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..."Wow, this one must be special!"  But what exactly defines a luxury home?  Is it determined by price, location, square footage, or some combination of all of those?

"Luxury" isn't strictly how much you pay for a property.  It's more subjective and based upon what a particular area's high-end buyers have come to expect.

While it's difficult to pin down exactly what defines this air of influence, luxury homes to tend to have certain features in common.  So whether you're looking to buy a posh place or wondering if you can describe your current home as luxury, here are some general qualities you can expect to find in a luxury home.

1.    A High Price For The Area

A "luxury" price depends on where you live.  In general, the lowest price you can expect to pay for a luxury home starts anywhere from $500,000 to $3 million and goes up from there...way up.

In our area, $750,000 and up qualifies as a luxury property.

2.    Prime Location

No matter the city, state, or country, luxury homes are the ones with the most coveted locations.  They may be on a mountain, beachfront, overlooking a scenic cityscape, a high-rise condo, or located in the hippest part of town.

3.    Premier Quality

The construction materials, finishes, appliances, and design all must be a cut above what's considered standard.  Marble, hardwood, Venetian plaster, crystal, and high-end appliances have all become common components of luxury homes.

4.    Luxe Amenities  

From theater rooms, outdoor kitchens, and his and hers bathrooms, these homes incorporate the most exquisite amenities.

5.    Privacy

Many high-end buyers like their home to be a true refuge.  Therefore, privacy is a premium and can be noted with large yards (lots), high bushes, and gated entrances.

6.    Background

This may surprise you.  Luxury home buyers are not necessarily looking for flashy mansions, but do consider it an ultimate asset for their property to have some sort of story...history.  Whether the home was built by a prominent architect, is situated in a noteworthy area, or was once once owned by a well-known person, the value goes up if it's not just another tract home.

Ultimately, the definition of "luxury home" is in the eye of the beholder.

"Luxury" can mean many things; so rather than automatically swooning over a certain listing boasting this term, focus on the features you're keen to have in a home to find one that you love.

(314) 348-4033

PoshSTLHomes.com

Tips on Buying a Home in a Tight Market

 

Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy steps.

1.    Get prequalified for a mortgage loan.  This will allow you to be able to make a firm commitment to buy and make your offer more desirable to the seller.

2.    Stay in close contact with your Realtor, as we find out first about new listings that come on the market.  And, be ready to go see a property as soon as it goes on the market.

3.    Be ready to make a decision.  Spend lots of time in advance deciding what you must have, so you won't be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

4.    Bid competitively.  You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don't try to go too low to get a deal.  In this tight market, you'll lose out.

5.    Keep contingencies to a minimum.  Restrictions, such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date, can make your offer unappealing.  In this tight market, you'll probably be able to sell your house quickly.  (You can also take with your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period of time).

6.    Don't get caught in a buying frenzy.  Just because there's competition doesn't mean you should just buy anything.  

Ready to get started?  Contact us to ensure you have expert, professional representation when buying and selling a home.

(314) 348-4033

PoshSTLHomes.com

The Pros and Cons of Condos

 

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas, but consider these facts before you buy.

1.    Storage -- Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.

2.    Outdoor Space -- Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit.  However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.

3.    Amenities -- Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.

4.    Maintenance -- Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.

5.    Security -- Some condo buildings have keyed entries and/or door attendants.  Plus, you'll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.

6.    Reserve Funds and Association Fees -- Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you're interested in the amenity or not.

7.    Resale -- The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building or townhome section, since units are usually fairly similar.  Single-family homes are usually more individual.

8.    Freedom -- Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property.  For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses.  Other prohibit pets.  Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the association carefully before you make an offer.

9.    Proximity -- You're much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhome.  If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

 Credit scores range between 200 and 800.  Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.  These factors will affect your score:

1.    Your payment history...whether you paid credit card obligations on time.

2.    How much you owe.  Owing a great deal of money on numerous accounts can indicate that you are overextended.

3.    The length of your credit history.  In general, the longer the better.

4.    How much new credit you have.  New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay promptly.

5.    The types of credit you use.  Generally, it's desirable to have more than one type of credit...installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

When Buying a Home, Why the Right Real Estate Agent is So Important

If you have begun looking for a home to buy, the best method is to have your own Real Estate Agent.  Perhaps you drive around and see a property you might be interested in, so you call the Agent whose name is on the sign.  Or, you're surfing the web (PoshSTLHomes.com or Realtor.com) and find a property you want to see...so you call the Listing Agent.

STOP DOING THAT!!  The Listing Agent works for the Seller of the property.  He/she has signed a contract with the Seller to always put their best interest first.  Where does that leave you...the Buyer?  You need your own Agent whose duty will be to put YOUR best interest first.  In fact, it's best to use an ABRⓇ, an Agent who is an Accredited Buyers Representative.

Don't think you have to call the Agent listed on a For Sale sign.  When you have your own Agent, he/she will be able to show you any homes/properties for sale; even those properties listed For Sale By Owner.  Do beware...there are some Agents who do not want to spend time showing homes.  You'll want an Agent who is accessible to your needs and willing to spend the time to show you homes.  Find and talk with an Agent to get a feel as to their interest level in showing homes and their knowledge of the area you are looking in.

You need and deserve expert, professional representation should you be ready to purchase a property.  Your Agent will work with you throughout the entire process:  from finding and showing you homes, negotiating on your behalf should you submit an offer, assist you with inspections, handle all paperwork, get you to closing, and putting the keys of your new home in your hand.

Contact us when you're ready to make a move and hire an ABRⓇ to ensure you are getting the best service in your pursuit of purchasing a home.

Get Multiple Offers to Buy Your Home

For months (years), we have heard the news that we are in a seller’s market – meaning there are not enough homes for sale to meet the demand of home buyers.  Often in a seller's market, the time it takes to sell a home is decreased and the possibility of multiple offers is increased.

 

This news could cause dollar signs to start dancing before your eyes.  Before you count your cash, there are a few things to consider.

 

TIPS ON HOW TO GET MULTIPLE OFFERS FOR YOUR HOME

 

Price Your Home Competitively ~ When a home is priced and marketed correctly, your chance of getting multiple offers is increased.  The longer a home sits on the market, the longer its days on the market grows and with that comes a sense of staleness…thus reducing your negotiating power.

 Spruce Up Your Home ~ “Move-in Ready” is music to a buyer’s ears.  Walk through your home as if you were a buyer and fix up those areas that don’t reflect well on your home.  Putting in a little elbow grease before your home is listed for sale could net you a larger profit.

 

Build Anticipation ~ As the #1 Real Estate Company in the metro Saint Louis area, we use our unique marketing tools to build anticipation in the market.  With the largest number of agents in the area, our listings are shared with our associates even before it is listed on the MLS.

 Listen To Your Realtor ~ We will supply you with sound advice that comes from experience in all types of real estate markets.  For example, it’s best not to get emotional when you receive offers to buy your home.  High offers with a long list of contingencies are not always the best offers.  We will be able to help you differentiate between solid offers and questionable offers.

 

If you are thinking of selling your home, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

 

(314) 348-4033

 

What is My Wentzville Home Worth? ~ Home Sales in 63385

August 2022 Update  (Year-to-Date)

This report is for single family homes ONLY and NOT condos or new construction.  It’s covering Wentzville only.  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 Multiple Listing System (MLS) as of August 15, 2022.  If any property traded hands without a Realtor® involved, it won’t be reflected in this report.  All data is for the 63385 zip code only.  Percentages reflect increases or decreases from the same period of 2021.

Wentzville offers a diversity of living choices, with a focus on a wide range of stylistic housing.  Much of the zip code area is easily reached by I-70 and I-64/Hwy. 40.

Wentzville Single Family Home Category Data Summary

Homes Sold:                   439  (1 Bank/Govt. Forecl.)   DOWN:     23.7%

Average Price:                 $393,555                       UP:            17.8%

Days on Mkt. Avg:           15                                  DOWN:     34.7%

Avg. Price Per SqFt:         $195.84                         UP:             13.1%

Avg. Sales/List %:            103.53%                       DOWN:        3.3%

Most Expensive Home Sold:                  $ 2,900,000

Least Expensive Home Sold:                  $     60,000

Number of Homes Currently For Sale:             56

                

What can we determine from the latest statistics?

While sales volume may have dropped from the previous year; that is due solely to the lack of inventory of homes available for sale.

-          Days on Market is very doable.

-          Distressed properties (foreclosures) have minimal impact at this point.  Less impact means better pricing for the rest of the market.

-         Sales prices increased along with the average price per square foot.  

-       There is an extreme shortage of homes currently for sale in the St. Peters area.  Our company has a massive list of buyers just waiting to make offers on homes in 63376.

 

What does this mean to you as a current Wentzville single family home owner?

Home sale prices are rising and homes are selling quickly.  The equity in your home is also rising.  It’s still crucial to price right and prep your home, if you’re considering making a move.  (Don’t forget…there is a lot of new construction competition.)

For an evaluation of your specific home’s marketability, please contact us.

What does this mean to you as a potential Wentzville home buyer?

If you find a home that suits you, you cannot delay acting in putting in an offer to buy the property or you may miss out on your opportunity.  That’s why it is beneficial for you to work with us to not only assist in finding available properties, but to provide every advantage to help your offer get accepted.

St. Charles County still continues to be a VERY affordable place to buy a home.  There is some new construction available and we can help you get the best deal.  The builder will NOT cut you a price break for showing up unrepresented and using our services will NOT cost you a thing!

Contact us with any of your real estate questions, including what your home’s value is in today’s real estates, what it could sell for, and how quickly it could sell.

JUDY WROZIER

Realtor® - ABR®, SFR®

 (314) 348-4033

CLICK HERE to search Homes For Sale 

What is My St. Peters Home Worth? ~ Home Sales in 63376

 

August 2022 Update  (Year-to-Date)

This report is for single family homes ONLY and NOT condos or new construction.  It’s covering St. Peters only.  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 Multiple Listing System (MLS) as of August 15, 2022.  If any property traded hands without a Realtor® involved, it won’t be reflected in this report.  All data is for the 63376 zip code only.  Percentages reflect increases or decreases from the same period of 2021.

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

St. Peters Single Family Home Category Data Summary

Homes Sold:                   489  (2 Bank/Govt. Forecl.)   DOWN:     22.7%

Average Price:                 $311,194                       UP:            11.6%

Days on Mkt. Avg:           11                                  DOWN:     15.3%

Avg. Price Per SqFt:         $197.85                         UP:             12.2%

Avg. Sales/List %:            110.18%                       UP:               4.3%

Most Expensive Home Sold:                  $ 976,000

Least Expensive Home Sold:                  $   68,700

Number of Homes Currently For Sale:             33

                

What can we determine from the latest statistics?

While sales volume may have dropped from the previous year; that is due solely to the lack of inventory of homes available for sale.

-          Days on Market is very doable.

-          Distressed properties (foreclosures) have minimal impact at this point.  Less impact means better pricing for the rest of the market.

-         Sales prices increased along with the average price per square foot.  

-       There is an extreme shortage of homes currently for sale in the St. Peters area.  Our company has a massive list of buyers just waiting to make offers on homes in 63376.

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

Home sale prices are rising and homes are selling quickly.  The equity in your home is also rising.  It’s still crucial to price right and prep your home, if you’re considering making a move.  (Don’t forget…there is a lot of new construction competition.)

For an evaluation of your specific home’s marketability, please contact us.

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

If you find a home that suits you, you cannot delay acting in putting in an offer to buy the property or you may miss out on your opportunity.  That’s why it is beneficial for you to work with us to not only assist in finding available properties, but to provide every advantage to help your offer get accepted.

St. Charles County still continues to be a VERY affordable place to buy a home.  There is some new construction available and we can help you get the best deal.  The builder will NOT cut you a price break for showing up unrepresented and using our services will NOT cost you a thing!

Contact us with any of your real estate questions, including what your home’s value is in today’s real estates, what it could sell for, and how quickly it could sell.

JUDY WROZIER

Realtor® - ABR®, SFR®

(314) 348-4033

CLICK HERE to search Homes For Sale 

What Is My Lake St. Louis Home Worth? ~ Home Sales in 63367

 

August 2022 Update  (Year-to-Date)

This report is for single family homes ONLY and NOT condos or new construction.  It’s covering the Lake St. Louis 63367 zip code area only.  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 Multiple Listing System (MLS) as of August 15, 2022.  If any property traded hands without a Realtor® involved, it won’t be reflected in this report.  All data is for the 63367 zip code only.  Percentages reflect increases or decreases from the same period of 2021.

Lake St. Louis offers a diversity of living choices, with a focus on executive-style housing and lakeside living.  Much of the zip code area is easily reached by I-70 and I-64/Hwy 40.

Lake St. Louis Single Family Home Category Data Summary

Homes Sold:                   231  (0 Bank/Govt. Forecl.)     DOWN:     21.6%

Average Price:                 $441,006                        UP:            10.5%

Days on Mkt. Avg:           17                                   DOWN:     15.0%

Avg. Price Per SqFt:         $207.19                          UP:             14.0%

Avg. Sales/List %:            102.84%                        UP:               0.7%

Most Expensive Home Sold:                  $ 1,685,000

Least Expensive Home Sold:                  $      125,500

Number of Homes Currently For Sale:             33

                

What can we determine from the latest statistics?

While sales volume may have dropped from the previous year; that is due solely to the lack of inventory of homes available for sale.

-          Days on Market is very doable.

-          Distressed properties (foreclosures) have minimal impact at this point.  Less impact means better pricing for the rest of the market.

-         Sales prices increased along with the average price per square foot.  

-       There is an extreme shortage of homes currently for sale in the Lake St. Louis 63367 zip code area.  Our company has a massive list of buyers just waiting to make offers on homes in 63367.

What does this mean to you as a current 63367 single family home owner?

Home sale prices are rising and homes are selling quickly.  The equity in your home is also rising.  It’s still crucial to price right and prep your home, if you’re considering making a move.  (Don’t forget…there is a lot of new construction competition.)

For an evaluation of your specific home’s marketability, please contact us.

What does this mean to you as a potential 63367 home buyer?

If you find a home that suits you, you cannot delay acting in putting in an offer to buy the property or you may miss out on your opportunity.  That’s why it is beneficial for you to work with us to not only assist in finding available properties, but to provide every advantage to help your offer get accepted.

St. Charles County still continues to be a VERY affordable place to buy a home.  There is some new construction available and we can help you get the best deal.  The builder will NOT cut you a price break for showing up unrepresented and using our services will NOT cost you a thing!

Contact us with any of your real estate questions, including what your home’s value is in today’s real estates, what it could sell for, and how quickly it could sell.

JUDY WROZIER

Realtor® - ABR®, SFR®

(314) 348-4033

 

CLICK HERE to search Homes For Sale