Special Carpet Cleaning

Special Carpet Cleaning Deal for the Holiday’s that are fast approaching us. The days between now and the 25th of December is growing shorter by the second. At Smart Choice Cleaning we know how hectic this time of year is. You forget what you need to get done because there is just so much to … Continued

When buying a house, you are going to need a Title Company -look no further

Continental Title Company‘s staffs are proficient and knowledgeable in title research, turnaround times, and closing preparation. In only a short period of time, they can provide superior and confidential information. To understand what the Continental Title Company does, first someone needs to understand titles, title insurance, and how it works. A title is the evidence … Continued

Saving Water Can Make a Sale Greener

How saving water and using green practices make a sale that much greener. In the Midwest, we view water, if we think of it at all, as a given. Turn on the tap, it rushes out. Take a 10-minute shower, no problem. Water our expanses of grass, and the lawn is green. In comparison, water … Continued

Rehab Deal of the Week

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Remodeling a Home Still Pays Off

The remodeling industry shrank a bit in 2008, as concerned consumers zipped wallets tighter amid an uncertain economy and real estate market, according to data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Yet, remodeling still provides a good bang for the buck, according to the 2008-2009 “Cost vs. Value found at the … Continued

Inspecting a Vacation Home

Many Americans chose to buy vacation homes in recent years and during 2007, one-third of all homes sold in the United States were second or vacation homes, according to the National Association of Realtors. Inspections are especially important in summer homes, since those who own them live a median distance of 287 miles from their … Continued

Investing for Major Financial Goals

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don’t take any money out until you’re ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it? But that’s what investing without setting clear-cut goals is like. If you’re … Continued

RealtyTrac: Short Sales Up 33% in January, Outpace REO Sales in 12 States

With the number of short sales increasing and even outnumbering REO sales in certain states, experts are speculating short sales might become key to preventing an even greater swelling of foreclosed properties on the market. Compared to a year ago in January 2012, pre-foreclosure sales, which are typically short sales, increased 33 percent, according to a RealtyTrac report released … Continued

Tornado season is here already. Trust John Mica of Shelter Insurance to explain it all to you so you are properly insured.

Spring began officially on Tuesday, March 20 but we had already gotten a taste of an unwelcome weather event—tornadoes. April through July is considered peak tornado season. Tell that to the people living in Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama and our own Joplin, still in the recovery process who have dealt with devastating storms already. Tornadoes are … Continued

Intern Needed for Cloud Intranet for Locally Owned Real Estate Company

Company Description for Grant Hickman Real Estate Advisors:  Real Estate Company Owner (Small Business/Entrepreneur), currently four agents, will grow to about six-10 agents within the next six-24 months. Currently closes about 50 homes per year, looking to jump to 70-100 closing per year. Desire to take my company to the next level by implementing  true plug and play real … Continued

FHA Raising Premiums

The Federal Housing Administration, a U.S. agency, will raise the premiums in April that it charges borrowers. The premium raise will go from 1.0% to 1.75% on the upfront insurance premiums that borrowers must pay when they take out a loan backed by the agency. Borrowers also pay annual insurance premiums when they take out loans backed by … Continued

Real estate attorneys add another layer of protection when you are buying or selling a property.

Most always your real estate transaction goes smoothly, but sometimes there’s a glitch, especially when buying foreclosures and short sales. You need a supportive team behind you, including a real estate attorney to check out all legal issues, especially if you are a first-time buyer. I’ve found that my friend Lorna Frahm has been exceptionally helpful for … Continued

Don’t Wait

A 1% INCREASE IN MORTAGE INTEREST RATE CAN REDUCE YOUR “BUYING POWER” BY APPROX 15%! For example, if you could afford a $200,000 home at a 4% interest rate and the rate rises by just 1%, then the same principle and interest payment might only buy a $170,000, or 15% less home.

10 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Home

Make sure you are credit worthy. Check your credit history, build up your rating if needed, and fix any errors on your credit report. Consider buying vs. leasing. With costs of buying and selling, plus time needed to build equity, you could end up losing money if you move too soon. Buy a home you can afford. The rule … Continued

New housing data suggests some improvement ahead in 2012. Home shows are great places to learn what buyers want in their new homes and how you can do it.

With new housing data released last week, there are some glimmers of hope in the real estate market, which can lead to more sellers stepping out to sell their properties. The federal government is trying to keep interest rates low and stable by extending the federal funds rate near zero through 2014. This move helps … Continued

More Tax Planning

2012 Tax Season deadline is extended to April 17th.  The IRS will begin accepting e-file returns on January 17th.  If you request an extension, your 2011 individual tax return will be due October 15th. Capital Gains and Losses New information is required to be reported on Form 1040, Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses, and … Continued

Market Watch

DECEMBER 2011  RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE STATISTICS County Active Listings Under Contract Sold in December AVG Days on the Market AVG Sales Price AVG $ per sq. feet ST CHARLES 20166   months of inventory 280 341 159 175,186 89.42 St Louis  45475.2 months of inventory 740 875 149 179,882 101.34 Jefferson 14348.2 months of inventory 192 … Continued

Just Married Lori and Keith

Keith Kohlenhoefer and Lori Linhoff, member of The Grant Hickman Team, wed Dec. 18th at the Gazebo in St Peters City Hall-Park. The couple are raising their daughters together and long time residents of St. Charles County. Congratulations Mrs. Lori Linhoff Kohlenhoefer!

The Measurement of Success

Post from ShawnTihen.com/blog How do you measure the success of a pool party? Is it by the number of people who show up? The amount of food served? The games played with Mycsgoboosting? How much trash is left to be picked up? Or is it the amount of personal belongings that weren’t broken? Whichever method of … Continued

A year-end thank you to our buyers and sellers. As we look ahead with cautious optimism, growth and success are based on adaptability.

Here we are looking at another new year. We have 365 days to call our own, use as we choose and grow. How we grow and learn depends on each of us discovering our talents and adaptability. Essayist William Arthur Ward expressed it perfectly, when he wrote, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist … Continued

Market Watch November 2011

 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE STATISTICS County Active Listings Under Contract Sold in November AVG Days on the Market AVG Sales Price AVG $ per sq. feet ST CHARLES       2159 7   months of inventory 118 382 163 176,735 89.76 St Louis     4961 5.6 months of inventory   350 882 153 181,260 100.75 … Continued

Is refinancing for you? With some planning, there may be big savings ahead

With mortgage interest rates at an all-time low, many homeowners are considering re-financing their loans (see here to avail stock loan on non-marginal securities and more from Easy Stock Loans). Depending on several variables, this could be a very wise move to lower your monthly payments and even shorten the length of your current mortgage. But before … Continued

Keep your home and family safe during the holiday season

Flickering candles. Tiny twinkling lights. The fragrance of fresh-cut pine. A crackling fire in the fireplace. Our senses are alive with the aromas of the holiday season. Most likely you will begin your Christmas decorating soon. We are looking forward to this time of family and friends too, but we also want you to be safe and … Continued

End of Year Tax Planning

Tax planning takes on some urgency this year, as Congress and the White House try to get a grip on the federal deficit. Max out your 401(k) Money you contribute to your plan (if it’s not a Roth) is excluded from your income, lowering your tax bill.  If you’re not on track to max out … Continued

Midwest Living features St. Charles’ Christmas Traditions

St. Charles is no stranger to publicity. After all, we have a vibrant, livable community and a neverending list of activities to keep us busy year round. That, and the quality of our schools, neighborhoods and transit are among the reasons we are proud to be the region’s real estate company. This month’s edition of … Continued

Warm and cozy go a long way toward a sale during the holidays

The holiday season is here—well, if you looked in the stores, the season started just before Labor Day!—and our attention focuses on family, presents, food and fun. However, if you are selling your home, all of those things will work for you to attract buyers. Winter isn’t the peak selling season, but potential homebuyers who … Continued

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

For the first time this year, Year to Date Units Sold exceed total units sold in 2010-3379 in 2011 to 3356 in 2010, but total volume sold still lags because Median Sale Price this year is lower, $163,00 to $173,000 last year. We still expect by 2011 year end, total volume may exceed last year. … Continued

October Market Watch

 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE STATISTICS County Active Listings Under Contract Sold in October AVG Days on the Market AVG Sales Price AVG $ per sq. feet ST CHARLES       2657 7    months of inventory 156 382 144 183,928 93.03 St Louis     6374 7.65 months of inventory   423 842 133 174,466 96.71 … Continued

Professional photos for the Internet will drive buyers to your property

When you sell your home, the first impression needs to be a positive reaction. But long before potential buyers set foot in your home, they’ve already checked you out online. And, if their online view of your home is negative, they may never consider your home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent … Continued

With unpredictable weather comes unpredictable water damage. Homebuyers should be vigilant about finding moisture hotbeds.

Weather is unpredictable, regardless of the nightly forecasts. We checked the 2012 issue of Farmers’ Almanac as backup and, for the Midwest, predictions are average temperatures (whatever that is) and wetter than normal. Looks like our friends in the Northeast are going to take a pounding again this year. For potential homebuyers, weather can play … Continued

Market Watch – September 2011

  MARKET WATCH SEPTEMBER 2011 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE STATISTICS County Active Listings Under Contract Sold in Sept AVG Days on the Market AVG Sales Price AVG $ per sq. feet ST CHARLES 2763 7.5 months of inventory 475 367 135 174,302 88.56 St Louis 6706 7.6 months of inventory 1139 882 125 182,322 101.40 Jefferson … Continued

Independent Contractors Can Now Be Reclassified As Employees

Have you visited the IRS website lately? It has an updated look, a little more user friendly. Not all pages have been updated, but I am sure they are working on it. Check it out www.irs.gov Last month the IRS offered an Employee Reclassification Agreement. Employers may reclassify independent contractors as employees and limit the … Continued

Selling your home this Halloween season? That can be spooky, but toning down the decorations goes a long way to a quick sale.

And so it begins with Halloween”the holiday season when home decorations, both outdoor and indoor”proliferate through the new year. If you home is on the market now, you can still bring out the decorations, but with some cautions. Curb appeal is the first step to entice buyers through the front door. First impressions alone can … Continued

Putting your yard to bed in the fall means less work next spring

Taking good care of your lawn at the end of the season makes good sense Our lawns and landscaping have taken a beating this summer. Extended high temperatures and no rain have done us no favors. Landscape designer Jeanne Baker has some tips for your Outdoor World you can look ahead to next spring’s renewal. While … Continued

Making Your Home Safe!

Burglar-Proof Your Home! One of the many things we love about our job is helping clients improve the safety of their homes. This month we’ve compiled some safety tips that address more than just electrical issues. We want to help protect your home from burglary. Burglary is a crime of opportunity in which entry often … Continued

Market Watch August 2011

MARKET WATCH AUGUST 2011 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE STATISTICS County Active Listings Under Contract Sold in August AVG Days on the Market AVG Sales Price AVG $ per sq. feet ST CHARLES       2994 7.6 months of inventory 199 392 135 195,786 98.73 St Louis   7292 8.4 months of inventory   496 1094 … Continued

October is Fire Prevention Month

Why is fire safety so important?  Here are some startling statistics from NFPA: Unlike natural disasters, fires can be prevented. Every 23 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire; every 66 seconds, a fire occurs in a structure; and every 87 seconds, a residential fire strikes. A fire claims a civilian life every 175 … Continued

Be prepared and stock up your disaster kit to stay safe

Here we are in the Midwest, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and we’re planning an outdoor barbeque tonight. Thousands of miles away, folks on the Eastern Seaboard are dodging Hurricane Irene’s wrath of flooding, high winds and property destruction. That has nothing to do with us. Do we have such short memories? … Continued

Thou shall not be a hoarder

Buyers don’t want to see your stuff from 1962. They want to see their stuff in your home now We’ve recovered from last week’s mold-in-the-closet adventure, however we found something else. SuperDry San Diego damage restoration company effectively copes with mold and odor removal. We have too much stuff. Most likely you do too. Realtors … Continued

Investment strategies for today’s economy

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that you can’t be complacent about planning for retirement and other goals. Changing markets, global issues and national events can all impact whether you’ll be able to enjoy the future you imagine. In this issue, you’ll find the information you need to take control of … Continued

Plan for Retirement Health Care Costs

A survey by Sun Life Financial, found that 92% of workers said they don’t know how much their health care will cost in retirement or vastly underestimate the amount. Forty percent said they have “no idea” what their health care costs are likely to be in retirement. Only eight percent were in the correct ballpark … Continued

Learn how people become successful …and stay that way.

Do you ever look at others and wonder how they achieved success? They probably had a plan for reaching their goals. In this issue, I’ll share tips and hints on how you can improve your personal plan to help bring your dreams more within reach. Find out how to: • Align your investing strategies with … Continued

St. Charles Real Estate Market Watch – June 2011

The state of the retirement real estate market in June 2011 is based on the following information: • The number of retirement communities is 1,732 (up from 1,606 in June 2010). • The average age of retirement communities is 70.5 (up from 70.2 in June 2010), this includes all Adult Community Homes as well. • … Continued

Mileage Rates; Tax Records

The IRS has increased the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2011. Due to recent gasoline price increases, the rates will increase to 55.5 cents for business miles and 23.5 cents for medical or moving miles driven from July 1 through December 31, 2011. The rates for January 1 through June 30, 2011 … Continued

St. Charles is tops with AAA Midwest Traveler readers!

The latest issue of AAA Midwest Traveler makes us proud to live in the St. Louis/St. Charles metro region. The results of a recent readers’ poll show what we already know—we live in great place that offers so much to see and do. In the Best of the Midwest poll, St. Louis was voted the … Continued

Are mortgage interest rates really ‘historic’ now?

We hear it all the time. Headlines trumpet “mortgage rates at historic lows!” Could this really be true, or is it hype? Curious to find out, we researched mortgage rates way back to 1981 to find out the real story. Which is to say, yes, our current interest rates are historic. Back then, some 30 … Continued

What is Identity Theft?

When someone steals identification that defines you, such as your social security, bank account, or credit card numbers, to acquire any benefits, or damage your reputation.  There are many ways thieves get your information.  On-line: Phishing, pharming, and spyware; A few other ways: Vishing (phone calls), skimming (compromised ATM machine).  Below is some information for … Continued

Spring Cleaning

Updating your home inventory: A current list of all valuables in your home can help make sure you have enough insurance to them if a disaster strikes. It may also help get your insurance claim settled faster. Simply list everything in a notebook and drop it in a file, along with receipts and photos of … Continued

Tornado Safety Tips

Tornado season arrives on time. Heed warnings and prepare for safety. The birds twitter and flit from branch to branch with an urgent message. Thunder rumbles in the background and the sky outside is black and roiling. The local television station interrupts a program with a weather alert—a tornado watch and a warning for locally … Continued

How Long to Keep Business Tax Records

Keeping and storing financial records is costly. It costs in office supplies such as boxes, folders, and filing cabinets to organize the records. It costs in rental expense for the extra room the files take up, so using services as fleet rentals is great to find the right accommodations for you. The retention period should … Continued

Thoughtful Buyer

Are you a thoughtful buyer who has planned for a purchase now? Home prices in the St. Louis region declined 1.07 percent in February from a year ago, excluding distressed sales, according to Core Logic, a provider of financial, property and consumer information. Despite the decline, this is much less than previous years during this … Continued

Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium Change

“Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium Change” effective April 18, 2011. Let’s look at what this means for those hoping to secure an FHA mortgage in the future: The Annual Insurance Premium will increase .25% for standard forward mortgages. The Up Front Mortgage Insurance remains at 1.00%. NOW is the time to refinance your current home OR … Continued

Spring Curb Appeal

Sad curb appeal doesn’t sell houses. Colorful landscaping sprinkled with native plants is the ticket. On a recent episode of Property Ladder, one of those HGTV programs, a house beautifully rehabbed on the inside didn’t attract buyer interest because of the outside. The owner didn’t see the point of spending money on the home’s landscaping. … Continued

Plan to Make Your Home Inspection Stress-Free

Say the words “home inspection” and both home sellers and buyers quake a bit. There’s no sense in anticipating what may be wrong. Rather, look at a home inspection as an opportunity to offer or buy a home that has been well cared for and in great shape. Home inspections aren’t just for buyers. More … Continued

Getting Ready To Sell

Getting ready to sell: Less is more! Buyers want smaller homes with efficient layouts and green features. Do you have a smaller home with an efficient floor plan and some green features? If so, your property just zoomed up the marketability scale. Buyers really do want less, but more in that space. According to a … Continued

Short Sale Buying

Considering a short sale property? You’ll need an agent who knows the process, and lots of patience. Short sales can be a way to get into real estate, but the process is long and complicated. With more properties on the market, interest rates still reasonable and home affordability at its peak, potential homebuyers are considering … Continued

How Long to Keep Personal Records

Keeping and storing financial records is costly. It costs in office supplies such as boxes, folders, and filing cabinets to organize the records. It costs for the extra room the files take up. It costs in labor to develop and maintain the record retention policies and locate old files when necessary. But throwing files away … Continued

Getting Ready to Buy

Getting Ready Buy: Now is the time to make that investment in your next home. Mortgage rates are down again and housing is at its most affordable. Mortgage rates, which began to climb on November 2010, have reached a back off point, declining to 5.125% for a 30-year fixed rate loan, which is a bit … Continued

Turn a Potentially Sick Home Into a Healthy One

Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making healthy living a challenge. We’ve really taken a hit this winter and Missouri weather, being what it is—unpredictable—most likely the snow and ice will stick around for a while. This means more time than usual cooped up indoors, at home, at the office, at the mall, … Continued

St. Louis History

The St. Louis area encompasses several Illinois counties which include St. Louis in their newscasts and weather. Most people in this vicinity are diehard Cardinals fans. Cubs fans tend to live north of Springfield , with exception. The late Harry Caray, one time voice of the Cubs, started his baseball broadcast career with the St. … Continued

THANK YOU SCHNEIDER REAL ESTATE

Just wanted to take this time to say THANKS to SCHNEIDER Real Estate, the 4 owners, Sales Manager, and all of the staff and agents who make SCHNEIDER awesome! I have been at SCHNEIDER since the start of my career, 8 years ago. Yesterday I was honored again as #1 Home Buying & Selling Team (2002,2003,2006-2010)….thanks again … Continued

Health Insurance Deduction Reduces Self Employment Tax

With the enactment of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, self-employed taxpayers who pay their own health insurance costs can now reduce their net earnings from self-employment by these costs. Previously, the self-employed health insurance deduction was allowed only for income tax purposes. For tax year 2010, self-employed taxpayers can also reduce their net … Continued

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

In general, the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is available to small employers that pay at least half of the premiums for single health insurance coverage for their employees.  It is specifically targeted to help small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that primarily employ moderate- and lower-income workers. Small businesses can claim the credit for … Continued

New Town 3 Bed 2 Bath…awesome! Just Listed!

// Stunning home in a fun community! Bamboo wood flooring, 9′ ceiling, cozy fireplace in the living room is sure to be a favorite feature this winter! Want more photos of the inside….email me and I will get them too you!

St Charles Winter Storm Warming Center and 24 Hour Help

Please stay warm and safe during the storm. Here are numbers to local businesses and warming centers: Ameren UE Electrical Outage 800.552.75.83 Mister Sparky24 Hour Electrical Services 314.781.9998 Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Services 24 Hour Plumbing Services 636.587.2440 Matheny Heating and Cooling 24 Hour Heating and Cooling services 314.727.9000 Warming Centers agree to open their … Continued

Repairing Your Credit After a Foreclosure

Repairing your credit after a foreclosure will take some time but is possible. Understanding why your home went into foreclosure and making financial adjustments will go a long way toward buying another home. Enduring a foreclosure on your home is painful and disheartening. Even though the past three years have been tough for many homeowners, … Continued