Articles Tagged "Saint Clair MO"

If you're selling your home now or plan to in the future, outdated appliances can make prospective buyers turn away from your home to look at another house with newer ones. Buyers can replace your appliances when purchasing a home, but they usually don't want to go to the trouble or expense to do so. And even if you're planning to stay in your home awhile, outdated appliances can make your home less attractive and functional than it could be.
  
Here's what you need to know about appliance upgrades that can boost the value of your home:

• Think of What Fits Your Home
  Consult one of our real estate agents to find out what type of appliances are popular in your home's price range. While you want to make your home more valuable, you don't want to price yourself out of the neighborhood.
    
• Look for Energy Star Appliances
  Appliances with the Energy Star sticker or tag meet strict energy-efficiency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They'll help you save money on your energy bill, and when you're selling your home, they'll appeal to prospective buyers. Leave the Energy Star sticker on your appliances, so buyers know they'll save as well.

What to Replace  

• Refrigerator
  Kitchens can make or break a sale, so if you have money to spend, this is an excellent place to start. An upgraded refrigerator that has French doors, as well as built-in filtered water and ice dispensers, will appeal to the majority of buyers. The same is true of a stainless steel finish, which remains extremely popular. If you're thinking of going for a high-tech option like a TV-embedded fridge, it may not be a wise move unless you have a luxury home.
  
  
• Laundry sets  
  An appliance upgrade is definitely in order if your washer and dryer don't match. Not only does this make the set less attractive, but it also makes a buyer immediately realize that one appliance is older than the other. This makes them likely to wonder just how old it is and how long it will keep running efficiently. Aside from a nice, matching appearance, buyers want high-efficiency front-load and top-load units. And if you have a large home that might appeal to families, a large capacity washer and dryer is a good investment.
  
  
• Stove  
  A stove that's built-in will be more popular than a standalone one. And buyers also appreciate flat tops and stoves with self-cleaning functions since they're easy to keep clean. And if you have some gas utilities, gas stoves generally appeal to serious cooks.
  
  
• Appliance sets   
  Retailers often discount sets of appliances, so they can help you save money while ensuring that you have matching sets. For example, a kitchen appliance set may include items such as a stove, refrigerator, built-in microwave, and dishwasher. While there's usually no need to select the most expensive options with every imaginable bell and whistle, the cheapest set is usually not the best choice either. Instead, choose a mid-range set that will appeal to a larger number of buyers.

Contact us if you'd like to visit St. Louis homes for sale or, if you're selling your home, to receive expert advice on what kinds of upgrades can help boost its value. 

Fall is here, and so is a new wave of interior design trends. According to our real estate agents, this season's design ethos is all about comfort and self-expression. Let's delve into 5 of the most popular interior design trends this fall, how we've seen them applied in many of our St. Louis homes for sale, and how you can bring these ideas into your home. 

1. Earth Tones
   Fall's stunning orange and brown color palette is providing inspiration for some homeowners in 2021. In addition to rich chocolates and muted apricots, many choose to add soothing blues and verdant greens to their homes. These hues evoke the natural world. 
   
   Because many of these colors are very close to neutrals, they are very easy to incorporate into almost any room. Repainting the walls is the most obvious way to do this, but it isn't the only way. A small touch like a mist-colored vase or some mossy green curtains can go a long way. 
   
   
2. Soft, Cozy Fabrics and Textures 
   In stressful times, people often try to make their homes as comfortable and welcoming as possible. This might be why homeowners are currently so eager to add soft textures to their living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and other living spaces. At the moment, most use discreet, removable items like blankets and rugs for this purpose instead of permanent fixtures like carpeting or upholstery.  
   
   It's easy to bring this trend into your home with a single shopping trip. Look for throw blankets and decorative pillows, especially ones made of materials like wool, flannel, and sherpa. 
   
   
3. Dividers 
   In the past, homeowners often wanted to open up every space as much as possible. This is no longer the prevailing trend. Instead, many people are adding room dividers (screens, shelves, and other partitions) to their homes to break up those open spaces and create more intimate areas without having to actually build new walls.  
   
   If this idea appeals to you, experiment with different types of room dividers. An elegant folding screen, sturdy bookshelf, or long silky curtain can break up those large rooms and add some additional function or decoration to the space, depending on what you prefer. 
   
   
4. Natural Finishes and Other Elements 
   Homeowners are also taking cues from nature when adding furniture and fixtures to their space. Faux stone finishes, light natural woods, and other rustic accents are becoming increasingly common this season, especially in conjunction with nature-inspired color schemes. Together, these two design choices amplify each other and create an even more sense of soothing respite within the home. 
   
   Countertops, mantlepieces, coffee tables, and other focal points are great places to incorporate natural elements into your own home. 
   
   
5. Vintage Furniture and Housewares 
   Finally, fall 2021 has also brought an increased interest in vintage furniture and homeware pieces. After spending so much time in their homes over the last year and a half, homeowners see their interior spaces as an extension of themselves. This has led to an interest in personalizing spaces with art, furniture, or knickknacks from the past, especially if these items are family heirlooms. 
   
   These days, it's easy to find as many charming old items as your heart desires – if you can't find exactly what you want at local thrift stores and garage sales, hop online and see what's listed on sites like eBay and Craigslist. 

No matter how you choose to decorate the inside of your home, the most important thing is that you feel happy and at ease there. If you're in the market for a new home, contact us today. 

As we return to the workplace and travel becomes more frequent, many of us will be faced with the dilemma of pet care. If you are considering one of our St. Louis homes for sale, you are probably looking at a new community. You might not know your neighbors well enough to ask them to look after your dog. A kennel may work once in a while, and pet daycare could be an option. But our real estate agents suggest you consider another solution: a pet sitter who can come to your home. But where do you begin? These simple tips can get you started:

1. Use Reputable Resources
   Some of the trade associations that can help you initiate your search are The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), Pet Sitters International, and Fetch! Pet Care. Each offers a locator listing professionals in your area. Once you have located sitters you want to interview, check their references and reviews. When reviewing comments, make sure there is a "verified stay" indicator to ensure they were written by actual customers.
   
   
2. Select Bonded and Insured Sitters
   These designations don't just mean that you are protected in case of loss. They mean that the sitter has invested in a layer of trust between them and their customers, assuring quality and the integrity of the person entering your home when you are not present. Consider also a criminal background check and proof of sufficient training to perform services well. 
   
   
3. Arrange for Introductions
   It's important that you feel confident in the person that will be providing care. You'll want to watch the sitter interact with your pet. Dogs and cats are automatically drawn to some people and are equally repelled by others. You'll want to make sure that your pets are comfortable with the sitter and do not exhibit fear or nervousness around them. Make sure you allow time for them to meet and greet each other appropriately so that the sitter has the opportunity to comfort the pet. If your pet is not frequently socialized, this could take a little time for them to develop a rapport. 
   
   
4. Thoroughly Discuss Expectations
   Let the sitter know what services you expect and with what frequency. If you expect the pet to be walked, brushed, taken to dog parks or other activities or services, be sure to let the sitter know and obtain a formal agreement. It's important that they can commit the time and energy to meet your expectations. Include start and end times for each session. If there are activities you don't want them to do, be clear in your instructions. Make sure the sitter is aware of any dietary restrictions such as treats versus no treats or specific brands that should be avoided. 
   
   
5. Plan for Emergencies
   Prominently display contact information for you, emergency veterinary services, pet insurance information, and a secondary contact. Maintain a medical history for the pet in case the sitter must seek vet care in your absence. Make sure that you are able to reach the sitter via phone or email every day you are away. Agree upon a backup plan for any emergency that could arise, including a substitute sitter in case the regular sitter is unable to fulfill the agreement. 

If a new neighborhood is in your future, contact us. Our real estate professionals will be happy to help you find the perfect home for you and your family, including the furry members.  

If you enjoy browsing vintage furniture and tend to see it for its potential, you might enjoy upcycling furniture. Upcycled furniture can be funky, trendy, or even classy with the right touch, and that one special piece might be great for starting a conversation with your guests or perfect when staging your home for sale, according to our real estate agents. Here are a few tips for giving tired outdated furniture new life.

1. Look for Good Bones
   When you're on the hunt for vintage furniture to upcycle, try to see past the current finish (or lack thereof), and instead look at the bones of each piece. You'll want furniture that is sturdy and made of real wood so that it'll stand up to the demands of a makeover and a new life. Look also for interesting features such as mid-century modern styling or interesting curves and carvings that painting and distressing would highlight.
   
   
2. Find a New Purpose for Old Things
   Part of the fun of upcycling furniture is thinking outside of the box. There are a lot of old pieces that don't necessarily have a purpose anymore, but you can make a trendy new purpose with a little creative thinking. For example, vintage crates can be stacked to use as bookshelves, a cozy little vintage dining table would make a great desk, and that vintage radio or record player could find new life retrofitted as a wine rack or liquor cabinet.
   
   
3. Update the Look with a Little Paint
   Typically vintage furniture is cast-off not because it no longer functions, but because the finish has become scratched and worn. Purists will repair or refinish a valuable piece, but you can give the more mundane pieces exciting new life with a little color. Perhaps the piece is perfect for your current look but needs a facelift with a new coat of paint. For something a little more interesting, you can opt for shabby chic with a distressed look, or aim for more urban with stenciled accents.
   
   
4. Stick to the Style
   While mixing and matching can be cool and trendy, you won't do the furniture any favors if you don't work with what you've got. Different pieces have different looks, and your upcycling will be the most successful if you stay true to the style. Furniture with straighter lines, such as mid-century modern, will look better with clean paint or geometric stenciling, for example. Furniture with graceful lines, carved details, or even simple country style will pair well with distressed finishes.

Upcycling furniture can be very rewarding, and you may find that your thrift store score ends up being one of your favorite pieces after a little (or a lot of) TLC. Just remember, if you'll be using the piece to stage your home for sale, that buyers tend to react more favorably to a neutral decor when browsing St. Louis homes for sale. For more information about how to stage a home for success on the sales market, contact us today.

When purchasing a home, ordering a home inspection is an essential item to add to your to-do list. Our real estate agents know that a home inspection is vital for revealing major and minor issues with a home. While a home inspection will cost you, detecting issues now can help you save money in the long run and give you peace of mind about the property you are buying. Here are some home issues detected by a home inspection. 

1. Problems with the Grading
   If the grading of the home's lot isn't scaled correctly, this can cause water to flow towards your home. Your foundation and crawlspace may have excessive levels of moisture; this can cause the frame of your home to rot or lead to the formation of mold. The placement of the windows and doors can also shift, eventually causing the home to appear uneven. 

2. Issues with the Roof
   A home's roof is a common source of issues during a home inspection. Since the roof covers such a large surface area, it's easy for a shingle or two to be damaged during a storm. This can allow water to seep in and damage the home's underlayment or ceiling. Or, the roof itself may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Your home inspector will also examine the components around the roof, like the gutters. It's common for gutters to be clogged and require cleaning. Or, a downspout might not be long enough to properly re-direct water away from your home. 

3. Trouble with the Windows
   Many home inspections reveal problems in and around the windows. If the windows are older, the problem may be that they aren't very energy efficient. Or, the windows can have cracks around them that need to be sealed. Problems with the windows can raise the home's heating and cooling costs and impact the air quality. St. Louis homes for sale with new, energy-efficient windows will have lower energy bills than those with older components. 

4. Complications with the Plumbing
   During the inspection, your inspector will run the faucets and examine the pipes for signs of a leak. They'll also see that the drains are draining correctly. A home's plumbing system is fairly comprehensive, making plumbing issues extremely prevalent. 

5. Defects in the Home's Exterior
   A home's exterior is another common source of issues detected in a home inspection. Wood homes must be closely examined for signs of rot and mildew. Vinyl siding homes may have sections that are damaged and require replacement. Stucco must be correctly installed, or it will present an opportunity for moisture to enter the home. 

6. Unauthorized Additions
   Many cities require a permit for home additions and certain renovations. These projects must also be completed according to the local building code, or the home will potentially have illegal modifications. Fixing illegal improvements is expensive and time-consuming. An inspector will look for signs of shoddy work and discrepancies among the home's construction. 

Are you ready to start shopping for your next home? Contact us today to get started!

Are you an active or retired military member with your eye on one of the wonderful St. Louis homes for sale? Uncle Sam wants to help make your dream of homeownership come true. Our real estate agents share significant changes to the VA loan program taking effect in 2021 and how they benefit you.

What Is a VA Loan?

Before reviewing the changes, it's helpful to clarify what constitutes a VA loan and how it differs from other mortgages. First of all, only active service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses can apply for a VA loan.

Some people mistakenly believe funding for the loans actually comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs or VA. Private institutions, such as banks and mortgage companies, are still the ones issuing the loans. The difference is that the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, making it easier for the borrower to obtain more favorable terms.

Benefits of VA Loans

If you're looking at some great Washington homes for sale with the intent of using a VA loan, you still have to go through the traditional steps: Get prequalified and preapproved, make an offer, have the home appraised, and complete the closing.

Here are the ways a VA loan truly works to your advantage:

• You can obtain a VA loan without a down payment. Many people cite the difficulty of saving for a down payment as the biggest obstacle toward purchasing a home.
  
  
• Mortgage insurance is a requirement for home loans secured with less than 20 percent down. Even without a down payment, mortgage insurance is not attached to VA loans thanks to the VA's guarantee.
  
  
• VA loans are not a one-time-only deal. You can use your VA entitlement for home purchases throughout your lifetime. Keep in mind, though, that VA loans are meant to buy a primary residence in "move-in ready" condition.
  
  
• Previous foreclosures or bankruptcies don't preclude eligibility for VA loans.
  
  
• There's no prepayment penalty for VA loans, so you can save money by making additional payments and retiring the loan early.

What's New in 2021

So what are the specific changes to the VA loan program going forward in 2021?

• Until this year, National Guard members, including reservists, had to have at least 90 days of active duty to qualify for a VA loan. Under a new law, members are eligible with 90 days of service. The one caveat is that at least 30 of those days must be consecutive.
  
  
• There is no cap to the amount of money a home buyer may borrow under a VA loan. Previously, however, limits were set to how much the VA would guarantee without a down payment. Those limits have now been eliminated for those with full VA loan entitlement. While this affects many VA loan applicants, there are two instances where VA loan limits still apply. One is in the case of those who have previously defaulted on a VA loan. The other is with homeowners who have one or more VA loans currently active.

Ready to start your search for a new home? Contact us at Coldwell Banker Premier Group to get started.

While the cold winter months are ideal for cozying up on the couch, sometimes it feels good to be productive. A little home maintenance will also ensure your home looks its best if you list it among the St. Louis market and surrounding area. Whether your home is in St. Louis County, Franklin County, or even further north in St. Charles County, our agents encourage you to work on these home improvement projects this winter. 

1. Declutter and Organize
   Winter is a perfect time to declutter and organize your belongings. You likely have some new holiday gifts that you need to make room for, and there's no better way to start the New Year than with an organized space.
   
   You can either tackle one room at a time, or you may declutter categories of stuff. For example, you might declutter all the clothing in your home or all your paperwork and mementos. Get rid of anything you no longer use, that you have too much, or that you haven't used in more than a year (aside from seasonal items).
   
   Once you know what you're left with, you can organize your belongings with containers, shelves, rods, and hooks. Our real estate agents know that a well-organized home also looks larger and more appealing to potential buyers. 

2. Replace Old Hardware
   Old hardware, like your door hinges, cabinet knobs, doorknobs, and door levels, can quickly make your space look dated. Give your home an instant facelift by replacing these items. You can replace most old hardware with a screwdriver, drill, screws, and wood putty. 

3. Service Your Ceiling Fans
   Did you know that you need to change the direction of your ceiling fans during the winter months? When the weather is cold, you want your ceiling fans to operate in a clockwise direction, so it pushes warm air down. You can adjust your ceiling fan's direction by using the direction switch on your fan's motor housing.
   
   While you're changing your fans' directions, give them a thorough dusting. Dust the fan blades with a microfiber cloth or duster that will prevent the dust from scattering. Wipe down the fan pulls with a damp cloth. 

4. Repair Any Wall Blemishes and Touch Up Your Paint
   If you've got some areas with scrapes or holes, winter is a fantastic time to patch these blemishes and touch up the paint. You'll be spending a lot of time indoors, and you want your home to look as inviting as possible.
   
   You can fix most small wall defects with a layer or two of spackling compound. Once it dries, sand the area smooth and add a fresh coat of paint.

5. Change the Batteries in Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   Keep your family safe by changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Once the units have fresh batteries, test them to make sure they're working properly. If necessary, install additional detectors in your home.
   
   You should have a smoke detector in each bedroom, in the hall outside every sleeping area, and on each level of your home. There should be a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and in your garage. 

Ready to explore new properties for your family? Contact us today!

With 2021 fast approaching, we're excited to see what trends will catch on in the new year. With so many people spending extra time on home projects in 2020, we're expecting even more homeowners to take on home improvement projects to make their home extra special for themselves or to get it ready to list. Our real estate agents were so inspired by these St. Louis homes for sale, they decided to put together a list of their predictions for what trends you can expect to see more of in 2021. 

1. Coastal Themes
   Tranquility is going to be a very popular theme in 2021, especially considering the year we had. Many of us were forced to skip our beach vacations in 2020, so it wouldn't be surprising to see subtle coastal design themes pop-up in homes this year. Whether it's tropical leaves or flowers or the right mix of calming aquas and blues, pay attention to calming coastal design trends in 2021. This is a great option for those who love the beach and are looking to personalize their home office. 
   
   
2. Rustic Vogue
   For those who like a charming look mixed with a bit of upscale character, rustic vogue is definitely going to be the design trend for you. This look is usually best in homes that already have some rustic character, such as old doors or original floorboards. Simply add some upscale furniture, neutral colors, and some bright statement pieces to create that upscale cottage feel. To achieve this look, be sure to check out thrift stores for that one-of-a-kind look!
   
   
3. Pure Vintage
   Vintage designs and timeless looks will always be in style. Working antique furniture or pieces of architectural salvage into your living space is a great way to create a classic look. They really don't make furniture like they used to, so repurposing old pieces can really make a statement in your home.
   
   
4. Textured Walls
   We expect to see textured walls continue to increase in popularity next year. Stone, marble, and wooden beams all significantly impact perception and can really add a classy touch to any room. Textured walls change the ambiance of the room in a big way. Best of all, they're generally easy to install and can hide cracks, dents, and holes in your drywall.
   
   
5. Houseplants
   Get ready to step up your house plant game in 2021 because they're coming back in a big way. Retro 1970's hangers, unique succulents, and big blooms -- adding some green into your living space can definitely liven things up. They can also go a long way towards boosting your mood. Just make sure you buy plants that require little maintenance and are hard to kill.

Looking for a new home in the area for you to try new home improvement projects on in 2021? Contact us today!