8 Things You Should Do Before Moving Into A New House

 Moving into a new house?  Your task list doesn't end once you pack up your current home.  There's a few more things you're going to want to do before you get in and start living it up.

Change the Locks

It doesn't make you paranoid to want new locks on the exterior doors to your home.  It makes you smart!  Who knows how many people were given keys to what is now your new home?  You could call a locksmith to come to the house to re-key the locks or get a nice update plus peach of mind by replacing the the whole hardware.

Don't forget to change your garage door opener code, too.

Do an In-Depth Tour of the House

Identify where the water and gas shut-off valves are.  How about the electrical box and water heater?  Do you know how to use your sprinkler system?  Familiarizing yourself with all the ins and outs of the house and making sure key members of the household are also aware can help avoid disasters.

Seal Off Rooms You Won't Be Using Right Away

Between moving costs, new furniture, any renovations needed, and the cost of turning on all your utilities, you're probably going to want to save a few dollars where you can.  Sealing off rooms you won't be using for a while can help lower your heating and cooling costs.

Meet Your Neighbors

Your neighbors may be planning to come by once they see you're settled in, but think about beating them to it.  You might make a new best friend or find one for your kids.  Being friendly from the get-go established good will.

Join NEXTDOOR

Log on the Nextdoor.com to find your community site.  If you need a babysitter, a handyman, or a recommendation for the best Chinese restaurant in your area, Nextdoor will help you find it.

Clean Your Carpets

A thorough cleaning of the home should have been done when the sellers were moving out, but unless specific cleaning tasks were called out in the contract, the house may not be as spic-n-span as you want.

Even if the house looks clean when you move in, they may have skipped getting the carpets professionally cleaned.  A good cleaning can extend the life of the carpets, improve air quality, and remove allergens.

Wipe Out Drawers and Cabinets

This is another often ignored task and one that could be responsible for leaving germs and crumbs behind.

Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that smoke detector batteries get changed twice a year.  Since you probably won't know when the last time this was done, it's best to change them when you move in.

Hopefully this helpful tips will prove useful to you when you decide to purchase a new home.  When you're ready to make a move, don't hesitate to contact us.  We'll provide with helpful tips to prepare your home to go on the market.

How To Buy A Luxury Home

     When it comes to buying a luxury home, there's more than just a high price and somewhat unique architecture.  Purchasing a high-end property is a completely different process than buying a middle-priced home.

     Here are a few tips if you are thinking of buying a luxury home.

Learn Where To Search

     Unlike homes in lower price ranges, luxury properties often go unlisted to protect the seller's privacy.  That's why it is important to use your Realtor's personal connections, as she or her office mates, may have off-market luxury listings.  You won't find these listings in the Internet.  Check with us to find out inside information about higher-end properties before they hit the market.

Proper Expertise

     As a real estate agent, I will not only find the property, but, as an expert, will be able to determine the market value of the high-end property.  Typically, the price of a home is relatively easy to evaluate by comparing it to similar properties in the area.  However, many times there will be no similar properties in the area.  Moreover, since luxury homes are more or less unique, they can't be compared to anything at all.  That's why you need an expert to carefully inspect the property, as it will have special amenities such as a pool, ponds, fountains, outdoor fireplaces, landscape lighting, professional surveillance and security systems, and so much more.

Financing

     According to a Coldwell Banker study 10 years ago, only 31% of luxury home buyers paid cash for their high-end property.  It's normal to use a loan for the purchase, but there are a few things you should know.  The loan approval process will take longer...45-60 days to secure...and you will be required to provide a lot of detailed documentation.

Understanding the Market

    There will always be a market for luxury property and some local areas are experiencing significant growth.  Considering the fact we are still experiencing the financial whirlwind going on due to the pandemic, luxury markets have heated up.  One reason for this, of course, is the rule of supply and demand and, in general, the supply of higher priced homes is limited.

     If a luxury home is in your future, you may want to start planning now.  To search for luxury homes for sale at your leisure, just go to:  PoshSTLHomes.com 

     If you would be interested in knowing of any off-market luxury homes, just contact me.

4 Questions To Help You Decide Whether To Sell Your Home

Do you find yourself dreaming about a new home?  If you think it could be time to move to a new neighborhood, ask yourself these four questions to determine it it's time to take the leap:

1.     How happy are you with your current home?

If you're not feeling the love when you walk through the door, it may be time to start exploring available homes on the market.  Your home is your castle and should make you feel comfortable and at ease...not stressed and longing for something else.

2.     Do you love your neighborhood and schools?

A good neighborhood, strong school district, and neighbors you enjoy should be important to you.  There are plenty of homes on the market in fabulous neighborhoods that pride themselves on safety and community.  Give me a call to find out more.

3.     Do you have too little or too much home?

If the size of your family has changed recently, you may be left with a home that's too small or too large.  Let's find a home that's just right.  Whether you're looking to downsize or move up the ladder, there are plenty of options to choose from.

4.     Is it time to buy?

If you think it's time to make a move, give Judy Wrozier - Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker a call to guarantee you find a home that hits all the right notes.

Buying Your Dream Home Later In Life

Most homebuyers have a "dream house" that includes everything they want...whether it's a new kitchen, open floor plan, main floor master suite, outside kitchen...or all that and more.

So, how can you buy your dream house, whether you're in your 40's, 50's, or 60's?

The answer might be as simple as just deciding to do it.  People generally cannot afford their dream house in their 20's and 30's,  By the time they are in their 40's and 50's, they've got the money.

Newer, Smaller, Better

Some buyers move out of a costly or large home into a dream home that better fits their needs in terms of design, finished, and amenities.  The new home might offer an updated kitchen, open floor plan, main level master suite, new flooring...all with a bit less square footage.

Saying "NO" to Remodeling

The alternative to buying your dream home is trying to remodel your current house to be what you really want.  This doesn't appeal to many current homeowners.  Sometimes, a 20 year old home just starts to "feel old".  Rather than renovating and upgrading it, a lot of people take the easier route and buy something new.

The remodeling industry studies have shown that very few remodeling projects recoup their full value at the time of resale.  Most homeowners take a loss on their improvements when they sell.

The Big Decision

Despite the allure of their dream home, some buyers hesitate because they're not ready to make the transition or only one spouse is ready.  Once an unwilling partner can emotionally detach from the current home, a dream home can be in their future.

Just What Is A Luxury Home?

Price alone does not distinguish that luxury status.  It is location, property entry, architecture, decor, decadent amenities, entertainment capability, lovely grounds and myriad of other details that help a home stand out from the ordinary.

A supersized McMansion does not qualify as a luxury home, unless it has the requisite extras, superior location and a view...perhaps.

As discerning and honest luxury real estate professionals, we believe we know a luxury home when we see it...especially when the property has all the markings of luxury, location, and panache.

Luxury home buyers want real estate representation that provides, in order of preference:

• 86% - Help in finding a luxury home
• 56% - Help in managing the transaction
• 43% - Expert negotiation counsel
• 34% - Advise on purchasing a luxury home
• 28% - Assistance with paperwork
• 13% - Help understanding the process
•   9% - Help locating jumbo financing

Other tidbits...

• The average down payment for the luxury home buyer is 33.6%.
• The typical luxury home buyer spends 11 weeks searching for a home prior to purchase.
• Luxury home buyers, on average, look at 12 homes before making a final decision to buy.
• The typical luxury home buyer seeks a residence with a minimum of 3500-4000 square feet, at least 4-5 bedrooms, and a minimum of 3-4 bathrooms.

Ready to buy a luxury home in the St. Louis metropolitan area?  Give us a call at (314) 348-4033 to get started.  We have many fabulous luxury properties getting ready to hit the market.

If you have an exceptional home you would like to sell, contact us at (314) 348-4033 for a  FREE home evaluation to find out if your home will qualify as a coveted PREMIER GROUP  "Signature Home" ... the luxury standard in the St. Louis area.

What Makes a Home a Good Buy?

There is no perfect home, but some homes are more ideal for your household than others.  When you begin looking for your next home, carefully consider these four criteria...price, features, location and condition.  The closer you to get to meeting all four criteria, the better your chances are of making a good buy.

PRICE

In any market, price has to come first.  To determine what you can comfortably afford, take to your Realtor.  She can recommend a lender who will prequalify you for a mortgage loan.  When you know how much you can spend, it will be easier to shop for homes within your price range.

FEATURES

The size of your family and your activities determine the features you will want in your next home.  The number of bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas are a matter of comfort and convenience.  You may want an extra bedroom for guests or a second master suite for parents.

If you work at home, you'll want a private home office or a computer nook.  You may want a playroom for the kids, a separate laundry area, and a fenced yard and covered patio or deck for entertaining.  Perhaps an eat-in kitchen is more important to you than a formal dining room.  You may even desire an outdoor kitchen for entertaining.

Think about your daily life from morning to bedtime and how your next home can make these activities more pleasant.  This should be your "must-have" list and will help you look at homes more objectively.

LOCATION

Some areas will always be more expensive to live in than others.  Neighborhoods that are well-kept tend to maintain higher home values.  Homes that are close to jobs, schools and shopping centers tend to sell for more money than homes without as much infrastructure.

What is the best home you can find in the area where you want to live?  If these homes are out of your price range, you can compromise...buy a smaller home or a home that needs lots of work in the best neighborhood you can afford.

CONDITION

Condition refers to the state of repair.  Does the home curb appeal?  Is it updated and well-maintained or does it need extensive and expensive remodeling.  Don't forget to consider any deferred maintenance, such as a roof that may need to be replaced soon.  Also, consider the design and functionality...is the kitchen too small and would you be able to afford to remodel it?  Look closely at repairs, cleanliness and room layout.

The one advantage of buying a home that needs updates and repairs is that these properties cost less than updated homes in the same neighborhood.



Be prepared to compromise.  Don't frustrate yourself or your family looking for the perfect home.  Sometimes the home of your dreams does not have to have every feature on your checklist, or it may be a bit further away from your favorite neighborhood, but you'll be happy if it has most of the criteria you want at the price you can afford.

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.