motivated, personable, trustworthy, and reliable.
• Passionate About Helping Others Out of in Bad Life Situations
• Excellent organization, communication and people skills.
• Be persistent and respectful when representing the company.
• Team Oriented.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Licensed Real Estate Agent

As a STL Real Estate agent, you must be professional. However, you will be working in a down-to-earth, friendly, and fast-paced environment.

In my experience, I have successfully completed over 140 short sales since 2006.  Year to date our company has completed just under $75,000 in commissions from short sales with several more under contract.  The leads have been drastically increasing over the past two months…and obviously more leads means more labor is needed to handle the leads. We expect to generate 15 HIGH QUALITY short sales leads a month. Our current conversion rate is 30% for these leads…do this would be 5 to 6 new listings per month that our short sale listing agent wouldn’t have to generate!  That number should only increase as our sales process improves over time.

If this is a position that you feel you would like to learn more about please contact Ryan via email at wessels.ryan@gmail.com and send him your resume.

 
Please include in your resume how long you have been a licensed agent, and number of houses you have sold (short sale | and other)

In turn, you will receive some additional information about the position along with our commission structure.  Go Cards!!

The housing market is prone to fluctuations which can make the process of selling a home confusing for many homeowners. Most people want their homes to sell in a short amount of time, which does not always happen. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to improve the chances of selling your home quickly. The first step in a successful marketing plan is to withdraw yourself from the emotional attachments you have to your home. This allows you to take an objective approach to getting your house in shape for a quick sale.

STL Real Estate Tips for Selling Your House

A home makes an impression when first viewed the same way people do. To improve the chances of selling your house, you want to spruce up the outside so it is more presentable. This process can be achieved by keeping the lawn mowed and by planting some flowers along the front walk or underneath the front windows.

The overall appearance of a home also applies to its interior. Before placing the house on the market, you should invest some time in making small repairs. Repairing leaky faucets or clogged drains will make the house appear well maintained. Replace any burned out light bulbs and get rid of stains or lime deposits in sinks, tubs and toilets. Organize the closets and drawers because people will look through them to see what amount of storage space the house comes with.

To help sell your home quickly, you can invest in products to update the efficiency of the house. Products which will make the home more appealing can include weatherproof windows, vinyl siding and new roof tiles. Homes that are constructed to be more energy efficient appeal to buyers because they will help them save money on their utilities.

Market your home by taking a variety of color photos. Whether you intend to sell the house yourself or are using an agent, you want to post photos of the interior and exterior online. The ability to access information about newly listed homes on the Internet, makes it easier for potential buyers to see what you have to offer, without needing to waste time and gas money driving around.

In order to sell your house quickly, you want to price it so it is competitive with houses that have similar features. The listed price should be a guideline and not set in stone when it comes to negotiation. If someone makes an offer lower than the asking price, you can counter with a slightly higher price, which they might accept.

Bonus – What do You Need to Pay Attention to When Selling Your Home in St. Louis

There are certain dates you want to pay attention to when closing a sale. These dates include:

• Contract Date – the date the contract expires for an offer
• Closing Date – when the title is turned over
• Date of Possession – when the buyer moves in

Other points of interest to look at when closing a deal is the money put down for deposit. Make sure it is through a legitimate source and not something the seller cannot make good on. If the buyer wants repairs or changes, make sure these are listed and approved by you. If the buyer wants other hired professionals to walk through the home, make sure it is understood who will be liable for hiring and paying these people.

The bottom line is that a good sale should progress smoothly from start to finish in a quick amount of time for both the seller and buyer, so both parties leave satisfied with what they have obtained.

Authors Byline: Ben Sawyer is an Internet Marketing consultant and a professional blogger. Currently he is working as a content contributor for arvernebythesea.com , well known real estate company.

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