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

                    DON'T WAIT TO SELL YOUR HOME!

                  Why Winter Home Sales are More Profitable

                                               

Many people assume that most home sales occur during the spring and summer months...but that's not the case.

In fact, according to data from the National Association of Realtors, dating back to 2000, the winter and fall months are the months with most home sales.

Spring and summer may seem like the best time of year to catch buyers, as this is when we typically see the most buyer activity.  However, I think there is something to be said about being on the market when there is less competition.  Inventory is low right now due to the recent spike in home sales.  In addition, with the tradition thinking of "waiting until spring to sell" attitude, inventory should remain low.

Now may be the perfect opportunity to get the best price for your home.  There is a good chance we will see a spike in relocation business after the New Year and families relocating usually make quick decisions in purchasing their new homes.

Call, text or email me to find out what you can expect in selling your home within the next three months.

                                                                 Judy Wrozier

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

Three Ways to Ease Your Hesitancy About Making a Move

With low inventory in our current market, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one.  This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell…whether to upgrade, downsize, or find a new neighborhood…there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.

Look to Buy First – It could be a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property.  Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying.  Even if you don’t see anything of interest on the real estate websites you use, doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t find the right home.

Think Outside the Box – Keep in mind that there are many people like you who want to make a move but are hesitant, as well.  As your real estate agent, I would send a heartfelt and personal letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live, announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood.  We could find you a home to buy that may not even be currently listed for sale.

Protect Yourself Legally -  When we find a home you want to purchase, I would ensure a clause is added in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.

Million Dollar Home For Sale in St. Charles County - 1 Windcastle

Million dollar homes for sale in St. Charles County need to offer a bit more when competing with high-end homes across the river.  A personal tour of 1 Windcastle Drive in zip code 63304 provides amenities all luxury homes should display.

1 Windcastle Drive - 63304

Click Here for pictures and info on 1 Windcastle Drive

Listed at $1,299,000, this lusciously designed home (originally built for an executive at Monsanto), offers a unique interior design tailored toward family life and entertaining.  The kitchen has been elegantly re-designed to fit today's expectations of a chef's gourmet kitchen.  Off the kitchen, is one of the nicest and coziest hearth rooms I have encountered.

Updated stylish kitchen with attached hearth room

This home features two master bedroom suites; one on the main level and one on the upper level, separated from the other three bedrooms on the 2nd level.  The upper level master is the nicest of the two, with a luscious master bath.  Both masters features a bay window alcove.

Upper level master suite overlooking swimming pool

There is also an ensuite bedroom in the lower level, along with a huge playroom/gym area.  Phenomenal entertaining can ensure from this lower level with a nicely equipped bar area, media room, and walk-out to the pool.

The grounds are exquisite with lush landscaping, black iron fencing, play area, patio, firepit and more.  Love the placement of the driveway with a circle/drive-around in front and extension to rear entry 4-car garage.  Did I mention the home is 4-sided brick?

Rear view of 2 acre property - 1 Windcastle Drive

There are a few quirky interior design elements to this home, which can be easily remedied.  Mainly,  faux texture paint, specifically on the ceilings of some rooms.

If you are looking for a luxury home in St. Charles County that stands up to its title of being "luxury", you need to see this property.  Just give me a call at (314) 348-4033 for a private showing of this upscale home that is conveniently located to major highways for access anywhere in the St. Louis area.

Judy Wrozier

Coldwell Banker Premier Group

(314) 348-4033       Judy.Wrozier@Coldwell Banker.com

The 5 Most Expensive Homes for Sale in St. Charles County

Check out these five most expensive homes currently on the market in St. Charles County, along with the luxurious amenities they have to offer.  Note that #5 is the most expensive home for sale in the State of Missouri.
For more information and to view more pictures of the interior and exterior of these properties, just click on the addresses.
Naturally, when you're ready to personally tour any of the homes, just call JUDY WROZIER at (314) 348-4033.  But, be prepared....you'll have to prove you can afford it, just to enter the door!

1.     461 Matts Way - Defiance - $1,650,000

This French manor style home, located in Defiance on 4.3 acres is owned by Brian Boettler, President of Atlas Building Group (construction) and is only three years old.  With a total of 7,254 square feet, it features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.  Stunning sweeping staircases greet you as you enter the home.  Fabulous setting just off Highway 94 with privacy to enjoy the heated pool.

2.     6 Upper Whitmoor Drive - Weldon Spring - $2,490,000

This elegant estate home was built and owned by Robert Whittaker, founder of Whittaker Homes, a major home construction firm focusing on properties in St. Charles County.  Mr. Whittaker passed away this past January.  This family home, located in the Whitmoor Country Club community,  features hand-cut limestone exterior, slate roof, and copper gutters.  The architect was Timothy Busse.  Situated atop a bluff on 4 acres, this 19 year old home has a total of 10,146 square feet with four bedrooms and four full baths, along with three half baths.  There is also a total of 10 fireplaces and a wine room that holds 5,000 bottles!

3.     10000 Turkey Hollow Rd. - Augusta - $3,800,000

That's right....you're looking at a historic 160 year old home on a whopping 196 acres, originally purchased from the successors of Daniel Boone and now known as Stone Ledge Country Estate.  The property went through extensive restoration and updating in 1986.  The current owner is J Eggss Realty.  The property includes a 4 acre stocked lake and a zipline tower.  The main house features four bedrooms and 5.5 baths.

4.     4 Slate River Way - Wentzville - $3,900,000

This estate has it all....fabulous house, saltwater pool, sports court, putting green, playground, and even an equestrian center....all situation on 10.6 acres.  This property is owned by George Roman, a retired Boeing executive.  With over 19,000 square feet of living space, this property is truly a treasure.  It has six bedrooms, seven full baths and three half bath; six fireplaces and is only nine years old.

5.     1 Upper Whitmoor Drive - Weldon Spring - $6,999,000

This is it....the most expensive private residence for sale in Missouri!  The architects for this brick and stone beauty were Schaub & Srote.  With a total of 25,000 square feet of living space on seven acres atop a bluff overlooking the Missouri River valley, this home has five bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths and amenities galore....sweeping staircases, a 15 person Otis elevator, an indoor basketball court, 6+ car garage with car wash, seven fireplaces and incredible views.  The property is owned by Gerry Chastelet, Chairman and CEO of Dominus Innovations.

Don't Make These Mistakes That Decrease the Value of Your Home Sale

If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, you don't want to make any mistakes that will cause you to decrease the value of your home.  Once your home is on the market, what a buyer sees as a mistake may not be what you consider a mistake.

Here are a few mistakes home sellers will want to avoid to ensure you won't de-value your home.

Not Maintaining Appliances - You can sell a home "as is", which means the property in the condition to which the buyers initially see it.  Having lots of issues and repairs needed will definitely decrease the home's value.  Cleaning up appliances that are part of the sale is important.  If they are in bad condition, it's worth replacing them.

Going Wild with Color - Generally speaking, home buyers like paint colors that are neutral.  This conveys as a blank canvas for them which, upon moving in, they can paint the way they want.  Extra bold, bright, or non-traditional colors can scare them off.  Therefore, do not paint with neon green walls nor purple shag carpet.  If you have some bright colors going on, change to neutral.

Following Trends - We all get caught up in the latest design trends, but do we really know how long they will last?  If the trend is difficult to change, it could decrease the value of your home when you put it up for sale.  Home buyers will be thinking about how much money they have to spend to fix the trendy mistake.  Do make your home your style, but if you have plans to sell in the future, think about how renovations may impact the sale of your home.

Not Keeping It Cool (or Warm) - If you want buyers to come in and rush out of your home, either overheat or freeze them.  On hot days, make sure the home is aired out so that stale air can escape.  Hot, muggy, stifling homes are not fun to tour.  Turn the A/C on to a comfortable temperature to make sure your potential buyers are comfortable and take their time to really see your home.  This, in turn, should also apply to cold weather.  Keep the furnace at a comfortable temperature so they will linger and feel comfy.  (Realtor Hint:  69 degrees is the best temperature, for both A/C and furnace).

Not Sweating the Small Stuff - You do have to care enough to tend to smaller issues such as fixing a faulty light switch or replacing burned-out light bulbs.  Home buyers go through the home turning on lights, flicking switches, opening closets, cabinets, and drawers.  Keep small things like these in good working order...it's easy and it can help ensure an overall better opinion of your home.

Avoiding some of these mistakes can help prevent home buyers from thinking your home should be worth less than you do.

2015 Homeowner Tax Benefits

Hopefully, you will are taking advantage of the tax deductions allowed to you regarding owning your own home.  These deductions include:


Property tax deduction:  Any money you pay to city, county, and state property tax assessor is tax deductible. 


Mortgage interest deduction:  Your mortgage interest on both first and second loans is tax deductible.  Any points you paid to get a lower interest rate are deductible.  Private mortgage insurance payments are also deductible.


Closing costs:  If you purchased your home or re-financed your mortgage in 2015, some fees to the mortgage lender are deductible.  Ask your tax professional for guidance.  Also, you may deduct some moving expenses, such as items for your home office, if you have one.  Be sure to show your tax professional your H:UD-1 form.


Home office deductions:  If your home is your principle place of business and you meet other IRS guidelines for home businesses, you can take a deduction on workspace dedicated to your business.  The space cannot be used for any other purpose.  You can also depreciate that portion of your home over 39 years.  All improvements to the workspace are tax deductible.  In addition, your security expenses, phones, internet costs, computers, insurance and utilities can be deducted or depreciated according to IRS allowances.  Percentages and limits apply, so consult with your tax professional.


Energy Star:  If you purchased an energy efficient system or appliance for your home and it meets government Energy Star standards, you may deduct a portion of your expenses.  Save your receipts.


Property sales deductions:  If you purchased a home, occupied it as a primary residence and sold it in 2 years, you could be eligible for some capital gains exclusions up to $250,000 if you're single, or $500,000 if you're married.
There may be other deductions for you to take advantage of that are associated with your home, so be sure to save all receipts throughout the year for repairs, parts, purchases, remodeling, etc.  Some allowances and special circumstances apply, so be sure to talk to your tax professional.


Save your tax records up to 7 years, as you have to be able to support the deductions you take with documentation, such as receipts, credit card statements, cancelled checks, and online banking.


Ongoing tax deductions are another advantage to home ownership.  If you are renting, it's your landlord who is benefitting from them.

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:

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

Buying and Selling a Home in St. Charles MO

                                                  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

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

 

Judy.Wrozier@ColdwellBanker.com