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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, September 15Your Personal Economic Recovery
7-8 p.m.Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles-St. Charles County Library District
Today’s economic environment may be one of the most challenging. Take control of your financial situation – and the sooner you act, the better. Learn about the steps that can help prepare you for a potential recovery and keep your financial future … Continued
You can give foreclosed property a new life and participate in the St. Charles region economic recovery Another assistance program designed to help potential buyers enter the housing market is now available from the Missouri Housing Development Corporation (MHDC). Qualified buyers can receive up to $14,999 or 20% of the purchase price on foreclosed property … Continued
When times are tough, people tend to look inward for sustenance and stability. Your backyard would be a good place to look also. Home gardening is the trend now, with gardeners hoping to save money and connect with their own personal world through growing their own vegetables. During World War II, Americans planted victory gardens … 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
Green is the hot color right now and should be your color too when you sell or buy a home. Becoming attuned to the current eco-movement will make a huge difference. As a seller, you will boost the value of your home with eco-friendly improvements and give your real estate agent more features to highlight … Continued
Don’t be surprised if your friendly lender, the one who invites you to sit down and apply for a mortgage, ushers you politely out the door empty-handed after you’ve chatted a bit. The sudden chill isn’t personal. The Mortgage Bankers Association, or MBA, in Washington, D.C., estimates that about half of all mortgage applicants are … Continued
The amount of damage to a credit score caused by foreclosure, deed in lieu or a short sale during 2008 and 2009 may be mitigated by the slower economic times, say some credit and legal experts. Debited.com has a great guide for fixing your credit. FICO may have to adjust its credit scores to lessen … 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
Passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is a step in the right direction to help the housing market begin the recovery process. Now, it’s up to potential homebuyers to take that first step too. The $8,000 tax credit couldn’t come at a better time. Late winter and spring are the prime … Continued
Q: What is the Name of your Business? A: J Campbell CPA LLC Q: What is your name? A: Joan Campbell Q: Where is your business located? A: 1527 Country Bend Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303 Q: How can someone contact you to learn more? A: (314) 422-1897 Joan@JCampbellCPA.com Q: Briefly describe what you or … Continued
There is plenty of news in the media right now regarding the housing market, especially with the financial and bank bailout looming. Although much of this news is accurate, many facts get misinterpreted and falsely reported, leading to rumors and hearsay. The biggest rumor right now is that you need a 20% down payment to … Continued
Congratulations Grant Hickman! “Experts say that at least 90 percent of homebuyers rely on real estate agents for advice and guidance. But with more than 15,000 agents in the St. Louis area holding real estate licenses, how do you choose? “St. Louis Magazine has partnered with Crescendo Business Services, an independent research firm, to find … 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
Interest rates are great, real estate is selling at a discount …. which all adds up to a great time to buy a home!! And for first time homebuyers; the news just keeps getting better and better thanks to MHDC. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) releases money to first time homebuyers throughout the year … Continued
BusinessWeek magazine revealed its list of best places in each state to raise your kids. In Missouri, Lee’s Summit won for its good schools, low crime and affordable housing. Lee’s Summit was followed by St. Charles and St. Joseph.
Last month I told you about the free down payment money available to first time homebuyers from the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). Well now you don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for this money!! The recently-enacted “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008†includes a provision that expands MHDC’s authority to … Continued
Right now is the time to start looking around your neighborhood. The Grant Hickman Team brings you up-to-the minute access housing market and trends in your neighborhood. Use the MLS Market SnapShot form to enter information about your home. In less than 30 minutes, we will send you a personalized report to your email address. … Continued
The recently passed H.R. 3221, American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 is aimed to improve the housing industry, and mainly reward first time home ownership. The Grant Hickman Team has studied the changes in law and is ready to assist all buyers and sellers. Multiple home owners, veterans, and first time buyers … Continued
• September 6: Quilts on Main, Downtown St. Charles, 9am — 5pm. FREE• September 6: Bluegrass Festival, Frontier Park St. Charles, 7pm — 10:30 pm. FREE• September 19 — 21: MOSAICS Festival of the Arts, Downtown St. Charles. FREE• September 20 — 21: Irish Fest, Frontier Park St. Charles, 10am – . FREE• September 20 … Continued
Dear Friends & Family, On the news and signs surrounding our neighborhoods, we are reminded thatmany of or friends, family, and neighbors are financially struggling. Amongthe daily headlines, I read about the economy, gas, and real estate –especially foreclosure and families in need of help. In my business, helping family matters. St. Charles is a … Continued
Educational Article by Richard Dillard Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own your bank? When you’re a member of a credit union, you do! Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by the members they serve. Because members are actually owners, everything is done it their best interests. Revenues are returned … Continued
Today’s mortgage market it changing quickly, however, one constant factor is the need to have good credit scores! Here are some great strategies to improve or maintain your credit scores : Payment History Tips — accounts for 35% of your total score• Pay your bills on timeo Delinquent payments and collections can have a major … Continued
• July 3 — 4: Heritage & Freedom Fest at TR Hughes in O’Fallon. T 6:00-10:00 and W 12:00 — 9:00 — Free• July 3 — 5: Riverfest at Frontier Park in St. Charles — Free• July 4: Independence Celebration at Daniel Boone Home 9 am — 5 pm – Admission• Tuesdays: Free Concerts at … Continued
June 1: Renaissance Faire at Rotary Park in Wentzville – Admission June 3: Free Concerts from 5:30 – 8:30 pm bring a blanket or chairs to the Civic Park in O’Fallon June 6: Fridays at Frontier in St. Charles live music from the ’80’s June 6: Party at the Park at Wapelhorst from 6:00 – … Continued
May 1 – 3: Augusta Plein Air Art Event May 3: Fiber Arts & Spring Planting Festival at Daniel Boone’s Home from 9 – 5. Admission. May 4: Main Street Bridal Showcase noon to 4:30 in St. Charles May 17: St. Charles in Bloom on Main Street 10 – 5 May 17 – 18: Lewis … Continued
It is that time of year again, when the weather warms and the ritual of spring-home cleaning begins. Across St. Charles, homeowners are packing items up for storage and beginning to take a look around their homes for other items that can be packed away, donated, disposed, or sold. If you need professional help contact … Continued
April 4 — 6: Missouri Tartan Days are Downtown St. Charles. Parade April 5 at noon on Main Street for more information visit www.motartanday.com. April 5: Wentzville Annual Spring City Wide Yard Sale – Location booklet for sale at Progress Park or City Hall starting at 7 am April 5-6: Civil War Living History Festival … Continued