Thursday, November 19, 2015

Top 10 Design Trends Luxury Home Buyers Desire

After extensive research, including personal on-site visits to luxury properties in the St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri area, we have discovered what features home buyers most desire when purchasing a Luxury Home.

Check this out:


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

LUXURY HOME SALES - 5 THINGS THAT TURN OFF BUYERS OF LUXURY HOMES

Home buyers searching for their next luxury or upper end homes have certain expectations they are demanding to be met in order to purchase a new home.  If a luxury home seller wants the make the best first impression and appeal to critical luxury homebuyers, the following five simple steps should be followed.

1.     Overpricing

Luxury homebuyers are able to buy high-end homes because they are savvy investors.  There is no way they would ever make a bad investment by buying a home that is overpriced.  Overpricing of a home says to the buyer that the seller has unrealistic expectations.  Therefore, they won't even bother making an offer or will not even look at an overpriced property.  Sellers need a Realtor who understands how to properly price upper-bracket homes.


2.     Bad Staging

Cluttered rooms, old furniture and pictures of your family turnoff a buyer.  You would be amazed how your favorite furniture, like an old sofa, can end up making your house look old and dated.  The home needs to be "de-personalized" in order to prepare it for the new buyers and your Realtor can assist you or refer you to a professional who specializes in staging homes for sale.

3.     Poor Maintenance

A yard with weeds or unraked leaves, interior and exterior lights that don't work, and carpeting that is dirty says to a potential buyer that you haven't cared for your home.  This will, in turn, make them wonder what major things might be wrong with the home below the surface.  If you can't or don't have the time to keep up on the maintenance, hire someone to do it.

4.     Odor

Probably the biggest way to make a bad first impression is to have a foul odor in your home.  Many times, while showing clients prospective homes, I have unlocked the front door only to overpowered by extreme pet urine odors.  Most of the time, my clients would not even enter the home.  Trying to cover up a bad odor with plug-in air fresheners only makes it worse.  Don't cook funny smelling foods prior to showings and be sure to take out the garbage and put pet beds, kennels, and litter boxes in the garage.



5.     Bad Real Estate Photos

Quality photos should be considered one of the most important aspect of the Realtor's marketing plan.  I am astonished every day when sellers list their home with agents that use cheap photography or even worse...take their own photos.  Quality, professional photos is the best way to have your home stand out from the competing listings online.

Contact me for assistance in purchasing or selling a luxury home in the St. Louis or St. Charles area.  

JUDY WROZIER, Realtor®

(314) 348-4033
Judy.Wrozier@ColdwellBanker.com

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Buying and Selling a Home in St. Charles MO


Judy
JUDY WROZIER - Coldwell Banker Premier Group

                                                  COLDWELL BANKER PREMIER GROUP
(314) 348-4033

Specializing in buying and selling premier homes in the

      St. Louis and St. Charles metropolitan areas

My services are individualized and customized to meet your every need.  A rare combination of sales success, life experience, education, professionalism, community knowledge and commitment makes it happen!  I am here to make sure that your real estate process is stress-free and rewarding! 
Are you looking to Buy a Home? 
I take the time to listen to my clients' needs and desires to help find the home of their dreams.   Buying a home may be the largest and most complex financial transaction you every undertake.  If you're ready to buy a home, wouldn't you prefer to work with the most qualified real estate professional you can find?  As a certified ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) agent,  I have gone through extensive, specialized training and have proven experience representing buyers.  In addition, I am a Short Sale and FORECLOSURE specialist, so my expertise can guide you through a successful purchase of a property needing special attention.
Please don't hesitate to give me a call at (314) 348-4033 or email me at:  Judy.Wrozier@ColdwellBanker.com
Are you trying to Sell your Home?
Understanding my clients' unique situations for selling and having an in-depth knowledge of what is on the market are necessary skills I incorporate to attain a smooth sale.  My progressive approach to marketing keeps their property visible, utilizing all the current technology and presented in a professional, creative manner.
With knowledge, dedication, and a focus on personal service, I provide my clients with the expertise necessary to meet my clients' expectations in this ever-changing real estate market.  My intention to connect the right people to the right property is evident.
Buy-Sell-StLouis.com

Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Four Reasons Not to Buy a Home in the Winter

Can you purchase a new home now while interest rates are still low and there are great deals during the Holidays or do you think you need to wait until Spring?  If you're planning to wait it out, it must be because of one of the following four reasons.

1.     You Want to Pay More

Waiting for everyone else in your area to get up off the sofa and decide to jump in the market to start looking for a new home, you will pay the price.  Really!  Sellers who have their homes for sale during the Holiday months...October through January...are extremely serious and motivated.  This works in your favor (the savvy buyer) who is looking to get a deal on a discounted home.

2.     You Like Competition
 

Of course, you are not the only ones who desire to get through the Holiday season and the winter before taking on a massive life change with a move to a new home.  Spring is called the buying season for a reason...it's when buyers list their home and look for another, hoping that the timing of the finding, selling and moving all line up perfectly timewise, when the kids are out of school.  Makes sense...which is why everyone does it.  That's exactly why you should be doing it now...which few people are!  Less competition from other buyers during the Holidays might mean you'll be able to negotiate a more favorable price for the home you want to purchase.
 
Winter is a Buyers' Market! 
With less competition and fewer house-hunters, the winter months give you an opportunity to get a good deal.  Not only are asking prices lower, you'll find fewer instances of multiple offers occurring, as they did over the Spring and early Summer months.

3.     You Hate Getting a Great Deal
 

There is a tendency for sellers to avoid the end of the year...due to the short days, wintry weather, holiday parties and their perception that homebuyers are occupied.  However, those who do choose to sell their homes at the end of the year are often under pressure and highly motivated to cut a deal.  That's why the year-end might be a smart time for you to buy!

4.     You Want to Wait For Interest Rates to Go UP
 
 
Who cares if the current interest rates are at extremely low levels, but are projected to go up next year?  You've already established you're okay with the idea of paying more!  (See Items 1-3).  The Holiday season may be the last time to lock in a low loan rate that could potential start to climb in 2016.
 
 
Relaxing with a plate of goodies, some egg nog, and a holiday movie sounds great.  But, you know what would sound even better?  Relaxing in your new home knowing you made a great investment.  The ability to kick up your feet isn't going anywhere, but the ideal house with the perfect layout that just listed in your desire neighborhood for a reasonable price definitely is!  That movie can wait...but will that perfect home you've been dreaming of still be there when it's over?
 
 
 
To get started in finding your ideal home, contact me right away.  I can show you the array of value-priced homes that are currently on the market, as well as fabulous homes that are COMING SOON!
 
Judy Wrozier, ABR®
Coldwell Banker Premier Group
 
(314) 348-4033
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Thursday, September 10, 2015

5 Ways Hunting for Bargain Homes for Sale Can Backfire on You

Naturally, everyone wants to save money...especially when making a large purchase, such as a home.  We all want the best home in the best neighborhood at the best price.  Perhaps you think you have to shop the "bargain bin" to get a deal.


Although some people get lucky buying a bargain basement home, not everyone is so fortunate if you put price first.  Here are five ways a low price can backfire on you:


1.    The home doesn't suit your needs.    A home is a good buy only if it suits your family's needs in regard to space, comfort, features, and function.  Buying a home without enough bedrooms or bath is not comfortable or functional.


Image result for outdated bathroom2.     The home needs updating.     A home priced below market value usually requires expensive repairs or updates.  Are you willing to do the work or pay someone else to do the work?  Remodeling is expensive.  Talk to professionals to find out exactly what updating will cost.



3.     Bargains are rare.     If a home is priced lower than others in the area, there's a reason.  Foreclosure homes may appear to be a bargain compared to other similar homes, but there's usually a real difference in the way the property has been maintained.  It's not much of a bargain when you find out all the copper wiring has been removed from the walls, appliances are gone, flooring has been torn up, and there are holes is every wall.
Image result for foreclosure home interior picture


4.     A bad fit costs you later.     Once you decide to get out of a home that's too small, too old, or too far from where you need to be, you'll more than likely pay more in transactions costs to sell the home and buy another than if you'd chosen more wise in the first place.


4.     You lose ground trying to lowball the seller.     Just as you would want the home you buy to appreciate in value, the sellers bought that home as an investment, too.  They want to net as much as possible as they've already taken on the risks of buying and maintaining the home.  This makes them less willing to negotiate on a home that is well-priced and well-maintained.


If a property has been on the market for a long time without a price reduction, you are more than likely dealing with an unmotivated, unrealistic, or upside-down seller...which will waste your time unmercifully.  These sellers won't negotiate to your level.


Foreclosure homes or a short sale could take months to close.  During that time, interest rates could go up and that savings your thought you were getting could evaporate in higher interest payments.


As home prices are still below previous market highs and mortgage interest rates are still at historic lows...you're already buying a home at a bargain.  The best strategy for today is not to try to beat the seller down, but to offer a fair price for the home you think is best for your family.


As an Accredited Buyers' Representative (ABR), I feel my biggest fiduciary duty to my clients is to ensure they do not overpay for a property. 


JUDY WROZIER
(314) 348-4033

Saturday, July 18, 2015

4 Mistakes That Decrease the Value of Your Home

 

Whether you're planning to sell your home in the near future, or further down the road, you don't want to make mistakes that could decrease the value of your home.  When you're selling your home, you're hoping for a meeting of the minds.  What a buyer sees as a mistake is not always the same as what you consider a mistake.
 
Here are four mistakes that could potentially decrease the value of your home.
 
1.     Following Trends - It's easy to get caught up in liking trendy new designs, but if that trend dies quickly, you'll find you won't be impressing buyers.  If it is a trend that is difficult to change, it could decrease the value of your home when you put it on the market.  That's because buyers will think about how much money they will have to spend to fix the trendy mistake.  So, you naturally want to make your home your style, but if you have plans to sell in the future, think about how the trendy renovation could impact the sale of your home.

Image result for hot tub room


2.     Not Maintaining Appliances - You can sell a home "As Is"...meaning in the condition the property is in when buyers see it.  However, having lots of issues and repairs needed will decrease the home's value.  Cleaning up appliances that go along with the sale of the home is important.  If beyond cleaning or repair, it's worth replacing them.
 
3.     Not Sweating the Small Stuff - Show your care enough by tending to the smallest issues, such as fixing a faulty light switch or repairing a leaky faucet.  Buyers go through homes and turn on lights, open closets, cabinets and drawers, and even look in medicine cabinets.  They will also turn on faucets and flush toilets.  Keep small things like these in good working order.  It's easy to do and it will help lead to an overall better opinion of your home when it is time to sell.
 
4.     Going Wild With Color - Although you may like lively, bold colors...buyers generally like paint that is neutral.  That's because they can then see your home as a blank canvas to which, if they purchase, they can paint it the way they like it.  Extra bright or non-traditional colors can scare them off.  So opt for more neutral colors than funky purple and neon orange carpet.
 
Remember, avoiding some of these mistakes can help prevent buyers from thinking your home is worth less than you do!
 
Image result for bright room colors


JUDY WROZIER
(314) 348-4033

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

What High End Luxury Home Buyers Should Look For in Their Upper End Home

Upper end home sales are on-fire!  Naturally, what constitutes a "luxury" home is personal to a home buyer (and seller) and price does not prove its qualifications.


Here are a few qualities I urge high-end property buyers to focus on:

Ceiling Height - The higher the better.

Architectural Uniqueness - At least look for "good bones"...a solid foundation, unusual details, high-grade materials, and an artistic component.

Practical Layout

Windows - They're a primary source of heating and cooling loss.  They should be double-paned and heavily insulated to protect against weather and noise.

Storage - Seriously, how can we live without lots of closets and copious additional storage in the basement?

Work-Out Room and/or Gym

Main Floor or Second Floor Laundry (or both)

Location
 
Views - Do you really want to watch your neighbors barbeque every night?

Light - You know the difference in how you feel when you walk into a bright, light-filled home as opposed to a dark, gloomy house.  Enough said.

Consider It Done - High-end renovations that are done well take time and time equals effort and money.  Some buyers really should avoid time-consuming, aggravating fixer-uppers.
 
For expert Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) assistance is finding and purchasing your luxury home, contact:
 
JUDY WROZIER, ABR®
(314) 348-4033

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Sell Your Home By Making These Minor Improvements

Appraisal Institute says Lower Your Expectations

I am sharing this article sent to me from "Real Estate Economy Watch".  Please read if you are getting ready to sell your home.

The Appraisal Institute is advising homeowners to choose upgrades instead of major remodeling projects for the greatest potential return on investment.

“In general, simpler, less expensive projects have the best cost-to-value ratio,” said Appraisal Institute President M. Lance Coyle, MAI, SRA. “With the spring home buying season around the corner, homeowners should invest in projects that are most likely to preserve the value of their homes.”

According to Remodeling magazine’s most recent Cost vs. Value report, only five projects saw their cost-to-value ratios rise in 2014: roofing replacement, garage door replacement, 20-gauge steel entry door replacement, vinyl siding replacement and fiberglass entry door replacement. Among projects with the biggest declines were two-story additions, composite deck additions, master suite and kitchen remodels.

Other minor projects with potential major payoffs, said the Cost vs. Value report, are mid-range and upscale garage door replacements, manufactured stone veneer, mid-range window replacements and minor kitchen remodels.

Before calling a contractor or heading for the home improvement store, however, Coyle advised keeping the improvement is in keeping within community norms.  “It’s possible that consumers won’t be able to recoup the cost of the upgrade when the home is sold, so it’s important to meet, not exceed, what’s standard for the neighborhood, and to also consider expected length of time in the property,” Coyle said.

He also said that making routine home repairs is essential to maintaining a home’s value. A house that has been well maintained likely will have a higher value than a similar house that is in disrepair, Coyle said. For example, replacing worn out trim boards may in certain situations not add any additional value to the home, other than to preserve the value that would be likely as evidenced by sales of similar homes in the area that do not have worn-out trim boards.



When you're ready to sell your home, call JUDY at (314) 348-4033.  Visit website at:

Buy-Sell-StCharles.com




Sunday, March 15, 2015

Take Pictures of Your Home Even If You Are Not Currently Selling

Lesson learned for all home owners...make sure to take year-round pictures of your home, especially the exterior.  Even if you are not planning to sell your home, it is important to have pictures available of your home for your Realtor.




Sure, you may not be planning on selling your home soon; however, chances are that sometime in the future you will sell.  What if you find yourself having to sell due to relocation, financial constraints or other obstacles that suddenly happen to your lifestyle?  Let's say you have an inground pool, but you find you have to sell your home in November.  You've covered the pool...that does not make for a very enticing picture featuring that great outdoor space.  The same for beautiful landscaping with flowers in bloom or water features such as ponds, fountains, etc.




This year, make it a point to take some pictures of the exterior of your home throughout the seasons.  I'm sure your very proud of your home and having a picture file will be handy.




Pictures are extremely important when marketing a home for sale and when you have special exterior features your Realtor will want to highlight, be ready with your array of seasonal pictures.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

2015 Market Predictions



What do I predict for 2015?  In this tumultuous world, each day brings surprises no one would expect.  However, I DO know this:


INTEREST RATES are historically low.  There has never been a weak real estate market in a low interest rates market.
INVENTORY in the St. Charles/St. Louis area is low.  Builders have acknowledged this as evidenced by all the new construction developments, as well as buyers snatching up residential lots.
The MIDDLE CLASS is feeling an uptick in their net worth as home pricing rebounds and equity markets soar.
ENERGY PRICES are the lowest they have been in years, providing the equivalent of a "national stimulus".
EMPLOYMENT strengthens, although a weak energy market could result in job losses.  Big cities (St. Louis) are the centers of job creation.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE is the highest it has been since 2007.


So what does this mean for the local real estate market?


     -     The threat of rising interest rates will probably prompt buyers to make decisions.
     -     Rising rents make buying a viable alternative.
     -     High-end closings on homes from several months back will likely boost average   pricing upwards.
     -     Quality will be a powering force for everyone.
     -     The biggest question for the 2015 real estate market is:


                                  How deep is the Buyers' pool?

What is a Luxury Home and What Makes It So Special?

  If you've ever looked over real estate listings and came across an ad for a "luxury home", you might have thought..."Wo...