Wow… The Space and updates in this home for sale that can’t be beat in this area! Open concept in this updated home in St George in the Affton area. The updated kitchen opens to the Large Family Room with cozy Fireplace, with wonderful built-in bookshelves and opens to a deck in the back. Hardwood floors are refinished to look like new. What a great space to entertain with as your guests are welcomed into the living room going directly to the kitchen which opens to the family room. 2 Bedrooms & 1 Baths up and 1 Bedroom and Full Bath in the lower level just for the older child or teen looking for their own space. The bath upstairs is updated as well. You will also have additional space to expand to in the finished lower level. There is a family room/rec room area, a large bedroom with an additional bath. The yard is also quite wonderful with many perennial flowers throughout, which adds to the entertaining fun for friends and family. So if you’re looking to buy in the St George, Affton or South St Louis County this just may be for you.
9814 Chesterton, Ranch Home in Affton, MO 63123 With Large Addition.
9814 Chesterton, Ranch Home in Affton, MO 63123 With Large Addition.
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Updated Ranch with open floorplan in Affton MO
Ranch Home in Affton, MO 63123 With Large Addition.
Comfort is the buzzword for today’s designs, here in St. Louis, Missouri & across the country. Whether you’re using rich colors, taking texture up a notch or two, making your interior comfortable is high on the list. Using these trends for inspiration to create a space that appeals to your personal taste & style will make your home an oasis for you and your family. Keep in mind if you’re thinking of selling in the next few years you may want to make smaller changes with a big impact keeping future buyers in mind.
Why are these trends becoming popular?
The main reason for these trends is to create a home you love; one that appeals to your emotions and feels like a retreat from the stresses of the world. Although the home is a place where you can relax and spend time with loved ones, work expectations are beginning to blur the line between work and home. Even if people don’t work from home specifically, many are stretching their work hours into their evenings and weekends to complete work projects.
It’s no wonder the Nordic concept of hygge (most often pronounced “hoo-gah”) has become a hot trend. A centuries-old concept, incorporating hygge in the home means creating simple and comfortable spaces that make you feel cozy and safe and appeal to your senses.1 The emphasis is on simplicity and fostering positive experiences.
WARM AND RICH COLORS.
Whether you want to play with a bold color or stick with neutrals, one thing is clear—paint is the foundation of a great design. Painting your interiors has a return on investment of about 75 percent and is a relatively inexpensive project to complete, costing between $25 to $100 for paint alone.2 If you’re thinking of refreshing your home’s interiors with a coat of paint, popular colors include warm taupe, fresh green and dark tones. These colors are popular choices because they evoke feeling of warmth and coziness when you walk into a room.
If you’re wanting to ad more drama to a room, include bold, dark colors as accents. Dark shades add color and sophistication to any space. Plum and dark gray pair well with pale blues, warm whites and light gray.
Try one of these Colors of the Year:
Poised Taupe – Sherwin Williams
Greenery – Pantone
Shadow – Benjamin Moore
RICH MATERIALS.
Lux materials create a space in which you can’t wait to kick off your shoes and relax at the end of the day. The Danes use a mixture of materials and pattern as a way of adding character and interest; however the overall look still needs to adhere to a color palette to prevent it from looking distracting.
Natural materials and textures allow you to maximize the comfort of the bedroom, living room or family room. Wood accents give rooms an earthy feel. Incorporate rustic wood sculptures, trays and furniture into your space. Choose furniture made with sustainably harvested wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or use reclaimed wood for an environmentally friendly alternative.
GOING GREEN.
According to a recent study from the American Psychological Association, people are more stressed than ever, with 24 percent of adults reporting they’re experiencing “extreme stress.”3
Top sources of stress include work and money. By incorporating small changes, like making your house more energy efficient, you can start to lower your bills and get back to relaxing and enjoying life like the Danish do (who consistently top the polls as the happiest people).
Save money on your energy bills by sealing the “envelope” of your home, which includes the windows and doors, walls, floor and roof. The better insulated your home is, the less heat will escape and the lower your energy bill (and stress level) will be.
The most heat loss occurs through the walls of the home: up to 35 percent of heat loss, to be exact.4 Ceramic insulating paint is a space-inspired coating of paint mixed with ceramic compounds and applied to interior or exterior surfaces. It seals your walls and prevents heat from escaping, which means reduced energy bills all year long.
THE FUNCTIONAL HOME OFFICE.
Twenty-four percent of employed people do some or all of their work at home.5 Since more people are working remotely than ever, home offices are becoming more popular. Even if you don’t plan on working from home, a home office gives you a place to pay bills, work on personal projects, plan your family’s schedule and more. Home offices tend to be multifunctional, serving as a guest room when family and friends visit, and have the potential to meet other needs that arise.
The key idea behind hygge is to enjoy the environment around you and for each room to be a sanctuary to sink into at any given moment. Your home office is no exception! Maximize your productivity, efficiency and focus by painting the walls shades of green or blue.6 If space is an issue, create a nook by installing docking and tech cabinets that are big enough to store a printer and other small office equipment and files without taking over the room.
SPLURGING ON KITCHEN RENOVATIONS.
The kitchen is often the busiest, most hectic room in the house and one of the top renovation projects with a high return on investment.7 We do more than cook meals there; it’s where homework is done, bills are paid, weeks are planned and more.
Kitchen remodels consistently show a respectable return on investment. According to the 2017 Cost vs Value Report from Remodeling magazine, a minor kitchen remodel touts an 80.2 percent return on investment.8 You don’t need to overhaul your entire kitchen to make it more hygge. Smaller additions can transform it into a relaxing and functional space you enjoy spending time with friends and family in.
What does a “minor kitchen renovation” entail? In addition to replacing the fronts of your cabinets and drawers, it also includes replacing out-of-date appliances and fixtures. You may also consider replacing countertops. Quartz and quartzite are becoming more common as are other green laminate options, including ones that mimic stone, wood and concrete. Laminates install in less time, often over the existing countertop, make it an ideal choice for busy homeowners as well. Other hot kitchen trends include incorporating sustainable materials like bamboo into your countertops and floors and water filtration systems.
Want to improve the look and feel of your home’s interior? Are you thinking of upgrading to a home that better fits your changing needs? Call us—we’d love to help you achieve all of your home-related dreams.
Sources: 1. Time, Hygge, the Nordic Trend That Could Help You Survive 2016
It’s amazing how great curb appeal not only makes your home the star of the neighborhood, it can also improve its value and help you sell it for more. Whether you’re thinking of listing your home or just want to make your home the envy of your neighbors, here are several ways to increase your home’s curb appeal.
For many potential buyers, the condition of the exterior of a home can offer clues to the condition of the interior. The first place to start when boosting curb appeal is the exterior of your house.
Paint. Paint is the best way to add value for the lowest cost and it also makes your home look newer. While you can paint your home yourself, if it’s large or more than one story, consider hiring a professional. Painting is a fairly inexpensive improvement with between 60 to 100 percent return on investment.1
Maintain your siding. Over time, weather and the elements can make your home’s siding appear dull and dirty. Use a pressure washer to clean stains, spider webs and accumulated dirt and grime, or use a soft cloth and a household cleaner to get into those small nooks and spaces. Although the average life expectancy of siding ranges from 60 to 100 years, depending on the material, extreme weather may reduce this number. If you need to replace the siding, you’ll enjoy a 77 percent return on investment.1
Paint or replace garage doors. If your garage doors are in good condition, give them a new coat of paint. If they’re beginning to show their age, consider replacing them. Not only are new garage doors more energy efficient and better insulated than older models, they also have a 91.5 percent return on investment.1
Maintain your fence. Replace rotted or worn posts and panels and freshen it up with a coat of paint. If you have a hedge that serves as your property’s border, keep it trimmed and in good shape.
The small details tie your home’s exterior together and help it stand out from others in the neighborhood.
Paint front door, trim and shutters. This inexpensive improvement adds brightness to a home, whether you choose a bold color, a neutral tone or classic white.
Install new door fixtures and be sure they match in style and finish and complement the style of your home.
Update your house numbers. Make sure potential buyers and guests can find your home. If the numbers have faded or need an update, replace them. If choosing a metallic finish, make sure it matches the finish of your exterior light fixtures.
Well-landscaped homes may sell for between 5.5% and 12.7% more than other similar homes and studies show it may also add up to 28 percent to your home’s overall value.5
Place a border along your driveway or walkway made of brick, stone, pavers or another hardscape element to add visual interest to a plain driveway.
Maintain your green space. If you have grass, a well-maintained, green lawn makes your home look inviting and picturesque. However, in many parts of the country, water conservation is becoming more important. Xeriscaped landscapes incorporate drought-tolerant vegetation that thrives in warm, dry climates, such as lavender, sage, wisteria and agave, with water-saving drip irrigation and mulch. Xeriscaping has a cost savings of 36 cents per square foot annually through reduced irrigation and maintenance costs.3 Additionally, these landscapes are virtually maintenance free, which makes it an attractive option for busy buyers.
Include trees and shrubs to create texture and add interest to your landscape. Planting a few types of trees and shrubs of varying heights, widths and flowering times boosts your home’s curb appeal year-round.
It’s no secret that emotions play a role in a person’s decision to purchase a home. Stage the outside of your home to evoke warm feelings.
Stage your porch. If you have a front porch, make it feel more inviting by including seating, such as a chair or loveseat, an outdoor rug and a small table. If space is an issue, incorporate small decorative touches, such as a festive wreath or potted plant.
Hang flower boxes on your front porch railings and/or below your windows. If you don’t want to affix flower boxes to your home, purchase nice planters and containers and place them around your porch or on your front steps.
Choose flowers and plants that bloom at different times of the year for year-round appeal. For example, bulbs not only bloom all spring, they also multiply and come up every year. Perennials often flower for most of the year and will prevent you from having to replant them every year.
If you don’t have a green thumb, choose low maintenance plants and flowers. Flowers such as lavender, rosemary, and zinnias are a few low-maintenance and drought-tolerant options.
For those interested in selling, it’s important to know the effect online curb appeal has on a home. The better impression your home gives online, the more likely buyers will want to see it in person. Here’s how to get your home ready for its listing debut.
Stage your home. Staging shows your home in its best light and helps potential buyers picture themselves living there.
Hire a professional to take photos. A photographer has the skills and equipment to shoot your home in the best light and make it look its best.
Include a short video tour of the home. Videos are becoming a popular way to give buyers a glimpse of the home before they step foot in it.
Before you start a home project, keep these four things in mind:
Are you thinking of boosting your home’s curb appeal or renovating your home before you list? Do you want help making your home more appealing to potential buyers online and in-person? Give us a call and we’ll help you present your home in its best light.
Sources: 1. Remodeling, 2016 Cost vs Value Report
Wealth is within reach for many people; however, according to a recent study, 63 percent of Americans said it’s not likely they’ll become rich.1 While younger people are more likely to say they’ll achieve wealth one day, only 34 percent of people aged 30 to 49 and 21 percent of people aged 50 or older say the same. There is no secret to becoming rich: it takes time, sacrifice and good financial sense. Here are a few ways to build your household’s wealth.
Let Compound Interest Work for You
Compound interest is your interest earning interest. While the concept may work against you when you take out a loan to buy a car or use your credit card, it works in your favor when you’re saving money. For example, if your savings is growing at a rate of four percent, your investment will double in eight years and quadruple in 16 years. Your money will grow exponentially the longer you save: the more money you’ve saved, the more your money will grow.
Tap into Your Home Appreciation
Experts expect home prices to appreciate 3.24 percent and grow by 21.4 percent cumulatively.2 If a homeowner purchases a home this year for $250,000, they could earn more than $40,000 in equity over the next five years. Although the home value of the average American family’s home is $165,000, home values vary by market.3 If you’re curious about the value of your home, give us a call at 314-276-0227! You can also send a message to Heern Properties right on this page.
Build Equity in Your Home
One of the most compelling reasons to own a home is it allows you to build wealth over time. According to one study, the average homeowner has a net worth of $200,000, which is 31 to 46 times the net worth of the average renter.4 Saving for a down payment, especially if you plan to put down more than 20 percent, helps you adopt good financial habits. The more you put down when you buy, the higher your share of equity when you close. Although for the first five to seven years, the majority of your payment will go toward interest, over time more money will be applied to the principal. There are many tools online that calculate your current and future equity in your home, including this one here.
Build equity sooner by choosing a shorter amortization term. While your payment may be higher, you’ll likely qualify for a lower interest rate and will pay less interest over the life of the loan.
Build Equity Faster in Your Home
Mortgage Term | 30 Years | 15 Years |
Loan amount | $118,000 | $118,00 |
Months to pay | 360 | 180 |
Annual percentage rate | 4.0% | 3.0% |
Monthly payment | $563 | $815 |
Total interest | $84,806 | $28,680 |
Interest savings | – | $56,126 |
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Building Wealth: A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Your Financial Future
Pay Down Your Mortgage…or Not
Many homeowners ask themselves do we pay down our mortgage or not. Looking at it one way, if you pay it down, or pay it off early, you’ll save money on interest, which you can use to make other investments. Then looking at it another way, if your goal is to be debt free, it’s better to pay off your higher-interest debt, such as credit card debt, first before paying down your mortgage debt. Additionally, if you’re saving for retirement, putting extra cash toward your retirement accounts will help you build a nice nest egg to enjoy later on.
If you decide to pay off your mortgage sooner, here are a few ways to do so:
Your financial advisor can help you decide if paying off or paying down your mortgage is right for your goals.
Purchase Investment Property
Investment properties provide passive income to your growing financial portfolio. More than 25 percent of Americans say real estate is the best way to invest money you may not need for the next 10 years.5 While many people flip houses to make money—that is, they buy a home at a low price, fix it up and sell it quickly—others purchase multifamily properties to create monthly cash flow to save or to reinvest in other properties.
The longer you own a property, the better investment it becomes as you’ll continue to build equity. While rental costs rise with inflation, your mortgage will remain the same. The best part? Once you pay off the mortgage, your cash flow will increase. Remember to create a budget for maintenance each month, between 10 to 20 percent of the rent you receive, or more if the home is older. This will help you save more money in the long run and allow you to prepare for unexpected repairs.
There are tax benefits to owning investment property as well. You may be able to claim deductions for depreciation, as long as it fits within the guidelines; repairs, travel expenses, interest and more. If you’re thinking of purchasing investment property, talk to your tax professional to get the details.
Achieve More Wealth by Creating Financial Goals
Setting a goal will help you achieve your desired level of wealth. Once you achieve one goal, reassess and set the bar higher.
Your Budget
Income | |
Earned | $ |
Investments | + $ |
Total Income | = $ |
Daily Expenses | – $ |
Monthly Bills | – $ |
Total Available for Investment | = |
To increase the amount you can invest, make adjustments to your daily spending and monthly bills, if possible. Look for opportunities to save money and transfer that savings into your accounts.
It’s never too late to begin building your family’s wealth. Whether you’re interested in buying a first home, upgrading to a larger home or are thinking of renovating, we have you covered. Give us a call and we’ll answer all of your real estate questions and offer suggestions to help you increase the value of your home.
Sources: 1. BankRate.com
A common thought in real estate is never list your home in the winter off-season. Perpetuated by industry experts, agents and repeat sellers alike, this saying encourages many would-be sellers to wait until the spring peak to list their homes. However, studies show that homes listed in the winter off-season not only sell faster than those in the spring, but sellers also net more above their asking price at this time.1 Don’t wait until spring to sell. If you’ve been thinking of selling your home, here are five compelling reasons to list now.
Since most sellers are waiting until spring to list, local inventory falls during the offseason. However, there are still motivated buyers who are ready to move now and don’t want to wait that long to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, 55 percent of all buyers purchased their home at the time they did because “it was just the right time.”2 These eager buyers may flock to your home. You may not need to try as hard to make your home stand out in the sea of other similar homes. With less competition, more buyers, some of whom may have otherwise overlooked your home if you listed during the peak, will express an interest to buy. While you’ll likely have fewer showings in the offseason, buyers who do visit will be more serious about writing an offer. Your home will likely sell faster than it would have during the peak season.
Homes sold during the offseason sell at a higher price, on average, than those sold during the spring and summer peak. There are many reasons for this. First, motivated buyers are willing to pay closer to the asking price for a home. Second, homes are more likely to be priced right and reflect the economics of not only the local market, but the neighborhood as well. Often, homes listed during the peak may be priced to compete with other homes in the area and neighborhood. Sellers may be pressured to sell for less than the list price in order to encourage buyers to choose their home out of the others on the market.
While our team always strives to give you the personal attention you deserve, when you list during the offseason, we’re able to work more closely with you to ensure your home is prepared for its debut on the market. We can also take more time to answer your questions, address your concerns and prepare you and your home for the sale.
Additionally, if you’d like to hire a tradesperson to handle routine maintenance or undertake a minor home renovation before you list, you may be able to take advantage of flexible scheduling and cheaper rates. Many of these professionals experience a winter offseason as well, and will be able to focus their time and attention on you and your project.
Curb appeal is intended to attract the buyers who are just driving by as well as those who saw your home online and wanted to see it in-person. It sets the stage for what interested buyers can expect when they step foot in the home during a showing or open house. If you list your home during the peak of the selling season, you may exhaust your time your energy maintaining curb appeal. You’ll likely spend most of your free time mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming shrubs and hedges, planting flowers in pots and in flowerbeds, pulling spent blooms and watering it all to ensure it looks lush and healthy on a daily basis. After all, a lush landscape will attract potential buyers and set your home apart from other similar homes in the area.
The offseason eliminates the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect front landscape. Since most grass, shrubs and plants go dormant at this time of year, you’ll have less to maintain. If you live in an area that experiences a traditional winter, your landscape will be covered with snow. Even if you live in a milder climate, you may not have to mow as often, if at all. It’s still important to ensure your exterior appears well-tended, so make sure your walkway and front porch remains free of snow, ice and debris.
Many buyers receive employee raises and bonuses at the end of the year. If they’ve been saving to buy a home, this extra money may allow them to reach their goal for a down payment and put them on the path to becoming a homeowner. Additionally, companies often hire new employees and relocate current ones during the first quarter of the year, creating a strong demand for housing. If you live in an area that’s home to a large company or has a strong corporate presence, this may be the perfect time to list.
Get your home ready to list by following these tips.
Buyers, especially first-time buyers, want a home they can move into right away; they don’t want to repair the roof or the furnace or replace windows with blown thermal seals before they move in. Do the scheduled maintenance and make repairs before you list your home for sale.
In some cases, it may help to have an inspector do a pre-inspection of your home. A pre-inspection will make you aware of any major, potentially deal-killing, issues that will have to be addressed before you list. It also gives you an idea of minor issues that a potential seller may want repaired. Overall, it helps you to accurately price your home and may protect you from claims a buyer might make later.3
Balance out the lack of natural light outdoors by turning the lights on inside. Since people naturally tend to buy emotionally, turning on the lights helps create a sense of warmth and coziness. Light a fire in the fireplace, if you have one, fill your home with the scents of the season, such as vanilla or fresh baked cookies, and put a throw blanket on your sofa.
If you plan to paint the interior of your home before you list, consider an off-white shade to create consistency throughout your home and make the space feel larger and brighter. If you have photos of your garden or the home’s exterior in the spring or summer, display them so interested buyers can get a glimpse of what the home looks like in other seasons..
Cleaning puts your home in its best light. Clean and polish all the horizontal surfaces of your home, including countertops, window sills and baseboards; have the curtains dry cleaned or otherwise laundered; wash windows, glass doors and their tracks; vacuum carpeting and polish all wood surfaces, including the floor.
Additionally, this is a great time to pack any personal items and family photos as well as sort through your belongings and donate items you no longer use. This not only eliminates any clutter, but it also gives you less to pack and move when you sell.
Sources: 1. Time, October 30, 2015
Beautifully rehabbed Century home. You won’t want to miss this home with top to bottom rehab blocks from Lindenwood Park. It was also the childhood home of a local baseball Cardinal celebrity. Also located in the Epiphany of our Lord Parish.
*WOW* – Walk in to this home & you’ll see a massive open floor-plan and everywhere you look you’ll see the details… nothing missed!! Textured bamboo flooring, kitchen with custom cabinets, canned lights, granite counters, stainless appliances including refrigerator, apron front “farmhouse” sink & elegant stainless commercial stove vent for the chef in the family. Another plus++ is the main floor laundry! The floor-plan flows great for large family gathering or entertaining. Includes 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths All baths are completely new. In fact the floor-plan was reconfigured by an architectural engineer. It is essentially a new home. New roof, new HVAC, new electric, new lighting, new flooring throughout, new water main, new doors, new cedar railing inside and out, the list goes on. You need to see it to believe it, what a great buy in this neighborhood for $229,900.
Come see us this Saturday 5/6/17 from 1 to 3 PM.
You don’t want to miss this charming brick ranch home in the desirable New England Towne subdivision in south St Louis county. Check it out an awesome location in a Cul-De-Sac for privacy, security and a great place for kids. Walk in and you will see beautiful newer hardwood floor in the living room and dining room. Both bathrooms have been updated with newer ceramic floors and vanities. There are newer windows throughout many of them are Pella windows. Newer flooring and stainless steel appliances (a Jennaire Dishwasher, a Dual Fuel Range gas cooktop & convection oven), Amana Refrigerator is also included in the kitchen. The kitchen opens to the family room/hearth room with a wood burning fireplace. The Pella sliding doors open to the great fenced in back yard. Lots of love has gone into this great home.
You don’t want to miss this one. For Sale…. Only $69,900
WOW!! Updates Galore, Kitchen, Bath, Doors, Flooring, Lighting, including Stainless appliances, including a stainless refrigerator that stays!! Ready to move into and call your own. Wonderful open floorplan great for large families or entertaining. French doors open to deck a large yard. Imagine grilling in the warm weather and kids playing in the fenced yard. Did I mention a lots of space and 3 bedrooms for only $69,900? Call Kathi at 314-276-0226 today!
The Space and updates in this home can’t be beat in this area! Open concept in this updated home in St George in the Affton area. The updated kitchen opens to the Large Family Room with cozy Fireplace, with wonderful built-in bookshelves and opens to a deck in the back. Hardwood floors are refinished to look like new. What a great space to entertain with as your guests are welcomed into the living room going directly to the kitchen which opens to the family room. The bath upstairs is updated as well. You will also have additional space to expand to in the finished lower level. There is a family room/rec room area, a large bedroom with an additional bath. The yard is also quite wonderful with many perennial flowers throughout, which adds to the entertaining fun for friends and family. Only $147,900 for all of this. Come see it today. Call Kathi at 314-276-0227
Wow…
The Space and updates in this home can’t be beat in this area! Open concept in this updated home in Georgetown in the Affton area. The updated kitchen opens to the Large Family Room with cozy Fireplace, with wonderful built-in bookshelves and opens to a deck in the back. Hardwood floors are refinished to look like new. What a great space to entertain with as your guests are welcomed into the living room going directly to the kitchen which opens to the family room. The bath upstairs is updated as well. You will also have additional space to expand to in the finished lower level. There is a family room/rec room area, a large bedroom with an additional bath. The yard is also quite wonderful with many perennial flowers throughout, which adds to the entertaining fun for friends and family.