Karen Schindler's St. Louis Real Estate Update

Rock Star!

We were just at the Thurman Grill enjoying the sounds of the Sean Holland Band

and they invited Rani to join them up on stage playing the tambourine. 

She LOVED it!  Check out our future rock star!

 

Our Little Ballerina

I just took Rani to get new pictures taken and can't believe how nice they turned out!  We went to see Pam Bredenkamp with Signature Studio and she did a great job! 

You can check out Pam's other work at www.SignatureStudio.com.  Here is my favorite! 

Just Bought!!

12175 Foxpoint in Maryland Heights, MO

 

We were so happy to be able to help the Yeater's find their new home!  Congratulations!  Before you know it you will be making many more new family memories in this great house!

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Just Listed!

10316 Forest Brook Ln. Unit B, Creve Coeur, MO 63146

$84,900

 

   MAKE THIS UPDATED CONDO YOUR NEW HOME! MAIN FLOOR UNIT OFFERS THE CONVENIENCE OF VERY FEW STEPS WITH THE SAFETY OF RAISED PRIVATE BALCONIES TO RELAX & ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING. THIS IS A GREAT 2 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM CONDO CENTRALLY LOCATED NEAR MONSANTO, THE COMMUNITY CENTER, RESTAURANTS & THEATRE THAT WELCOMES YOU FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP ON TO THE WARM BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORS WITH CUSTOM INLAID DETAILING. THE LIVING ROOM IS SPACIOUS. THE DINING ROOM IS OPEN & SPACIOUS ENOUGH FOR ENTERTAINING AND/OR A HOME OFFICE. BOTH BATHROOMS & THE KITCHEN HAVE THE CERAMIC TILE FLOORS YOU DESIRE. THE EAT IN KITCHEN IS LIGHT & AIRY. MASTER SUITE HAS A LARGE PRIVATE BATH & 3 CLOSETS WITH CUSTOM ORGANIZERS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE. 2ND BEDROOM ALSO FEATURES CUSTOM CLOSETS. PRIVATE IN UNIT LAUNDRY FOR YOU TOO! THERE IS A BRAND NEW POOL & CABANNAS FOR YOU TO ENJOY! TOP THAT OFF WITH A 2 CAR GARAGE & ALL APPLIANCES STAY SAVING YOU THOUSANDS! THIS IS THE ONE YOU HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR!

Call Karen at 314-966-2626 for details or visit www.KarenSchindlerTeam.com for additional pictures!

SOLD FAST!!

4059 Lafayette Ave. in Botanical Heights

We were able to help these sellers sell their house after only 1 day on the market at asking price!!!  We are very happy for the sellers as well as the new buyers.

Welcome to the neighborhood!!!

Just Listed!

1909 S. Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63104

$309,000

 

 

YOU WILL LOVE THIS HOUSE ON A TRIPLE LOT! FROM THE MOMENT YOU WALK IN YOU WILL NOTICE THE QUALITY & ATTENTION TO DETAIL. WARM 3in BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE OPEN FLOORPLAN. STUNNING STAIRCASE & EXPOSED BRICK. FABULOUS CUSTOM KITCHEN WITH 42in THOMASVILLE CABINETS, PULL OUT SHELVES, TRIPLE PANTRY, GRANITE COUNTERS, STAINLESS 5 BURNER COOKTOP, BOSCH DISHWASHER, KITCHENAID DOUBLE CONVECTION OVENS, LG FRIG W/ BOTTOM FREEZER, INSTANT HOT WATER & BREAKFAST BAR. SPACIOUS DINING ROOM WITH STAINED GLASS FIXTURE IS IDEAL FOR ENTERTAINING. HUGE MASTER SUITE WITH ORIGINAL MARBLE FIREPLACE. LUXURY BATHROOMS W/ CUSTOM TILE WORK, HEATED FLOORS, JACUZZI TUB, WALK IN CLOSET & 2ND FLOOR LAUNDRY. HUGE SECOND BEDROOM. ZONED 90% EFFICIENT HEATING & COOLING, UPGRADED PELLA THERMAL WINDOWS, CENTRAL VAC, 20X20 COMPOSITE DECK, TRIPLE 75 FOOT WIDE LOT, 2 CAR GARAGE PLUS OFF STREET PARKING FOR 3 CARS. MAKE THIS STUNNING HOUSE YOUR NEW HOME TODAY! GET HERE QUICK, THIS WON'T LAST!

Call Karen at 314-966-2626 for details or visit www.KarenSchindlerTeam.com for additional pictures!

Just Bought!

16 St. Genevieve Ct. in Florissant, MO

We were happy to help The Johnson's, who were also first time home buyers, purchase their first home!

Welcome to the neighborhood!!

 

 

Great Event for Home Maintenance Tips and Remodeling!

On June 13, there will be an event at Hanneke Hardware in Affton, Missouri offering residents the opportunity to meet with Ronn to discuss any projects they are interested in doing and also work with Hanneke on products appropriate for that project. Ronn is a professor of architecture with MU who specializes in improvement of post world war two houses.  Please come by and support this event! 

 

"Ask the experts: Everything you ever wanted to know about building new or remodeling”

 

Bring your home interior and exterior project ideas and problems to get one-on-one expert advice from architects!

Information for Buyers!

When shopping for a home, the natural tendency of any buyer is to want to pay the lowest price possible. It's important to keep in mind, however, that the sales price is not the only factor that determines what your monthly payment will be. In fact, the impact of higher interest rates can easily nullify any benefit of waiting for a lower price.

Why Should I Rush to Buy?

While you may have heard discussions in the media about the decline of property values in many markets, the rate of decline appears to be stabilizing.

That being said, it would not be unreasonable for you to want to hold out for an additional decline of 10%, hoping to capture the best possible price. However, as property values have declined in many areas to 2003 levels or lower, waiting longer to pull the trigger could be a mistake. Many markets are reporting that lower property values have been bringing out investors and the result has been multiple offers on many properties. Properties priced correctly are not declining and, in fact, are creating a lot of interest.

Interest Rate Complacency

The problem is that many home buyers have been lulled into a sense of complacency because of extremely low interest rates. Since the Federal Reserve initiated its program of buying mortgage-backed securities, which control the rates people pay for their home loans, rates had been range bound, bouncing between 4.50% to 5.50% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

But do not be confused by this. These rates are artificially low! Historically, the average rate for a 30-Year Fixed product has been above 7%.  And any rate obtained below this number is a great deal, especially on homes with price tags from 2003!

Markets are Unforgiving

The last two weeks of May showed just how unforgiving the markets can be for people who choose to procrastinate. In just five days, interest rates from many lenders increased anywhere from .50% to 1.00% as fixed-income investors demanded more for their money.

For anyone who was waiting for prices to drop even more, a 1.00% increase in your interest rate would bring a higher monthly principal and interest payment on a home, even if the price of that same home had fallen an additional 10% in value.

If you're waiting for home prices to fall even lower, be aware that while holding out for a lower price may help you win the battle, you could lose the war in terms of monthly payments and overall affordability. With the Federal Reserve scheduled to end its buying of mortgage-backed securities this year, rates only stand to go higher for those that wait. In fact, interest rates are already on the rise and could go higher from here.

Clock is Ticking on Free Money

If you, or someone you know, is planning on purchasing a home this year, be aware that you must take possession before 12/01/2009 to be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. In a survey conducted in March by Move.com, nearly 50% of home buyers are currently unaware that this free money exists in the marketplace. And since over 50% of all buyers are first-timers in today's market, this could impact a lot of people who aren't in the know.

Apprentice Winner joins Keller Williams Realty!

Kendra Todd, a nationally recognized author, lecturer and TV Personality, has just joined the Keller Williams Realty Greater Seattle market center as the head of their Luxury Homes Division. Todd, who won the popular NBC series The Apprentice, was the first woman and youngest contestant to ever win the hit reality show! During her time with the Trump Organization, she was involved with the sale of a $100 million dollar Palm Beach estate: the highest residential real estate transaction on record in the United States. Currently, Todd hosts the critically acclaimed HGTV series “My House is Worth What?” and serves as the Yahoo! Finance real estate columnist with more than 400 million registered users. “We are thrilled to welcome the Kendra Todd Group to our firm,” says Andrew Greenwell, team leader. “Her experience as an entrepreneur and insight into the real estate market has proven to be a tremendous asset to our company.”

"When your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme"

-Jiming Cricket

Helped buy and sell in May!

We were able to help The Corcorans sell their house on Cloverhurst,

and buy their new house on Trinadad!!!

We are so happy we were able to help!  We know you will make many more memories in your new home!  Welcome to your new neighborhood!

 

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"

- Seneca

This Month in Real Estate

 

Each month, This Month in Real Estate provides expert opinion and analysis on real estate trends across the nation. The aim of the consumer-oriented segments is to provide real information on real estate. Just click on the link below:

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyql9Q5fzII

Average Buyer Can Afford $20,000 More Home!

According to National Association of Realtors President, Charles McMillan, "With the drop in interest rates, a median-income family can afford a home costing $20,000 more than a year ago for the same monthly mortgage payment."

Do Interst Rates Matter?

Our interest rates are at all time historic lows.  Some buyers don't understand how this benefits them, so I wanted to show you a real life example.

Let's say you wanted to purchase a new house, and the amount of money you would borrow for a mortgage is $200,000. 

If your interest rate were 8.5%, your principal and interest payment would be $1,538.

If your interest rate were 6.5%, your principal and interest payment would be $1,264.

If your interest rate were 4.5%, your principal and interest payment would be $1,013.

As you can see, interest rate can make a more than $500 a month difference in reduction of yourmonthly payment at today's low rates.  Will you be one of the wise people to seize the opportunity of today's market?

Help for Struggling Home Owners

The US Government recently unveiled a website to inform struggling home owners of the government resources available to them.  Home owners can find out answers like:

Can I refinance my house? 

How do I request a loan modification?

Where do I go for help?

Do I qualify?

What lenders are participating?

Where can I apply?

How do I know if refinancing will improve my ability to stay in my home?

Get answers to these and other questions at

www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov

Just Bought!

Congratulations to Tim, Josephine and family!  We were thrilled to help you find your first home!  We couldn't be more excited for you!

  

 

Affordabilty, Low Rates & Desire to Buy Provides Hope

Affordability, low rates, desire to buy provide home for the US Housing Market.  Housing affordability now stands at its best level since 1971.  This greater affordability helped boost home sales in February.  Especially strong was the activity attributed to first-time buyers, who represented half of all home purchasers this month.  The $8,000 tax credit helped move many of these first time buyers out of rentals and into their own homes.

Check out This Month In Real Estate the video

Here is the most recent edition of This Month In Real Estate. 

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=70FB5BC074D3E360

Check it out today!

This Month In Real Estate

Hello,

Now more than ever, people are wondering how the real estate market is doing.  What is my home worth right now?  Are homes selling?  (Yes, they are here in St. Louis)  Is anyone buying?  (Yes.  Especially in the first time home buyer price ranges)  Even if I wanted to get a loan right now, are banks and lenders lending money?  (Yes.  If you have good credit, 620+ scores and steady income, you can get a historically low interest rate loan.)

Check out answers to all these and more at

http://mykw.kw.com/kwintranet/image/This%20Month%20in%20Real%20Estate%20April%20US.ppt?id=894

As always, I am here to answer any questions you may have about your home or home search. 

Make it a great day!

Just Sold!

 

We were able to help The Cobb's just sell their house in Affton!  It was great to work with you both and hopefully we will be in touch again soon.  Congratulations to Tim, the new home owner!  Welcome to the neighborhood!

 "Thanks so much for all the hard work the two of you did to get this sale completed for us.  You cannot know the relief you have given to my brother and I.  We truly appreciate your efforts."--Becky Cobb

First Time Home Buyer Seminar!

Don't miss out on the $8,000 credit!!

Join us Tuesday, April 21st from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, 2009 for a First Time Home Buyer Seminar being held at Keller Williams, 10936 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO, 63122.  Learn all about the home buying process, how to take advantage of the deals in this buyer's market, seller paid closing costs, 3% down financing and the $8,000 tax credit currently being offered to first time buyers.  The first 20 people in attendance will receive a free copy of the book Your First Home, The Proven Path to Home Ownership.

 We hope to see you at the seminar! Please RSVP to 314-966-2626 or email.   

Fun and Egg-Citement!

We went to Eckert's Farm in Belleville last week for their Egg-Citement activities and it was so much fun!  Rani is 3 1/2 now and really starting to understand egg hunts, easter baskets and so on.  It was so much fun to watch her run around in the beautiful spring air.  She did the egg hunt, she got a face paint of an easter egg on her cheek, we rode the tractor (3 times), she petting baby ducks and chicks, she planted a seed so she could watch it grow, she decorated a cookie with icing and sprinkles, we stood in line to see the easter bunny 3 times and she never did get closer than 3 feet from him.  It was a great time.  I highly recommend this for everyone. 

 

You can't make me sit next to that rabbit! 

"How Would You Fix The Economy?"

 

Could it be this simple?

There was an article from the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday, the Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix The Economy?"  This was the favorite.

Dear Mr. President,

Patriotic Retirement

There are roughly 40 million people over 50 in the work force - pay them $1 million a piece severance with stipulations.

1)  They have to leave their jobs.  Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2)  They have to buy new American made cars.  Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.

3)  They either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

Like I have been saying, they are bailing out the wrong people. 

Just Bought!

 

 

Congratulations to Scott for buying your new Condo!  We hope you enjoy being in your new neighborhood in St. Louis.  We are so happy we were able to help!

Just Bought!

 

Congratulations to Josh and Erin for buying your new home!  It was great to work with you and I am thrilled that I was able to help you find your new home!

Welcome to your new neighborhood! 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

 We hope this finds you healthy, happy and prosperous in these interesting times.  We need your help. We are looking for First Time Buyers who are interesting in capitalizing on the best time in our nation’s history to invest in their future and purchase their first home.  They don’t need the luck of the Irish, because the government is offering an $8,000 CREDIT FOR ALL FIRST TIME BUYERS AND BUYERS WHO HAVE NOT OWNED A PRIMARY RESIDENCE IN THE PAST 3 YEARS.  The best part is that this credit DOES NOT HAVE TO BE REPAID, so it truly is FREE MONEY from the government to help stimulate our economy.  This on top of the incredible home prices and super low interest rates makes this the best time to buy since they started keeping track over 30 years ago!  Who do you know that should be taking advantage of this increased buying power?  Please forward this email to everyone you know who may want to attend a FREE Home Buyers Seminar we are hosting Tuesday, March 24^th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.  The first 20 people to RSVP will receive a FREE copy of Gary Keller’s hardback book Your First Home, The Proven Path to Home Ownership.   RSVP by replying to this email or calling 314-966-2626.

I know that everything you are hearing on the news is all bad and gloom and doom.  Can I assure you that is not the case?  Homes are selling and buyers are still buying.  Just last month we were able to help Chris and Lara sell their home on Finkman in 3 days for 99.44% of asking price.   We also were able to attain competing contracts for Joe and Rachel for their home they were selling on Cloverhurst in Affton.  Their house is under contract for within $1,000 of their asking price.  Homes in great condition and priced properly are selling.  Who do you know that is a home owner that is ready to MOVE UP to a larger home?  This is also a great market for move up home buyers.

Lastly, we need your help finding buyers for these lovely homes. 

  1115  Wycomb, Florissant, priced at $61,730, GREAT INVESTMENT, a steal of a deal, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, and a full finished lower level ready for you now.  FHA APPROVED.

  815 R Rutger, LaSalle Park/Downtown, $137,000, PRICED TO SELL!  Updated 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath, 3 Story Townhouse with a Jacuzzi tub, two fireplaces, off street parking, quiet courtyard and a fantastic view from the 3^rd Floor.  FHA APPROVED.

  8320 Acorn, Affton, Incredible Deal! $135,000 3 Bed, 2 Bath, Finished Lower Level, Covered Off street parking, updated kitchen, energy efficient windows throughout and a fenced level yard.  Move In Ready!  FHA APPROVED.

  1719 Washington, Suite 602, Downtown LOFT, $265,000, in the heart of the Loft District, Enjoy 2,000 square feet of SPACIOUS LOFT LIVING!   Secure off street parking, beautiful original wood floors, high ceilings, lots of windows and natural light, ROOM FOR A POOL TABLE!  Priced tens of thousands below other lofts making this the deal of downtown!

 

3161 Lupine, Arnold, Great 4 Bedroom Ranch, $174,900.  4 Bed,  2 ½ Bath, 2 Car Garage, Vaulted Ceilings, Finished Lower Level,  Incredibly landscaped yard with a patio and pool for a summer filled with affordable family fun!  FHA APPROVED.

  9240 Harold Drive, Woodson Terrace, $79,000.  Super cute UPDATED 3 Bedroom Home with Newer Roof, Windows, Siding, Furnace and A/C, Updated Kitchen and Bath, covered parking, and large fenced level yard.  ALL APPLIANCES STAY.  Ready for your First Time Home Buyers or a Great Rental House!  FHA APPROVED.

  FOR RENT, 9572 Cantwell, Affton, $925 per month.  1,200 Square foot 2+ bedroom house with large rooms, a main floor family room, 1 car garage, level fenced yard and deck to relax and enjoy.

You can find More photos, details and ALL Properties FOR SALE at www.KarenSchindlerTeam.com and helpful real estate news at http://kschindler.typepad.com.

Thank you for your continued referrals and confidence in our team.  It is truly our pleasure to help you, your friends, family and coworkers with all their home buying and selling needs.

Make it a great day

Karen & Sarah

 

Just Bought!

We were able to recently help Vishal buy this 2-Family Unit in St. Louis City!  Congratulations to Vishal on your new investment property!  We were thrilled to help you find it!

 

New FHA Loan Limits

Here are the New FHA Loan Limits for St. Louis and the surrounding areas:

County            One-Family      Two-Family    Three-Family    Four-Family

 

St. Louis City           $281,250.00      $360,050.00         $435,200.00         $540,850.00

St. Louis County      $281,250.00      $360,050.00         $435,200.00         $540,850.00

Jefferson County     $281,250.00      $360,050.00         $435,200.00         $540,850.00

St. Charles County   $281,250.00      $360,050.00         $435,200.00         $540,850.00

 

JUST SOLD!

 

We were able to help Chris and Lara sell this charming brick house in only 5 days!  We hope you both are enjoying your new home in Columbia, MO!

Congratulations to the new owners Michael and Stephanie!  Welcome to the neighborhood!

Market Watch Gives 5 Key Reasons To Buy a Home Now

                                         

 

A recent article on Market Watch, a part of The Wall Street Journal Digital Network, gave several reasons why now is a great time to buy a home, and quoted Jay Papasan, vice president of publishing and executive editor, Keller Williams Realty.

 

Papasan urged buyers and their agents to “ask for price reductions, improvements, closing costs – whatever – and the seller, desperately trying to get a contract, is very likely to work with you.”  He added that “when the market starts improving, your negotiating power starts to diminish,” meaning that buyers need to move before inventory gets smaller and the market ticks up.

 

The article sites Your First Home as a reliable resource for consumers and identifies “Five Reasons to Buy a Home This Year,” which include better affordability, large inventory, builder discounts, low mortgage rates and the then current $7,500 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers which has now been raised to $8,000.

News You Can Use from St. Louis Association of Realtors

  Pending Home Sales Show Healthy Gain

Pending home sales increased as more buyers took advantage of improved affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Big gains in the South and Midwest offset modest declines in other regions. The Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.3 percent to 87.7 from an upwardly revised reading of 82.5 in November, and is 2.1 percent higher than December 2007 when it was 85.9. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the index shows a modest rebound. "The monthly gain in pending home sales, spurred by buyers responding to lower home prices and mortgage interest rates, more than offset an index decline in the previous month," he said. "The biggest gains were in areas with the biggest improvements in affordability."

January St. Louis Housing Stats

Housing statistics for January 2009 are now available! 

The following chart displays the average prices, homes sold and median prices from 2007 to the present.  The second page displays statistics on resale (existing) homes for the St. Louis Area. Please view the link below:

Download JAN09STL[1]

NEW TAX CREDIT FOR HOME PURCHASE! HERE'S THE SCOOP FROM WASHINGTON.

 

WASHINGTON – Feb. 17, 2009 – How does a first-time homebuyer take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that President Obama is expected to sign into law tomorrow? It comes with a few rules. According to the most recent analysis, the following rules will apply – though things could change as tax professionals weigh the details:

• The deduction is worth 10 percent of a home’s value up to $8,000, which means all homes worth more than $80,000 could qualify for the maximum amount.

• There is an income limit to qualify. A married couples’ modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) should be under $150,000 and single filers’ MAGI should be less than $75,000.

• Partial tax credits may be available for married couples with MAGI incomes over $150,000 but under $170,000, and single filers with incomes over $75,000 but under $95,000.

• If married couples file separately, they can both claim 5 percent of the home purchase ($4,000 each for a home over $80,000) on their tax returns.

• It’s a tax credit, not a deduction. That means the entire amount goes back to the first-time homebuyer unlike deductions, such as mortgage interest, that are subtracted from gross income before tax is calculated. If qualified for $8,000, the buyer gets $8,000, even if they would not owe that much in taxes otherwise.

• The tax credit applies to homes purchased between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009.

• The tax credit does not have to be paid back, providing the homebuyer keeps the property for at least 36 months and resides in the home.

• To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, the purchaser cannot have owned a home within the previous three-year period. However, ownership of a vacation home or rental home does not disqualify the buyer.

• If purchasing a new home, the effective date to receive the credit is the first day the homeowner actually lives in the house. If construction began in 2008, that buyer could still qualify. And if construction begins in 2009 but the owner does not take possession until 2010, the buyer would not qualify.

• The tax credit can be claimed on 2008 income tax forms even though the purchase took place in 2009. A buyer could close on a home the same day that President Obama signs it into law, fill out their income tax forms the next day, and receive the tax credit fairly quickly.

The tax credit is not a downpayment, but it could be used toward a downpayment if first-time homebuyers plan ahead. U.S. taxpayers have money withheld from every paycheck for income taxes. If they owe more tax than the amount deducted, they pay the IRS; if they owe less, they get a tax refund.

By anticipating at least an $8,000 refund in early 2010 when they file 2009 taxes, these buyers could cut down on their tax withholding this year and save the money toward a downpayment. There is one caveat, however: Should they not buy a home in the qualifying period, they would still owe the IRS the money, and reducing their withholding amount could result in a high bill at tax time.fi

Provided to you Exclusively By Christine Menker-Wilson   Christine Menker-Wilson USA Mortgage Office: 636-305-9248 E-Mail: cmenker-wilson@usa-mortgage.com

For the week of Feb 16, 2009 --- Vol. 7, Issue 7

Last Week in Review

"GOOD COMMUNICATION IS AS STIMULATING AS BLACK COFFEE...AND JUST AS HARD TO SLEEP AFTER." Anne Morrow Lindbergh And communication on the new $789 Billion Stimulus Plan has been flying fierce over the past week, resulting in late nights for Congress and probably more than a few cups of coffee. President Obama is certainly hoping the new plan will wake up the struggling economy, and breathe some life back into the housing market as well. The tax credit in the Stimulus Bill has been scaled down to $8,000 from its previous level of $15,000, or 10% of the value of the home for any first time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November. It starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000, and buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years. In addition, there's news that the Obama administration is trying to hammer out a new program to subsidize mortgages to fight the credit crisis. The plan would seek to help homeowners before they fall into arrears on their loans, whereas current programs only assist borrowers that are already delinquent. There are no details yet on this plan, but I will be monitoring this news closely in the weeks ahead. There was some unexpected good news last Thursday, as Retail Sales increased in January for the first time in 7 months, as you can see in the chart below. It could take some time for the Stimulus Plan to positively impact the economy, but if it works, the improvement in Retail Sales could continue later in the year. The Bond market closed early on Friday in advance of the President's Day holiday. Bonds and home loan rates had improved a bit early in the week, but lost their ground late in the week, and ended slightly worse than where they began. THE TAX MAN COMETH...YES, IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S MORTGAGE MARKET VIEW FOR SOME STIMULATING INFORMATION ON DEDUCTIONS THAT COULD INCREASE YOUR REFUND...AND MAKE TAX TIME A LITTLE EASIER!

Forecast for the Week

Remember that the markets will have a holiday shortened week, as they will be closed on Monday in honor of President's Day. But that doesn't mean the rest of the week will be a vacation from volatility, as there are several interesting reports in store. We'll get news on the inflation (or deflation) front, with Thursday's Producer Price Index (PPI) Report and Friday's Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report. With the recent concerns about deflation, it will be important to see which way these reports have moved, and what the impact may be on home loan rates. Also this week, we'll get a read on the new construction housing market with Wednesday's Housing Starts and Building Permits Reports. And on Thursday, the Philadelphia Fed Report will be released. This monthly survey of manufacturing purchasing managers conducting business around the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware is one of the most-watched manufacturing reports, and given the state of the economy, this is likely to be a negative report. Weak economic news normally helps Bonds and home loan rates improve, as money flows out of Stocks and into Bonds...however, not all investors are passing on their gains recently, as so many homeowners and homebuyers are taking advantage of current low interest rates and have flooded many investors to capacity. Call me to determine if the current market presents opportunity for you. As you can see in the chart below, Bonds and home loan rates faced some tough technical resistance last week, which hampered the way to finding improvement. As always, I will be watching closely to see what happens this week. Chart: Fannie Mae 4.5% Mortgage Bond (Friday Feb 13, 2009)

The Mortgage Market View...

Tips for a Larger Tax Refund No one ever wants to pay more taxes than necessary, but this year it's even more important to save every penny you can. Here are some tips that can help you get a larger refund: Property Tax Deduction for Non-Itemizers: Before 2008, only people who itemized their deductions could deduct property taxes. For 2008, individuals who do not itemize can deduct up to $1,000 of property tax on a joint return or $500 on a single return. Driving Deductions: The IRS increased the cents-per-mile deduction for business-related driving expenses from 50.5 cents to 58.5 cents from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. They also increased the rate for deducting medical and moving driving-related expenses from 19 cents to 27 cents for that same time period. Disaster Losses: Casualty losses (i.e. like those from storm or fire damage) are normally deductible only to the extent they exceed 10% of AGI. For 2008, casualties in federally declared disaster areas can be deducted without having to abide by the 10%-of-AGI rule, which raises the amount that is deductible. Capital Losses: Review your portfolio and note all your realized losses for 2008. You can write these off against capital gains and you can have a net loss of up to $3,000 deductible against your salary and other ordinary income. What's more, any excess can be used to offset gains or can be deducted in 2009 or later years. Retirement Plan Contributions: You can make tax-saving contributions to retirement plans for 2008 through April 15, 2009. Charitable Donations: Not only can you claim deductions for money and items you donate to a charity, you can also claim deductions for expenses you incur on a charity's behalf (i.e. driving costs, printing costs, long distance phone call costs, etc.). Make sure you take time to go through your records carefully so you receive the biggest refund possible. And if you are looking for a great tax professional to help you, please let me know and I'll be happy to recommend someone.

The Week's Economic Indicator Calendar

Remember, as a general rule, weaker than expected economic data is good for rates, while positive data causes rates to rise.

Helpful First Time HomeBuyers Seminar!!!

 

 

 

Join us Tuesday, February 17th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, 2009 for a First Time Home Buyer Seminar being held at Keller Williams, 10936 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO, 63122.  Learn all about the home buying process, how to take advantage of the deals in this buyer's market, seller paid closing costs, 3% down financing and the $7,500 tax credit currently being offered to first time buyers.  The first 14 people in attendance will receive a free copy of the book Your First Home, The Proven Path to Home Ownership. We hope to see you at the seminar! Please RSVP to 314-966-2626 or email.

3114 Gurney Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116

NOW SOLD!

 

We helped Charles and and Melanie sell this wonderful house near Tower Grove Park!

We would also like to welcome the Schrage Family to the neighborhood!  Congratulations on buying your new home!

Mortgage Minute from Christine Menker-Wilson

Christine Menker-Wilson USA Mortgage Office: 636-305-9248 Email: cmenker-wilson@usa-mortgage.com

IN THIS ISSUE...

	"It is better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret." ~ Jackie Joyner-Kersee The excitement and enthusiasm of the new year is fading as we enter February. Now, it's time to get down to work by looking ahead and being prepared...and the articles below can help! For example, the first article below examines what it means to be prepared and breaks down some simple steps to help you prepare for anything. Once you understand the ins-and-outs of preparation, it's time to apply those principles to the coming year. The second article below can help you make sure you're ready for 2009, with a "to-do" list that will set you on the right course. Finally, since part of planning and preparing for the new year means making sure your important paperwork is safe, you'll also find insight and tips below about using a safe deposit box to safeguard your documents and valuables. As always, this information will probably be helpful to many of your friends, family members and coworkers. So please forward this newsletter on to them if you like, or let me know if they'd like to enjoy their own free subscription. And if you need any personal assistance at this time, simply call or email.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

	Preparation is a crucial element to success in all your endeavors, be it preparing for an important meeting or an upcoming summer vacation. As Zig Ziglar once said, "You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win." Ronald Shapiro, author of the New York Times bestseller, Dare to Prepare: How to Win Before You Begin, suggests these great steps you can use to prepare for anything. Ask yourself: What is the objective? Determine where you want to end up before you get started, and make sure you don't just pick the easiest or most obvious result. Make sure your objective ties into your short and long-term goals. Are there precedents? Look for people who have both failed and succeeded in similar situations and see what and how you can learn from their experiences. If possible and if it makes sense, contact them and see if you can set up an informational interview or lunch to learn more details. Are there any other scenarios? If you only prepare for your intended outcome, then you won't have a position to fall back on. Determine if there is more than one scenario that you should plan for, or if you should walk away if your intended outcome does not arise. What's important to other people? Where possible, ask the other people who are involved about their concerns. This keeps you from assuming you know what matters most to everyone. What's your time frame? Break down your overall project into small goals and set deadlines for each element so you stay on track while you go. For instance, if you are planning a trip, timeline everything from booking your airfare to making reservations for places to see while you're away. Can anyone help? If you have people who can help you, ask them to do so! Not only will this make things more manageable, others can also help you see objections or problems that you might not have otherwise noticed. What do you want to say? If you're preparing for an important meeting or have an important request like asking for a raise or a bargain deal from a salesman, practice first! Outline your main points, create a script, and practice until the words feel normal. To download a preparation principles checklist, visit http://www.shapironegotiations.com/pdf/PREPARATION_PRINCIPLES_CHECKLIST.pdf.

HOW READY ARE YOU FOR 2009?

	Now that the new year has begun in earnest, it's the perfect time to make sure you are ready for 2009. Here are five things you should do this month that will make your life easier in the months ahead: Clean Out the Clutter: You keep saying you'll do it...go ahead and do it. Spend an hour going through your old files, and shred those receipts, bills, and statements you no longer need, like old ATM receipts and utility bills, paystubs more than a year old, and receipts for things that are not deductible. Get Organized: While you're at it, create new files for your 2009 tax-related papers and receipts. Examples of categories include medical expenses, gift and charitable donations, and home improvements. You can also take this time to make sure your important papers--such as your will, birth certificate, and so on--are stored safely. For more on safe storage of your important documents, read the safe deposit article below. Check the Gift Card Fine Print: If you received gift cards as a present over the holidays, use them soon. Some have expiration dates, or the amount on the card may get reduced over time. In addition, in the current economy, retailers that go out of business may not honor gift cards. Do Some Review: Review your various insurance policies--life, home, auto, etc--to make sure the coverage you have is still the best fit for your needs and situation. To save on cash out of pocket, you might even consider raising your deductible to get a lower premium. Do Some Reflection: Take an honest look at your schedule and responsibilities and make sure you are taking the time you need to stay healthy and feel good. Don't feel bad about actually scheduling specific blocks of time to exercise or spend special time with family and friends, to ensure it actually happens. This will make everything else you have to do this year easier...and more enjoyable, too!

ARE SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES ACTUALLY SAFE?

	We all have important documents and valuables in our homes that we want to protect from theft and disaster. For many people, safe deposit boxes at banks provide a safe place to store those valuables outside of the home. After all, file cabinets and even fire-resistant cases in your house are still susceptible to intense fires, water damage, and even theft. But, did you know that safe deposit boxes may be susceptible as well? In fact, during the attack on the World Trade Center and Hurricane Katrina hundreds of bank vaults were damaged or destroyed. Worse yet, valuables stored in a safe deposit box aren't insured by the bank if damage or theft occurs. And if you use a safe deposit box to sock away cash for an emergency, you may be surprised to know that a safe deposit box isn't completely protected. Law enforcement officers can get a court order to raid your safe deposit box, and if the IRS ever freezes your assets, that freeze includes your cash and valuables in a safe deposit box. All this doesn't mean that you should hide valuables and cash in your closet or drawer...but it does mean you should take precautions and specific steps to make sure your valuables are protected if you put them in a safe deposit box. If you have a safe deposit box or are considering getting one, the following steps can help you make sure your documents and valuables are protected: Call your homeowners insurance company to make sure the contents are covered, especially when placing jewelry or collectibles of value in the safe deposit box. Put important documents such as marriage licenses, car titles, insurance policies and family records in airtight plastic bags or sealed containers to help protect them from water damage. Make copies of your important documents and store them at home or with your attorney, so you can access your information if something does happen to the originals. Remember, important legal documents such as wills and power of attorney documents should always stay with your attorney. You can place copies in your safe deposit box or keep them at home, if you want to have access to the information. But leave the originals at the attorney's office. Make an inventory list of everything in your safe deposit box and keep the list in a safe place at home or in another location. You may even want to take pictures or a videotape of the contents just in case you need to show more proof if something happens. Finally, make sure you inform your family members and your attorney about your safe deposit box! Otherwise, the contents may revert to the state when you pass away.

Gentlemen Start Your Engines!

 

I am sooooo excited that Nascar season is here again!  It is fun to be watching the Bud Shoot Out Race tonight and know that next week is the big one!  I cannot believe that I am a Nascar fan, and I am!!!  It is hard to keep up with all the changes with teams, owners, sponsors and so on that took place this year.  A lot of new teams and sponsors.  Should be fun!

Keller Williams Realty Bucks National Business Trends During the Toughest Real Estate Market on Record

Company celebrates 25 years as it outpaces market through its financial model

 

 

(January 27, 2009) — Bailout. Credit crunch. Foreclosure. Despite these words permeating the headlines and airwaves, there are companies out there moving forward – even in real estate. Keller Williams® Realty Inc., the fourth largest real estate company in North America, announced today that it outpaced the market in 2008, while remaining free of debt, and gave back more than $30 million in profits to its agents.

“Our strategy is no secret. We faithfully follow the sound financial model of leading with revenue – the same model our market centers follow,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty Inc. “As we watch companies throughout the country take on billions of dollars of debt, we are proud to say that our company has not one dollar of financing debt and we remain strong and financially sound. It is our joy to be able to give back to our agents during these times.”

Despite pervasive downward trends in the real estate industry, Keller Williams Realty continues to outperform the industry. For the first 11 months of 2008, existing home sales for the United Statesfell 17 percent when compared to the same period the year before.  By comparison, Keller Williams Realty is poised to outdo those numbers by 10 percentage points, and in addition, the company experienced a much smaller contraction in its agent base compared to the National Association of REALTORS®, who saw a 10 percent decline in membership.

“Keller Williams was founded 25 years ago during one of the toughest markets on record – when interest rates were higher than 18 percent. We continue to urge our agents to zero in on lead generation and reducing expenses so they can thrive during this market,” said

Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty Inc. “We admire our agents’ spirit, tenacity, and dedication to their businesses. They just keep powering forward.”

Throughout 2008 Keller Williams Realty launched new products and services specifically to boost its agents’ businesses, including two new books: Your First Home: The Proven Path to Home Ownership for first-time home buyers, and SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. Both books are written by

Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of the board of Keller Williams Realty, who also authored national best sellers The Millionaire Real Estate Agent and The Millionaire Real Estate Investor.

Additionally, Keller, co-author Dave Jenks and trainer and coach Tony DiCello hit the road to teach the 12 tactics laid out in SHIFT, drawing more than 20,000 attendees in 29 cities.  The company also continued to provide agents support through Operation Heart to Heart 2, a training initiative designed to help agents and market centers deal with today’s market.

5709 Finkman St. St. Louis, MO 63109

$159,900

   This is the one you have been looking for!

Charming brick home has all the updates you are looking for. You will feel at home from the moment you step in to the welcoming foyer & in to the spacious living room. You will love the energy efficient windows with etched glass details, beautiful decorative fire place & stained glass windows. Thru the lovely archway you will find a light filled dining room with today's designer colors & gleaming wood floors. The eat in kitchen is hot! Lots of cabinets, granite counters, undermount sink & stainless appliances are here ready for you. The master bedroom has two closets including an 8 foot custom closet for the storage you need! The second bedroom is spacious too. Downstairs you will find a bright & cheerful family room with a wet bar & an ideal place for a home office. Energy efficient windows, updated kitchen & bath, extra closet space & finished lower level, this house has all the updates you are looking for. Get here quick, this won't last!

 

February 2009 Fun in St. Louis!

 

 

 

Need some fun ideas for what you can do in St. Louis this month? Click on the link below to view what's going on around town for February in St. Louis!

 

 

Download FEBRUARY_2009_FUN_IN_ST

Conversations that scare me!

So I was visiting with my friend Steve Arenz of Arenz Pest Control and it occurred to me that he could tell me stories that could cause me to lose sleep!  His tale of how many people bring bats in their homes on their clothing was 'skooky' as my daughter would say.  Apparently it is not uncommon at all for people to have a bat be one of the many things flying around the porch light when they come home, fly in to them, attach themselves to their clothes and enter the house when the homeowners do.  YAAAAAAHHHHHH!  No Thank you!  I would prefer to leave my bat viewing in Austin, TX under the Congress Ave bridge and not in a living room near me!   

Gotta Love the US

You have to love our culture.  It strikes me as ironic that I am sitting here watching people create amazing transformations in their lives on the Biggest Loser.  As I sat there proud of the contestants for pushing themselves, I sat there still and overate!  I am so inspired by the Biggest Loser I did the very thing they are helping their contestants learn not to do, eat too much!  What a great culture we live in! 

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can become it."

- William Ward

I want to recycle now how do I start?

My family and I wererecently inspired to start recycling again by two sets of clients I got to help recently who talked about recycling, how easy it was to do, how the city picks up the recycling and how their trash they threw away was now less than the items they recycle.  That go my attention.  We checked in to it and it was amazingly easy to start going green!  We now recycle and would encourage you to do the same.  Here are the ways to begin.

 

Here is the info on curbside recycling:

 

City of St. Louis Curbside Recycling Cost-Sharing Pilot Program:

 

http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/recycle/Curbside.html

 

Earth Circle Recycling: 664-1450

 

www.earthcirclerecycling.com

ARE YOU READY TO FIND A MOVE IN READY 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH HOUSE WITH AN UPDATED KITCHEN, ENERGY EFFICIENT INSULATED WINDOWS & FINISHED BASEMENT? IF SO, HERE IT IS!

8320 Acorn St. in Affton, MO for $147,000!

YOU WILL LOVE THIS HOME. FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP IN TO THE WELCOMING LIVING ROOM WITH WOOD FLOORS & COVE CEILINGS, THIS WILL FEEL LIKE HOME. THE DINING ROOM IS OPEN TO THE LIVING ROOM & COULD BE FORMAL OR INFORMAL TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS. THE PASS THRU TO THE KITCHEN MAKES THE HOUSE OPEN & SPACIOUS. KITCHEN HAS NICE CUSTOM CABINETS WITH A BREAKFAST BAR, PANTRY CABINET & 2 APPLIANCE GARAGES TO MAXIMIZE STORAGE. LARGE PICTURE WINDOW OVERLOOKING THE FENCED YARD ALLOWS PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT TOO! ALL THREE BEDROOMS ARE NICE & HAVE LARGER THAN NORMAL CLOSETS FOR THIS AREA.

THE BASEMENT FEATURES A SECOND BATH, HUGE FAMILY ROOM FOR THAT SECOND TV OR PLAY AREA. THE WALK OUT AND FULL SIZE WINDOW MAKE IT LIGHT & WELCOMING. A TRIPLE CEDAR CLOSEET ADDS EVEN MORE CLOSET SPACE. THE PATIO & SHED ARE A PLUS TOO! MAKE THIS HOUSE YOUR HOME TODAY!

Please call Karen for details!  314-966-2626 or visit www.karenschindlerteam.com

Bought!

in Defiance, MO

We helped the proud new owners of the house find this beautiful home on acreage with a wonderful wooded setting!

We are very excited for your family and we hope you make many new memories in your new home!

 

Obama! Obama! Obama!

  January 20, 2009

Wow.  What a historic day!  It is amazing to me to feel so proud of our great nation and the new era that we have ushered in.  What an amazing day for change, for hope, for inspiration!  It is so comforting to be in a nation focused on unity.  I knew I was not happy with what was, but I didn’t realize how great it would feel to once again be lead by a president who is a leader.  A person I can relate to and enjoy hearing speak.  It is wonderful to have people focused on the fact that even though we don’t all agree, we can work together and respect each other’s differences.  How refreshing to focus on what we have in common, not what we lack. It truly is a time for all hands on deck.  Now is the time for everyone to do their part, get involved, make a difference.  It is awe inspiring.  Yes we can be the great nation we are called to be.  Yes we can make dreams come true.  Yes we can we can join together to create the brighter future we desire.