JennSellsMO blog

St. Chaz Co. to be assessed

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:15:00 +0000

Contact: Scott Shipman, Assessor, 636-949-7425
Brenda Muschany, Assistant Assessor, 636-949-7442

Assessor to Send Valuation Notices
(St. Charles County, MO - Mon, March 19, 2007)

St. Charles County Assessor Scott Shipman reports the near completion of the 2007 reassessment of real estate. State law requires the Assessor to revalue all real property in the county every odd-numbered year for property tax purposes. The statutes require the Assessor to place accurate values on property as of January 1 of each reassessment cycle. The current values reflect the change in value since January 1, 2005.

The assessment authority (Assessor’s Office) is responsible for establishing the fair market value of all property within St. Charles County as of the tax date. This assures fair distribution of the tax burden among those responsible for payment. The taxing authority (school, city, fire districts, etc.) establishes the tax rate based on the budgetary requirements needed to appropriately fund the services provided within their jurisdiction. When property values increase, all taxing entities are responsible for rolling back their levies to offset the valuation increase subject to the Hancock Amendment.

Assessment notices are designed to be easy to read and include information on property tax relief, frequently asked questions, and information on the appeal process.
The St. Charles County Assessor’s Office will mail the 2007 "NOTICES OF REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT" for the Washington, Wentzville, and St. Charles School Districts on or about March 20, 2007. The Fort Zumwalt and Orchard Farm School District notices are scheduled to be mailed on or about March 26, 2007 and the Francis Howell School District notices are scheduled to be mailed on or about April 2, 2007.

Taxpayers have ten days from the mailed date on the notice to schedule an informal hearing with a staff member from the Assessors office. This can be done by calling 636-949-7431 or 1-800-822-4012 ex. 7431 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Scheduled informal hearings will be conducted Monday through Thursday during the day, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and select Saturday’s at 201 North Second Street in St. Charles.

[source]

24-Hour Market Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:28:00 +0000

Good News!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:32:00 +0000

Check this out:

Home Sales Unexpectedly Increase
March 24, 2007

Published: March 24, 2007
An Unexpected Increase in Home Sales

The New York Times
WASHINGTON, March 23 (AP) — Sales of existing homes unexpectedly rose in February by the largest amount in nearly three years, but some analysts expressed concerns that the recovery for the housing industry will be slowed by spreading troubles in subprime mortgage lending.

The National Association of Realtors reported Friday that sales of existing homes rose 3.9 percent last month, pushed higher by a sharp increase in sales activity in the Northeast. It was the biggest increase since a similar increase in March 2004.

Purchases increased in three of the four regions of the country — rising 14.2 percent in the Northeast, 3.9 percent in the Midwest and 1.6 percent in the South. Purchases were unchanged in the West.

The price of a median home sold last month dropped to $212,800, down 1.3 percent from the same month in 2006. It marked a record seven consecutive months that the median home prime has fallen compared to the same period a year ago.

Analysts said the price declines were helping to lure buyers back into the market. But analysts expressed concerns about what the growing problems in the subprime lending market will do to the sales prospects.

David Lereah, chief economist for the Realtors, said he believed that demand for homes could be cut by 150,000 to 200,000 annually over this year and 2008 because of the lending troubles.
“Our view is that the tightening in the subprime market will have a negative impact on home sales,” Mr. Lereah said. “It probably won’t postpone the recovery (in housing) but it will slow it.”

By region of the country, sales were up 14.2 percent in the Northeast, a gain that was attributed in part to warmer-than-normal weather this winter, which spurred sales.

Sales of existing homes were up 3.9 percent in the Midwest and 1.6 percent in the South, while sales were unchanged in the West. Mr. Lereah said the reluctance of sellers in the West to trim prices was holding back a rebound in that region.

Termites!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 02:46:00 +0000

If you think you don't have them, think again!

I always urge my sellers to get a termite inspection. Most buyers will get one anyway so it's best to nip it in the bud right off the bat.

What if they find termites?

Most lenders require a clear termite inspection. If mud tunnels, damage or any traces of termites (active or not) is found - you'd better plan to get a treatment before you can sell.

How much does that cost?

Treatments can run anywhere from $700 - $900

What do they do?

Liquid termiticides are usually applied completely around and underneath a structure covering all areas where termites might gain access. For new construction, this is accomplished by treating the graded soil before the slab is poured. For an existing building, the perimeter of the foundation is trenched and drilled then treated with termiticide. The goal of the treatment is to put a chemical barrier between the termites in the soil and the structure above. The chemical barrier can also affect those termites inside a building by preventing their return to the soil. In many cases these termites will die of dehydration.

Is there anyway to prevent termites?

You betcha! Plenty of ways:

*Repair structural and plumbing leaks.
*Pull all mulch and landscaping back at least 6 inches from the foundation.
*Remove piles of trash and debris from around the home.
*Keep firewood stacked away from the structure.
*Make sure downspouts are long enough to direct water away from the foundation.
*Keep gutters clean.
*Avoid direct wood to ground contact when building porches or decks.

Here at our house we use the Sentricon System. It is a bait system. The guy comes out once a month and checks our tasty wood pulp filled chambers that are strategically placed around the house for nibbles. If/when there has been evidence of feasting termites, the bug guy does the old switch-a-roo and replaces the tasty pulp with an equally tasty but lethal mixture.

For more info on termites, or if you are thinking about selling your home and just want to be on the safe side - give me a call! I can recommend some great pest companies!!

Now this is what I'm talking about!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 13:22:00 +0000

Make sure you get outside today!

Clean the gutters

Go on a bike ride

Go to the zoo

Buy a house! (call me!)

Whatever you do, make sure you take advantage of this awesome day!

Holy Cow!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 03:26:00 +0000

Created by Crazyprofile.com

Just like the time change - the Spring real estate boom has started early!

If you are thinking of selling, now is the time! Call me and I can let you know how to prepare your house for the market!

Call me and Let's get it SOLD!

Oy Vey!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 03:13:00 +0000

Sorry - I haven't posted in a while.

Blogger decided a mandatory merge with Google accounts. Long story short - I lost my login info and had a hard time tracking it down to change over to Google.

But here I am! Back again!

Back to business!

Let it Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 03:51:00 +0000

They are calling for 3-6 inches of SNOW in the St. Louis area
by tomorrow morning!

24-Hour Market Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:44:00 +0000

Here is the St. Louis area real estate activity

for the past 24 hours

January 18, 2007

MLK Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:35:00 +0000

No school.

No banks.

No mail.

No stock market.

Only a dream!

How rich is your Realtor?

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 15:12:00 +0000

Bob & Diane just sold their home. They didn’t get what they expected, but it did sell for a fair price. They agreed to pay a 7% commission when they listed it, but Bob now feels this is highway robbery. In hindsight, he feels he should’ve gone with an agency that charged a cheaper flat fee.

But what’s the whole story?

To begin with, the home was a complete mess. Diane had called a friend of hers that had recently sold their home and asked who they used as their agent. Bob and Diane then hired June to market and sell their home.

Before listing the home for sale, June spent hours with Bob & Diane advising them on what repairs were necessary and how to stage their home to make it more appealing to buyers.

June’s marketing plan was extensive. She marketed to her company’s 7 locations and 1,200 agents directly at company meetings, she arranged an agent tour where other agents had a chance to preview the home and offer suggestions to make the home more salable, she listed the home in the local newspaper and on every Internet site available, she mailed out postcards featuring a picture of the home and details, she listed it on the Real Estate Channel on TV, she held an Open House once a month, she conducted promotional calls to colleagues and past clients, she followed up with agents who had shown the home to get a feel for their buyers interest and offer feedback to Bob & Diane. The list goes on and on.

So, how was June compensated for all of her time and effort?

With June’s help in getting their home in tip top condition and looking great, Bob & Diane were able to list their home for $200,000. It eventually sold after 6 months for $185,000. The 7% commission was $12,950.

Bob & Diane agreed to pay 3.15% out of the 7% to any agency that brought a buyer to purchase their home. So $5,827.50 went to the buyer’s agency and $7122.50 went to June’s agency.

Of that $7122.50, June had to give half of it to her broker – ABC Realty. Now she’s left with $3561.25

Subtract from that $600.00 for 6 months of advertising, paper, ink and office supplies, postage and other expenses. Deduct $1460.11 for income taxes (28 percent) and Social Security (13 percent) being that June is an independent contractor. Deduct $300.00 for health insurance that June has to pay for herself and her children. And I haven’t even mentioned gas for her car.

June is left standing with $1201.25 for 6 months of work.

Bob & Diane, on the other hand, made out like bandits! They purchased their home 10 years ago for $125,000. They made no major improvements or updates. But with June’s expertise and marketing strategy he was able to capitalize on the home’s best assets. With a $185,000 sales price, Bob & Diane’s $12,950 investment in a 7% commission netted them over $47,050!

So the next time you think about real estate commissions, remember this. Your agent may not be getting rich, but you could be!

Also, when you cut corners on commission, the corner cut is usually the one in your own pocket that makes a hole where the money falls out.

A real life miracle - twice over!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 00:56:00 +0000

Two abducted boys were found alive tonight!!!

Ben Ownby (to the right) had only been missing since Monday. It's a miracle that he was found so quickly.

But the true miracle is Shawn Hornbeck. I remember all too well when he went missing in 2002. I sent out an e-mail to all my friends all over the country. He was on a bright green bike and never came home. He was my son's age at the time (well, still is apparently!). Seeing his parents plea for his return really touched my heart as well as the hearts of many St. Louisans.

His story was even profiled on America's Most Wanted.

I'm just so thrilled that there is a happy ending to this story. Both boys are home safe and with thier parents. The kidnapper has already confessed to taking Ben.

Read the developing story here.

Brace Yourselves!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:57:00 +0000

Winter Weather is on it's way!

I've already laid "Ice Melt" on my sidewalks and driveway. We are stocked with all the staples (eggs, milk, bread). Hopefully this one won't be as bad as the last one.

Be safe!

Been busy

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:52:00 +0000

I purchased a treadmill this week!!!

Actually, I can't run for more than a minute at a time - depending on the song on my iPod.

But it was delivered yesterday and I LOVE IT!!

I went for 5 miles yesterday and now that's my new goal. 5 miles per day. Not all at once, not all running, but some in the morning and some in the evening any way I can get in the 5.

Soooooo much better than driving to the gym!

YAY!

Be prepared for me to hit you up for donations for charilty run/walks such as
The Race for The Cure, etc.

2007 Real Estate Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 21:58:00 +0000

After last year's roller coster ride on the real estate market, buyer and sellers are nervous about what's in store in 2007.

[source] About.com listed these following real estate predictions for 2007:

(1) More Single Women Will Buy Homes Than Ever Before
Single women already make up a larger percentage of home buyers year after year. More single women are saying "no" to marriage but "yes" to a mortgage.
They are trading Prince Charming for walk-in closets, underground parking or a garage, and tax deductions.

(2) Home Prices Will Remain Soft
Buyers will wonder if they should get off the fence and buy now or if they should wait. Across most of America, there are no indications that we'll see double-digit appreciation for a while and, in fact, if prices haven't fallen in your neighborhood yet, they most likely will in 2007.

(3) Agents Will Negotiate Record Numbers of Counter Offers
Finding a real estate agent who will negotiate for you as a seller or a buyer is going to be more important in 2007 than it has been in previous years. Sellers will not accept offers as written and will issue a counter. Buyers will not accept the seller's first counter and will issue a counter of their own. It will not be unusual to see five or more counters per transaction before an agreement is reached.

(4) Buyers Will Pass By Overpriced Homes
Buyers are becoming more educated. They know when the price is right, and overpriced homes will be scratched off their list of possible homes to consider. Buyers view sellers with overpriced listings as inflexible and not serious about selling. With large numbers of well priced homes available to them, buyers won't waste time on sellers who refuse to be reasonable about pricing.

(5) Buyers Will Demand Upscale Features
As more inventory comes on the market, buyers will have more to choose from before making an offer and will gravitate toward homes that require no updating or costly remodels. Buyers will expect homes to be turnkey and ready to occupy. Kitchen and bathroom remodels will fetch top dollar over homes without updates.

(6) Sellers Will Hire Home Stagers
Some sellers will be lucky and find a real estate agent who can offer home staging services, but many sellers, to be competitive among other listings, will hire a professional stager before putting their home on the market. Furniture rental companies will set up accounts offering 30- to 90-day financing at zero interest and no payments to accommodate home sellers who want to pay staging fees at closing and not upfront.

(7) Agents Will Take Overpriced Listings
Just because the market has changed is no reason for agents to wise up and stop taking overpriced listings or to stop hurting their seller's chances to sell. In fact, many agents won't be able to afford to pay MLS dues and will be fighting for survival, so they will continue to inflate home prices in hopes of beating out a competitor for a listing. This battle will help to retire agents who shouldn't be in the business in the first place.

(8) Virtual Tours Will Gain Popularity
Online listings without virtual tours will be passed over. Virtual tours will gain popularity because buyers will demand them. Like the old MLS books without a photo, an online listing without a virtual tour will be a non-entity and ignored. In addition, buyers will want audio with the visual.

(9) More than 50% of Listings Will Feature a Price Reduction Within 30 days
Sellers can do everything else right but fail miserably if the home is priced too high. The number one reason why properties don't sell is price. Anything will sell for the right price. The first trick is to figure out what that price should be before putting your home on the market. The second trick is to figure out when to reduce the price.

(10) Buyers Will Be More Selective When Choosing an Agent
Choosing the right agent is the single most important factor when buying or selling real estate. However some people make the mistake of choosing a DNA agent (family related) or a neighbor, without ever thinking about the main reason to hire an agent or how to go about determining the fit for themselves. As appreciation slows, sellers and buyers alike will be more discriminating and ask the tough questions to further protect their hard-earned dollars.

Cubicle Living is the life for me!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:27:00 +0000

We've moved our offices!

Just in time for the holidays!!

Come and visit us at:

251 Salt Lick Road

St. Peters, MO 63376

(in the new Dierberg's Plaza off Hwy 79 exit and I-70)

I also have a direct phone # to my desk!

(636) 970-3519

The BEST time to buy!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 03:08:00 +0000

Traditionally, the holiday season is the BEST time to buy.

Everyone else is pulling their homes off the market now.

Most sellers don't want to be bothered during their holiday family time.

Inventory is LOW!

"Have to" sellers are scrambling to move their property.

If you're a seller in November or December you have a better chance of moving
than if your home is on the market in the Summer when your competition is fierce!

Rates are low, inventory is low.

If you're a buyer, you are at a definite advantage.

America's MOST DANGEROUS City

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:14:00 +0000

"the study looks at crime only within St. Louis city limits, with a population of about 330,000. It doesn’t take into account the suburbs in St. Louis County, which has roughly 980,000 residents." [source]

OK, I'll buy that.

The majority of "St. Louisans" actually live in St. Louis County and the surrounding counties (including across the river in Illinois).

We are the Champions!

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 15:05:00 +0000

of the World.... (World Series, that is!)

Time to celebrate!

Click the link below to share my experience!

Buyer Incentives

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:31:00 +0000

To combat the slowing market more & more sellers are offering special incentives to buyers and buyer's agents.

Buyer incentives include:

Money toward closing costs, pre-paid expenses and points
Personal property conveyances such as refrigerators, gas grills, etc.
Seller financing or carry-back loans

Buyer's Agent incentives include:

Vacations
TVs
Cash Bonuses
Higher commission rates (sellers raising the sales commission from 6% to 7% with 4% going to the buyer's agent)

Before offering incentives, be sure your home's price is correctly set. If you have seen a recent CMA of sales in the past 30 days and are satisfied that your home is priced lower than the competition, then perhaps adding incentives would benefit you in the sale of your home.

Just to ease your mind, there is nothing unethical, immoral or fattening about offering special incentives to buyers and their agents to sell your property -- instead of your neighbor's.

It has nothing to do with Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:18:00 +0000

Sometimes we all could use a good hug!

Pricing your home to SELL

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:55:00 +0000

Some sellers get it, and others... well....

Here's a great article pertaining to pricing you home to sell in a "down" market.

"With some frequency I see homes priced for reasons that won't work:

The property must sell for this price because I need $400,000 for the next home.

The truth: Prices are established by the marketplace, not seller needs.
Similar homes in a different neighborhood command a particular price, therefore my house should sell at the same price.
The truth: What happens elsewhere is irrelevant. What happens in the immediate neighborhood is what counts.
The Flombacks got $800,00 for their home so I should be getting at least that much.
The truth: This is not about the Flombacks and should not be about seller ego. The real issue is about bricks and mortar. The Flombacks may have an objectively better house.
The buyer's offer requires that we leave the washer and dryer -- it's an insult.

The truth: Homes reflect our psychological identity, who we are, our social status, etc. But the marketplace reflects supply and demand. Leaving a washer and dryer may be a lot cheaper than not getting a sale for months on end.
This home would have sold for $500,000 last August and we will not accept a lower price.
The truth: It's not last August. It's now and the marketplace reflects current supply and demand. "

[Source]

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:43:00 +0000

If you haven't heard the news yet, I'm expanding my business.

I've been toying with the idea of forming a team and adding a buyer's agent.

If you know of anyone interested in working in real estate, give me a call!
(314) 495-7179

24-Hour Market Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:22:00 +0000

Here's your Market Watch

for the St. Louis Metro area

October 10, 2006

24-Hour Market Watch

noreply@blogger.com (Marketing 1st) — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 12:36:00 +0000

Here's your Market Watch

for the St. Louis Metro area

October 4, 2006