Seed Catalogs Herald the Beginning of Spring Planting

Make a plan, choose wisely and use native plants for a low-maintenance gardening experience. The seed catalogs begin arriving. Beautiful, verdant pictures of luscious flowers blooming merrily along in sculpted gardens, all framed by well maintained rolling lawns. Leafing through the catalogs is certainly a fine diversion to chase away the gray January clouds and … Continued

A few New Year Reminders

Standard mileage rates, as of January 1, 2011: 51 cents per business mile 19 cents per mile for medical purposes 14 cents per mile for charitable services Update your payroll state unemployment rate;Estimated tax, if not paid before the end of 2010, they are due January 18thTo avoid income tax penalties be sure you have … Continued

Tax Relief Act of 2010

You need to wait to file your 2010 income tax if you are impacted by any of the tax deductions or credits renewed by the Tax Relief Act of 2010, enacted December 17th: The following schedules are changing: Form 1040, Schedule A, itemized deductions; Form 8917, Tuition and Fees deduction; Form 1040, line 23, Educator … Continued

Mortgage Lender

How do you find an honest mortgage lender? Start with personal recommendations, and set up some appointments with certified lenders. Call me today and ask about Shawn Tihen at iBeria Bank. I can recommend him with full confidence. The Grant Hickman Team314.265.1531

It’s 2011 – Join The Grant Hickman Team?!

Have you considered SELLING your Real Estate Business? (book of business) The Grant Hickman Team is ready to do business with you. We are looking for REALTORS who no longer have the time or passion for the business and would like an exit plan. If you are thinking of: Quitting the Business Changing Careers Burnt … Continued

Jan. 2011 Calendar of Events

January-FebruaryBald Eagle viewing and eventsVarious dates and locationsThe eagles return. The Middle Mississippi River Valley is home to the second largest population of bald eagles. Various state agencies and parks, nature and other local organizations and communities celebrate our nation’s symbol with many types of viewing and educational opportunities. Participants can find those activities here. … Continued

A Year-End Thank You to Our Clients

The past 12 months have been a year like no other as we learn to adapt to a different real estate climate and provide our clients with the best service possible. Our charge is to learn new ways to serve our clients, from new government regulations and programs, to enhancing online sites showing off your … Continued

THANK YOU! from The Grant Hickman Team

Just wanted to take this time to send out a personal Thank You to all friends, families, partners and everyone that supports me and The Grant Hickman Team. This past year certainly has been one to remember, not only in real estate, but also for so many families in so many “Life Effecting” ways. From … Continued

Driving During Bad Weather

Living in the Midwest has brought us from warm weather and sunny skies, to cold winds and snow covered streets in a drastic way this year. With the weather changing so rapidly, our friends over at Marquitz Buick, Cadillac, GMC in Troy, Missouri want to provide you with some tips for driving in the snow … Continued

Saint Peters 3 Bed Home FOR SALE

Check out this awesome ranch home in Saint Peters, MO Tucked in tall trees offering loads of privacy along with a gorgeous view this home is beautifully situated! Close to Laurel Park in a well established neighborhood don’t miss checking out this home! The living room is bright and spacious featuring a cozy floor to … Continued

Adopt-A-Family

Heading over to Saint Charles Community College to help set up for Adopt-A-Family Dec 10th-12th. Small way for me to give back to an amazing cause!

How to make Holiday Entertaining Tax Deductible:

Any entertaining you provide must be directly related to the conduct of your business or associated with a directly-related discussion that preceded or followed the meal or entertainment. This means that giving a party to establish goodwill is not enough to make the transaction deductible and people can even hire services as popevents.ca to organize … Continued

UPDATED: Military/Federal Employees First Time Home Buying Credit

***Members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the credit. Thus, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011. If a … Continued

Tonight is SCHNEIDER’s xmas party…..can’t wait to hang out with a bunch of realtors….After more thought, maybe I will call in sick 🙂

Playing on my new Apple MacBook Pro….sweet laptop!

Fireplaces Draw Potential Buyers to Your Home

With a few furniture changes and a good cleaning, your fireplace will welcome buyers and make them feel at home As the temperatures drop and our attention turns inward, having a cheery fireplace as the focal point of a room is a soothing experience. And, if you are selling your home during the winter months, … Continued

Non-business Energy Property Credit

Use it before it is gone: A 30 percent credit of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along … Continued

1st Time Home Buyer Tips

Pending home sales are up for the second month in a rowFirst-time homebuyers can make the purchase rewarding with careful planning and financial honesty A glimmer of positive movement surfaced in the real estate market this week—¬pending home sales increased for the second straight month. Low interest rates make purchasing a home very attractive now. … Continued

A recent IRS phishing scam: Receiving e-mails with the subject line and content something like:

Subject: LAST NOTICE: Your Federal Tax Payment ID: 010363221 has been rejected.Content:Your Federal Tax Payment ID: 010375163 has been rejected.Return Reason Code R21 – The identification number used in the Company Identification Field is not valid. Please, check the information and refer to Code R21 to get details about your company payment in transaction contacts … Continued

Selling your home during the fall season requires patience

Sprucing up your home’s exterior and curb appeal will go a long way toward welcoming a buyer Buyers and sellers should not be deterred just because fall and early winter are considered slower for real estate sales. People do buy homes now and astute buyers know this is the time to purchase very special deals. … Continued

Pending home sales are up for the second month in a row

First-time homebuyers can make the purchase rewarding with careful planning and financial honesty A glimmer of positive movement surfaced in the real estate market this week—­pending home sales increased for the second straight month. Low interest rates make purchasing a home very attractive now. For first-time homebuyers, the process can be intimidating, but breaking down … Continued

Tax breaks are available to homeowners

Buying a home comes with some tax perks if you’re willing to file the IRS long form April 15 may seem like a long time away, but if you’ve just bought a home, you can make tax time less stressful now. Proper tax planning now may reap deduction benefits next year. Tax breaks are available … Continued

Bathroom renovations top kitchens as the best home investment

Start and end your day in a peaceful bathroom retreat. Curb appeal, updated kitchens and bathrooms are always big draws for potential buyers. Kitchens were traditionally the most common remodel, but this year the bathroom has surged ahead, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. Homeowners are also avoiding large … Continued

Amendment 3 to stop double taxation will appear on the November ballot

Make sure to vote “yes” to prohibit real estate transfer taxes There’s good news for Missouri homebuyers and sellers as Amendment 3, which if approved, would prohibit double taxation on real estate, will be placed on the November 2 ballot. The initiative had been stalled when the state of Missouri challenged the number of petition … Continued

Welcome home. The fun is just beginning when first-time home buyers move in and personalize their new space.

Furnishing a new home can be expensive. Have enough funds to provide the basics and not experience short-term financial stress. First-time home buyers who took advantage of the $8,000 tax credit program now have the experience of moving into home ownership with all accompanying responsibility and adventure. For many, this will be the first real … Continued

HOPE real estate tax incentive still alive for potential buyers

The Missouri state program offers up to $1,750 in combined tax, energy efficient improvements for new homeowners. The Missouri Housing Development Commission is still offering up to a $1,250 credit in real estate tax benefits for qualified buyers through the Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement (HOPE) program. Earlier this year the commission set aside $15 million … Continued

St. Charles County Calendar of Events

Sunday, August 8Peach FestivalPere Marquette State Park11 a.m.-3 p.m.It’s time for peaches. This annual festival features crafts, food, children’s games, a balloon artist, face painting, a pie eating contest, the largest peach contest, peach drinks and lots of peaches. Take the ferries back to St. Charles County and look for even more peaches.Free Tuesday, August … Continued

O’Fallon, St. Peters are recognized in Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live among small U.S. cities.

Both cities are praised for affordable housing, and as great places to raise families. Our hearty congratulations go out to O’Fallon and St. Peters for being recognized in Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live 2010! Communities in St. Charles County routinely appear on many “Best of…” lists and this time O’Fallon checked in at 26 … Continued

Ceiling fans make life more comfortable year round

Cooling in the summer, warming in the winter, ceiling fans sweep away energy costs The July sizzle is in the air, a blanket of humidity has descended over the metro area and air conditioners are working overtime. One inexpensive solution to help the AC is adding ceiling fans to your home. If you choose an … Continued

July 2010 Calendar of Events

Saturday, July 3 — Sunday, July 4 Fourth of July celebrationFrontier Park
This Independence Day celebration includes fireworks at 9:20 p.m. both nights, food and beverage booths, beer garden, crafts, games, carnival rides, live music on the Jaycee Stage and the Music Tent, parade.Free
For more information call 1-800-366-2427 
Saturday, July 3-Sunday, July 4Fair St. LouisGateway Arch … Continued

Investors

What can purchasing real estate as an investment do for you? Some investors buy properties to fix up and sell immediately, while others have a long-term view and hold the property for many years, using it as additional income. Regardless of your approach, or if you are just beginning to think aboutowning investment property, call … Continued

June St. Charles Calendar of Events

Thursday, June 10 Debunk the Myths of Aging Kathryn Linnemann Branch Library 10-11:30 a.m. Enjoy a lively discussion about the myths of aging, how they shape society and our own attitudes. Exchange ideas on problems created by these myths and strategies to overcome them. Presented by Barnes-Jewish St. Peters. FREE Saturday, June 12 Passport to … Continued

Grant Hickman to discuss buying and selling a home in today’s market at the Mortgage Solutions real estate workshop.

Join top SCHNEIDER REAL ESTATE agent Grant Hickman at the Mortgage Solutions LLC educational workshop on home buying and selling in today’s market. The free program is set for Thursday, May 20, from 6-8 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre. “The more information buyers and sellers have about today’s changing real estate market, the more … Continued

Home maintenance from top to bottom is a spring ritual

By sticking with a seasonal maintenance routine, you’ll catch those little problems before they become big headaches. The weather is delightful in the St. Charles area now and the urge to get outside before the sweltering July heat and humidity come is undeniable. This is also the season for your spring home maintenance checks to … Continued

Selling Your Home this Spring Means Paying Attention to Details

Enlist a friend to help you simplify your house and eliminate dirt, odors This spring is shaping up to be a hopeful time for homebuyers and sellers. The Federal Reserve indicates interest rates will stay low for the time being and the Commerce Department reports that new home sales in March were up 27 percent. … Continued

The housing market expected to begin recovery this year

Jobs, continued low interest and a variety of housing choices encourage potential buyers Positive signs are beginning to indicate an upturn in the real estate market. The Labor Department announced a decline in unemployment filings as layoffs ease and hiring slowly increases. Economists are encouraged that the economy is getting closer to generating job gains, … Continued

Around St. Charles County

Sunday, May 1Run, Walk, Roll Away From ViolenceFrontier Park7-11 a.m.Sponsored by Bridgeway Behavioral Health Foundation, this event will benefit the domestic violence and assault programs. The event features a warmup, a competitive 5k race and a 5k fun walk and roll. To register, visit the Bridgeway website. Sunday, May 1The Vino Fondo, Missouri’s Grand Fondo … Continued

10 Facts about Captial Gains and Losses

10 Facts about Capital Gains and Losses Have you heard of capital gains and losses? If not, you may want to read up on them because they might have an impact on your tax return. The IRS wants you to know these ten facts about gains and losses and how they could affect your tax … Continued

Pending home sales are up significantly, 21.8 percent in the Midwest

With mortgage rates potentially increasing, now is the right time to buy a home Some goods news for the housing market—pending home sales rose in February by 8.2%, possibly showing another surge of sales as the deadline draws near for many government assistance programs, including the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Pending home sales … Continued

Calendar of Events April 2010

Friday, April 9-Sunday, April 11Used Book SaleSt. Charles Public LibraryFriday, 2:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, noon- 2p.m.Hardcover and paperback books available at bargain prices. Saturday is half price day and Sunday is bag day. Sponsored by the Friends of the St. Charles Public Library. For more information call 630-584-0076 or go to the … Continued

St. Louis region ranked in top 10 best housing markets

Our area is also a “best-bang-for-the-buck” and home prices edge up. It seems as though St. Louis has a lock on the good news department lately. Our region was selected for two Forbes.com lists and home prices are moving up. If you’re shopping for a house, St. Louis is one of the best markets, according … Continued

Down payment assistance makes home ownership easier

Homebuyers can take advantage of a variety of tax credits to choose the perfect home. An array of financial assistance for home purchase is available for qualified buyers in just about every income level. Of course there’s the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers, which expire on June 30, but … Continued

MAR transfer tax on real estate sales

Say YesToSaveHomes.com and no to a transfer tax on real estate sales Yet another tax on real estate transfers is double taxation. A petition drive to prohibit the tax would protect buyers and sellers from additional expense. With deficit budgets and declining revenues, legislators are looking for new sources of revenue and a transfer tax … Continued

Home staging is vital for quick sell, best price

Staging increases your chances of a quick sell, reduces the time on the market, and supports your asking price. Making your home alluring for potential buyers is a smart move in today’s real estate market. In fact, staging your home is now almost a must-do for a quick sell and the best price. The Internet … Continued

St. Charles Calendar

Through March 282010 Orchid ShowMissouri Botanical Garden9 a.m.-5 p.m.Annual orchid show features more than 800 orchids from the Garden’s world-class collection in a lush garden of French-inspired design. Winding streets lead to a French bistro beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.$5 plus garden admissionFree for member Friday, March 5Star PartiesSt. Louis Science Center Planetarium6:45 … Continued

Foreclosures dip in St. Louis region; HUD relaxes rules for quick resale

HUD’s actions will help speed foreclosure sales and protect against predatory flippers. With the housing industry still facing recovery challenges in 2010, there is some good news in the St. Louis area. Foreclosure activity from December to January declined by five percent, according to RealtyTrac. This is the second straight month that action on foreclosed … Continued

Get help before you go into FORECLOSURE

ASK THE GRANT HICKMAN TEAM FOR HELP, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. CALL (314) 265-1531 I know that financial situations can be difficult to discuss. We have many resources and answers that might help prevent you going into foreclosure. On the news and signs surrounding our neighborhoods, we are reminded that many of or friends, … Continued

Kitchen, bath remodeling projects add resale value

Whether you’re moving on or staying put, minor face-lifts will freshen a home. Here’s a true story. Our friend Dan was getting his house ready to sell. The hardie siding installation screen in the front door had a hole for, oh, three years running. He took the screen to the hardware store, had it fixed … Continued

Borrowers will assume more costs as a result of FHA changes

The move is designed to generate additional income to ensure FHA solvency. Borrowers who choose Federal Housing Authority (FHA) programs will see increased costs involved with that agency’s mortgage insurance and will have to have higher FICO scores. The move provides more financial stability for the FHA as rising defaults dipped below required reserves. Right … Continued

Calendar of Events

The Big ReadFoundry Art CentreThe 2010 BIG READ, featuring Mark Twain’s classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Events include book discussions, live theatre, music, film screenings, concerts, an essay contest, lectures, field trips, interactive art projects and culminate with an ice cream social and raft building contest. The Big Read is sponsored by the … Continued

Efficient home heating

Efficiently heated homes save money and increase potential sales Sealing your house up tight for both winter and summer is the cost-effective way to go, but must only be done if you know what to look for when buying a dehumidifier as getting the wrong one for your house can do more harm than good. … Continued

Haiti relief help

Housing crisis for Haitians looms large; St. Louis’ best musicians sing out to help With more than one million Haitians in need of shelter, donations will help tremendously. And, the “St. Louis Musicians for Haiti” concert at the Sheldon sings for Doctors Without Borders. The devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti is incomprehensible, but … Continued

Is 2010 the perfect year to buy the perfect home?

While all the signs point to a continued buyer’s market, some common sense, financial stability and planning will make buying a home affordable. The word on the street is that 2010 will be a prime year to purchase affordable real estate. Considering the stresses of the past few years, good news is always welcome. However, … Continued

Home Sales Up

St. Charles existing home sales increase 16.3 percent in October; first time homebuyers make a huge difference Consumers are responding to federal government stimulus programs and have an eye out for foreclosed properties for investment First-time homebuyers have been out there in force, accounting for 47 percent of the homes purchased between July 2008 and … Continued

Calendar of Events – January

Friday, January 121st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride
11 a.m.Defiance, MOSponsored by Trailnet. An enthusiastic group of bicyclists have started each New Year with a bike ride on the KATY Trail. Join them this year for the 21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride. The group will leave from the KATY Trailhead in … Continued

$35 million economic development package passed at MHDC

As Chair of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, I am very excited to announce that moments ago we passed a $35 million economic development initiative. This initiative, first unveiled by Governor Jay Nixon and myself on November 24, will provide property tax relief to thousands of qualified middle- and low-income Missouri homebuyers, create and protect … Continued

Property tax credit will help stimulate more home sales in 2010

A proposal before the Missouri Housing Development Commission would credit up to $1,250 in property taxes for qualified buyers. Buying a home in Missouri in 2010 looks to include even more incentives for people to enter the housing market. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) is considering a proposal to provide up to $1,250 in … Continued

IRS Sets New Rules for Tax Credit

Daily Real Estate News | December 7, 2009 | IRS Sets New Rules for Tax CreditThe IRS has spelled out guidelines for eligibility for the home buyer credit when co-borrowers purchase a property. When a home-owning parent of an adult child co-signs for a mortgage and both names appear on the note, the IRS says … Continued

Holiday Light Display

Holiday light displays make the season bright and glitzySt. Charles County is one of the most lighted up communities during the holidays. Add the traditional lights in St. Louis, and families can see stars every evening. Here are a few to enjoy. O’Fallon Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt ParkThrough December 30 (closed December 24 and … Continued

Looking forward to 2010

Hello Family and Friends! As another year comes quickly to a close we wanted to take this opportunity to express a heartfelt THANK YOU!!! Through your confidence in us as experts in real estate, we have had the privilege to help over 50 families buy and sell their homes this year! We consider ourselves so … Continued

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010! Plus…A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Home Owners! It’s official. President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009. In addition to extending … Continued

Spotlight on ROI Realty Partners

Q: Please introduce yourself? A: Adam Glosier Q: What is the name of your business? A: ROI Realty Partners, Inc. Q: How can someone contact you to learn more? A: (314)598-2357 or aglosier@roirp.com Q: Where is your business located? A: 2850 West Clay, Suite 220 in St. Charles, MO 63301 B: 101 West Vandalia, Suite … Continued

Stop Missouri Double Taxation on real estate and say Yes to a new constitutional amendment and log on to YesToSaveHomes.com.

Let’s stop Missouri politicians from penalizing homeowners and buyers Missouri is one of 13 states that does not levy a transfer tax on home sales, and a coalition of property owners, businesses and the Missouri Association of REALTORSâ„¢ want to keep it that way. The group sees transfer taxes as double taxation because Missourians already … Continued

Your holiday cheer doesen’t have to go up in smoke

Careful preparations and common sense will make this season a fire-free, happy holiday for your family. Keeping your family safe during the holidays is top priority so that all can enjoy the lights, the glitter and the sights of the season. Seasonal fires claim more than 400 lives, 1,650 injured and more than $990 million … Continued

QuickBooks help

Joan Campbell with J Campbell CPA, has been a Certified Pro Advisor for more than 20 years. She can help get your personal or business books set-up correctly, or prepare your payroll, make sure you are tax compliant. So you don’t have to crunch numbers all day.Call The Grant Hickman Team @ (314) 558-9225 for … Continued

Amend your taxes to get HOUSING TAX CREDIT NOW

Amending the tax return is to the home buyers benefit. It is better to get it down now before everyone else. Also, the IRS is constantly changing the rules. If you closed on your home after Nov. 6th, you must use the new form. Buyers need to use someone who is aware of the forever … Continued

Calendar of Events

December 2009 Calendar of Events 11.30.09 Ongoing through Saturday, December 26St. Charles Christmas TraditionsChristmas gets that much better with the historic celebrations on Main Street. Shops open their doors with special holiday gift ideas, Victorian carolers roam the streets singing traditional songs of the season while the Legendary Christmas Characters tell of Christmas lore past. … Continued

Holiday Traditions in St. Charles

St. Charles is in the news again, this time in the AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine. Our holiday festivities, Christmas Traditions, is prominently featured in the November/December issue. To read the feature story, go to http://www.ouraaa.com/traveler/mid/2009/11/tank.htmlThis joyous season kicks off with opening ceremonies on Friday, November 27, at 11 a.m. at Kister Park. Santa and Mrs. … Continued

Tax Credit is Extended

Good news all around today—the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers has been extended to June 30, 2010. This action will encourage a robust housing market in the first quarter of 2010 and affect home prices. The legislation also includes a $6,500 tax credit for people who currently own a home and want to … Continued

Calendar of Events

Month of NovemberNative American Heritage MonthSt. Charles Community College celebrates Native American Heritage Month Festivities with concerts, documentary films, panel discussions, and a luncheon event, “The True Story of the First Thanksgiving.For schedule, go to www.stchas.eduOr call 636-922-8544 FREE Wednesday, November 4Medicare Update 201010-11 a.m.Progress West HealthCare Center Community RoomCLAIM is a Medicare and insurance … Continued

Seniors are still buying homes and want an active lifestyle

Healthcare, cost of living, recreation and education are high on the list Where are the most affordable places for the 55+ crowd to retire and own homes? U.S. News & World Report highlighted the top 10 places attractive for seniors to begin a second life. The cities chosen are based on a criteria of median … Continued

We Welcome Elias Trace

Elias Trace is the newest member of the Grant Hickman Team. He honed his real estate skills at Retail Realty Group, LLC, in Chesterfield, Missouri, and is excited about using his skills to help St. Charles County families buy or sell their home. Because he lives where he works, in St. Peters and St. Charles … Continued

October planting for spring sale

October is the time to garden for now and for a spring sale Look to the future when planning your fall garden. Putting in some extra work and planning now will pay off in ready—made spring blooms By Jeanne Baker, MLA, Landscape Designer Fall is officially here. The nights are cool and the trees are … Continued

A big thank you goes out to our valued clients

SCHNEIDER Real Estate ranked in the top 10 real estate companies in St. Charles through third quarter of this year. SCHNEIDER agents brought the company to the eighth slot in closed transactions in St. Charles County. SCHNEIDER’s 42 agents are very proud of this accomplishment, but we are even prouder, and sincerely thankful, for the … Continued

Around St. Charles County

October 2009 Calendar of Events Saturday, October 3Augusta Bottoms Beer FestivalNoon – 5 pmEnjoy tastings, live music, and brewery items for sale plus a commemorative glass.$25.00 www.augustabottomsbeerfest.com October 4-October 31Pumpkin Fantasyland, Centennial Farms, Augusta10-5 p.m. daily/11-5 p.m. SundayThe farmstead is turned into “Pumpkin Fantasyland” with a whimsical collection of pumpkin figures dressed as farm folks, … Continued

Buyers are looking for homes during the autumn season

Spring and summer may be the traditional time to buy and sell homes, but autumn and the beautiful fall palate could be your time for a successful sale as it was mentioned at HouseBuyerNetwork.com. Autumn is traditionally a season of recovery and reflection, a time to burrow in after the frantic pace of summer. For … Continued