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
The General Motors announcement that the company will invest $380 million to expand the Wentzville Assembly Plant, add at least 1,260 new jobs and in the near future expand the present line with a second shift of 400 workers, is all great news for the St. Charles County region. The expansion will produce the mid-sized … Continued
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
The term short sale has woven its way into the homebuyer lexicon during the past year. While not a foreclosure property, short sale homes have their own special financial issues that require a real estate agent who is trained in this type of sale. What is a short sale? When a homeowner is in financial … Continued
The real estate market can be very complex these days; but mix in emotions and the occasional ego, and it can be even more complicated. Enter your real estate agent, who will sort out the best approaches for both buyers and sellers. For sellers, correct pricing is a must. A recent Zillow survey showed that … Continued
Just the thought of going outside in the Missouri heat and humidity to mow the lawn, or getting the stuff you need for TIG welding to repair the fence, can seem like a daunting task. For people who are no longer enthralled with home maintenance or are ready to downsize, purchasing a condo is the … Continued
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
When you arrive at your new home, set up a special, secure area for pets with their blankets, toys and beds, plus water and food. Check on them often as the furniture is brought in. You will alleviate many of your pet’s fears by being there with a hug, a pat and a pull toy. … Continued
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
Selling a home usually means some updating, possibly remodeling a few areas. Kitchens and bathroom renovations reap payback at closing time, but a word to the wise: don’t over improve. You’ll set yourself up for a yield of diminishing returns. The smartest way to increase your home’s value is to bring it up to neighborhood … Continued
We’ve all heard that this is a buyers’ market, there are plenty of real estate choices and buyers expect the lowest price possible. This can put sellers on the defensive. However, you can position your home in this market to satisfy buyers and get fair market value for your property, specially if you add more … Continued
What did you do with your tax return this year? Maybe a quick vacation to reward yourself for actually getting your taxes in on time? A down payment on a new car? Or did that refund just…disappear into your daily expenses? We think the best use for your refund is to target improvements that will … Continued
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
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
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
Congratulations to the residents of Lake St. Louis! The community placed ninth in the top 10 places to live in Money magazine’s annual listing of the best 100 places. SCHNEIDER Realtors’ own Jane Nicoletti can testify first hand—she’s lived there for more than 20 years and loves Lake Saint Louis. “Now my grandchildren can enjoy … Continued
One of the first questions potential home buyers ask their real estate agent is “How good is the school system?†Of all the local neighborhood amenities that can influence a buyer’s decision to purchase a home, proximity to good quality schools is one of the most influential, according to the 2007 National Association of REALTORS … Continued
Model homes are important tools for builders because they help buyers fall in love with a home. Phyllis Ryan, president of the model-home division of Interior Concepts, a Maryland design firm that specializes in furnishing new homes, has some tips that might benefit anyone who is selling a home. A stylish kitchen appeals to many … Continued
The real estate market has really started to rally and part of that success can be attributed to the new Housing Tax Credit for first-time homebuyers. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, qualifying taxpayers who purchase a home before Dec. 1 receive up to $8,000 or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately. … Continued
10. The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of $8,000 can generate $100,000 Net Equity or Net Worth in 8 years with an average of 5% annual appreciation! 9. 8 out of 10 economists agree homes will appreciate over the next 5 years. 8. St. Charles has been selected by Forbes & Money Magazines as … Continued
The Grant Hickman Team is proud to have brought together a talented group of businesses that we trust and stand behind. We recommend each of these companies as they have proven their knowledge and expertise on a regular basis. They each continue to provide invaluable services to making a real estate and/or home purchase. Meet … Continued
February 1- February 28: The Big Read “National Endowment for the Arts†– Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 February 4-8: Cirque du Soleil Saltinbanco – St. Charles Family Arena February 7-8: Great Train Expo – Saint Charles Convention Center; $7.00 (adults & over 12 yrs.) / under 12 yrs. … Continued
Get off the sidelines if you are thinking about buying a home. Contrary to implications in the news, now is one of the best times to be a home buyer. No one knows how long this once in a generation, or perhaps once in a lifetime, window of opportunity will be open but there are … Continued
A Real Estate Forum entitled “St. Charles Real Estate…Crashing or Window of Opportunity?†moderated by local lending expert Robert Rutledge and Real Estate Broker Merle Schneider, Chartered Financial Consultant will be presented Monday, October 27th at 7pm. The Forum is slated to be held at the St. Peters City Hall, Salon A, One St. Peters … Continued