FIND YOUR DREAM HOME: 4 WAYS TO MAKE HOUSE SHOPPING EASIER

House shopping can be a stressful experience.  In addition to looking for the perfect home, you need to get your financing in order.  Being prepared is the best way to make sure your house shopping goes easily and smoothly.

Start With Your Criteria
Before beginning your search of homes for sale, make two lists...features that you NEED in a home and then features you WANT in a home.  Your needs should be things that you are absolutely certain you have to have.  This will help you narrow down the housing search.  Your wants will give you guidance as to which properties you will view first.

Get Pre-Qualified
If you don't already have a pre-qualification from a bank or mortgage lender, you'll want to get this in order.  By having this pre-qualification, you will be able to put an offer in for a home quickly.  With the current state of the real estate market and the low inventory of homes for sale, offers happen quickly when a home appears on the market.  You want to be ready...you need that pre-qualification!

Hire a Realtor at the Beginning of Your Search
For a buyer, there is really no reason not to work with a real estate agent.  Most real estate agents charge a fee (around $300) for their services, which is paid at closing.  I'm proud to say that I and my company DO NOT charge any buyer fees.  Your Realtor will be able to assist you in finding a home and educate you on the home values in the areas you prefer.  She will also assist you through the entire process of submitting a contract, negotiate terms and price, inspections, and get you through escrow and closing.

Get In Your Car
When looking for a home, it may be helpful to get in your car and do a drive-around.  In addition to the MLS listings that your Realtor should be sending you, neighborhoods may have For Sale By Owner signs.  Your Realtor can assist you with this type of sale and get you a showing with the owner.


In general, your first step should be to find a real estate agent.  She will be able to guide you through the entire process and give you a realistic picture of your options.

To begin your house hunting process in the St. Louis/St. Charles area, just give me a call or text at (314) 348-4033 or email me at:

Judy.Wrozier@coldwellbanker.com

What is My St. Charles Home Worth? Homes Sales in St. Charles 63301

October 2014 Update

 As we headed into the Holiday season, home sales in the St. Charles 63301 zip code dropped as far as the number of sales from September, but the average sales price increased...and that's good news!   

This report is for single family homes only and NOT condos.  I’m covering zip code 63301 only.  That means that any St. Charles homes in other zip codes are NOT covered in this report.  This report is informational and for the best advice for you as an area home buyer or seller, please contact me for a specific review of your needs.

All data is derived from the St. Louis MLS system.  If any St. Charles homes traded hands without a Realtor® involved, it won’t be reflected in this report.  All data is for the 63301 zip code only.   Percentages reflect increases or decreases from September 2014 statistics.

The 63301 zip code offers a diversity of living choices, with a focus on affordable housing.  Much of the zip code area is easily reached by I-70 and I-370.

St. Charles 63301 Single Family Home Category Data Summary:

 

Homes Sold:                       40  (2 Bank/Government foreclosures)                  DOWN:                 37.5%

Average Price:                   $177,391                                                                       UP:                         2.8%

Days on Market Avg.:       58                                                                                           NO CHANGE

Avg. Price per Sq. Ft.:       $107.66                                                                         UP:                         2.8%

Average Sales/List %:       95.63%                                                                          UP:                         1.5%

Most Expensive Home Sold:                                       $555,000

Least Expensive Home Sold:                                       $ 52,500

Number of Homes Currently For Sale:                      159

 

What can we determine from the latest statistics?

• While sales volume may have dropped from the previous month, it’s still a strong month.
• Days on Market is pretty solid, with homes selling in just under 2 months.
• Distressed properties (foreclosures) have minimal impact at this point.  Less impact there means better pricing for the rest of the market.
• Sales prices increased along with the average price per square foot.  The increase of the sales to list price is always good news.

What does this mean to you as a St. Charles single family home owner?

Home sales prices are rising and selling quickly.  It’s still critical to price right, prep your home, and hire a Realtor®.  Don’t forget, you also have new construction competition.

For an evaluation of your specific home’s marketability, please contact me at (314) 348-4033.

What does this mean to you as a potential St. Charles 63301 home buyer?

If you find a home that suits you, don’t delay acting or you may miss out on your opportunity.

St. Charles still continues to be a VERY affordable place to buy a home.  There is some new construction available, and PLEASE, have me help you for new construction.  The builder will NOT cut you a price break for showing up unrepresented, and using my services will NOT cost you a thing!

When you’re considering buying a St. Charles area home, please contact me at (314) 348-4033 with your needs and I’ll help you find your ideal home!

 

For your convenience,  CLICK HERE  to search for a home anywhere in the St. Charles and St. Louis area.