– spring 2009 – CONTENTS A Good Time To Buy A Home 4 10 Questions To Ask A Realtor When Selling A Home 6 Determining Fair Home Sale Prices 10 Checklist For An Easy Move 10 What Homes Sold For 14 Drew and Zoe Dryden sell lemonade in front of their home located at 410 N Taylor in Kirkwood photo by Diana Linsley
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Transcript
– s p r i n g 2 0 0 9 –
CONTENTSA Good Time To Buy A Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410 Questions To Ask A Realtor When Selling A Home . . . . . .6Determining Fair Home Sale Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Checklist For An Easy Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10What Homes Sold For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Drew and Zoe Dryden sell lemonade in front of their home located at 410 N . Taylor in Kirkwood .
photo by Diana Linsley
2 Webster-Kirkwood Times March 13 - 19, 2009REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
2
Knowledge,Experience, Dedication,
and Personal Attention
Jay Warnick
314-265-6018
A full-time professionalwith over twenty-five years
...“We want to express our overwhelming satisfaction.”
...“Kathy was recommended for her outstanding reputation of always meeting the needs of her clients.”
...“Kathy and Mary were a pleasure to deal with and very good at what they do. We highly recommend you to friends.”
...“You are both caring and special people – we consider ourselves very fortunate to be in our ‘dream house’ and we are thankful to you for patiently helping us find it!”
Mary & Kathy Hartrich Kathy Hartrich 314-580-5537 Mary Hartrich 314-276-4999
A warm thank you to all of our past clients and customers for their loyalty and kind words!
Whether you’re buying or selling...
as a full time agent I am dedicated to serving your real estate needs
Over 3 milliOn in my third yearHere's what one of my buyers had to say:
"Myhomebuyingexperiencewaseasyandpain free. You gave me personal treatment and weregenuinelyinterestedinfinding,notonlytherighthouse,butalsooneatapriceIwas
PlaceyourRealEstatecareerinourhands,andwe’ll provide the strategies for your success,whether you’re a brand new agent, or simplywant to jump start your current career. Call me about the Prudential Advantage Realtorsdifference.
2006-2008 Award in Excellence for Personal ServiceTop Company Loan Officer 2005-2008
Purchase or RefinanceDebt Consolidation/Home Improvement
Diverse Range of Programs to Fit Your Needs
Kathleen SollenbargerSenior Mortgage Loan Officer
“Your Neighborhood Webster Kirkwood Lender”National Award Winner for Quality Loan Files
314-641-9241
Prudential Advantage Realtors agents and brokers are proud to be:
– locally owned – committed to the Webster and Kirkwood area market place.
Having a combined experience of 45 agents representing 450 years in our market place, we are here yesterday, here today and here tomorrow to serve your real estate needs.
Phil Hunt Sonny BrockmanBroker/Owner Broker/Owner
Have I Sold A Home On Your Street?Sunnyside • Crofton • Joy • Maple • Parkland • Jackson • Oak Terrace • Baker Oak Tree • Sherwood • Jefferson • Portland Terrace • Somerset • Papin • Tuxedo Rock Hill Road • Greeley • Bonita • Park • Swon • Hawthorne • Orchard Yorkshire • Southridge • Elm • Fieldstone Terrace • Webster Acres • Lockwood Big Bend • Sylvester • Rosemont • Jonquil • Oakwood • Woodlawn • Harrison Huntleigh Trails • Planthurst • Springcreek • Kirkham Denver Place • Gray • Kirkwood Road • N. Taylor • Lyman Bompart • Locksley • Oak • Belleview • Berry Road Yeatman • Fairview • Lockwood Ct. • Gray • Cedar Wilshire Terrace • Pointe Essex • Algonquin Woods Catalpa • S. Old Orchard • Old Westbury • S. Forest Summit • Glen Road • Hill Drive • Webster Knolls • Swan Stark Ct. • Gardenia • Clara and many more!!!
Give me a call!!! Anne McCoole314-780-3370
4 Webster-Kirkwood Times March 13 - 19, 2009REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
by Marty HarrisLocal real estate agents are
cautiously optimistic about the 2009 real estate season.
“Market conditions in 2009 are very different than years’ past,” according to Ted Thornhill, president of Janet McAfee Inc., located in Ladue. “On one hand you have a market that is perfectly set up for home buyers with good inventory, good pricing, good interest rates and motivated sellers.
“On the other hand you have job insecurity, news of layoffs nationwide and slightly declining home values which create uncertainty for buyers and additional days on market for sellers which could influence value in a negative way,” Thornhill added.
With business “slightly slower the first two months of this year than previous years,” Thornhill said the forecast for 2009 is one of “extreme caution, slightly optimistic with very slow upward growth beginning in the end of the second quarter of the year.”
“When you come out of a year like 2008, you’re a little gun shy,” said Phil Hunt, broker/owner of Prudential Advantage Realtors in Webster Groves. “But indicators we have in our office show we’re going to have a good spring.”
Hunt noted that 2008 sales in his office were down 18 percent over 2007, but 2009 is off to a good start.
“We have seen an increase in our
listings and in the last five weeks have seen an increase in sales,” said Hunt.
Allen Rosen, branch manager of the Coldwell Banker Gundaker Des Peres office, characterized the current market as “sluggish.”
He said Coldwell Banker Gundaker is looking to a slight increase in sales in the second half of 2009 and beyond.
“There is still no better place to call home than St. Louis,” said Rosen. “We don’t have those giant peaks when the market improves but we also don’t have the valleys they are experiencing on the coasts.”
Hunt agreed.“We’re blessed; we’re
staying busy and we’re in business,” said Hunt. “It has to do with the marketplace.”
According to Hunt, house prices for the “central corridor,” which includes the Webster Groves-Kirkwood area, Clayton, etc., have been flat on most homes.
That ties into Rosen’s experience.“Coldwell Banker Gundaker’s
average sale price was down 1.7 percent in 2008 from 2007,” Rosen said.
Tax CreditThe economic stimulus package
is giving the real market a boost. Qualifying first-time home buyers can receive an $8,000 tax credit until Dec. 31.
“I think the $8,000 tax credit is causing people to stand up and take notice,” Hunt said. He noted that those who close before April 14 can claim the tax credit on their 2008 tax return.
Not surprising, homes priced for first-time home buyers up to $175,000 are selling the best, followed by homes $250,000 to $350,000, Hunt said.
Rosen agreed.“The price range of $250,000 and
below is selling better than the other price bands, probably because that is the range of the first-time home buyer and the effect of the $8,000 tax credit,” Rosen said. “Builders and condo sales are still lagging behind pre-owned homes.”
A Buyer’s MarketWhatever the price range, sellers
need to be aware that it is a buyer’s market.
Thornhill offered the following advice to sellers:
“Remember the old phrase, ‘You never get a second chance at making a good first impression,’ fix it up, paint it. Get your home looking its best and ready to compete,” Thornhill said.
“We hear over and over from buyers that they would not consider making an offer on a house that is not in pristine, move-in condition and priced relevant to the market,” said Rosen.
And not only that, but they want to feel like they got value for their money,” Hunt added.
Getting A LoanFor those buyers, loan money is
available for qualifying individuals. One of the biggest myths out there is that there’s no money to borrow, Rosen said.
“We have not experienced that,” he added. “What we have experienced is that just like the old days buyers have to have a down payment. It could be as little as 3.5 percent of the sale price for FHA, and they have to be credit worthy.”
Hunt, who owns the mortgage company Equity Solutions, said money is out there, but there’s more scrutiny for a good loan and buyers must jump through hoops.
“Do not believe everything that you read with respect to availability and ease of financing. Lenders’ requirements have changed,” said Thornhill.
Hunt said buyers need to be positioned with a great lender, be pre-approved and understand how lending works in today’s market.
Need For Real Estate AgentWith today’s market and loan
requirements, the local agents said their services are needed more than ever.
“The conditions that currently exist require well-educated agents,” Thornhill said. “Buyers and sellers need more education regarding market activity and possibly more effective marketing efforts for sellers. Further, agents need to recognize people’s stress level and frustration and have more patience and time with their clients,” Thornhill said.
“If an agent is not constantly studying, he can’t be effective in this market,” Hunt added. “Clients expect a lot more of their realtor than they used to.”
For the potential home buyer on the fence, now is a good time to buy.
“Interest rates are the lowest they’ve been in nearly 30 years. Home prices are down. Sellers are motivated,” Rosen said.
“And if you do it right, it’s not a bad time to sell,” Hunt said.
A Good Time To Buy A HomeLocal real estate agents offer their take on today’s market
Now is not a bad time to sell if it’s done right, ac-cording to a local realtor.
photo by Diana Linsley
WEBSTER/KIRKWOOD BUYERS AND SELLERS ARE THE BEST!THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2008!
9889 clayton road • saint louis, missouri 63124314.997.4800 • www.janetmcafee.com
Liz continues to be a Big name in yourneighborhood. With over 13 years experience she offers local knowledge, savvy negotiating
skills, over the top marketing, pricing strategies, and access to creative financing packages.
Selling the good life in Webster,Kirkwood & surrounding areas.
Broker/SaleS aSSociate, 314.368.8412
9889 clayton road • saint louis, missouri 63124314.997.4800 • www.janetmcafee.com
Katie was born and raised in Webster Groves. Still living in the area, she feels that there is no place like it. Katie has earned an outstanding reputation and consistently exceeds client ex-pectations. Her designation as a St. Louis top agent will ensure unparalled customer service while focusing on every detail – both large and small. She has built her business primarily on client referrals. Whether you live in Webster, Kirkwood or any of the surrounding areas, Katie Dooley Curran can help you buy/sell your home.
314.570.0418 cell
Katie Dooley Curran
Board member Webster Groves Historical SocietyMember Missouri Historical Society
MA Media/AdvertisingKirkwood Historical Society
Your Webster/Kirkwood Real Estate Specialist is Right Here!www.BeckyBlair.Bravehost.com
Over25YearsProfessionalExperienceAmybelieves ingood,old fashionedpersonalservice–andthesuccessofherrealestatebusi-nessreflectsthatbelief.sowhenyouneedtheexpertise of a professional agent, look no fur-therthanheryearsofexperience.Yoursatisfac-tionisandhasalwaysbeenhertoppriority.
• #1 Agent in Des Peres/Kirkwood Office• Top 1% of all Coldwell Banker gundaker agents• 2009 Winner Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction• Marketing and Relocation Specialist• Committed to Exceptional Service For all my clients
The most important decision you make in the sale of your home is the Realtor you choose. Here are 10 ques-tions to ask a Realtor:
1. Could you send me some in-formation about yourself?
You can often get a good idea of which agents are the most profession-al by looking at their promotional ma-terials. If their own materials aren’t professional, how well are they going to market your home? Track how long each agent takes to respond to your re-quest and how quickly they follow up. If they don’t respond efficiently to your listing requests imagine how they’ll handle potential home buyers.
10 Questions To Ask A Realtor When Selling A Home2. How many homes have you
listed and how many home have you sold in the last six months?
Look for an agent who has experi-ence with homes similar to yours and is active in your area. If your home has special features look for an agent with experience in those areas. Your agent should have a good record of selling homes, not just listing them. After all, this is your ultimate goal.
3. What is your average length of time from listed to sold?
Don’t automatically assume the shorter time on the market the bet-ter. That could reflect selling homes quickly at lowball prices. Look at what the asking price was compared to the selling price. An agent who sells close to the asking price and is quick is ef-fective at helping clients determine the right price and helping them get it.
4. How long have you been in business and what professional or-ganizations do you belong to?
The length of time a real estate agent has been licensed is not a sure-fire sign that they’ve been an active seller. They may have been in business for 10 years but only part time, whereas an agent who’s been in business for two years may be a real top producer. So take into account what professional organi-zations they belong to. The minimum should be a licensed professional who’s a member of the local real estate board and multiple listing services as well as the state and National Association of Realtors. Local community groups and associations are also pluses in terms of networking and commitment.
5. Do you have an assistant or support staff?
By employing someone to handle the details of their business the agent can spend more time servicing your needs. However, make sure you know how much time an agent will spend and how much time their assistant will spend on the sale of your home. It may be fine if the assistant does most of the legwork as long as the agent is there at the most critical times of the transaction period.
6. How often will you hold open houses? Will they be public or by appointment only?
Simply putting a sign on your lawn and holding open houses every Sunday will not sell your home. Too frequently open houses make the property a tar-get for lowball bidders. Look for an agent with a specific plan for each open house. The plan should be just one facet
of a complete marketing plan.
7. What listing price do you rec-ommend and what is that price based on?
Pricing is the most critical step to selling your home. Take great care in choosing an agent with the knowledge to price your home effectively. Keep in mind the selling price should attract prospective buyers to your home, get you top dollar in the current market and reflect the condition of your home. Be realistic and avoid “yes agents,” who will say “yes” to any request or price while your home languishes on the market. Lowball agents will try to talk you into an artificial price simply to sell as fast as possible.
cont. p. 7
66Fran
#1
to view all homes visit www.soldonstlouis.com
• #1 Agent Companywide
• Top 1% of All Missouri Agents
• Platinum Production Award
• Chairman’s Circle Service Award
• Full-time Licensed Support Staff
• Seller & Buyer Representation
Diane Denny and team
Great time to buy!CaLL today to Get started!to view all homes in st. Louiswww.soldonstLouis.com
mollyobrienhomes.com For the most up-to-date listings and info
call me direct314-223-7847
314-775-2050
REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
March 13 - 19, 2009 Webster-Kirkwood Times 7
8. What does the listing agree-ment entail, what are the begin-ning and expiration dates, and what are the fee amounts I will be paying?
Have your agent go over every detail in the listing agreement with you un-til you understand it completely. Make sure the beginning and ending dates are on the agreement; a good standard for length is three months. Know ex-actly what fees you will be paying and remember that less is not always bet-ter. If the agent stands to make very little commission you can bet it will be reflected in the amount of time and ef-fort that is spent marketing your home. If the agent reduces their commission to get the listing it may mean they intend to spend very little money pro-moting the property. A typical agency commission is between five and seven percent, of which the agent receives a portion upon closing.
9. What disclosure laws apply to me and what do I need to be aware of?
Make sure your agent helps you with locating professional inspectors for the various mandatory home inspections
required in your area. Create a home marketing file including a property fact sheet, a property transfer disclo-sure statement, pest control report, applicable C.C. & R’s, applicable study zones report, structural engineering report, property profile from the title company, plans for alterations or ad-ditions, and special equipment report for pools, spas, sprinklers and alarm systems. Your agent should be able to handle this for you.
10. What types of things sepa-rate you from your competition and will you give me some feed-back?
How effectively will they advertise? Do they have 24-hour advertising ca-pability? Will all the leads be followed up on by your agent’s team or will they go to other agents who may have other listings they would prefer to show?
Agents who are innovative and offer new methods of attracting home buy-ers will measurably outperform agents who rely on methods of the past. Mar-keting effectively requires progressive strategies that add value and service for both buyers and sellers!
Realtor Questions from page 6
REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
77Fran Jump
IT’S NOT JUST LUCK,IT’S KNOWING YOUR MARKET
AND YOUR MARKETING.
Lifetime Kirkwood-Webster Residents withComprehensive Experience in Real Estate, Sales & Marketing.Ask us how you can have your own website as buyer or seller.
The Internet is Paramount!!!
It’s Your Move, Make the Right OneWith Fitzgerald Realty Group
I have been working in the St. Louis market for more than 10 years and never has there been a more important time to hire a quality agent. My knowledge and experience will
help you find the right home and get your home sold at the right price. And with every transaction, I focus on earning your trust and your business. My policy is simple: “Exceed the needs of my clients!” If you seek exceptional service before, during and after the sale, please call me today.
james vogel
8721 Big Bend Boulevard • Webster Groves(314) 961-1444
Opening Doors for St. Louis Families• Award winning service• Specialize with first-time buyers• Relocation specialists• Comprehensive marketing strategies• Investment properties
• Specializing in helping buyers along the central corridor• Life long Kirkwood Resident • Full time agent since 1996• Personal Service is MY BUSINESS
Kreikemeier Real Estate’s founder and CEO, Kevin D. Kreikemeier, is a graduate of St. Louis University High School (1989), the University of Notre Dame (B.B.A., finance, 1993) and Washington University School of Law (J.D. 1996). Mr. Kreikemeier is a realtor, a licensed real estate broker and a licensed attorney.
Client focused real estate brokerage combining professional service with
reduced total commissions
8776 Big Bend Blvd.Webster Groves, MO 63119
314-962-4240 or 314-518-1224
1. integrity. Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions that most people make. Recognizing this, integrity and honesty are at the core of everything we do. 2. professional, personal service. As a small company, we go back to the basics when it comes to service. That means going the extra mile, in every respect and that also means keeping the number of listings to a reasonable number to help ensure the time, attention to detail and simple hard work that each client deserves are delivered. As an award winner in client satisfaction, Mr. Kreikemeier will personally take the extra time needed to help each client achieve their goals.
3. experience. Now in the residential brokerage business for more than five years, Kreikemeier Real Estate, LLC has sold homes throughout St. Louis’ central corridor, including in Webster Groves, Kirkwood and Glendale. Kreikemeier Real Estate’s clients have included doctors, attorneys, business owners, accountants and other professionals. 4. results. In more than five years of selling residential real estate, Kreikemeier Real Estate has sold more than 90% of all homes listed for sale, which is outstanding. Homes sold by Kreikmeier Real Estate have been on the market from the MLS listing date to the date the property is placed under contract, on average, less than 70 days.
5. reduced sellers’ commissions. In this buyers’ market, pricing your home correctly to reflect the current market is a necessity, but if you “price your home to sell,” shouldn’t you receive a reduced commission? Kreikemeier Real Estate believes you should and offers sellers reduced total commissions, without cutting the compensation offered to buyers’ agents from other companies. In short, we cut only our piece of the total commission sellers are charged, which allows sellers to receive more of their sale proceeds.
if you are considering buying or selling a home this year, please give mr. Kreikemeier a call at one of the numbers referenced above for a free, no obligation consultation.
integrity, professional personal service,experience, results and reduced total commissions
™
We Sell Saint LouisIf you are considering buying or selling a home
and want experienced representation,
call Jon Mendelson Realtors®.
In todays market - you need an agent that will meet the
challenges head on. By educating you through each phase of your
transaction you can be confident that you’ve made a sound,
intelligent decision when your purchase is complete.
2004 St. Louis Association of Realtors Rookie of the Year
St. Louis Magazine FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Agent
St. Louis Post Dispatch Reader’s Choice Nominee
Sarah Brickey is a successful, top-producing agent specializing in the central corridor. She has a positive approach and a proven track record of success. Buying or selling... call Sarah today!
#1 Real Estate Office in Kirkwood in 2008!
Brad Elsner
Call the Real Estateexpert... family not included!
thanks Kirkwood for making me your #1 agent for the SixtH year in a row.Nobody sells more houses in Kirkwood... NoBody!
Search all homes atwww.bradelsner.com
314-677-6300
Teri NicelyWho says it’s a bad time to sell?
Kirkwood and Webster are among the strongest markets in St. Louis.
How did Keller Williams become the #3 Largest Real Estate company
in the nation and the #1 in Kirkwood?
By partnering with great Real estate Agents!
Call for a confidential appointment this week
Jill Butlerteam Leader
314-677-6356
9
10 Webster-Kirkwood Times March 13 - 19, 2009
Send Change Of Address To:• Post office: Give forwarding address• Subscriptions: Notice requires sev-eral weeks•Credit cards
Be Sure To Contact:• Bank: Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city• Insurance: Notify new locations for coverage • Automobile: Transfer car title reg-istration; also driver’s license; state windshield sticker; motor club mem-bership.• Utilities: Gas, light, water, tele-phone, fuel.• School: Ask for copies or transfer of children’s records.• Medical: Ask doctor, dentist, phar-macist for referrals.• Organizations: Transfer member-ships • Register to vote at new location.
And, Don’t Forget To:• Empty freezer; plan use of foods.• Defrost freezer-refrigerator (place charcoal to dispel odors).• Have appliances serviced for mov-ing.• Check with moving counselor• Plan a garage sale.
And On Moving Day:• Carry currency, jewelry, documents yourself or use registered mail.• Carry traveler’s checks for quick available funds.• Make sure closets, drawers, shelves are empty.• Leave old keys with Realtor.
Determining whether a home is priced fairly requires market research and assistance from a real estate agent. You don’t want to pay more than you absolutely have to.
There are a number of ways to get assistance on what homes are worth.
• Real Estate Agent: Your real es-tate agent can be one of the best sourc-es of information on housing prices. Be-cause he or she is intimately involved in pricing homes in your neighborhood, the agent will have knowledge of com-parative prices (comps) and know how
Determining Fair Home Sale PricesReal estate agents, online resources help buyers/sellers
the house you’re considering falls in a comparative market analysis. Choose an agent who is familiar with the neighborhoods you are considering.
• Get an Appraisal: An appraisal on the property by a professional ap-praiser will help you determine a fair price. This will involve an inspection of the property, square footage and amenities. Your mortgage lender will require an up-to-date appraisal to ac-curately determine the funds to lend.
• Go Online: There are a number of Web sites that can give you comp prices in the area, including your local news-paper’s Web real estate pages. Others will tell you what the final price was on home sales around the property you’re considering. You can compare these sales to what you are thinking about offering, based on what the homes have in common. It’s also a good bargaining tool to have this information on hand.
• Consider the Averages: Some real estate experts say that the average people pay on the offer price is 94 to 96 percent of the asking price. This means if you divide the price you’re planning on paying by the listed asking price, you should come up with roughly 94 to 96 percent. Therefore, if you’re looking at
a home that’s being offered at $299,000 and you want to offer $275,000, your of-fer might be too low. ($275K divided by $299K is approximately 92%). Still, it is advised to offer a lower price early on to see if the homeowner accepts it, but to also leave room for negotiation. You may settle on $282,000 for the home, which is within the range of 94%.
By making an offer on a home with information gathered in advance, you’ll be more likely to get your dream home at your dream price.
Use Checklist For Easy Move
REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
10101010
Judy Schoewe314-706-3550
SUBURBANEach office independently owned and operated.
Selling St. Louis for 30 yearsWebster-Kirkwood Specialist
Over $275 million in sales!
associates plus
#1 in 63119 since 1992314.965.2002
www.susanschiff.com
“The Results Lady”
SUSAN SCHIFFABR, GRI, CRS
“MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES…” Ancient Chinese blessing? curse?
Betty HensleyMulti-Million Dollar Club ~ RE/MAX 100% Club
If these times seem a bit too “interesting” to you, consider this: In 2008, Betty’s sales were up by 50% over 2007; and, every real estate transaction she represented was for past clients or someone referred by a past client. (Think what that tells you about customer satisfaction!) With Betty’s firm guidance and intelligent strategies, each and every one of those Buyers and Sellers successfully achieved their home sale & purchase goals. Her consistent high performance, year after year, is an encouraging forecast of Betty’s ability to lead YOU through any challenge that 2009 may bring.
When you’re ready to get on with your plans, choose an ally with a proven record of success in any market! Betty’s slogan remains unscathed:
“Everything She Touches Turns to SOLD!”
314.276.5103BettyHensley.com
See Betty in St. Louis Magazine’s April issue~Best Real Estate Agents for 2009
ResultsEach Office Independently Owned & Operated
10 Webster-Kirkwood Times March 13 - 19, 2009
Send Change Of Address To:• Post office: Give forwarding address• Subscriptions: Notice requires sev-eral weeks•Credit cards
Be Sure To Contact:• Bank: Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city• Insurance: Notify new locations for coverage • Automobile: Transfer car title reg-istration; also driver’s license; state windshield sticker; motor club mem-bership.• Utilities: Gas, light, water, tele-phone, fuel.• School: Ask for copies or transfer of children’s records.• Medical: Ask doctor, dentist, phar-macist for referrals.• Organizations: Transfer member-ships • Register to vote at new location.
And, Don’t Forget To:• Empty freezer; plan use of foods.• Defrost freezer-refrigerator (place charcoal to dispel odors).• Have appliances serviced for mov-ing.• Check with moving counselor• Plan a garage sale.
And On Moving Day:• Carry currency, jewelry, documents yourself or use registered mail.• Carry traveler’s checks for quick available funds.• Make sure closets, drawers, shelves are empty.• Leave old keys with Realtor.
Determining whether a home is priced fairly requires market research and assistance from a real estate agent. You don’t want to pay more than you absolutely have to.
There are a number of ways to get assistance on what homes are worth.
• Real Estate Agent: Your real es-tate agent can be one of the best sourc-es of information on housing prices. Be-cause he or she is intimately involved in pricing homes in your neighborhood, the agent will have knowledge of com-parative prices (comps) and know how
Determining Fair Home Sale PricesReal estate agents, online resources help buyers/sellers
the house you’re considering falls in a comparative market analysis. Choose an agent who is familiar with the neighborhoods you are considering.
• Get an Appraisal: An appraisal on the property by a professional ap-praiser will help you determine a fair price. This will involve an inspection of the property, square footage and amenities. Your mortgage lender will require an up-to-date appraisal to ac-curately determine the funds to lend.
• Go Online: There are a number of Web sites that can give you comp prices in the area, including your local news-paper’s Web real estate pages. Others will tell you what the final price was on home sales around the property you’re considering. You can compare these sales to what you are thinking about offering, based on what the homes have in common. It’s also a good bargaining tool to have this information on hand.
• Consider the Averages: Some real estate experts say that the average people pay on the offer price is 94 to 96 percent of the asking price. This means if you divide the price you’re planning on paying by the listed asking price, you should come up with roughly 94 to 96 percent. Therefore, if you’re looking at
a home that’s being offered at $299,000 and you want to offer $275,000, your of-fer might be too low. ($275K divided by $299K is approximately 92%). Still, it is advised to offer a lower price early on to see if the homeowner accepts it, but to also leave room for negotiation. You may settle on $282,000 for the home, which is within the range of 94%.
By making an offer on a home with information gathered in advance, you’ll be more likely to get your dream home at your dream price.
Use Checklist For Easy Move
REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
10101010
Judy Schoewe314-706-3550
SUBURBANEach office independently owned and operated.
Selling St. Louis for 30 yearsWebster-Kirkwood Specialist
Over $275 million in sales!
associates plus
#1 in 63119 since 1992314.965.2002
www.susanschiff.com
“The Results Lady”
SUSAN SCHIFFABR, GRI, CRS
“MAY YOU LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES…” Ancient Chinese blessing? curse?
Betty HensleyMulti-Million Dollar Club ~ RE/MAX 100% Club
If these times seem a bit too “interesting” to you, consider this: In 2008, Betty’s sales were up by 50% over 2007; and, every real estate transaction she represented was for past clients or someone referred by a past client. (Think what that tells you about customer satisfaction!) With Betty’s firm guidance and intelligent strategies, each and every one of those Buyers and Sellers successfully achieved their home sale & purchase goals. Her consistent high performance, year after year, is an encouraging forecast of Betty’s ability to lead YOU through any challenge that 2009 may bring.
When you’re ready to get on with your plans, choose an ally with a proven record of success in any market! Betty’s slogan remains unscathed:
“Everything She Touches Turns to SOLD!”
314.276.5103BettyHensley.com
See Betty in St. Louis Magazine’s April issue~Best Real Estate Agents for 2009
ResultsEach Office Independently Owned & Operated
March 13 - 19, 2009 Webster-Kirkwood Times 11REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
marlene j. crabtreeServing you in both Missouri & Illinois.When you think of Real Estate, please think of me! It would be an honor for me to represent you! Please refer me to
Information for this listing compiled by Susan Schiff, RE/MAX Associates Plus. To see a complete list of “What Homes Sold For,” visit www.timesnewspapers.com and click on “Real Estate” in the navigation bar at the top.
*MLS information from third parties; not verified. The Kirkwood and Webster Groves school districts include all or part of the following communities: Des Peres, Glendale, Kirkwood, Oakland, Rock Hill, Shrewsbury, Warson Woods and Webster Groves.
REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
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March 13 - 19, 2009 Webster-Kirkwood Times 15REAL ESTATE AGENT PROFILES
As a full time agent, I am committed to providing excellent service to my
customers. My goal is to help make your home buying and selling process
as seamless and stress free as possible and have fun doing it!
Fran Rice
314-630-9054 • 314-997-7600
Living, working and enjoying theWebster-Kirkwood neighborhood!
WENDY HERMANN314-374-8665
www.WendyHermann.com
PAULA ANDREW314-378-4822
www.PaulaAndrew.com
Berkley Landcell 314-401-0999
Kendra Roshercell 314-330-6299
www.berksland.com
Call us for all of your real estate needs.
314-997-7600
If you have been waiting to buy or sell your home in the St. Louis area, spring is just around the corner.
Contact Rose on her Web site.
ROSE ETZKORN314-941-1838 (direct)314-997-7600 (office)
www.roseetzkorn.com
Our Focus is You!We are committed to giving you the highest quality of service, honest and expert advice, and we will ensure postitive results. We will use our experience to earn your trust, exceed your expectations, and educate you in your specific market in an energized and enthusiastic way! Call us today!
314-997-7600314-997-7600
Tina Niemann314-503-8400 www.tinaniemann.com
Tina has the experience, success and expertise to make your NEXTmove easier and more efficientevery step of the way!
Helping Families with all their Real Estate Needs for 28 Years