Getting a home pre-inspected (and then addressing any ‘red flag’ items) before putting the property on the market can save a great deal of headache down the road. Avoid the last-minute hassle of finding contractors! Save money by taking time to choose contractors who can offer the best deal to do the work!  And, by all means, spare yourself the heartache of not being able to get the problem solved down the road, and watching a buyer walk away as a result.

 Despite the fact that I have been encouraging sellers for more than 4 years to have their homes professionally inspected prior to going on the market, some sellers are reluctant to spend that money ($400) up-front when they know the buyer will still be having their own inspection; or they truly believe there isn't anything wrong with their home or they just don't want to know.  Some of our recent closings, during the height of the $8,000 tax-credit frenzy where Title Companies were burning midnight oil to meet closing deadlines, encountered frustrations and last-minute inspections and repair hold-ups…cutting awfully close to closing time. And let me tell you, such a situation is fun for no one.

 Case #1: Mr. Seller forgot to disclose an un-vented basement bathroom, caught by the buyer's inspector but which seller refused to correct; buyer accepted. However, the County caught it and required it to be done which led to a scramble to find contractors who could get the work done in the week just before closing. Seller again was adamant that he wouldn't pay for it.  Buyer wanted the house so badly they agreed to pay 50%.  Total cost borne by both:  $2000.      

 Case #2: Miss Seller waited until the very last minute to finish repairs necessary to obtain a compliance certificate from the county, though she had been aware for 4 months of the repairs needed, leading to frantic calls to the County inspector to make sure he could re-visit the home before closing.  Coupled with her incredibly busy job and the fact that she wanted to use her own contractors, there was much anxiety to ensure that nothing was missed.   

 Case #3:  Mrs. Seller informed me the roof was old & I suggested it be replaced before going on the market; she wanted to negotiate it instead. We mistakenly let the buyer choose their own roofer because any leftover money from the $6,500 roof credit she was giving him could be used for his closing costs.  Buyer dragged his feet getting roof bids. The two roofers he chose came with their own set of issues: First one didn't have insurance; second quickly got insurance but wanted 50% up front; third one (the bid she got) wanted 50% down.  Finally we settled on my roofer who was insured and didn't require any money up front so 4 weeks later and 2 days before closing, the roof finally went on, but the VA appraiser had to come back out and make sure the roof was on before the loan would be granted.    

Thankfully, none of these sellers saw their transactions fall apart. The properties closed and everyone left the closing table…relieved. But, they each endured needless anxiety that could have been prevented. I’m sure that in hindsight, each of these sellers would have rather they opted to have their homes pre-inspected, which would have given them the chance to address most of these issues before the pressure was on to get the job done.

Your Realtor’s job is to help you expect the unexpected. (One of the reasons we urge you get your home pre-inspected!) However, we do live in a world of uncertainty, and with the changing industry practices involving lenders, appraisers, inspectors and the like, the unexpected will sometimes occur. This is why your Realtor should also be capable and well-informed, able to ease your mind and defend your wallet when those “surprises” come along. Be comfortable with and be confident in your agent’s ability to handle whatever surprises come your way. It can make all the difference in making sure that if a transaction gets “bumpy”, it ends up a smooth one.

Case in point:  The City of Rock Hill in the County of St. Louis, Missouri. 

In the last few years, sellers in this city have been forced to spend thousands of dollars to retrofit their homes either at the whim of the inspector, or because Rock Hill thinks it's their job to protect people from stupidity.  A recent home re-occupancy inspection for a home in this city noted several “violations” and required fixes of said “violations”. Such requirements included adding a light fixture to the basement stairwell where one already exists, adding balusters to the stairwell so a child cannot fall off, dry walling the interior of a basement garage and building a concrete stoop for fire-safety, and installing a railing or bushes as a barrier to falling off a 5-foot retaining wall. 

Further review by the seller of the city’s International Property Maintenance Code revealed that none of the described “violations” were really violations at all! The issues are not stated in the maintenance code, and therefore the seller has wisely chosen to appeal the predications with the city.

Although conditions at this home have been this way for 50-60 years, now that a seller wants to move, the city decides it's time to make this property "safe".  It makes me wonder, if these issues are so inherently critical to ensuring an occupant’s safety, why didn't the city choose to take action to protect the current owner’s safety before now?

Just recently, in another comparable circumstance, the seller of a house in Webster Groves was forced to dead-wood her 40 year old oak tree in the front yard at a cost of several hundred dollars. Sure, I suppose a branch could have been ripped from the trunk in a storm and possibly hit a car driving by…but why didn't the city notice the dead branches of her tree while driving through her neighborhood in the last 12 months? Why does this become an issue only now?

If these inspectors are REALLY concerned about safety issues in the neighborhood, why aren't they routinely driving through looking for how an average citizen might be harmed simply by living in their community? (And caulking the bathtub?  How is that a safety/health violation that requires compliance before an Occupancy Permit will be issued?  Yes, that came up on a Webster inspection, also.)

I’m just going to say it…I'm weary of the government acting as my protector and treating us as if we are all helpless victims. Does the government serve a place in our society for protecting the common good? Absolutely. Have recent circumstances shown an unhealthy extension of their influence and involvement in the home sale process? I believe so.

The truth is that the tougher these supposed "code violations" become, the more agents will be unwilling to extol the qualities of living in that community, knowing the kind of repairs and modifications the buyer-turned-seller will have to do…and decreasing the ease or motivation for moving real estate, particularly in the current market, serves no one.

Next up, Laclede Gas predications, Cap and Trade and the new Transfer Tax.

(Denver, CO., April 15, 2010) - Two surveys of elite real estate brokerages indicate that in 2009 RE/MAX significantly outperformed its national competitors. The 2010 Power Broker Report ranked 69 RE/MAX brokerages among their Top 300, representing 23% of all ranked brokerages.  This showing placed RE/MAX 47% higher than its closest competitor.  In the REAL Trends 500 survey, 122 RE/MAX brokerages earned a ranking, giving RE/MAX 24% of the top 500 brokerages in the U.S.  

“We are so proud of our Sales Associates for earning such an impressive distinction, especially considering how difficult today’s market is,” says Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX International. “The fact is, only the best trained and most experienced agents will find ways to succeed and be able to provide valuable assistance to so many American families facing financial difficulties.”

RE/MAX Sales Associates had the highest agent productivity of all the national real estate brands.  In the 2010 Power Broker Report, Sales Associates affiliated with RE/MAX brokerages averaged an impressive 15.1 transaction sides per agent, an 18% increase over their winning position in last year’s survey, and a performance that placed them 26% higher than the next closest competitor.

Kelly believes a significant factor in the success of RE/MAX Sales Associates is the comprehensive educational resources available through RE/MAX University. "Our Associates lead the industry in sales experience and professional designations.  Within the past year, over 15,000 agents earned a distressed property designation from RE/MAX University, our on-demand, multi-media educational institution, and we have significant initiatives that will increase those efforts in the coming year.” 

 1. $15 million to pay the first year of property taxes for qualified homebuyers who purchase a new or existing home after January 1, 2010. This has the opportunity to help between 9,000 and 11,000 Missouri families making less than $100,000 a year.

 2.  $5 million in assistance to qualified homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. This helps potential homebuyers overcome the obstacle of coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs. MHDC has been a national leader on this front.

 3. Additional assistance to homebuyers who purchase an energy-efficient home or purchase energy-saving appliances. This is an opportunity to raise energy-efficiency standards in Missouri, making a positive impact on both the economy and the environment. It's a win-win.

This economic development package provides property tax relief to thousands of Missourians at a crucial time in our economy without spending Missouri tax dollars. This will be paid for entirely out of MHDC's reserve fund and federal recovery funds already in our possession. This comes in addition to more than $100 million in recovery funds and more than $19 million in reserves already allocated to boost Missouri's economy and put Missourians back to work.

If you have been thinking of buying a home and waiting for "the bottom", now is the time to make that move.  Call me for a list of qualified Mortgage Lenders and let's find you a home. 

And save the date for Art in the Park in St. Louis Hills neighborhood of Southwest St. Louis City.  More than 65 local artisans & food vendors plus live music around the lily ponds of Francis Park will have you dancing in the streets! Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 10 until 6 p.m.  St. Louis Hills is bordered by NOTTINGHAM, DONOVAN, TAMM AND EICHELBERGER. 

 It's completely family-oriented so that mom and dad can relax and not worry while the kids are busy on the 78 acre compound playing softball, badmitton, ping pong, tether ball (my favorite) washers, shuffleboard, or horseback riding with the owners.  Hot days will find you at water's edge in the crystal clear waters of the Huzzah Creek lazily floating on an innertube where the owners will pick you up downstream a few hours later;  if you prefer, there is also a large swimming pool for the puritans.   

Your cabin is simply for sleeping with minimal amenities (but includes air conditioning!) and a screened in porch if you'd really rather commune with nature & read.   Nothing glamourous, but that's the best part!  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by the resident chefs and served by the friendliest group of young adults in a large air conditioned dining hall.  They won't allow you to leave the table feeling hungry!  No cooking, no clean up and no choices to make!

Each day and night there were activities like badmitton tournaments, Bingo, ping pong tournaments & softball tournaments.  We enjoyed an excellent fireworks display, 4th of July barbecue with outdoor buffet adorned in red, white & blue! Steve Butz is also an excellent singer, dancer and musician so we had some square dancing & Electric Slide one night with the 140 strangers who stayed over 4th of July weekend as we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. 

Just a quick 1.5 hour drive from St. Louis down 44 west to the Cuba exit.  Stop at Missouri Hicks and try their barbecue! Out of this world! 

It's all about "baby steps" like setting up an emergency fund first, getting a budget in place (a what???), then funding 6 months of living expenses in a liquid account, cutting up credit cards, (ouch) etc.  Each week is a different topic and Dave Ramsey is highly entertaining (via video) at the same time being very direct and passionate about turning the tide of Amercians spending above their means. His mantra is you will "live like no one else so later you can LIVE like no one else!"

We now pay with cash divided into special envelopes marked for groceries, dining out, hair care, clothing, etc that we don't go anywhere without.  Sure, we used to pay off our credit card every month too, but now that we pay cash, it hurts more to part with it so we spend FAR less than we used to.  We have actually spent 1/3 less on groceries than we used to because with credit I never cared how much it cost or how much we might waste.  We still eat well but we don't waste food anymore. Some women can't help themselves in a clothing store...I cannot help myself in a grocery store!

There are numerous classes coming up at various churches around St. Louis Metro area.  Even if you think you don't "need" this class, I encourage you to check out his website for yourself. 

Connect with families across the nation for a truly radical message: HOPE.

Tired of hearing the fear, doom and gloom that’s filling the airwaves? Join Dave Ramsey for a nationwide town hall meeting and discover what’s happening with the economy, how we got here, and where we’re going. Plus, Dave will answer your questions live throughout the event! 

This free event is being held at numerous locations throughout St. Louis.  Just find one closest to you by clicking here   Learn more.  I'll be at Gateway to Grace Fellowship in 63109 and look forward to seeing you there.   

http://www.townhallforhope.com!

Get rid of those items that have been sitting around for years without being used or even handled. This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Buyers and real estate agents should see your house in its best condition from the very first day it’s on the market.

Here are a few approaches to take to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”

Another way to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell is to make those minor repairs and best of all, make the house sparkle! Only do one room, or even one small area, at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Your best friend is the trash bag; when in doubt, throw it out. Many find it easier to use boxes to sort items, so you don’t have to find a home for everything as you unclutter. Most important, be quick and decisive when sorting. Tell yourself:

• If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

If you are getting your house ready to sell in the St. Louis, Webster Groves, Kirkwood Missouri areas, then take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas where you can unclutter your home and let myself, Sandie Hea, your agent help you to get your house ready to sell.

                      FRANCIS PARK
                SUNDAY, SEPT 28, 2008
                     10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This will be a great way to spend your Sunday afteroon... wandering from booth to booth perusing great works of art in wood, cloth, metal, beads, pen and ink, paper...the handiwork of some of the top talent in St. Louis, all in affordable price ranges! 

Lister to live music all day, the smell of LeGrand's bratwurst wafting from the grill, or The Pitted Olive's gourmet to go...grab a glass of wine from Bartolino's Osteria...or a bag of popcorn from us...The Sandie Hea Team!  We will be there meeting and greeting those who want to discuss real estate, enter our drawing for gift certificates from local vendors, talk to Mark Widdicombe of Heartland Bank about new lending requirements or simply wait for fresh popped corn from our old fashioned popper!

Francis Park is bordered by Tamm, Nottingham, Donovan and Eichelberger Avenues, St. Louis, Missouri 63109. 


Please come by and introduce yourself, we'd love to meet you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7x3VnrqbA

Callier Thompson Shea and Consolidated Construction Will Provide Safer Home for Twins with Genetic Disorders

Read the full article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119802346920538029.html

Fair Isaac Corp., maker of the popular FICO credit score used by most lenders, says its new scoring model will do a better job predicting the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on a loan. For one thing, the new model, dubbed FICO 08, will be more forgiving of occasional slips by consumers, but will take a harder line on repeat offenders. Fair Isaac predicts its new system will help lenders reduce default rates on their consumer credit by between 5% and 15%.

Consumers could start seeing the new FICO scores by the spring, though some lenders may take additional time to test the system to see how it works with their business and loan portfolios. Fair Isaac, which last revamped its scoring model earlier this decade, says it is accelerating its FICO 08 rollout, partly in response to lenders' demand for better risk-management tools.

The latest version of the FICO score will largely look and feel the same to consumers and lenders. Scores will still range from 300 to 850 -- the higher the better -- and the model will continue to look at the same factors, including consumers' level of credit indebtedness and payment histories, length of credit histories, number of recent credit openings and inquiries, and the type of credit used, to determine scores.

But the new model will more finely slice and dice the information in consumers' credit files to do a better job of separating the "good risks" from the "bad risks," particularly for subprime borrowers; those with "thin," or young, credit files; or consumers who are actively seeking new credit. "Those are the communities that lenders are most interested in" to determine credit risk, says Craig Watts, spokesman for Fair Isaac.

FICO 08 also aims to curtail the growing business of allowing people to polish their credit by "piggybacking" on someone else's good credit history. In recent years, credit-repair Web sites have sprung up that arrange for subprime consumers to boost their scores by becoming authorized users on accounts held by strangers with better credit. When scoring a consumer, FICO 08 won't take into consideration credit-card accounts for which that person is an authorized user. But the move also will hurt legitimate users: People who give a credit card to a child or a spouse as an authorized user to help boost their credit score.

Write to Jane J. Kim at jane.kim@wsj.com

• Traditional: The traditional table setting combines crystal and china pieces. Select pieces with different patterns and styles to bring a warm, familiar feel to the Thanksgiving table.

• Victorian: Combine real and silk roses to create a stunning centerpiece that will bring a Victorian look to the dinner table. The fresh roses can be purchased three to four days in advance, but be sure to keep water in the display vase.

• Modern: Metallic colors and styles combined with traditional Thanksgiving elements create a sophisticated urban look on your holiday table. Combine your silver service with real autumn items such as grapes, pumpkins and squash that are painted silver.

• St. Louis. The Gateway to the West has a strong ratio of parks and restaurants to citizens, according to Sperling's, and is the 15th cheapest city in which to live, based on rankings of the top 50 cities by the Council on Community and Economic Research.

Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (11/07/2007)

View the entire article

St. Louis was recently awarded the Livable Communities Award which is an International Award for Urban Renewal!

First of all, there is over $4 billion in development on the tables right now.  Ballpark Village estimated at $300+ million will have entertainment venues, restaurants by 2009.  Busch Stadium will be hosting ,for the first time ever, the All Star Game in 2009!!  Pinnacle Development has 2 hotels going in, one of which is the Four Seasons Hotel at $900 million! That will be quite a feather in our cap!

With 3 Million visitors a year to the Arch in downtown St. Louis, The Danforth Foundation and Great Rivers Greenway is working together to that more visitor-friendly.  There will be an Arch connector...something like a flat bridge over the depressed section of Highway 55/70. 

St. Louis Centre is being rehabbed to become a mixed-use facility with residential/offices and retail. Convention sales are up which helps attact jobs here as well.

Grand Center --where St. Louis University and The Fabulous Fox Theatre and Powell Symphony Hall are located--will be developing a Pulitzer Center for the Arts. 

Coretex along Hwy 40 is an effort to create a Bio-Tech center with wet labsl to keep life science tech to make into an entrepreneurial effort. It's 80% full with Solei moving in.  Working with Foreest Park Forever to make this jewel of St. Louis a destination location for the arts.

Other areas on the increase are Forest Park Southeast, Soulard, Lafayette Square and Gaslight Square!

For one to two people in the family, income cannot exceed $57,000 annually and for 3 or more people, income cannot exceed $65,550. 

The rates are 5.9% if you have some cash to put down on the house or if you prefer to borrow the 3% downpayment, the rate will be 6.35%.  These are outstanding rates compared to today's fixed rate loan at 6.125% 

Call Mark Widdicombe at Heartland Mortgage, a Sandie Hea Team preferred Lender! 314-512-8915 or 636-448-7858