changescapeweb, Author at Sandra Meranda

June 26, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

10 Top Home Improvement Myths

Home Improvements can satisfy many needs. But not all home improvements are equal when it comes to adding value to your house. Knowing which home improvements to make for the best return on investment is key.

This article on the top home improvement myths provides valuable information. So before you decide to take on that home improvement project, talk with a top real estate agents. Top agents understand the trends and the time tested strategies to improve your home and add to it’s value.

Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help if your are thinking about a home improvement project and how it might impact the resale value of your house.

June 12, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Green Homes in Higher Demand

The number of green homes is expected to increase dramatically in the next 4 years. Home builders who can offer a combination of higher quality and better value will stand out. Whether it is new construction, or a home renovation Green construction is in demand.

Consumers are seeking green homes because they will save money in the long run, and the are typically higher quality construction. Consumers are seeking out lower utility costs.
Green project costs are now typically in line with traditional construction, a dramatic improvement since 2008.
Indoor air quality is also a big driver in the desire for a green home.

Check out this article for more on Green Construction predictions

Whether you are building a new home, or buying a home that has been renovated, selecting a top real estate agent can help you make an informed decision. Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets. Contact me for help with green construction possibilities in St. Charles today!

May 30, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Confidence in Home Values and the Economy Increasing

According to Fannie Mae in April, both the expectation for home prices and the percentage who think the economy is on the right track is the highest it has been in the last 2 years.

Americans expect home prices to go up
Nearly 3out of 4 Americans think it is a great time to buy a home
37% of Americans think the economy is on the right track
23% reported significantly higher household incomes

A top real estate agent can help you make an informed decisions about how to buying a home in St. Charles. My team specializes in St. Charles County and St. Louis County.

The busy Spring real estate season is here! This is the time of year for buying and selling real estate in St. Charles. There are large numbers of homes at below-market prices & the Interest rates are hovering below 4% !! The home sale numbers have been increasing every month since June of 2011. It is never too early to start getting your home for Spring also. Contact me for details today!

May 12, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Buying a St. Charles Home Won’t Get Much Cheaper

This is a fantastic time to buy a home, and the market is great in St. Charles. There is a lot of activity in the St. Charles housing market, and there has never been a better time to buy a home in St. Charles County!

CNN Money posted a good article that explains why now is the time to buy a new home:

Home prices are down 34% nationally since 2006. Mortgage rates at historic lows. Owning a home has never been more affordable.
Home prices are expected to flatten out by the third quarter and start climbing by next year. In fact, in some markets home prices have already started to increase.
Foreclosures are starting to decrease according to key indicators like the percentage of mortgage loans 90 days or more late.
Home Buying is much cheaper than renting.
Mortgage rates aren’t expected to stay below 4% by the end of the year.

A top real estate agent can help you make an informed decisions about how to buy a home in St. Charles. My team specializes in St. Charles County and St. Louis County.

April 30, 2012 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Real Estate Tip – Kitchens Sell a House

One of the most important rooms in the house, the kitchen can definitely help sell a home. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and still serves as the focal point for the family and for entertaining. It’s a room that is used every day, and seen by most visitors. So it is a room that many buyers will want an up-to-date kitchen.

Remodeling and updating a kitchen can be expensive, with plenty of choices in counter tops, cabinets, floors, appliances, so many buyers want the kitchen ready when they move in.

An experienced real estate agent can help you determine how much to invest in the kitchen renovation based on the market research, understanding the area, and how it should be staged.

Carla Hill has written an excellent article about how a kitchen can sell a home. You need to research what updates make the most sense to help sell your home. As a top real estate agent in St. Charles, MO, I can help you sell your home by updating the kitchen to what buyers want in the price range.

The busy Spring real estate season is here! This is the time of year for buying and selling real estate. There are large numbers of homes at below-market prices & the Interest rates are hovering below 4% !! The home sale numbers have been increasing every month since June. It is never too early to start getting your home for Spring also. Contact me for details today!

Contact Sandra

Follow Sandra