St. Louis Real Estate Market - Saint Louis, MO.

Are You Ready to Buy Your First Home?

2012-01-20T16:22:00.001-08:00

Buying a home is almost a rite of passage in an American’s life, but it can be a daunting task — especially in the current market. Many 30-year-olds are beginning to look for places to settle down, and although real estate may not be the strongest investment, it is an investment that nearly 5.7 million Americans made in May 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors.

[Click Here to Read More]

Why You Can’t Get Approved: Commercial Real Estate Loans

2012-01-20T09:12:00.001-08:00

The worst may be over, but the financial crisis still lingers for many banks and their customers in the form of bad commercial real estate loans.

The distressed loans harm banks because they weigh down their balance sheets, and in some cases, threaten to cause the banks into failure. Consumers are affected because unstable banks are less likely to issue loans to customers who might otherwise be deemed creditworthy.

[READ MORE CLICK HERE]

Save Money on Your Broadband Bill

2012-01-19T16:00:00.001-08:00

Many people dread their monthly bills, including the one for their broadband internet. It’s no wonder that so many people are looking for ways to cut their monthly expenses in any way possible.

Electrical appliances get unplugged when not in use, the air and heat are turned down, and water is not wasted. But the broadband is not touched. It is so highly sought after that it is typically the last thing someone wants to cut. This practice raises your broadband bill and has you pulling out your hair in frustration. Abiding by these following tips can easily change that mindset, put your mind at ease and have you saving money in no time.

[Read More Here]

Mortgage Rates Hit All-Time Lows

2012-01-19T09:00:00.001-08:00

Mortgage rates continued to plummet this past week, reaching all-time lows, according to several mortgage-tracking services.

Average rates on all kinds of mortgages have steadily fallen in the past few months. The mortgage meltdown that helped spur the recession jolted the home loan industry and set mortgage rates on a downward spiral. Poor treasury rates and the Federal Reserve’s lack of confidence in the economic recovery have depressed rates in the past few months. The end of August saw a small uptick in mortgage rates across the board, but September and October have brought more stagnation. The threat of deflation has pushed mortgage rates down recently, according to Frank Nothaft, chief economist at mortgage-backing firm Freddie Mac.

[Click here to Read the Whole Article]

Coldwell Banker Premier Group hosts a speaker seminar on February 2, 2012 (10am-12pm) - Real Estate agents are invited to attend.

2012-01-19T07:31:00.001-08:00

Coldwell Banker Premier Group hosts a speaker seminar on February 2, 2012 (10am-12pm) - Real Estate agents are invited to attend.

One more in a series that shows Coldwell Banker Premier Group owner Norm Polsky believes in training and coaching; and, what better way to do this than by providing agents with the opportunity to meet with, listen to, and learn from the best in the business.

Speaker Jason Matt is listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top agents in the country. Jason will share with us how he sold 600 homes in 2011 in Plymouth , Michigan. At this session he will share his: scripts/dialogues, listing presentation and how he overcomes objections.

Seating is limited, so please contact me ASAP to reserve your place at the seminar and to get directions to the seminar location.

Gary Wasylenko
REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®
Coldwell Banker Premier Group
call: 314-336-1988
text: 314-578-4466
eMail: Gary@YourHomeStL.com

Open House ~ Sunday 1-22-2012 from 1-3pm [5 bed, 7 bath, $1.57 million]

2012-01-18T21:02:00.001-08:00

1423 Topping Rd · Town and Countery, MO 63131

Come visit me this weekend and see this $1.57 million dollar home.
--- 5 bed, 7 bath on .97 acres

Fabulous Town and Country lifestyle, location and elegant comfort that offers every amenity!

This home has it all:
- main floor Master suite with double walk-in closets
- study/office with custom wood finishing and built-ins
- Soaring wall of windows
- huge wet bar
- hearth room with custom floor to ceiling stone fireplace
- gourmet kitchen w/ Viking stove and appliances, 6-burner gas stove/grill, 2-tiered breakfast island and large kitchen/butler's pantry
- finished lower level: bar, theatre room, sound system, 5th bedroom/full bath, 2nd office and rec. room
- Walkouts to two-level patios and 4- car garage

... and much, much more...

[DETAILS AND PHOTOS: CLICK HERE]

See the full gallery on Posterous

Huntsman’s Plan to Break Up the Big Banks

2012-01-18T14:42:00.001-08:00

With the New Hampshire primaries almost upon him, the Republican contender who has staked his candidacy’s future on the outcome of the contest, Jon Huntsman, penned an op-ed for Fox News outlining his position on Too Big to Fail institutions. Like most of Huntsman’s policy proposals, this is actually novel and smart, but no one is paying attention because he almost certainly will not become the Republican candidate for the presidency.

[Read More Here]

5 Things to Know for the Week

2012-01-18T13:23:00.001-08:00

This week ushers in the new year. While many people are wondering how the world will come to an end, many of us will be engrossed with a more pressing matter – filing taxes.

[CLICK TO READ MORE]

What You Should Do With All Your Zero Balance Credit Cards

2012-01-18T08:30:00.001-08:00

Managing credit cards is a huge part of your financial wellness, so optimizing the amount of credit cards and your access to credit is very important in establishing a good credit history in case you need a loan.

What should you do with all your credit cards that sit dormant and have a zero balance? If you have ever wondered this, then you should be really careful before you cancel a card. While it is usually better to just leave the account open at zero balance, if the bank starts charging fees or if those cards at zero balance extend your available credit to too high a number, you may want to consider closing the account. However, be extremely prudent when you close a credit card because it can have adverse effects on your credit score.

[Click here to read more]

Have you ever wondered where your tax dollars are being spent?

2012-01-17T06:45:00.001-08:00

Follow the link here to see just a part of it....
(the page is looooong... scroll down the page randomly and see where your money goes.)

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

R E P O R T OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt78/html/CRPT-112hrpt78.htm

To Real Estate Agents In St. Louis A Special Invitation

2012-01-16T14:11:00.001-08:00

A Special Invitation from Coldwell Banker Premier Group to You to Interact with Jason Matt.

Jason was listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top agents in the country.

Jason Matt from Plymouth, Michigan will share with us how he sold 600 homes in 2011.

At this session he will share his:
-scripts/dialogues
-listing presentation
-how he overcomes objections

[For more info click here]

Made in America: Trend against outsourcing brings jobs back from China

2012-01-16T13:40:00.001-08:00

The United States may be on the verge of bringing back manufacturing jobs from China.

Harold Sirkin, along with Michael Zinser and Douglas Hohner (all experts from the Boston Consulting Group – a leading management consulting firm), says that outsourcing manufacturing to China is not as cheap as it used to be and that the United States is poised to bring back jobs from China. The three consultants first reached this conclusion in a recently published study titled “Made in America, Again: Why Manufacturing Will Return to the U.S.”

[CLICK TO READ MORE]

Things You’ll Be Paying More For In 2012

2012-01-16T13:14:00.001-08:00

A new year often brings about change, and unfortunately some changes are not as welcome as others. In the upcoming months you may notice that you are shelling out a little more cash on everyday purchases. Not only are price increases being predicted by some indices, some are even mandatory.

[Click to Read More]

House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year by Jeff Lewis

2010-11-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Jeff Lewis from the Bravo TV series “Flipping Out” was chosen to design House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year 2010, and if you’ve been watching his show, then you followed along as he worked on it from start to finish.

[...]

The kitchen has open shelving, a CaesarStone island, and a table made from wood that, Jeff says, was “salvaged from the old Vanderbilt polo barn.”

[...]

[READ MORE HERE...]

5 Common First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

2010-11-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems,

Haunted Historic Houses

2010-10-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

maybe you can watch Poltergeist without flinching and you are able to read every book by Stephen King without a chill... [READ MORE HERE...]

REALTOR HOME BUYING BENEFITS

2010-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Throughout your home purchase process, your St. Louis REALTOR® can be of assistance in one of the largest transactions you will make in your lifetime... [READ MORE HERE...]

Gary Wasylenko works with buyers and sellers throughout the St. Louis Real Estate Market.

2010-10-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Homes for Sale in St. Louis, Clayton, University City, Town and Country, Huntleigh and Ladue. [READ MORE HERE...]

Home Selling - The Benefits of Using a REALTOR®

2010-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

When you're thinking about selling a home you can be sure a Residential REALTOR® of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® is there to guide you through the process... [READ MORE HERE...]

Foreclosure Moratorium Could Hurt

2010-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

I know there is a lot being written and said about the ongoing review by 50 state attorney generals regarding the foreclosure procedures... [READ MORE HERE...]

Low Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home

2010-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Every year my wife and I pick a project that we can undertake to improve our home... [READ MORE HERE...]

It’s All About Trust

2010-10-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Written by Jim Gillespie -

[....]
Trust is so important. It always is. But I would venture to say that today it means even more to all of us when it comes to major financial decisions like homeownership.
[....]

[READ MORE HERE...]

How Stars Like Tom Hanks, Cameron Diaz Buy Unlisted, Multimillion-Dollar Properties

2010-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

In real estate circles, "the list" is a record of top-end Los Angeles westside home sales, some of which were never made public. Coldwell Banker's Joyce Flaherty, who's been tracking the numbers for nine years...

[READ MORE HERE...]

Best Sports Cities in America

2010-10-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

If the forces of nature allowed me to choose a town based on solely on its sports rankings...[READ MORE HERE...]

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Issues Home Listing Report of Most Expensive and Affordable U.S. Housing Markets

2010-10-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (Sept. 22, 2010) – Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today released its Home Listing Report, a snapshot survey of U.S. four-bedroom, two-bathroom home listings, which found a $1.7 million difference between America’s most expensive and most affordable housing markets....
[READ MORE HERE...]

Most Expensive U.S. Housing Markets 2010: Coldwell Banker Report

2010-10-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Plans to relocate to California? The state dominates as the most expensive housing markets in America...

[READ MORE HERE...]

US housing starts at 5 month high

2010-10-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON - US HOUSING starts hit a five-month high in September, a tentative sign of healing in the housing market....

[READ MORE HERE]

Vote "yes" on Amendment 3, STOP DOUBLE TAXATION, PROTECT OUR HOMES!

2010-10-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Homeowners: Protect Your Property

We are mobilizing Missouri residents across the state to vote “Yes” on Amendment 3 to constitutionally protect real estate property from a real estate transfer tax...

[READ MORE HERE...]

Connected Devices: Does the iPad Change Everything?

2010-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

The growing popularity of connected devices – especially Apple’s iconic tablet computer, the iPad – are starting to change the how people consume media. And with sales of these devices expected to be a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster holiday shopping season...

[READ MORE HERE...]

Home-Buyer Tax Credit Update: Senate Moves to Extend Closing Deadline

2010-06-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2010

Update: On Friday, the Senate failed to get enough votes to end debate and pass the larger bill, called the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010. What does this mean for the prospect of the tax-credit deadline extension? The Senate will need to twist a few arms to pass the entire package and send it to the House. There’s no guarantee, of course, that the House will include the tax credit amendment.

[READ THE UPDATE...]

Previous Blog...
Senate OKs Tax Credit Extension for Homebuyers
The Senate Approved a Plan to Extend the Period when Homebuyers Can Qualify for Tax Incentives until Sept. 30th

(AP) The Senate on Wednesday approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives that boosted home sales this spring.

The move by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would give buyers until Sept. 30 to complete their purchases and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000. Under the current terms, buyers had until April 30 to get a signed sales contract and until June 30 to complete the sale.

[READ MORE...]

YES means NO to taxes.... [Real Estate Transfer Tax]

2010-06-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Stop DoubleTaxation.... Protect Our Homes

Join with thousands of other Missouri residents and sign our pledge today to help mobilize friends and colleagues in support of a ballot initiative in 2010 to protect your property from a real estate transfer tax.

These states have it: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Arkansas... Missouri is surrounded. Let's stop it from coming to Missouri.

A real estate transfer tax :
• is a form of double taxation;
• lowers homeowner equity;
• negatively impacts the process of buying and selling a home; and
• unfairly targets property owners and lower income residents alike.

Read More...

Coldwell Banker sees growing trend in multi-generational homes

2010-06-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

According to a June 8 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC survey of its professionals across Canada and the U.S., realtors in both markets reported that in the past year more home buyers are looking for properties that can accommodate more than one generation.

“The main reason is financial,” said Coldwell Banker Canada president John Geha, who Business in Vancouver caught up with late June 8.

“The second reason would be that...

[READ MORE... click here...]

Awesome Mini-Movie

2010-05-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Give it a moment to load...

America's Most Expensive Homes 2010

2010-05-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Amenity-laden properties at the top of the market continue to command just as lofty prices.

Candy Spelling, widow of television giant Aaron, has listed the Manor, Los Angeles' largest, and arguably most opulent, house up for sale at $150 million, out-pricing every other listed home in the country. Just down the street the owner of a sprawling classical style marble mansion is asking for $125 million, making it the second most-expensive home in America. Yet another home...

Click for the full article...

Why Pessimism Right Now Is Good for Profits (and the housing market)

2010-05-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Originally Published: Thursday, 13 May 2010
By: Tom Brennan

“You know we’re in trouble when people get too enthusiastic – that is the sign of a top, not a bottom,” Cramer said. “But when they’re pessimistic, when they’re skeptical, that’s how you know the market still has fuel to run.”

But what about this market right now? Cramer laid out six ways that pessimism and skepticism are helping out.

(click below for 1-5; here's #6)
6. Lastly, there’s housing. The bears are stressing this sector, but as USA Today reported, home foreclosures posted their first annual decline in five years. A peak in foreclosures puts banks in position to finally unload some of the reserves they’d set aside to protect against mortgage losses, which will translate into higher normalized earnings.

And once Washington’s done with its attempts at reform, Cramer said, the banks will be “ready for a monster move.”

See the whole story...

CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. talked with CNBC’s Power Lunch about the current housing market.

2010-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Jim Gillespie, talked with CNBC’s Power Lunch about the current housing market.

Take a look at the video.

7 Things to Stop Doing Now on FaceBook

2010-05-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Are you on FaceBook? Do you children, nieces, nephews or friends children who are mentioned on FaceBook?

Take a look at this article from Consumer Reports Magazine for 7 things to STOP doing on FaceBook.

Click to read more...

Children's Liquid Cold, Allergy Medicine Recalled

2010-05-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON — More than 40 over-the-counter infant's and children's liquid medications are being recalled in the United States and 11 other countries because they don't meet quality standards.

Click for more details...

Bed is a bundle of paradoxes...

2010-05-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

The bed is a bundle of paradoxes: we go to it with reluctance, yet we quit it with regret; we make up our minds every night to leave it early, but we make up our bodies every morning to keep it late.

~Ogden Nash
(American Writer of humorous poetry who won a large following for his audacious verse. 1902-1971)

Courtesy of: ThinkExist.com (Click to visit the "quote site")

6 Truths of Life (SMILE)

2009-12-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

6 Truths of Life

1. You cannot touch all your top teeth with your tongue.

2. All idiots, after reading the first truth, will try it.

3. And discover that The first truth is a lie and feel superior because they can do it.

4. You're smiling now because you're an idiot..

5. You soon will forward this to another idiot.

6. There's still a stupid smile on your face..

I apologize about this.
I'm an idiot too and I needed company.....

Love is not about who you live with....
It is about who you cannot live without.

What's my home really worth?

2009-12-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Find out the Estimated value of your home... click HERE to visit my site, then click the banner at the top: "What's My Home Really Worth".

Need to buy or sell a home?
Contact me, Gary Wasylenko TODAY!
Visit: http://yourhomestl.com/?Blog_HomeValue
or call: 314-336-1988 NOW...

FAQ...

Q: How is an “Estimated Home Value” calculated?
A: We are the nation’s leader in Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) and supply many of the top 100 lenders with estimated home valuations. AVMs are calculated using statistical models augmented with tax record data and information on regional market conditions (sales activity and pricing trends). Estimated valuations are based on data available at that time. They do not constitute an appraisal of the subject property and should not be relied upon in lieu of underwriting or an appraisal.

Q: Where does your data come from?
A: We are the nation’s largest source provider of property and mortgage data. We continuously collect and manage raw real estate data and imagery from more than 10,000 government and proprietary sources. Our data comes directly from the source, the county assessor’s office, and is then supplemented with recorded transactions and more. The fusion of this data provides us with property characteristics, recent sales activity and analytics.

Q: How often is your database updated?
A: Our database is updated daily to reflect the most current property and mortgage transaction data available nationwide.

Q: Why is there no estimated value for my property?
A: There are several reasons a particular property may not display an Estimated Valuation. The most common reason is missing or conflicting data on the subject property or nearby sales. Other reasons include insufficient sales transaction history in local areas and low confidence results from the valuation engine. Highly non-conforming neighborhoods may have less valuation coverage. In all instances, we recommend you contact a Realtor ™ specializing in your neighborhood to determine a precise valuation for your home.

Q: I live in a non-disclosure state where home sale prices are not available to the public. How do you come up with a sale price in the “recent sales activity” section?
A: In non-disclosure states we use an estimated sales price in place of the actual sales price. Estimated sale prices are based on various formulas that relate to data elements available at the time. They do not constitute an appraisal of the subject property and should not be relied upon in lieu of underwriting or an appraisal.

Never save something for a special occasion.

2009-11-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:

'This, he said, isn't any ordinary package.'

He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.

'She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion.'

'Well, I guess this is it.'

He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died.

He turned to me and said:

'Never save something for a special occasion.'

'Every day in your life is a special occasion.'

I still think those words changed my life.

Now I read more and clean less.

I sit on the porch without worrying about anything.

I spend more time with my family, and less at work.

I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.

I no longer keep anything.

I use crystal glasses every day...

I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.

I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to.

The words 'Someday....' and ' One Day...' are fading away from my dictionary.

If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now...

I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell.

I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.

She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.

I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favourite food.

It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come..

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.

Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one.

If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because, probably, there's someone you care about.

If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it' One of these days' , remember that 'One day' is far away... or might never come...

Don't keep this message.

Want the $8000 Tax Credit?

2009-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

One of the most unusual -- and generous -- programs ever rolled out by the Federal Government is the recent $8000 tax credit for home buyers.

Who is eligible?

* first-time homebuyers
* anyone who has not owned a principal residence in the last three years

READ MORE...

Owning a home during the holidays

2009-11-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

It’s great owning a home during the holidays!

First, it’s great having Thanksgiving at your house, especially when you enjoy a potluck dinner with your friends. With everyone to bringing something, it reduces the amount of cooking you have to do…

[read more...]

House votes to expand homebuyer tax credit

2009-11-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

House votes to expand homebuyer tax credit... Senate extends home-buyer tax credit and jobless aid.

First-time homebuyers — or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years — would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010.The measure is expected to be approved by the House and signed by Obama within days. It is aimed at giving the real estate market an added boost and would expand the credit to existing homeowners.

The legislation was approved unanimously on Wednesday by the Senate, which added two unrelated provisions to extend and liberalize tax breaks that were in this year’s $787 billion economic stimulus package. One provision will continue for five months a popular $8,000 credit for many first-time home buyers, which was to expire Nov. 30, and create a $6,500 credit for some homeowners who want to buy a new residence.

READ MORE...

Senators differ on extending homebuyer tax credit

2009-10-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Democrats in the Senate are pressing a plan that would extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers but gradually phase it out over the course of next year.

Read More...

Proposed items...
Extend through April 2010 (close by end of June)
Repeat buyers who owned their home for 5+ years with a dollar limit of $6500

America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

2009-09-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
[introduced 7/14/2009]

Some key points to read and note:
· Exempts businesses with payrolls below $250,000 from such requirement.
· Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on: (1) an individual without coverage under a health benefits plan; and (2) an employer that fails to satisfy health coverage participation requirements for an employee.

READ MORE: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

Need to buy or sell a home?
Contact me, Gary Wasylenko TODAY!
Visit: http://YourHomeStL.com
or call: 314-336-1988 NOW...

Kitchen Redo: Turning a Room from Dated to Dazzling

2009-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

By Karen Alley
(of ListingBook fame... CLICK HERE to "Search the MLS like a Real Estate Agent")

Updating a kitchen can make your house more enjoyable for your family, but it can also rank high on the list of projects that will get you the most money at resale time.

A minor kitchen remodel ranks third among 16 projects that bring the most resale value to a home, according to the 2006 Cost Versus Value Report by Remodeling Online, the Internet edition of contractor trade magazine Remodeling. The study reports that homeowners recoup 85.2 percent of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel.

The same source shows a major kitchen remodel comes in at seventh place among the projects; it gives at least 80.4 percent of the value back.

Whether you’re a home’s new owner looking to customize the kitchen to your family, or an existing owner who has recognized the need to update, planning can be the most important part of a kitchen renovation.

First, decide on the best timing for your remodel. One family ListingLife talked to found that spring was best because they could cook out on the grill while their kitchen was under reconstruction. Another strategy is to break the job into several phases.
Next, choose a contractor. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry, outlines a code of ethics and best practices for its 7,000 members in the United States. NARI also offers homeowners a wealth of advice. For a free copy of the brochure “How to Select a Remodeling Professional,” call NARI’s consumer hotline at 800-611-6274.
Finally, start making the choices that will turn your wish list into a plan. Some will be functional—such as the room’s layout and the placement of utility outlets. Others will be aesthetic. Think about how to make the new kitchen look harmonious with the rest of your house.

Luxury materials and custom cabinetry and tilework can be beautiful, but they also add significantly to cost, NARI warns. You’ll be happiest with your kitchen if it sticks to the budget you and your contractor plan at the beginning.

Search the MLS like a Real Estate Agent.

2009-09-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Listingbook is a powerful tool that allows you to search all properties listed in the Multiple Listing Service.

Get a client account that provides full access to all Listingbook features. This lets you search the MLS just like real estate agents! You can get all photos, virtual tours, schools, area sales and loan calculator.

Finding your dream home has never been easier!

Click here for a DEMO.
(lets YOU make and change searches)
[name: demo password: demo]

Click here to REQUEST AN ACCOUNT.
(fill out the sign up box... top right of page)

Orig. Web Portal Demo
(I set up the searches, but an EASY interface)

House Buying Tips: Finding a House in a New City

2009-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some house buying tips to help you approach finding a house in a new city with confidence. Finding a house in a new city is a common occurrence in today’s mobile society. Everyone seems to be moving across the country for a new job or opportunity. But it can be intimidating to figure out which neighborhood is best for you.

Read more here...

Need to buy or sell a home?
Contact me, Gary Wasylenko TODAY!
Visit: http://YourHomeStL.com
or call: 314-336-1988 NOW...

How to Carpe Diem in This Buyer's Market

2009-09-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not buying a home hasn’t been sweeter. Despite the dismal unemployment rate and unpromising stock market, for some this is the perfect time to buy a home, explains Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker consumer real-estate spokesperson.

"This is a buyer’s market," Patton says. "For one, the number of homes on the market is at an all-time high. State and federal governments are offering a number of tax breaks that make many nervous buyers feel right at home. Interest rates have hit lows that we haven’t seen since 1964. And home prices are at levels that were seen in 2003."

Read the entire article.

Need to buy or sell a home?
  Contact me, Gary Wasylenko TODAY!
    Visit: http://YourHomeStL.com
    or call: 314-336-1988 NOW...

DEADLINE: $8000 Tax Credit - Only 81 Days Left

2009-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

The federal tax credit is set to expire December 1, 2009.
Keep in mind...
  Dec. 1st is a Monday (what a busy day that will be)
  Thanksgiving is the week prior (not much will get done that week - lol)
  So... if you don't have a contract scheduled to close by Nov. 20th... it will be tight!!!

Read more from Realtor.com
Read more about it at IRS.gov

How the Federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Works:
   • First-time homebuyers receive a tax credit worth 10% of their home purchase, up to $8,000. The credit is claimed on the homebuyer’s federal tax return. The credit is refundable, which means that the homebuyer receives a refund for the amount of the credit minus any federal tax liability.

How the MHDC Tax Credit Advance Loan Program Works:
   • MHDC makes a second mortgage to the homebuyer at the time of closing worth up to 6% of the home purchase price or a maximum of $6,750, which is used to cover downpayment and closing costs. The tax credit advance loan is... Read More...

Visit Mo. Housing Dev. Commission [www.MHDC.com]

Need a loan? Need a Lender? Need a Pre-Approval to start home shopping?
Heartland Premier Mortgage Co is a full service lender. They offer Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA and first time homebuyer financing through MHDC.

* Competitive Rates and Closing Costs
* Quick Approval Process
* Personal Attention and Commitment to Quality Service
* Common Sense Underwriting
* Construction and Construction Perm Financing

For more information on mortgage loans contact a Heartland Premier Mortgage Co Representative today.
Call Andrew Biro at 314-221-0292
or visit: www.HeartlandPremier.com
Click here for Heartland Premier's Pre-Qualification Application

Need to buy or sell a home?
  Contact me, Gary Wasylenko TODAY!
    Visit: http://YourHomeStL.com
    or call: 314-336-1988 NOW...

Avoid these common tax errors to make sure you don’t make costly financial mistakes.

2009-09-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

You want to take advantage of every opportunity to keep your taxes down. But it’s easy to forget the tax impact of many financial decisions. Here are a few of the most common tax mistakes people make and tips on how to avoid them. Because tax rules vary based on income and other factors, you should consult an accountant or financial advisor for advice on your particular situation.

Click here to read the article and all 8 tips.

Need to buy or sell a home?
  Contact me, Gary Wasylenko TODAY!
    Visit: http://YourHomeStL.com
    or call: 314-336-1988 NOW...

Strong Gain in Existing-Home Sales Maintains Uptrend

2009-09-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

Washington, August 21, 2009

According to the National Association of Realtors®, for the first time in five years, existing-home sales have increased for four months in a row, and the monthly increase is the largest in years.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said he is encouraged. “The housing market has decisively turned for the better. A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales,” he said.

Read the entire release here.

New Regulatory Changes Effective July 30, 2009

2009-09-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

RESPA Waiting Period of Seven Days Required Before Loan Closes

Click for PDF file and read more...

New Guidelines from Fannie Mae on the Mortgage Process

2009-09-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Fannie Mae conducted a comprehensive review of current underwriting and eligibility policies with a specific focus on current market conditions, such as increased unemployment, stock market fluctuations, and heightened concern about fraud in the mortgage lending process. As a result, Fannie Mae is updating several policies.
[Click here to view the full document.]

Introducing MyGreenToolkit.com

2009-04-20T16:05:00.001-07:00

The place to learn how to start greening your home and qualify for tax incentives,

How about a program that significantly lowers your utilities, adds home value, improves indoor air quality and reducesyour carbon footprint on the planet?

How about getting help to pay for it?

For instance, in 2009 state and federal government are helping with tax credits and deductions for homeowners to get more energy efficient. See what’s available.

Do you know why getting a home energy assessment from an accredited energy auditor is so important, before you start work on greening your house? Learn more.

What are the 4 steps to getting a home more energy efficient AND qualify for the maximum amount of incentives from governments & utilities? Find out here.

Go to My Green Toolkit.com and start your house-greening efforts now, while all the “green stars are aligned.” And when you see the resulting savings and incentives, thank your local REALTOR who sent this to you. They want you to know that building value in your home is easy when you go green.

ARM Borrowers Weigh Refinancing Options

2009-04-16T16:51:00.001-07:00

Borrowers with "hybrid" adjustable-rate mortgages are finding themselves in a tough situation. Many of the loans are...
read more...

Interest Rates are now 4.7%

2009-03-19T16:05:00.001-07:00

For more information, contact:

Andrew Biro
Cell: 314-221-0292
Office: 314-647-1198
Heartland Premier Mortgage
http://www.heartlandpremier.com/

Also... don't forget about the FREE $8,000.00 to First Time Home Buyers.

February St. Louis Housing Stats

2009-03-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Housing statistics for February 2009 are now available.
Click here to view them now.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

2009-03-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Confused by the First-Time Hombuyer Tax Credits?

Click here for frequently asked questions and a great reference chart.

Tax Season 2009: Be prepared this tax season with 7 important tax changes for the 2008 tax year.

2009-03-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Tax season is here, and it's time to get prepared. Make sure you're up to date on these 7 important tax changes for the 2008 tax year.

Which tax code changes will affect you this year?

Want to reduce your tax bill or maximize your refund? Of course you do.

Here are some tools and information you need to get things done quickly and save as much money as possible.

Click HERE for 7 Important Tax Changes for 2008 and find out how to reduce your tax bill or maximize your return.

You will see additional details including:
- Tax Calendar (important dates to know)
- Capital Gains and Losses
- Itemizing Your Deductions

2008 Inflation Adjustments Widen Tax Brackets

2009-03-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

For 2008, personal exemptions and standard deductions will rise, tax brackets will widen and workers will be able to save more for retirement, thanks to inflation adjustments announced today by the Internal Revenue Service.

By law, the dollar amounts for a variety of tax provisions must be revised each year to keep pace with inflation. As a result, more than three dozen tax benefits, affecting virtually every taxpayer, are being adjusted for 2008. Key changes affecting 2008 returns, filed by most taxpayers in early 2009, include the following:

Follow THIS LINK to read more...

WELCOME...

2009-03-16T09:47:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to my BLOG. (http://yourhomestl.blogspot.com/)

Here, you can ask questions, post events... anything and everything to do with Real Estate Market and living in St. Louis.

If you have a question you don't want to publish here and would like me to reply directly, simply go to my contacts page here and I will reply ASAP.

You can even request your own WEB PORTAL (click for demo)... this will allow you to view homes that match YOUR NEEDS in the St. Louis market. See ONLY the homes that reflect your lifestyle, price range, needs, etc... [there is no cost and no obligation]

Again, welcome and ask away!

Thank you,

~Gary
Gary Wasylenko
314-336-1988
http://YourHomeStL.com/
Gary.Wasylenko@ColdwellBanker.com
Coldwell Banker PREMIER Group [CBPG]