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Real Estate News

03/07/2009 10 Tips For Selling Your Home in Todays Real Estate Market
12/21/2009 How to Budget for Home Maintenance . . .
03/25/2011 Listen to Pre-recorded information about each home currently for sale in the Greater St. Louis Area
03/25/2011 Coldwell Banker Premier Achieves #1 Affiliate in Missouri For The Second Year in a Row;
08/29/2011 Dan Snodgrass on National T.V.
09/13/2011 Freddie Mac reports mortage rates have attained new all-time record lows - again
09/13/2011 Eye on Real Estate Debuts on Coldwell Banker Premier Group YouTube Channel
09/13/2011 Coldwell Banker Premier Group Agent Doug McKay Earns GRI Designation
10/02/2011 Top Producing Real Estate Agents David Dunn and Sheldon Ross Join Coldwell Banker Premier Group
10/02/2011 Fixed-Rate Mortgages Lowest on Record
10/09/2011 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Falls Below 4 Percent
10/19/2011 Five Mistakes Most People Make In Refinancing Their Home
10/27/2011 Fixed Mortgage Rates Change Little
11/07/2011 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Averages 4.00 Percent
11/15/2011 How to Prepare for a Move . . .
01/03/2012 Ten Things You Can Do to Prepare for an Appraisal in the St Louis Area
January, 03 2012

Ten Things You Can Do to Prepare for an Appraisal in the St Louis Area

Home : Blogs : Michael S. Bolton-MN - Appraiser


You’ve just signed all of the paperwork for your refinance, handed the loan officer the check for the appraisal, and now you’re wondering what is going to happen next. Good news-the appraisal inspection is painless, and usually takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes to complete. However, there are a few things that you should do to help the process move along as smooth as possible.




Preparing for the appraisal inspection:•Create a detailed list of the recent improvements, which should include the following: when completed, cost of the improvement, before and after pictures if available.


•Make sure each room is accessible; the appraiser is required to inspect each room.
•If there is a crawl space, this area will also have to be made accessible for inspection for an FHA appraisal.
•Give the appraiser room to do their job. Errors are more likely to occur when the appraiser isn’t able to concentrate on their inspection.
•Keep all pets restrained. I’ve been bitten twice by a dog, and once by a cat; the owners had assured me that their pets were friendly-not so much!
•If you live within a development that has a homeowners association, have the name and phone number of the contact person available, along with a fee statement.
•If the appraisal is for an FHA loan, then the area leading to the attic will have to be cleared and made accessible-the appraiser is required to make at least a head and shoulders inspection of the attic area.
•Walk through each room and straighten up as if you were getting ready for company to visit. Appraisers are objective and can look past many things, however, the underwriter reviewing the appraisal photos may feel differently.
•Complete any unfinished projects-most appraisals are done “as is”, and any projects that haven’t been completed, will have to be adjusted for within the appraisal report.
•A copy of any agreements regarding easements (shared driveways and/or garages,etc.) should be made available.
Concerns about value:
For years I’ve been a big proponent of developing a relationship with a Realtor. I’m not talking about a real estate agent who happens to be a relative that lives half way across the state. I’m talking about one that does a lot of work within your neighborhood.

By building a relationship with a professional Realtor (this is all they do and they do it well), they’ll be able to give you great insight as to what’s happening within your neighborhood, and they would be glad to let you know what similar homes are selling for.



Once the appraisal is complete:
You have a right to a copy of your appraisal, so ask for it. If you should find any errors or have any concerns, talk with your loan originator. This is hard for borrowers to understand, being that they paid for the appraisal, but the mortgage company is the appraiser’s client, and they can’t discuss the appraisal with anyone else unless given permission.

Trying to understand an appraisal can be like trying to read the “Dead Sea Scrolls,” so ask questions and get clarification when needed-you paid for it!


November, 15 2011

How to Prepare for a Move . . .

 

To make your move run smoothly, heed the following recommendations whether you are a homeowner or a renter:

1. Get rid of clutter. Two months before the date of the move, go through every room in the house and decide what items should not be moved. Donate or sell any clothes, furniture, or other items that are unwanted.

2. Start searching online for a moving company, if desired. There are many companies to choose from, so be sure to find a quality company and book early. Read as many reviews as possible and learn from others' mistakes.

3. Cancel and order utilities. Contact telephone, electric, gas, water, and other services to inform them of the move. By planning ahead, extra charges can be avoided and moving into a new home will be smoother.

4. Pack smart. Plan ahead when packing and use a moving checklist to stay on track. Get all the supplies beforehand, such as bubble wrap, boxes, tape and markers. Label boxes in detail with the room they go to and the contents. Pack unneeded items first and the most used items last. Have a couple of boxes of essentials that are easily accessible, which can include an alarm clock, change of clothes, toiletries, coffee maker, etc.

5. Safety first. Whether you are hiring a professional company or going at it solo, be sure to keep walkways clear, remove rugs, tripping hazards and low-hanging items. Ensure young children have a care provider and pets are kept safely away from loading and unloading areas.

6. Know what not to pack. Items such as pesticides, paint thinner, lighter fluid, and other dangerous chemicals should not be packed by professionals or in a moving truck. Valuables, irreplaceable items and important documents should be kept safe with the homeowner and moved in the truck cab, car or shipped with a tracking number.

7. Smile! This time can be more exciting than stressful with a positive attitude and a bit of preparation. Try not to stress and enjoy the excitement of your new neighborhood.


November, 07 2011

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Averages 4.00 Percent

Freddie Mac says the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows average mortgage rates declining sharply as investors rushed to U.S. Treasury bonds amid concerns over the European debt market. The 30-year fixed at 4.00 percent marks the second lowest reading since it hit a record 3.94 percent in the October 6, 2011 PMMS, the lowest in history.

In the St. Louis area, 30-year fixed mortage rates average 4.03%, 15-year rates averaged 3.35%, 5/1-year adjustable rates averaged 2.88%, and finally 1-year adjustable rate mortgages averaged 2.68% for the week. Fees and points ranged between 0.6% to 0.8%.

Freddie Mac's Vice President and Chief Economist, Frank Nothaft, attributed the decline to money issues in Europe. "Market concerns over the European debt market drew investors to U.S. Treasury securities, lowering bond yields and mortgage rates. Meanwhile, on the home front, the U.S. economy continued its gradual recovery. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported the economy grew 2.5 percent in the third quarter, the strongest pace in a year, led by a surge in consumer expenditures. In addition, consumer spending rose 0.6 percent in September, nearly threefold that of August. Finally, consumer sentiment, as measured by the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index, rose for the second month in a row in October to its highest reading since July," Nothaft said.

You can read the entire news release here.

If you have any questions about the national or local mortgage rate, please check with your local Coldwell Banker Premier real estate agent. You can also contact Andy Brio at Heartland Premier Mortgage, our sister company.
- David Amdur
/\October, 27 2011

Fixed Mortgage Rates Change Little

Freddie Mac says the results of its weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows average fixed mortgage rates changing little for the second consecutive week nationwide amid mixed consumer confidence and housing data. Fixed mortgage rates remain near their 60-year lows.

In the St. Louis area, the average rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage was 4.14%, and a 15 year mortgage averaged 3.43%, with both the fees and points averaging 0.7%. A 5/1 year adjustable rate mortgage averaged 3.18 percent, while a one year averaged 2.71%, both with fees and points averaging 0.6%.

You can view the entire Freddie Mac news release by clicking here.

If you have any questions about the national or local mortgage rate, please check with your local Coldwell Banker Premier real estate agent. You can also contact Andy Brio at Heartland Premier Mortgage, our sister company.

/\October, 19 2011

Five Mistakes Most People Make In Refinancing Their Home






- 1. Assuming your home's value hasn't dropped.



Why it happens: Homeowners especially can be overly optimistic (even delusional) about home values.


A recent study concluded that homeowners consistently overestimate the value of their property by 5% to 10%, and those who bought at the height of the market are most likely to make this error. Even in neighborhoods where every third home is in foreclosure, some residents don't see the connection between their neighbors' home-equity erosion and their own. This causes them to waste money for appraisals when they haven't a snowball's chance in hell of getting a refinance.



How to avoid it: You can handle the truth! Check several online valuation systems to get a possible range of values for your home. Request the opinion of a real-estate agent who sells a lot of homes in your neighborhood. When considering a refinance, know what value you need to conclude the transaction and then determine how likely your home is to appraise at that value. Post continues after video.

- 2. Refinancing with your current lender without rate shopping.



Why it happens: Because we're slackers when it comes to not-fun things like mortgage shopping.



Retention strategies are programs designed to recapture customers considering a refinance without putting silly ideas into the pretty little heads of other customers. Inquiring about your mortgage balance can trigger a call and a refinance offer from your lender. It can tempt you to take a higher-than-market mortgage rate by making it easy with a preapproved or streamlined process.



How to avoid it: Your lender is not your friend -- don't assume that it's giving you a special deal. Compare your lender's quote with others. See what rate you'd qualify for at the same costs as your lender's offer, and get these quotes in writing. If you can do better elsewhere, inform your lender and you may be offered a better deal -- or refinance elsewhere for a lower rate. (Should you refinance? Try MSN Money's calculator.)



- 3. Skipping your mortgage payment during escrow.



Why it happens: We hear what we want to hear.



Well-intentioned advisers like this guy, who recommends applying for a refinance, skipping your payment, and spending it on Christmas gifts(!), can make you think that there is some kind of fabulous free lunch associated with mortgage refinancing. However, if your new loan closes late, the missing payment could end up on your credit report and even increase your refinance rate. That could give you a nasty case of indigestion.



How to avoid it: Make your mortgage payment on time (or even early if you don't do it online) each month until your refinance has closed. If you overpay your old lender, the money will be returned to you. Understand that refinance transactions may take longer than purchases because lenders give purchase mortgages priority.



- 4. Making purchases on credit.



Why it happens: Spending money feels awesome! But it shouldn't. Matt Hackett, an underwriting manager with Equity Now, explains, "Most lenders pull a 'no score report' or a 'soft pull' which does not show credit scores, but shows any updated balances, payments, and/or new accounts which have been opened since the original credit inquiry."



This report can kill a refi.



"If there are new inquiries or accounts, the borrower will have to explain them and the loan will go back to underwriting," says Todd Huettner of Huettner Capital. "At a minimum, this could cause delays. If a new account exists, then it must be documented and the liability must be included in the debt-to-income analysis."



Borrowers' errors can be costly.



"They will save $100 on a new TV if they open a store credit card but wind up paying thousands more on their refinance," says Huettner.



How to avoid it: Certified mortgage specialist and "Stress Free Mortgage" author Linda Fleischmann says, "I make sure that my clients are very aware of the 'do not apply for new credit' rule as well as having them call me prior to making any large purchases." So hide your credit cards and don't give your Social Security number to anyone until your mortgage refinance is closed and funded and you hear the fat lady singing.



- 5. Overestimating self-employment income.



Why it happens: We equate income with winning and we don't want to be losers. Everyone has a friend who always comes back from Vegas claiming to have "won" thousands. And he did win, if you ignore the losing hands!



New business owners tend to do the same thing, counting the revenue (winning hands) while disregarding expenses. Borrowers who gross $10,000 a month might list that figure on their refinance application, but lenders look at tax returns. Many applicants find that the $10,000 a month they claim in earnings becomes $2,500 a month when mortgage underwriters get through with it.



How to avoid it: Understand how lenders evaluate your income. At its simplest, self-employment income for mortgage lending purposes is your taxable income plus depreciation and home office expenses. Lenders use Fannie Mae form 1084 (.pdf file), Cash Flow Analysis, to calculate it.



Before refinancing, make a more realistic estimate of self-employment income and run it through a mortgage prequalification calculator to see if you earn enough to get approved. And know that underwriters don't think you're a loser even if they do cut your income.



So, no matter how smart you are, know that everyone is capable of making a dumb refinance mistake. But if you follow these five rules, you'll have the best shot at a seamless refinance.

/\October, 09 2011

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Falls Below 4 Percent

Freddie Mac reports the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the average rate for the conventional 30-year fixed mortgage nationwidwide dropping below 4 percent for the first time in history amid increasing global economic concerns. The 15-year fixed, a popular refinancing option, also fell to the lowest level on record for the sixth consecutive week.

In the St. Louis area, the 30 year fixed rate average mortgage also fell to 3.99%. The 15 year adjustable rate mortgage fell to 3.32%. Points and fees averaged 0.8%. The 5/1 year adjustable rate mortgage fell to 2.95% with 0.7% for fees and points, and the one year adjustable rate mortgage averaged 2.71% with 0.6% in fees in points in the St. Louis area.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist for Freddie Mac said..."Average 30-year conventional fixed mortgage rates fell below 4 percent for the first time in history following a sharp drop in 10-year Treasuries early in the week as concerns over a global recession grew. Average 15-year fixed rates fell to a record low in the PMMS as well. Interest rates for 1-year ARMs, however, rose, as the Fed began replacing $400 billion of its short-term Treasury securities, which serve as benchmarks for many ARMs. Also, in his testimony to Congress's Joint Economic Committee, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke said the recovery is close to 'faltering' and stressed the need for lawmakers to act.

To read the complete survey from Freddie Mac click here.

If you have any questions about the national or local mortgage rate, please check with your local Coldwell Banker Premier real estate agent. You can also contact Andy Brio at Heartland Premier Mortgage, our sister company.
- David Amdur
/\October, 02 2011

Fixed-Rate Mortgages Lowest on Record

Freddie Mac says the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the conventional 30-year fixed averaged anall-time record low at 4.01 percent across the nation; likewise the 15-year fixed averaged an all-time record low at 3.28 percent for the week. Of the five regions surveyed in Freddie Mac's survey, the West region recorded the lowest average rate for the 30-year fixed dipping below 4.00 percent to 3.95 percent.

In the St. Louis area, 30 year fixed mortgages averaged 4.08%. 15 year adjustable rate mortgages averaged 3.36%, 5/1 year adjustable rate mortgages were at 3.05% on average, and one year adjustable rate mortgages averaged 2.71%. Fees and points averaged 0.7%, except for 0.6% for one year adjustable mortgages.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac said... "Fixed mortgage rates fell to all-time record lows this week following the Federal Reserve's announcement of its Maturity Extension Program and additional purchases of mortgage-backed securities. Interest rates for ARMs, however, were nearly unchanged as the Federal Reserve plans to sell $400 billion in short-term Treasury securities, which serve as benchmarks for many ARMs. Meanwhile, the spring and summer home-buying season gave a boost to a number of house price indexes. The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that its National index (not seasonally adjusted) rose for the fourth consecutive month in July."

You can read the entire news release here.

If you have any questions about the national or local mortgage rate, please check with your local Coldwell Banker Premier real estate agent. You can also contact Andy Brio at Heartland Premier Mortgage, our sister company.

- David Amdur
/\October, 02 2011

Top Producing Real Estate Agents David Dunn and Sheldon Ross Join Coldwell Banker Premier Group

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is pleased to announce two top producing agents in the St. Louis market have joined the company. David Dunn and Sheldon Ross have a wealth of experience in home sales will work from the South County office.

Known as the Dunn and Ross team, the two agents had a combined sales volume of $3,000,000 in 2010.

The team has a combined eleven years' experience in real estate sales in the St. Louis market.

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is the number one Coldwell Banker affiliate in the State of Missouri based on sales, and operates offices in St. Louis, South County and Washington in Franklin County.

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is also affiliated with Realty Exchange, a multifamily and commercial real estate firm, Apartment Exchange, which provides property management services for apartment owners in the St. Louis area, and Heartland Premier Mortgage. The company also operates an REO division specializing in the sale of bank owned properties.
- David Amdur
/\September, 13 2011

Coldwell Banker Premier Group Agent Doug McKay Earns GRI Designation

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is pleased to announce that St. Louis based real estate agent Doug McKay recently graduated from the Realtor Institute and earned the prestigious GRI Designation.

The GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation is considered the nation’s number one real estate designation and may only be earned after successfully completing a rigorous educational program. The program requires 92 hours of live course instruction from a statewide faculty selected because of extensive experience in their own areas of expertise.

This designation is available only to members of the local, state and National Association of REALTORS® and is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism and knowledge. The GRI symbol is recognized nationwide, showing buyers, sellers and other real estate industry members that graduates are true professional and have a solid grasp of real estate fundamentals.

McKay has been a real estate agent since 2007 when he joined the company. He says he enjoys the corporate culture at Coldwell Banker Premier Group. “It’s always been a warm and friendly place to work; the management and my co-workers are very positive and sharing.”

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is the number one Coldwell Banker affiliate in the State of Missouri based on sales, and operates offices in St. Louis, South County and Washington in Franklin County.

Coldwell Banker Premier is also affiliated with Realty Exchange, a multifamily and commercial real estate firm, Apartment Exchange, which provides property management services for apartment owners in the St. Louis area, and the company also operates an REO division, specializing in the sale of bank owned properties.

- David Amdur
/\September, 13 2011

Eye on Real Estate Debuts on Coldwell Banker Premier Group YouTube Channel

Coldwell Banker Premier Group has launched a weekly television series called “Eye on Real Estate”, hosted by Norm Polsky, Broker and Director of Operations at Coldwell Banker Premier Group, and Bob Kahn, Managing partner at sister company Realty Exchange. The two will update viewers on the status of the St. Louis real estate market for residential, commercial and investment properties. Check out our series by clicking here for the Coldwell Banker Premier Group YouTube Channel.
- David Amdur
/\September, 13 2011

Freddie Mac reports mortage rates have attained new all-time record lows - again

The latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows mortgage rates, fixed and adjustable, hitting all-time record lows amid market and employment concerns and economic uncertainty. The previous record lows for fixed mortgage rates, and the 1-year ARM, were set the week of August 18, 2011. The 5-Year ARM matched its all-time low set the previous week at 2.96 percent.

In the St. louis area, 30 year fixed mortgage rates averaged 4.17%. 15 year rates averaged 3.40%, 5/1 year adjustabe rates averaged 2.98%, and 1 year adjustable rate mortgages averaged 2.77%. Points and fees averaged 0.7 percent.

Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist at Freddie Mac said ..."Market concerns over Eurozone sovereign debt default and a weak U.S. employment report for August placed downward pressure on Treasury bond yields and allowed fixed mortgage rates to hit new lows."

To read the complete survey from Freddie Mac click here.

If you have any questions about the national or local mortgage rate, please check with your local Coldwell Banker Premier real estate agent. You can also contact Andy Brio at Heartland Premier Mortgage, our sister company.

/\August, 29 2011

Dan Snodgrass on National T.V.

Dan Snodgrass an agent with Coldwell Banker Premier Group will be featured on HGTV tonight at 7:00pm - Tues Aug 30th, 2011

If you miss this showing there will be a number of re-runs during the month of Sept.

Congrats to Dan for being selected.

/\March, 25 2011

Coldwell Banker Premier Achieves #1 Affiliate in Missouri For The Second Year in a Row;



 – Coldwell Banker Premier Group has once again achieved the status as number one Coldwell Banker affiliate in the State of Missouri, based on gross commission and the numbers of homes sold in 2011.

The St. Louis based real estate firm posted a sales volume of $177,250,796 dollars in 2011 which involved the sale of nearly 1,177 properties in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Norm Polsky, broker/director of operations for the firm attributed the success of Coldwell Banker Premier Group to the quality of agents who work for the company. “We’re proud that we’ve implemented the latest technology to help both buyers and sellers achieve success. Our agents are top notch and receive the best on-going real estate training available in the St. Louis metropolitan area. All our newer agents go through an extensive seven-week training course, which is unique in our market. “

A number of Coldwell Banker Premier Agents have received individual recognition for their sales efforts at both the regional and national level.


The company was formed in 1972 by Mark Cofman as an independent real estate company specializing in the sale, management, and acquisition of apartment buildings.

In 1986 the company opened a residential division with Norm Polsky as the broker. The organization grew from two agents to its current size of 165 full-time residential specialists, working out of three offices in St. Louis, South County and Washington, Missouri. In 1995 the residential division joined Coldwell Banker as the only local independently owned franchise in St. Louis. The company grew to become the number one affiliate company in the State of Missouri as a result of the quality of service their agents provide for clients.

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is a full service real estate firm providing residential real estate sales and services with offices in St. Louis, South County and Washington Missouri.

Coldwell Banker Premier Group is also affiliated with Realty Exchange, a multifamily and commercial real estate firm, Apartment Exchange, which provides property management services for apartment owners in the St. Louis area, and Heartland Premier Mortgage. The company also operates an REO division specializing in the sale of bank owned properties.

Contact:
Norm Polsky, Broker/Coldwell Banker Premier Group
Office: 314-336-1921 
Email:
/\March, 25 2011

Listen to Pre-recorded information about each home currently for sale in the Greater St. Louis Area

By dialing the following number you can hear a pre-recorded message about each home currently on the market.

The sytem also has the capability of giving you the aproximate payments on the home based on your down payment.

All you will need in calling this number is the address or MLS identification #.

 Just call:

St Louis City & County: (314) 732-0656
Franklin County: (636) 234-9957
- David Amdur
/\December, 21 2009

How to Budget for Home Maintenance . . .





First, buyers should understand the 1% rule. This rule postulates that normal maintenance on a home is about 1% of the value of the home per year. For example, a $250,000 home would require $2,500 per year to maintain. This would be enough to replace the roof covering…and then, a few years later, to replace a failed hot water tank…and then a few years more until a new central air system is required.

Then there is the 3% rule. Some experts say that home buyers should plan on spending 3% of the value of the home in the first year of ownership. This is because new homeowners will most likely have to buy drapes, blinds, a washer and dryer, a stove, maybe even a new roof covering. Also, new homeowners often customize the environment to their taste, so they need to budget for repairs, replacements and maintenance.

In addition, most home components have fairly predictable life cycles. For example, the typical life cycle of a high-efficiency furnace is 15 to 20 years. What this means is that most high-efficiency furnaces last between 15 and 20 years.

One way to know the extent of the maintenance needed and the costs to repair and/or replace items is to have a home inspection conducted. Home inspectors are required to let the buyer know if a component is significantly deficient or if it is near the end of its life cycle (service life), and a reputable home inspection company may offer up-to-date repair-cost guides to help clients with their planning.

Home inspectors work with Realtors and buyers to help them understand the issues that are found in the home, regardless of age, offering the right perspective and objective information. Home buyers need to understand that it’s normal for items in a home to wear out. This should be regarded as normal “wear and tear” and not necessarily a defect.

A good home inspection determines the current condition of the house, offering a report of all the systems and components in need of maintenance, service, repair or replacement.

For example, consider a home inspection that uncovers that the heating system is old and requires replacement. A home buyer may see this as a huge problem. However, this problem may be the only item in the home that requires attention. If a buyer were to look at this situation in perspective, this home could be well above average—a home merely requiring a new furnace.

A good home inspection provides objective information to help the buyer make an informed decision. Knowing what items need to be budgeted for repair or replacement will help home buyers plan or negotiate better and not be stuck with unexpected costs of hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in the long run. Also, fixing these items will make a marked improvement on the performance of a home and minimize issues that could affect its future integrity…and value.
/\March, 07 2009

10 Tips For Selling Your Home in Todays Real Estate Market

Top Ten Tips to be a Successful Seller

1. Be committed to selling. In a buyer's market with inflated inventories, short sales, and repos, there is no place for sellers who want to 'test the waters'. Don't even think "If I get my price". You won't. Money is only a secondary motivator to the serious seller.

2. Make sure the price is right. Try triangulation. Ask a few agents for their opinion. Glance at www.zillow.com Consider a formal appraisal. Focus on both current competition and current comps. Sellers should realize they seldom see their property objectively or know the other properties the buyers have seen.

3. Staging is a necessity. Clutter eats equity. Hire a professional stager or listen very carefully to your agent's suggestions. View a staging DVD. Buyers 'horriblize' defects. A faded front door suggests deferred maintenance. A stucco crack may infer expansive soil.

4. Consider a keysafe. The new lock boxes are electronic and enable the listing agent to see who is showing the property. Homes with easy access get more showings.

5. Install a for sale sign. If you don't want the neighbors to know you are selling, reread #1 above. The people in your area will know with or without the sign your property is for sale. They might even have a friend or relative who wants to be their new neighbor.

6. Absorb all feedback. If one buyer says something, others are thinking the same thing. If several similar comments are made, do something about the problem. Put your ego in storage with the excess furniture.

7. Flexibility is fundamental. No showings usually means the price istoo high. No offers usually means the price is too high. Be proactive especially if the market is flat or declining. Regularly reduce the price until an acceptable offer is received.

8. Accentuate the positives. Selling, buying, and moving are stressful events. Tell your agent you appreciate their efforts. Ask them how you can help get the house sold. Ask them what they would do if you were their relative, or it was their home. Ask this question frequently.

9. Time is of the essence. This means sooner is better than later. Do not underestimate the first buyer. They may be the best buyer. They may be the only buyer for a long time. A lower asking price may net a seller more money in the long run.

10. Patience is a virtue. Ask your agent what the average days on the market is in your area. The only way to get somewhere faster is to step on the gas if you are in a car. Or, reduce the price if selling a house.

Just a few ideas on what it takes to get get your home sold in todays real estate market in the St Louis Region.

Ten Things You Can Do to Prepare for an Appraisal in the St Louis Area

Learn what it takes to prepare for an appraisal by reading the article below . . . › more

Five Mistakes Most People Make In Refinancing Their Home

To avoid these errors  . .  . just read the following article:

› more

Coldwell Banker Premier Achieves #1 Affiliate in Missouri For The Second Year in a Row;

Coldwell Banker Premier Group has once again achieved the status as number one Coldwell Banker affiliate in the State of Missouri, based on gross commission and the number of homes sold in 2011. › more

Listen to Pre-recorded information about each home currently for sale in the Greater St. Louis Area

Pre-Recorded 24/7 "Hot Line" Information Number For All Homes on the Market › more

How to Budget for Home Maintenance . . .

The 1% Rule . . .

The 3% Rule . . .

› more

10 Tips For Selling Your Home in Todays Real Estate Market

Below are just a few ideas if you are planning to sell your home . . .

› more

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