New Home Sales Archives - Sandra Meranda

May 10, 2024 by changescapeweb

Saint Charles MO: A Golden Opportunity in Missouri’s Thriving Housing Market

Nestled along the Missouri River, St. Charles offers a charming blend of historic streetscapes, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. This desirable city has consistently ranked highly for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and beautiful scenery. But beyond its inherent charm, something exciting is brewing in the St. Charles housing market – and it could be the perfect time for you to make a move, whether you’re a seller or a buyer.

Market Momentum: A Seller’s Advantage

If you’re considering selling your St. Charles home, here’s why the current market conditions might be in your favor:

High Demand, Low Inventory: St. Charles is experiencing a seller’s market. Demand for homes is outpacing available inventory, creating a competitive landscape where homes sell quickly and often above asking price. According to Redfin, in April 2024, St. Charles homes received an average of 4 offers! This high buyer interest can translate to a faster sale and a potentially higher sale price for your property.
Rising Home Values: St. Charles home values have been steadily increasing. Zillow reports an average home value of $328,640 in April 2024, representing a 5.1% increase year-over-year. This upward trend suggests you could sell your home for a significant profit.

Tips for Sellers:

Boost Curb Appeal: A well-maintained and attractive exterior can make a great first impression on potential buyers. Consider landscaping improvements, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, or adding colorful flowers.
Stage for Success: Professional staging can help buyers envision living in your home. Consider decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding tasteful accents to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Price it Right: Partner with a knowledgeable real estate agent to determine your property’s competitive yet realistic listing price. Strike a balance between maximizing your profit and attracting serious buyers.

Investing in Your Future: Why St. Charles is a Buyer’s Paradise

Even in a seller’s market, there are advantages to be had if you’re a buyer looking to put down roots in St. Charles:

Stable Market: While home values have risen, the increase hasn’t been dramatic. Compared to some national trends, St. Charles offers a more stable market with predictable growth, making it a sound investment for your future.
Diverse Housing Options: St. Charles boasts a wide variety of housing options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. From charming historic bungalows to modern townhomes and spacious single-family homes, you’re sure to find a property that perfectly complements your needs.
Location, Location, Location: St. Charles offers easy access to major highways, making commutes to St. Louis or surrounding areas a breeze. The city also boasts excellent schools, a vibrant downtown with local shops and restaurants, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Tips for Buyers:

Get Pre-Approved: Obtain a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender before you start shopping. This demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer and strengthens your offer.
Work with a Buyer’s Agent: An experienced buyer’s agent can guide you through the competitive market, negotiate on your behalf, and help you find the perfect home within your budget.
Be Patient and Prepared: The current market might require patience and flexibility. Be prepared to move quickly when the right property comes on the market, and consider offering all cash or a solid down payment to make your offer stand out.

Beyond the Numbers: The St. Charles Lifestyle Advantage

Buying or selling a home is about more than just market trends. St. Charles offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Downtown St. Charles, picnicking along the scenic Missouri Riverfront, or catching a concert at the renowned Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The city fosters a strong sense of community, with plenty of events and festivals that bring residents together throughout the year.

The verdict? Whether you’re a seller looking to capitalize on a hot market or a buyer seeking a charming and vibrant place to call home, St. Charles offers a winning proposition. So, research the market, connect with a local qualified real estate professional, and get ready to make your move!

Taking the Next Step

St. Charles presents an exciting opportunity for both sellers and buyers with its strong market fundamentals, diverse housing options, and idyllic lifestyle. But how do you take the next step?

Sellers: Partner with a reputable real estate agent specializing in the St. Charles market. Their expertise will be invaluable in navigating the current market conditions, maximizing your exposure to potential buyers, and achieving a successful sale.
Buyers: Don’t be discouraged by the competitive market. A qualified buyer’s agent can be your secret weapon. They’ll help you identify properties that meet your needs, stay informed about new listings, and craft compelling offers that stand out.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re considering selling your existing St. Charles home or embarking on your homeownership journey in this vibrant city, numerous resources are available to guide you.

Reach out to a Local Real Estate Agent: A knowledgeable and experienced real estate professional can provide personalized guidance based on your needs and goals.
Explore Online Resources: Websites like Zillow and Realtor.com offer valuable tools for researching the St. Charles market, browsing available properties, and staying informed about current trends.
Connect with the Community: Immerse yourself in the St. Charles lifestyle. Visit local shops and restaurants, explore the historic districts, or attend a community event. You’ll get a firsthand feel for the city’s charm and see why many people proudly call St. Charles home.

St. Charles is a city on the move, offering a thriving housing market and a lifestyle that fosters connection and community spirit. Take advantage of this golden opportunity. Take the first step today and explore the exciting possibilities that await you in St. Charles!

Work With a Top Rated St. Charles County Real Estate Agent

Sandra Meranda has extensive knowledge and is one of the top real estate agents in the St. Charles & St. Louis county areas. With the resources of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate, she makes selling or buying your St. Charles or St. Louis county home as “Stress-free” as possible. Sandra has been a Licensed Real Estate Sales and Marketing Specialist since 1999. She is also a Member of the Missouri Association of Realtors, the St. Charles Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Whether you are buying or selling a home in St. Charles County, Sandra Meranda can help. Call 314-691-1320 to schedule a consultation and a free market analysis of your property.

September 3, 2014 by smeranda

The final 4 of the 8 top ways sellers sabotage their own home sale, and the scripts and tips you need to save the day.

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5. Using Lousy Photos (and Not Helping their Agent Get Great Ones)

Ninety percent of all home shoppers start their home search online, and nothing can tank a home sale like terrible listing photos. But sometimes sellers don’t understand the importance of fantastic listing pictures—and that can mean that agents need to resort to grabbing a few fast photos on a cell phone or on a rainy day. After all, the only thing worst than terrible listing photos are listings with no photos at all.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “Think back to when you were originally looking for a home. Even if you were house hunting when online wasn’t a huge thing, you probably remember that seeing a home told you more about it than any text ever could. Even in a sellers market, great photos can help draw in the best buyers—the ones who will be willing to make a big offer on this property.”

6. Holding On to Clutter and Junk

For as long as buying and selling a home has been a “thing” (so averylong time) there have been sellers that say, “Oh the house looks fine. Buyer’s will see right past all my boxes and collections of plaster cookie jars and shelves overflowing with nick-knacks.” Big mistake. Huge.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “It may sound like a good idea, but it’s not a smart approach. Believe me, I have seen homes come on the market that could have sold much faster, had the home owners spent just one weekend depersonalizing and removing all the extra things inside the home. Clutter makes your home seem smaller, ultimately eating equity and killing deals. Take inventory of all your possessions and think to yourself: should I save it, store it, sell it, or chuck it? It may seem like a solid amount of work, but one weekend of work could mean thousands of dollars come closing.”

7. Selling A House Via “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO).

When the market is hot, many people think that selling their home on their own is easily doable. “Who wouldn’t want to save on commission?” think many sellers. Despite the lure of not having to pay an agent a commission, sellers need the expertise and know-how of a professional, who can help navigate the stacks of paperwork, provide priceless neighborhood knowledge—and negotiate on the seller’s behalf.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “The numbers don’t lie: the typical FSBO home sold for $174,900, compared to $215,000 for agent-assisted home sales. There may be more to a home sale than you realize. Let me walk you through what type of service I can provide you with.”

8. Overpricing the Home

For agents, this is the one major seller mistake that we see the most frequently. It is a misstep that seems to rear its head whenever the market seems like it’s heating up.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “Yes, the market is hot. But not hot enough that you can push the envelope and price it for way more that the comps will support. Overpricing your home is dangerous —and you can end up burned in this ‘hot market.’ You run the risk that your home will sit on the market for weeks and months and become the stale listing that every home seller wants to avoid. Know the competition and set the right price—never overprice too high in hopes that someone will unknowingly overpay. Let me walk you through the data.”

August 5, 2014 by smeranda Leave a Comment

The First 4 ways sellers sabotage their own home sale, and the scripts and tips you need to save the day.

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1. Refusing to Make Obvious Repairs Prior to Sale.

Agents tell sellers this everyday, all day: “You will lose money if you don’t take care of repairs before the house goes on the market.” Showing a house when there are leaking faucets, cracks in the walls, water stains on the celling, and a busted hot water heater are all ways to turn off potential buyers.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “Shelling out the money may seem like an extravagant expense—especially if you don’t think that the repair will add much to the value of your home. Trust me—time and time buyers over estimate the cost of a repair, so they are going to try to get what they think the repair will cost, and that’s going to cost you more in big credits or discounts!”

2. Ignoring the Backyard

Everybody knows that fantastic front curb appeal sells homes, but many sellers forget what’s out back. In the summer and fall months, everyone’s attention turns to the outside spaces, where they dream of warm summer nights and outdoor entertaining.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “If you don’t maximize and capitalize on your backyard, you are missing a huge component of your warm weather living spaces. That back yard patio is not just for storage of old bikes and broken patio furniture that should have been thrown out years ago. In a buyer’s eyes, it can be the most important ‘room’ in the house. You need to stage your backyard and outdoor entertaining areas as beautifully as you would the interior of your home. Green grass, flowers and trimmed trees should be the same standard as your curb-appealed front.”

3. Hiding Problem Issues From the Buyers.

Far too many agents have watched too many home sellers pay out big bucks because they didn’t “reveal it all.”

What Sellers Need to Hear: “Disclose! Disclose! Disclose! Once you have an accepted offer, sellers are required to fill out disclosure statements. If you did renovations to the house without a permit over the years, disclose. If there was a roof leak that damaged the attic two years ago, disclose. If the electrical blows every time you run the dishwasher and the microwave at the same time, disclose. You know the history of the home better than anyone, and we need to work together so that we know how to address any potential issues. The buyers will find out eventually. And if you knowingly have kept things from them, it sets the tone for an ugly and difficult closing. Not to mention that you are setting yourself up for the liability.”

4. Getting Egotistical When Negotiating

Every agent has had that seller who just simply cannot fathom that a buyer would even think to make such a low offer, but the truth is that most of the time, the buyer doesn’t mean to offend the seller. Heck, the buyer may even know that the home is outside of their price range, but they may just love it so much that they couldn’t resist making an offer. Too many sellers take negotiations personally and lose out on creating a win-win deal.

What Sellers Need to Hear: “Real estate transactions are business deals. Plain and simple. There is no room for ego here. If an offer comes in low, the mistake is to be insulted and not counter back. Always counter back and keep deals in play. Keep your ego out of the equation and put your head back into it. Remember your end goal: getting your house sold and having a smooth and successful closing.”

P.S. Summer is in full swing and now is the time for sellers to be getting their homes ready for the Summer market & for buyers to start looking for their new homes. This will be another great real estate year! Don’t miss out on lower home prices & good interest rates. Contact me for details today!

June 18, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Builder Confidence Hits 7-Year High, New Home Sales Rising

02E89993-300x200 Good news locally and nationally. Builder confidence hits 7-Year high and new home sales are also rising. In articles from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and RISMedia published this week, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.

Builders are seeing better market conditions. It is expected that there will be more than 1 millions new homes built this year, a forecasted 29 percent increase in total housing starts.

There is a low inventory of existing homes, so it’s a great time to list your house on the market. But it is also driving buyers to buy new homes.

It is never too early to start your home search or get your home ready for the market. This past year was the busiest year we had in home sales in 5 years. This year could be even better! There are large numbers of homes at below-market prices & the Interest rates are hovering around 3.5% !! Contact me for details today!