• Befriend a  neighbor.  A formal Neighborhood Watch program may not be instituted on your block, but you are bound to have a neighbor willing to watch over your home while you are away.  Request that they notify you or the police if something alarming occurs.
• Do not tell the world about your vacation plans until after they are complete.  Your voice mail, Facebook, Twitter, & other social networking websites provide information to sources that may not be your “friend.”  Do not leave notes on your front door, trashcans or mailbox, either.
•  It’s always best when your home appears to be occupied while you are away. Timers and volunteer police patrols can be utilized, and newspapers and mail can be placed on hold, unless you have a large, locking mailbox. You could also ask a friend to visually check-in on your home.
•  Try using a deadbolt or locking mechanism on your garage door while you are away for long periods of time and secure any pet entrances.
• Remember that a well-maintained and well-lit home with timed lights and motion detectors can be a deterrent, as can loud dogs.  Please take note that if you have a pet, you will also need to  plan for its care while vacationing.

When you return, be sure to begin all suspended services again. You will also want to  thank those who watched over your new home so they will feel so inclined when your next vacation comes up.

This all brick ranch is situated on .68 acres.  It is surrounded by mature trees and has such a distinguished feel to it.  While it looks large from the outside, you have no idea how spacious it is when you enter the front door…

This home has so many great qualities of the mid-century ranches, and so many more unique features that you don’t typically find.  For example, its own library!

Two floor to ceiling walls to fill with literature! A true bookworm’s dream

Almost the entire basement is finished and it has one of the coolest features you can imagine – radiant heated floors.  So yes, you can play ping pong all winter long without your socks on!

I could go on and on about all of the other cool features this home has, but why not watch the video and see for yourself?

Click here to view the embedded video.

And if this home is not your cup of tea, why not take a look at one of the other homes recently listed? One thing is for sure, you cannot go wrong living in Creve Coeur.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 100+. See more city of Creve Coeur real estate.
(all data current as of 2/24/2012)

1. $549,000 : 842 North New Ballas ,Unit 401, Creve Coeur
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,451 sq ft

   Listing provided by Elizabeth Gangl, Upper End Properties, LLC phone# 7266442
2. $369,900 : 12271 Prince Towne DR, Creve Coeur
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,852 sq ft

   Lot size: 18,426 sq ft

   Listing provided by Carol Katz, Prudential Alliance, REALTORS phone# 9977600
3. $674,900 : 11311 Fairways DR, Creve Coeur
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 4,122 sq ft

   Lot size: 40,511 sq ft

   Listing provided by Elizabeth St. Cin, Laura McCarthy- Clayton phone# 7255100
4. $997,500 : 625 North Mosley RD, Creve Coeur
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,815 sq ft

   Lot size: 33,106 sq ft

   Listing provided by Mark Gellman, Coldwell Banker Premier Group phone# 6470001
5. $1,000,000 : 204 Falling Leaves CT, Creve Coeur
   
   5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 5,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 1.45 ac

   Listing provided by Gay Gordon, Coldwell Banker Gundaker phone# 3949300

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

Contact me today  to set up a showing of 523 Fairways or another Creve Coeur home!

523 Fairways CIR, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 (MLS # 11057066)

DRASTIC PRICE REDUCTION! Immaculate Ranch in ideal location. A Professional Organizer Lives here! California Closets in all bedrooms. Impressive library with floor to ceiling bookcases. Kitchen has ample cabinet space and a large window overlooking backyard. High-end Bosch appliances including a convection oven vented to outside. Off the Kitchen is the family room with woodburning fireplace. Master bathroom is spacious with extra long vanity area. The backyard is beautiful in Spring with colorful blooms, large concrete patio with lighting and built-in barbecue. The lower level is finished with a possible extra bedroom, walk-in cedar closet, wetbar,and radiant floors. The basement walks out to a second patio in backyard. Updates galore including 30 year Roof, Gutters, Soffits, Fascia '04, 75 Gallon Water Heater, Electric Panel and Updated Wiring '02. Home has been meticulously maintained and has unbelievable storage. Walking Distance to Creve Coeur Municipal Ice Rink and Golf Course.

Property Type(s): Residential

Last Updated	2/16/2012	Tract	Fairways Plat 1
Year Built	1961	Community	Parkway North
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	St Louis
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	37

Price History

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

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

Listing provided by Hayley Tomazic, J. F. Meyer Realty phone# 8983715

(view all details for MLS #11057066)

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) report that nearly 76% of new and existing homes sold in the last quarter of 2011 could have easily been purchased by buyers earning $64,200 (the national median income). The previous quarter showed nearly 73% of homes in that range, marking a 3% increase.

Interest rates have been at record lows and change weekly on 30-year loans with Freddie Mac reporting an average of 3.87% on February 16th. 15-year loans were averaging 3.16%.  Many housing markets were considered affordable in the recent index, however, if you are in market to purchase a home, the following areas represent the best choice in order of affordability according to the NAHB/HOI:

• Youngstown, Ohio
• Boardman, Ohio
• Warren, Ohio
• Lakeland, Florida
• Winter Haven, Florida
• Modesto, California
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• Toledo, Ohio
• Kokomo, Indiana
• Fairbanks, Alaska
• Cumberland, Maryland
• Lima, Ohio
• Rockford, Illinois

Click on The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index: History of Least and Most Affordable Areas spreadsheet located here to download the list of historical data on the most and least affordable areas in your community or browse their website to learn more.

The new agreement, authorized in 49 states (not Oklahoma), strengthens the review process on loan modifications and foreclosures by requiring application reviews prior to beginning the foreclosure process. Excessive fees, insurance costs, and appraisal rates also received limits, and the agreement also provided avenues for principal reduction for struggling homeowners. This agreement does not apply to any FHA, Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae loans or foreclosures.

Homeowners with a mortgage on their primary home that represent a 20 percent or more reduction on property value with a loan balance of less than $417,000 are targeted for these funds, although eligibility will be determined individually. Homeowners whose mortgage rates are above 5.25 percent may be able to refinance to lower interest rates, and homeowners experiencing unemployment or considering short sales may receive aid, as well.

Contact your lender directly to see if you are eligible or watch for a notification letter from your lender within the next six months. Incentives were provided to lenders who completed settlements within 12 months, and funds must be dispersed within three years. Click here to see actual details of the agreement.

This number is anticipated to continue to rise to five times that rate in the next five years with over 30% of “green” home building being forecasted for 2016. Beyond 2016, builders believe over 90% of their projects will be “green.” Home buyers are seeking earth-friendly features in homes for sale, so home sellers and remodelers should take note of these statistics. Renovation work has also increased in recent years, most likely due to the shifting economy, and builders report that home remodels make up over 60% of their business, according to the recent McGraw-Hill study done in conjunction with National Association of Home Builders and Waste Management.

So, home owners and those looking for new homes with eco-friendly perks, have the “green” light! Almost half of builders (46%) have begun marketing their “green” services and are becoming well-versed in determining the best needs and options for their clients. As builders become more familiar with the processes involved with earth-friendly materials, consumer cost has decreased as well, making it a great time to upgrade your home for sale. Benefits of making these eco-friendly measures can be reduced energy costs, reduced waste, better quality of life, and peace of conscience.

To get more information on the results of the Green Home Builders and Remodelers Study, click here.

And to get in touch with a local builder about building the “Green” home of your dreams today, please contact me.  I have a great relationships with one of the most reputable builders in town that can offer a fantastic green home for an affordable price.

Is your home sending the correct messaage?

If not, it may be time to consider hiring a gardener or getting help from family and friends to make some needed changes as soon as possible. The right gardener can transform the most jungle-like backyard into a beautifully manicured area of peace and tranquility, in as little as a day! With all the other tasks associated with selling your home, landscaping is a great project to outsource.

Before hiring a gardener, ask friends or neighbors for referrals. Once you have a few recommendations, ask questions and raise any concerns you may have with the gardeners/landscapers you decide to interview. Some key points to discuss are how often you would like service and what you need included at each visit. Services range from simple mowing to complete care, with reseeding, watering and fertilizing options. Don’t be afraid to ask your new gardener for help with ideas and improvements that could increase your property value and alert your gardener as to the property status, since there may be times when extra special service is needed (such as before an open house). You might even request that any extra cut blooms be left for you to use inside your home.
Keep in mind that a specialty garden is not the same as basic maintenance. If you have special circumstances, you may want to consider sharing written along with any verbal instructions with your chosen landscaper. Of course maintenance and seasonal costs, liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage are all topics you will want to discuss before entering into any agreement.

Once you have begun your service, inspect the initial work and take time to notice the changes occurring in your landscaping. As you offer feedback to your gardener and become a part of the process, you will see your home evolve into a well-kept, beautifully groomed masterpiece. Your home will create the best impression possible and deliver the message you want to share with potential home buyers.

As a home seller, you may feel challenged in trying to anticipate what you can do to make your home more inviting and attractive to a prospective buyer.  However, the following easy steps can welcome your buyer instantly and help them to feel as though they are €œcoming home€ when they enter your property, so read on.

First, look out your windows.  Are they clean and inviting?  Do you have a pleasant view or can you camouflage it with some temporary plants just outside the window?  Whenever you leave or anticipate a home showing, remember to leave the window coverings open so natural lighting can show off your property.  The more light the better, so evaluate whether additional room lighting should be left on,  as well.  If the weather is nice and the outside noise quiet, consider leaving a window open to create a slight breeze.

Is your home comfortable looking?  Is the temperature moderate and the ambiance set without being overdone?  Soft music, flowing water from a fountain, or fresh flowers can leave a lasting impression about the feel of a home.

Your goal is to intrigue the senses throughout your home.  Whether it’€™s a soft blanket or an antique desk; if you have an unusual and beautiful showpiece, show it off.  Creating a lasting impression through touch or evoking a memory, since these are often reasons later given for why a particular home was chosen.  The sense of smell is very powerful, too, so keep in mind that baking cookies REALLY can help in the sale of your home.  If you do have the smell of baked good lingering in your home, please make sure the cookies are available for potential buyers so disappointment does not cloud their view of your property.

Lastly, leave the house.  That’€™s right – let the potential buyer have a chance to feel that the house is theirs – if even for 15 minutes.  Your home buyer needs to feel as if they are in their new home.  For this reason, many professional home stagers recommend eliminating personal effects and photos when a home is being shown.  Remember, your main job as a home seller is to prepare your home so potential home buyers feel a sense of ownership and an urgency to make it theirs before they leave.

The last five weeks have brought mortgage rates to historic lows according to Freddie Mac, with many averaging below 4%. That means more buying and bargaining power for you, the home buyer. In fact, according to last Thursday’s Primary Mortgage Market survey by Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 15 year mortgage was 3.16% with fees and points averaging .8 and the average rate for a 30 year mortgage was 3.89% with fees and points of .7.

Keeping those stats in mind, it’s always wise to do your homework and ask your lender for a list of current rates and determine if those are lowest for that day or week and if the rate is fixed or adjustable, as that answer will affect your payment significantly. Keep in mind that the APR (annual percentage rate) considers all fees, including points and other charges such as origination, underwriting, or closing costs fees, so it may be advantageous to use in comparisons. In a constantly evolving real estate market, it’s always wise to educate yourself and shop around, listen up, and be ready to make the best deal you can on your home purchase and your lending costs.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Spring is in the air! And its not even February! The warm temperatures the past few days seem to have everyone in Spring Cleaning mode.  I think at least 5 or 6 people have consulted me in the past few days about preparing their home for sale.  I put together this short little video for everyone out there with the same question:

What do I need to do to get my house ready to sell?

I included some great websites and information here.  If you’d like even more detailed information, comment on this post to receive a complimentary Comprehensive Seller’s Guide that I usually reserve only for my clients.

Hope you enjoy the video as much as I have enjoyed this unseasonal Spring weather!  Speaking of Spring… Any predictions on what the groundhog is going to tell us?

-Hayley

]]> http://jfmeyerrealty.com/gettingyourhomereadytosell/feed/ 0 http://jfmeyerrealty.com/thinking-about-building-a-new-home/ http://jfmeyerrealty.com/thinking-about-building-a-new-home/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:06:49 +0000 hayley http://hayleytomazic.virtualresults.net/?p=473 Read More »]]> Click here to view the embedded video.

Have you ever thought about what it takes to build a custom home? Many people automatically cringe at this daunting task, and don’t even know where to begin when it comes to finding land, getting a construction loan, and finding a builder.  Many people also have the misconception that it is extremely expensive to build a new home.  Well, I have news today that might change your mind on a few of these topics and make the dream of building a reality in your new future.

This week, I met with Chris Gianino of USA Mortgage to learn more about an exciting new loan product that his company offers.  To give you the basics of the loan, it is an FHA loan that allows the buyer to buy land, get a construction loan and permanent financing – ALL ROLLED INTO ONE LOAN! Not only does this take the hassle out of the usual intial steps to building a home, but it allows buyers to build with only 3.5% down payment.  And if that isn’t exciting enough, the buyer’s payments do not begin until they are moved into their new home.  I don’t want to give away all the fun details (as there are many more), so I will let Chris tell you about it in our short interview above.

As Chris mentioned above, in order to use this loan, the builder must be approved through his company.  Currently, the only Missouri approved builder is Rubicon Corporation.  They have many modern floor plans for today’s buyer that can be built inexpensively on the land you choose.  To learn more about these homes, please contact me today and I can set up a meeting to get you started on building your dream home!