This is what community is all about, right here in Corona Park.  Mingling with neighbors in the middle of the quiet street while your kids ride their bikes all around...stroll to downtown Farmers Market on a Saturday to look over the fresh produce ...or walk to the fabulous Aquatic Center at the city park...or participate in story time at the library.  Kirkwood has what you are looking for and this house offers a central location and gorgeous updates. Having company is easy with the large living and dining room combination to gather large groups.  Bright cheery kitchen has a beautiful Silestone countertop and abundant oak cabinets and countertop space, with the main floor laundry nearby.  Keep an eye on the kids as they play in the family room or outside on the jungle gym in the huge fenced yard.  A master suite with updated full bath and nice size closet is just the respite for you; upstairs find 2 more very generous bdrms w/new windows. A well-loved home with impressive updates! 

Softly stunning 3 bedroom 2 story with all the architectural charm you would expect in an art deco home reminiscent of the character of the 1930’s.  When it’s time to entertain, this house is a showpiece!  The traditional floor plan features a gracious entry way with  lovely wrought-iron art deco railing to 2nd floor and soft faux finished walls on stunning hardwood floors.  Imagine the ambience when you have your 2012 Christmas here with the twinkling tree next to the romantic wood-burning fireplace and the big picture window to show it off!  The kitchen area is big enough for several cooks at Thanksgiving and features a buffet serving area.  Everyone needs a place for a quiet respite and this house has 2: the darling sunroom off kitchen or the cozy finished lower level with yet another (gas) fireplace.  Book nooks galore!

Second floor features something rarely found in the homes here: a master  bedroom with it’s own private bath and walk-in closet!  No more fighting over how long someone is in the bathroom—there’s another one for the 2 children’s rooms.

Long-admired, sought-after St. Louis Hills is the place to raise your children.  With the crown jewel Francis Park at the center, you get free summer concerts, outdoor movies, Christmas tree lighting event with Santa, awesome playground, Easter Egg hunt, and more.  For the socials, there are Halloween block parties, summer block       parties, progressive dinners; for the athletic, tennis & handball courts, not to mention safely biking/walking/running at anytime.   Walking distance to the library, a dozen family-owned restaurants, LeGrand's Market and Catering & Hampton bakery plus 7 churches in walking distance.  

There’s so much to love about CITY LIVING!

Consider this analogy:  If we both bought stock in IBM around the same time 5 years ago, and I just sold my IBM stock last month and got "X", one would naturally assume that when you sell your IBM stock today you will also only get "X", not X+, right?  If you demand X+ from your stockbroker because you "need" the money, what will she do?  She'll say, "I'm sorry, but the market doesn't care what you need, it's only selling for X."  Can you make her sell it for X+?  There isn't a market for it.  It's the same principal with a home.  Please hear me out about why I think houses are the same as a stock.  

Think about a Mutual Fund.  People buy into and sell out of a mutual fund all year long--when you buy in, everyone pays the same price on the same day or sells at the same price on the same day.   Think about your home as being a "share" and your neighborhood as the "Mutual Fund."  We need to look at how your "Mutual Fund" performed since you invested into it.  I look for nearby houses that were purchased in the same economy in which you purchased (give or take 3- 6 months) and who also just resold in the last 6 months, the same economy in which you are attempting to sell.  That gives me a bigger picture of the appreciation/depreciation an area has had year over year.  For example, if the overall average annual depreciation is -1.78% for the past 6 years, I wouldn't expect your house to sell at 3% appreciation unless you had pumped significant amounts of cash into it, but that's what sellers are consistently trying to do.  

 Next we factor in the updates, features and amenities that make a house superior to the other unsold properties currently on the market.  Often I am met with a list of updates and upgrades that a seller put into their home and they naturally assume they can add that on to the price paid to arrive at a fair asking price.  If today I bought a top-of-the-line Kenmore Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator with water and ice on the door, paid $2,000, brought it home, set it in the garage still boxed and then changed my mind about the purchase and tried to sell it on Craigslist, what would someone pay me for that brand new refrigerator?  $2,000?  I wish.   $1,800? $1,600?  It's brand new.  There's nothing wrong with it.  But yet I would be forced to sell it at a discount because the public somehow considers it "used".   Same with a house.  What amount of money does a seller expect a buyer to "reimburse them" for used granite countertops, used stainless appliances, walked-on flooring, used paver patio, 1 year old furnace, or expensive in-ground sprinkler system?  Everyone puts money into their house--in fact, NAR states that you must invest 1/2-1% of your home's value into your home every year just to maintain market value!  

If you are serious about selling, let me show you my proven plan to get homes sold in this market and for the best and highest price possible.  

I'm Sandie Hea and I've sold over 1,000 homes in my 25 year career with RE/MAX.  If you, or someone you know is getting ready to sell their home, call me.  I consider it a privilege to share my market expertise with you.  

RE/MAX University Recognized for High Quality and Real Results

Denver, CO – Two of the most distinguished corporate training competitions have honored RE/MAX University for its high level of performance.  Training magazine has named RE/MAX to its 12^th annual Top 125 list of leading organizations in the field of corporate-sponsored training.  In addition, RE/MAX has been recognized by the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards in the category of  “Best Use of Blended Learning.”

 “RE/MAX has always placed a very high value on the quality of our training, and we have dedicated considerable resources to ensuring the success of our brokers and agents,” said Dave Liniger, Chairman and CoFounder of RE/MAX, LLC.  “We know our extensive training programs make a difference; equipping our agents to better serve the consumer, and resulting in the creation of the most productive sales force in real estate.”

In the Best Use of Blended Learning category of the Brandon Hall awards, RE/MAX was in the company of respected award recipients like The Walt Disney Company and McDonald’s.  Among the Training Top 125, were such notable corporate names as Federal Express, Intel, and UPS. 

In 2010, RE/MAX enhanced its training program, establishing RE/MAX University, following the successful 16-year track record of RE/MAX Satellite Network.  RE/MAX agents lead the industry with professional designations/certifications, with nearly 65,000 earned at home or in the office through the use of RE/MAX University.

Now distributed via high-speed broadband Internet service, RE/MAX University is a 24/7, on-demand platform that includes over 1,000 titles in its library.  The RE/MAX University system is capable of delivering HD quality video programs and online training to multiple devices such as: personal computers, television sets, smart phones and other personal digital devices.  The RE/MAX University platform is provided at no cost to all RE/MAX Affiliates.

Because RE/MAX has a presence in more than 80 countries around the world, its training materials are available in multiple languages and is distributed to international affiliates from the RE/MAX Global Education Center in Denver. Although the methodology of the two rankings differ slightly, competition is known to be fierce, and winners must link their training initiatives to specific company goals and objectives, with verifiable results.

 “Our training is both comprehensive and flexible, able to change focus with an evolving marketplace.  This is why RE/MAX agents continue to outperform their competition in a market that challenges the very best agents in our profession,” added Liniger.

RE/MAX University offers a great variety of programs, from the very latest in industry trends and designation/certification courses to customized presentations by some of the most respected trainers in the real estate industry. For information please visit www.remax.com or www.joinremax.com.
 

About the RE/MAX Network:
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, real estate industry visionaries who still lead the Denver-based global franchisor today. RE/MAX is recognized as one of the leading real estate franchise companies with the most productive sales force in the industry and a global reach of more than 80 countries. With a passion for the communities in which its agents live and work, RE/MAX is proud to have raised more than $100 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and other charities. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.  For more information about RE/MAX, please visit www.remax.com or www.joinremeax.com

About Training Magazine:
Training is a 47-year-old professional development magazine written for training, human resources, and business management professionals in all industries that advocate training and workforce development as a business tool. Training also produces world-class conferences, expositions, and digital products that focus on job-related, employer-sponsored training and education in the working world. Training is published by Lakewood Media Group. www.training-mag.com

About Brandon Hall Group:
Having worked with more than 10,000 clients globally and after 19 years of delivering world-class solutions, Brandon Hall Group is the preeminent research and analyst organization focused on developing research-driven solutions to drive organizational performance for emerging and large organizations.  Brandon Hall Group has an extensive repository of thought leadership, research, data and expertise in Learning and Development, Talent Management, Sales Effectiveness, Marketing Impact, and Executive Management. www.brandon-hall.com  

Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when you encounter a friend who is hurting?  You often don't know WHAT to say---and what not to say.  I recall seeing a woman at the St. Louis Hills Art Fair in September whom I did not know and never saw before.  She had a scarf on her head, covering up what was probably a bald head due to chemo.  I didn't want to stare, but I wanted to connect in some way, so I went up to her and asked a question, I don't recall what it was now.  She (Karen) was so touched by that gesture I will never forget it.  She said "I'd much rather someone ask me what happened than to just stare" and we engaged in a conversation about her ordeal.

Here are some suggestions from Focus on the Family's counseling team to help you reach out with genuine help to someone in pain.

DON'T serve up platitudes:  If your friend just suffered a miscarriage, even well-meaning phrases like, "It wasnt meant to be" can be extremely hurtful.

DON'T turn someone's problem into your story:  When you learn of someone's pain, it's human nature to want to share "what happened to me one time."  Don't.  Keep the focus on your friend.

DON'T be quick to say you understand:  You might have experienced a similar loss or setback, but your friend's circumstance is different.  Listening shows you want to understand.

DO acknowledge the pain:  Always reach out and empathize.  Saying, "You must really be hurting" is a good way to break the ice and communicate that you care.

DO offer a hand:  Although you can't solve every problem, your offer of assistance will be appreciated.  Go ahead and ask, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

DO be honest:  It's OK to admit, "I wish I knew the answer to your problem, but I just don't."  In the end, simply listening may be the biggest help. 

Above all, pray with and for your friend.

Absolutely adorable 3+ bedroom 2 bath bungalow in Crestwood w/outstanding entertaining spaces on both levels and outdoors! Start with a spacious open living rm and dining rm with hardwood floors & adjoining a beautifully updated kitchen. Plenty of countertop for prep, and space in the cabs w/roll out trays for all your cookware. Dishwasher, newer gas range & ceramic tile floor too. 3 generous bedrms and updated bath. The stunning lower level features a huge new master suite with walk-in closet and granite bathrm. Large Fam Rm with plenty of space for your sectional and big screen. Outdoors is an oversized paver patio where many guests can gather for dinner or around a fire pit. The attached covered carport will keep you dry while you unload kids, groceries or BBQ. Newer thermal windows, furnace and air, roof, gutters, fascia, soffits, lighting, insulation, doors, etc. Award winning Elementary School in walking distance! Spellman Park across the street. Whitecliff Park Pool & Rec Center nearby for a fun family summer. 

• Joey B's on the Landing -  Rachael Ray loved Joey's "Square not Round Pizza" and you will, too! The extensive menu also includes delicious appetizers, soups & chili, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, a great kid's menu and more. Large-screen TVs deck every corner. There's free entertainment Thursday - Monday nights and there’s truly something for everyone!
• Show-Me's on the Landing - The tasty menu of great appetizers, burgers and seafood, includes crab legs, shrimp, & oysters. Get your sports fix while being surrounded by 30 (yes, 30!) big screen TVs at Show-Me's. The spacious patio has a spectacular river view. Show-Me's is perfect for food and fun!
• Sun deckers - A St. Louis tradition for over 27 years, this great neighborhood bar offers good food & a fantastic place to hang with good friends on the deck, watching the river roll by. Entertainment includes karaoke, DJs and live entertainment
• The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar is interactive musical mayhem unleashed! Locals and tourists alike love singing and dancing the night away here, and ALL requests will be honored! Great FUN!

These are only a taste of the many food & entertainment options you'll find in & near Laclede's Landing.

Family Fun & Other Attractions

• Brookdale Farms Carriage Services offers horse-drawn carriage rides around Laclede and downtown St. Louis, and makes a great romantic outing or good fun for the whole family!
• The St. Louis Zoo - Absolutely one of the best zoos in the Midwest – or anywhere! Great exhibits & events for all ages.
• The Gateway Arch Experience offers riverboat and carriage tours, plus amazing attractions and events.

Laclede's Landing has excellent schools and great neighborhoods: It's a wonderful place to call home!

• Two works of William Kentridge - his Virtual Musing Prints and two of his films in the new media series
• The works of Ian Monroe
• Engraving in Renaissance Germany
• The Panorama of the Monumental Grandeur of the Mississippi Valley

Though it's known as the custodian of many amazing international cultural treasures, the St. Louis Art museum itself is nothing short of a treasure when it comes to St. Louis attractions. The Museum offers Tours, exciting School Programs for students, and Professional Development Opportunity Programs for educators.

Make sure you visit often. Memberships are available both at the individual private membership and corporate membership levels. Click HERE for more information.

Dave Liniger, President and Founder of RE/MAX International has been instrumental in dealing head on with Congress, Bank of America, Chase, Citi and Wells in working on this housing crisis. 

http://www.remax.com/documents/insider/pr/2011/AdministrationRevampsHousing_10-24-11_Final.pdf

Under Contract 1/20/12.  Approved Short Sale!  Charming 71 year old all brick bungalow, one of a kind for this area,  across from Ross Elementary school. Living and dining rooms at the front of house, updated kitchen with slate floor and countertop is in the rear with sunny breakfast room overlooking 1/2 acre level yard. Main floor features 1 bdrm and full updated bath. Second floor features master suite with vaulted-ceiling bedroom and full bath; 3rd bedroom has its own HVAC system and is over the newer 2 car garage.   Original garage on the right side of house has been turned into a family room with lovely flagstone floor. Lower level is partially finished with a 3rd bathroom, office and rec room.  Lot is not as deep as it appears; neighbor owns rear parcel. This is an approved short sale thru Chase.

Eligible Properties

1. One-to-four family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year.
2. Demolished or soon-to-be demolished properties that retain some of the existing foundations.
3. Conversion of a one-family dwelling to two or more as well as multi-unit dwellings to one-to-four family units.
4. Mixed-use residential properties that:
   1. Has no greater than 25% (for a one story); 33% (for a three story); and 49% (for a two story) of commercial/storefront floor area.
   2. The commercial use will not affect the health and safety of the occupants of the residential property.
   3. The rehabilitation funds will be used only for residential access and function.
5. Individual units in condominium projects that have been approved by the FHA and meet the following conditions:
   1. Owner/occupants and qualified non-profit borrowers are eligible. Investors are not.
   2. b.  Rehabilitation is limited to only the unit’s interior. Exteriors and other areas that fall under the purview of the condo association are not permitted, except for firewall installation for the unit.
   3. Only the lesser of five units per condo association, or 25% of the total number of units, can be rehabilitated at any one time.
   4. The maximum mortgage amount cannot exceed 100% of after-improved value.
   5. Individual buildings within the condos must not contain more than four units.

How 203k Rehab Loan Program Works

The program can be used to:

1. Purchase a dwelling and the land on which it is located and rehabilitate it.
2. Purchase a dwelling on another site and move it to a new foundation on the mortgaged property and rehabilitate it.
3. Refinance existing liens secured against a property and rehabilitate it.

Eligible Improvements

1. Painting
2. Room Additions
3. Decks

Required Improvements

1. Cost-Effective Energy Conservation Standards that conform to the following:
   1. Addition to an existing structure. New construction must conform to local codes and HUD Minimum Property Standards.
   2. Rehabilitation of an existing structure that improves thermal efficiency in the following ways:
      1. Caulk and sealing all openings, cracks, joints.
      2. Insulate all necessary openings and areas.
      3. Ventilate attic and crawl spaces.
   3. Replacement Systems:
      1. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system supply and insulated return ducts and pipes.
      2. Heating systems, burners, and air conditioning systems must be no greater than 15% oversized.
2. Smoke Detectors

HUD’s Maximum Mortgage Calculation

1. Refinance:
   1. Based on the lesser of existing debt on the property before rehabilitation, plus the estimated cost of rehabilitation and allowable closing costs.
      OR
   2. Based on the lesser of the As-Is value plus rehabilitation costs or 110% percent of the after-improved value multiplied by the appropriate loan-to-value (LTV) factor.
2. Purchase:
   1. Based on the lesser of the as-is value or the purchase price of the property before rehabilitation, plus the estimated cost of rehabilitation, multiplied by the LTV factor.
      OR
   2. 100% of the after-improved value of the property, multiplied by the LTV factor.

For more information, see Hud.Gov

SALE PENDING as of 12/3.  Take a look at this beautiful freshly renovated 3+ bedroom 1.5 story in popular St. Louis Hills.  Stunning colorful stone fireplace will WOW you for its unique look and be the focal point of your décor.  Freshly painted throughout with beautiful wood floors in the living room, dining room, main floor bedroom and office.   Stunning new full bath on the first floor will be the envy of all your friends.  The large kitchen has plenty of wood cabinets, new countertop and backsplash, updated black appliances plus new tile floor.  Main floor family room is open to the kitchen which allows you to keep an eye on the kids while you cook.  2 bedrooms and full newly updated bath upstairs plus large walk in closet.  Lower level is partially finished and carpeted.  Fenced-in yard with beautiful Hydrangea plants and a nice deck and concrete patio for barbecues.  Walk to Francis Park with playground and tennis courts, Ted Drewes, 7 churches (some with schools) in this family friendly neighborhood.

This Sunday, September 25 from 10 until 6 pm, come see why St. Louis Hills is one of the premiere neighborhoods in the City of St. Louis.  Built between 1930's and 1950's with Francis Park at the center, these tudor-style and art-deco homes host 2000+ families.  Art in the Park features local artists, local restaurants like Stellina Pasta and Bartonlino's, not to mention the famous LeGrand's local butcher/caterer and sandwich maker where everyone knows your name!  Every year we've had terrific sunshine and blue skies, warm breezes and this year the fun live music from Hudson and the HooDoo Cats as well as Phoenix.  The artists' booths will run along both sides of the Lily Pond, straight up the middle of Francis Park, the crown jewel of St. Louis Hills.  There will also be a classic car show for all you roadsters.  What a great opportunity to be outdoors in a beautiful park-setting, great food, lots of friendly faces and a chance to shop for early Christmas gifts or a new item for your house or to adorn your body!  I will have a booth near the restaurants and band giving away FREE popcorn and FREE real estate advice.  Have questions about "the market" or your home's value?  I'd love to chat with you.   

Under Contingent Contract as of 2/1/2012. What a great price now!  If having an in-ground pool is the desire of your heart, come see the lovely setting that surrounds this 13-yr old pool w/heater on 1/2 acre in the beautiful city of Lakeshire. This large 2+ bedrm ranch offers plenty of entertaining space in the dining & living room with gas-converted fireplace, plus a main floor family room with fireplace(which could be turned into a 3rd bdrm by installing one wall & closet). The master bdrm features a bay window & 2 closets.  Pretty eat-in kitchen has plenty of oak cabinets and countertop space and last updated in '98. You will find wood floors under the carpeting. Lower level offers a rec room w/full bath and even a room under the garage where you can store your pool toys. You can enjoy a new hot tub on your patio, just below the deck. Just a short jaunt to hop on the Grant's Trail for a 14-mile bike ride. Near Grant's Farm, Cor Jesu Academy, Lutheran South HS. Roof 2003; Water Heater 2000.

SOLD! Gorgeous curb appeal in this brick ranch on 1/2 acre level lot in prime Sunset Hills location. Lovely traditional center hall plan with formal living and dining rooms. Main floor family room with peg-n-plank wood flooring is comfortably set up for a large family to gather round the raised hearth wood-burning fireplace for crackling warmth this winter. Pretty kitchen w/newer dishwasher has abundant natural cherry cabinetry plus large pantry to hold all your stuff! The eating area is surrounded by natural light, a planning desk & a ceramic tile floor. Master bedroom suite with walk-in closet plus additional double door closet, private bath w/dbl sinks, separate toilet & tub. Bedrooms 2 & 3 share the hall bath. Lower level has been partially finished into rec area, storage and very large workshop with bench and additional built-in cabinetry. Fabulous level lot backs to open ground owned by the nearby Medical Center. Furnace 3 yrs, roof 8 yrs; alarm system. drive & patio replaced '02;hardwood under carpet!Quiet neighborhood.  Lindbergh Schools 

I have nearly 1,000 homes for sale that you can buy right now with half the normal down payment or less if you have at least a 600 credit score.

They’re foreclosed properties that I can immediately sell to qualified buyers. After that, you’ll get additional loan funding for remodeling work – with no down payment.

Don’t be fooled. Foreclosed homes aren’t junk listings in bad neighborhoods. The first thing you need to do is call me. Tell me what specifications you want such as square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. I’ll have a list of good properties for you to consider in great neighborhoods and school districts.

When you find a home that you want, I’ll then connect you to lenders I’ve done business with for years. Rehab-purchase deals up to $281,000 are available through FHA 203k financing while Fannie Mae will process a rehab purchase up to $500,000 – both programs featuring smaller down payments and 100 percent remodeling loan possible.

There’s more - I’ll connect you with a local home remodeling contractor who specializes in rehabbing homes in the FHA and Fannie Mae foreclosure programs.

Foreclosure buys are 15-30 days faster than traditional home sales. For those who buy and remodel, the closing will be a couple of weeks longer.

Be in control. Custom build a foreclosure-remodel home. A bigger house in a better school district should be on your radar screen. And you’ll get the money needed to remodel that you couldn’t get from conventional programs.

Keep up to date every day with news and listings at The Sandie Hea Team Facebook & Twitter pages!

See all our great listings and more at www.sandiesellsstlouis.com

The exciting lineup for this year is as follows:

• The Roots
• TV on the Radio
• Cat Power
• Deerhunter
• !!!
• The Hold Steady
• Surfer Blood
• Dom
• Das Racist
• The Low Anthem
• Kings Go Forth
• Lost in the Trees
• Ume
• Sleepy Sun
• Troubadour Dali
• Jumbling Towers
• Old Lights
• John Hardy & The Public

Because this is an all-ages event, there is also a space just for kids called Area K. Not only are there arts and crafts for children (such as designing Mad Hatter hats with staff from the Magic House, the St. Louis Children’s Museum), but it also has its own stage with a unique lineup. For more information on what is available in Area K along with the stage schedule, click here.

Lou Fest is also interested in making this a “green” event. They are encouraging public transportation, offsetting the amount of electricity used to power the concerts, requiring vendors to use compost and recycling bins, and even valet bike parking! To find out more about the “greening” of Lou Fest and the various green vendors they have, click here.

For more information about Lou Fest performers and admission prices, click here.

There are also competitions of all the farm animals you could imagine. There are goats, horses, cows, chickens, bunnies, pigs, and even a mule show! These competitions are bound to please every member of the family and and create smiles and memories.

The Missouri State Fair also offers great deals on admission depending on the day. Even with the hard economic times, you’re guaranteed to find a deal that fits your wallet. Listed below are the some of the different deals.

• August 11^th – Two-buck Bonanza! ($2 admission for ages 6 & up)
• August 13^th – Pepsi Day ($1 off adult admission, $5 off carnival ride wristband)
• August 14^th – Military Appreciation Day (FREE for active, veterans, and delayed entry recruits with proper I.D.)
• August 14^th – 17^th – Five After Five ($5 admission after 5 P.M.)
• August 18^th – Thrifty Thursday ($4 admission all day; $1 for ages 6-12)
• August 21^st – Fair Finale/Half Price Day ($4 all day; $1 for ages 6-12)

This year marks the 109^th year that this event has been entertaining the citizens of Missouri. To make this summer one to remember, visit the Missouri State Fair.

UNDER CONTRACT Feb 7...Is this what you envision for your kids: safe, walkable, family-friendly, block parties, parades, etc. Then you will want to live here!  Ever popular and desirable Chevy Chase subdivision presents this beautifully maintained 5+ bdrm 1.5 story w/just over 3000 sq ft. on top 2 flrs. Lovely appointments like 6 panel stained wood doors and crown molding are found in the living and dining rms along with new hardwood floors! Gorgeous 10-yr old kitchen with abundant maple cabinets, solid surface countertop and center island--the perfect place for family to mingle. Main floor family rm addition (w/full bsmt) off kitchen allows you be connected to family while cooking and offers bay window & exit to the deck and level yard.  Mn flr features laundry, master bdrm (with new hardwood floors), office & full bath while upstairs has 3 generous bdrms all with new carpeting, a full bath and an office. Lower level is finished with a half bath, wet bar and fireplace. 2 car garage is an added bonus. Come fall in love with this traditional home. The level yard is beautifully landscaped with perennials in front and back. Just minutes to 4 private golf clubs, 3 parks, 2 hospitals, I-170 and Clayton business district as well as superior public and private school options.