Sandra Meranda

by

3 Benefits of Hiring A Local Real Estate Agent in St. Louis County, MO

Buying a property is a significant investment, and finding the perfect home at the right price can be daunting. However, hiring a local real estate agent in St. Louis County, MO, can significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect property that meets all your needs. Here are just three of the benefits of hiring a local real estate agent in St. Louis County, MO.

1. Increase Your Chances of Finding the Perfect Property 

  • A skilled local agent understands the local real estate market and is well-connected to the community. They know the neighborhoods, school districts, amenities, and other factors that can impact your decision. With their expertise, they can narrow down your options and present you with properties that align with your preferences and budget.
  • Moreover, a skilled local agent has access to a vast network of other agents and potential sellers, giving you an edge in finding properties that may not even be listed publicly. They can help you discover hidden gems you might have otherwise missed, ultimately increasing your chances of finding the perfect property.

2. Navigate Complex Local Real Estate Regulations 

  • Buying or selling a property involves navigating through a complex web of real estate regulations, which can be overwhelming for individuals without experience in the field. However, with a skilled local agent by your side, you can navigate these regulations with ease.
  • A local agent is well-versed in St. Louis County, MO’s specific regulations and legal requirements. They have extensive knowledge of zoning laws, building codes, permits, and other crucial factors that can affect your property transaction. By having an agent who understands the intricacies of these regulations, you can ensure that all necessary paperwork is handled correctly and avoid costly missteps.
  • Furthermore, a skilled local agent will help you streamline the entire process, saving you time and energy. They will guide you through each step, from conducting inspections to negotiating contracts, ensuring that you adhere to all local regulations while protecting your interests.

3. Leverage Local Market Knowledge 

  • When selling a property, time is of the essence, and maximizing your profits is always the goal. By hiring a skilled local agent in St. Louis County, MO, you can leverage their extensive market knowledge to expedite the sales process and maximize your returns.
  • A reputable local agent possesses an intimate understanding of the local real estate market trends, including pricing, demand, and competition. They can accurately assess the value of your property, allowing you to price it competitively and attract potential buyers quickly. Their expertise in marketing strategies and staging can help highlight the unique features of your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
  • In addition to expediting the sales process, a skilled local agent can help you negotiate offers, ensuring you get the best possible deal. Their negotiation experience and knowledge of current market conditions can be invaluable in securing a profitable sale.
  • Furthermore, a local agent can provide valuable insights into timing the market. They can advise you on the best seasons or periods to list your property, optimizing your chances of attracting motivated buyers and achieving a faster sale at a desirable price.

In conclusion, there are many benefits of hiring a local real estate agent when buying or selling property in St. Louis County, MO. They increase your chances of finding the perfect property at the right price by utilizing their expertise and connections. They navigate the complex local real estate regulations, ensuring a smooth and legal transaction. Lastly, they leverage local market knowledge to expedite sales and maximize profitability. By enlisting the services of a skilled local agent, you can confidently navigate the real estate market and achieve your goals. 

Why Should You Choose Sandra Meranda As Your Real Estate Agent?

When navigating the complex world of real estate in St. Louis County, MO, having a local expert by your side can make all the difference. This is where Sandra Meranda comes in. With her unparalleled expertise in the local real estate market, she is the go-to professional agent for all your real estate needs.

  • Sandra Meranda has spent years honing her skills and knowledge of the St. Louis County market. She understands the intricacies of the different neighborhoods, the fluctuating trends, and the ever-changing regulations. This deep understanding allows her to provide her clients with accurate and invaluable insights that other agents may miss.
  • Whether you are looking to buy or sell a property, Sandra’s expertise can help you unlock success in the local real estate market. From determining the optimal listing price to negotiating the best deal, Sandra will be there every step of the way to ensure that you achieve your goals.
  • Buying or selling a property can be daunting and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With Sandra Meranda as your trusted real estate agent, she will make your dreams a reality in a seamless and stress-free manner.
  • Sandra understands that each client has unique needs and desires. She takes the time to listen and understand your goals, whether you are looking for a cozy family home or aiming to maximize your investment returns. With this knowledge, Sandra will meticulously curate a personalized plan tailored to your needs.
  • From searching for the perfect property and scheduling viewings to handling all the paperwork and negotiations, Sandra will guide you every step of the way. Her attention to detail and commitment to exceptional service ensures that the process is as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your life and dreams.

Work With a Top Rated Real Estate Professional

Sandra Meranda has extensive knowledge as 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.

by

Finding a Top Real Estate Agent in St. Charles County

If you’re thinking about buying or selling your property, finding the right real estate agent can mean the difference between a frustrating, second-rate experience and a smooth, successful transaction. When it comes to finding the right agent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of real estate agents available. But settling for an inexperienced real estate agent can leave you wishing you’d taken more time to find the perfect fit. That’s why knowing what to look for in a top real estate agent in St. Charles County, Missouri is essential.

Don’t Settle for Less

Here are four reasons why finding a top local agent is so important:

  • When buying or selling property, elevate your real estate experience with an experienced agent with thorough knowledge of the area. Working with an agent who provides outstanding service ensures you will make the most of your investment.
  • Working with a top local agent will also give you access to the best opportunities in the market. A top real estate agent will have extensive connections within the industry and know where to find the best properties for sale. 
  • They’ll also have the experience and expertise to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible price for your property.
  • Another significant advantage of working with a top real estate agent is that they’ll have access to the latest market data and trends. This information is invaluable when making a buying or selling decision, as it helps you determine the right time to buy or sell.

Experience, Expertise, and Excellence

When finding your ideal real estate agent in St. Charles County and St. Louis County, the key is to look for experience, expertise, and excellence. These qualities will ensure the most successful and stress-free buying or selling experience possible. One of the best ways to find the right real estate agent is to research agents. 

  • Look for agents with a proven track record of success and an excellent reputation within the industry. 
  • Look for an agent who is a Licensed Real Estate Sales and Marketing Specialist. 
  • Ensure they are members of the Missouri Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. 
  • Make sure they have positive client reviews and testimonials. 
  • Ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals, as well. 

Property and Area Expertise

It’s also essential to look for an agent who specializes in the type of property you’re looking to buy or sell. This could include single-family homes, multifamily properties, commercial real estate, or land. Look for experience in the local area to guide you through the buying or selling process and help you avoid common pitfalls. Working with an agent specializing in your property type will ensure they have the expertise to guide you through the process and achieve your goals.

Top-Notch Marketing Skills

Another essential quality to consider when selecting a real estate agent is their marketing skills. A great real estate agent will have a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your property to the broadest possible audience. Top real estate agents may also have access to exclusive marketing tools and platforms, such as virtual tours and 3D imaging, further increasing the visibility of your property.

Outstanding Customer Service

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of personal compatibility and high customer service. You want to work with someone who you feel comfortable with and can trust. A great real estate agent will take the time to get to know you, your needs, and your priorities so they can provide you with the best possible service and results. A great real estate agent will keep you updated throughout the buying or selling process and be available to answer any questions. Working with a friendly, trustworthy, and professional agent is essential.

In Conclusion

When it comes to finding the perfect real estate agent in St. Charles and St. Louis counties, don’t settle for mediocrity. Take the time to research and find an exceptional agent who can elevate your real estate experience and help you achieve your goals. With the right real estate agent on your side, you’ll have the confidence and support you need to make the most of your investment and enjoy a smooth, successful transaction.

Work With a Top Rated Real Estate Professional

Sandra Meranda has extensive knowledge as 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.

by

10 Reasons Why For-Sale-By-Owners (FSBOs) Fail!

 

Homeowners trying to sell their homes on their own — for-sale-by-owners (FSBOs) — are driven by several reasons. Although most of them want to save money that they would have otherwise spent on real estate commissions, a few others take the FSBO route because they feel they don’t need a professional to sell their home.

Whatever the reason for attempting to sell solo might be, data from a National Association of Realtors survey shows that less than 10 percent of all home sales are FSBOs.

Top reasons why FSBOs fail in real estate

There are a lot of reasons why For-Sale-By-Owners fail and do not sell. Some of the top among these are:

1. Too many people to negotiate with

Those deciding to take the FSBO route often have to negotiate with many people. Some of them are likely to be:

  • The buyer, seeking the best possible deal.
  • The buyer’s agent, who represents the buyer’s best interest.
  • The buyer’s attorney (in some regions of the nation).
  • Home inspection companies, working for the buyer, which are likely to find some problem or the other with the house.
  • Your bank, in case it’s a short sale.
  • The appraiser, if the home’s value needs to be assessed.

Without the help of experienced real estate agents, dealing with so many different parties alone is often a tough task for homeowners.

2. Homeowners do not know how to prepare the home for sale

A majority of homeowners don’t know about the prelisting tasks that FSBOs should do before they list their home for sale. These usually include:

  • Decluttering.
  • Painting the rooms with a fresh coat of paint.
  • Getting necessary repairs done.
  • Getting the home floors and carpets cleaned by professionals.
  • Ensuring curb appeal of the home.
  • Replacing outdated light fixtures.

Because homes for sale by owners just have one chance to impress potential buyers, neglecting these home sale preparation tips often reduces the homeowners’ chances of selling the house.

3. Owners do not know how to screen potential buyers

FSBOs often have no idea about the difference between prequalification and preapproval, and they don’t know that buyers should ideally be preapproved or at least prequalified.

No wonder they let unqualified buyers inspect the house and waste their precious time. Not knowing if a buyer has the ability to purchase the home acts as a big deterrent for homes for sale by owners.

4. Owners fail to solve buyer’s queries

Handling inquiries from buyers on their listings and coordinating showings for their homes are prerequisites for making a sale. However, many homeowners either aren’t able to handle such inquiries on their homes or don’t have the time for them.

Even organizing showings might become an uphill task at times. Because these days potential buyers and their agents want quick responses to their inquiries, they don’t think twice before moving on to the next potential property if their inquiries and requests are unanswered.

5. Owners don’t understand the concept of ‘golden time’

According to this concept, homeowners get the most money for their homes in the first week of putting the property on the market. The longer FSBO homes stay on the market, the less money people will be willing to offer for them.

If a seller tries FSBO before hiring an agent, the seller loses the “golden time” window. This will eliminate buyers who have already viewed the home and might have made a reasonable offer — but have already moved on.

6. Owners fail to understand the contract procedures

The contract to buy a home involves much more than just the price offered by the buyer. Also, real estate contracts have lots of timelines and clauses and involve several common contract contingencies, such as inspections and mortgages.

Many FSBOs don’t have a firm understanding of such contracts and might not know what they are agreeing to or how to negotiate particular parts of the contract.

7. FSBOs don’t know how to handle the home inspection findings

Home inspections almost always find some issues with houses even when they are relatively newer structures. In such cases, the buyer requests problems be fixed or corrected before moving forward with the transaction.

However, many FSBOs believe that there is nothing wrong with their home, which is why they refuse to address the issues brought forward by home inspections. As a result, the offer falls through.

8. FSBOs incorrectly price their homes

FSBOs often price their homes incorrectly due to lack of experience. They set the price too high, which hinders their chances of closing the deal.

9. FSBO homes lack exposure

Homes for sale by owners are often listed on a few websites, but there are many that don’t allow FSBOs to list their property. Thus, FSBOs are unable to give their homes adequate exposure in the market.

However, when sellers hire a real estate agent, the professional can give a property comprehensive online exposure as well as exposure in the local real estate segment of the newspaper. The agent even has tools to extend the exposure further, which FSBOs don’t have.

10. FSBOs fail in the closing process

Even after an offer is accepted, many things still need to be done prior to the closing. For instance:

  • Get the inspections completed within the allotted time.
  • Ensure the attorney(s) approve contracts.
  • Ensure that instrument survey is ordered.
  • Check if the buyer has obtained written mortgage commitment.
  • Find out if title work is reviewed.
  • Learn whether abstract is redated.

With so many things acting against FSBOs, it’s natural to find very few homes for sale by owners in the market.

Cheryl Jensen is a writer at Total Atlanta Realty. You can follow her on Twitter & Facebook or Email Cheryl Jensen

Article from: https://www.inman.com/2015/07/20/10-reasons-why-for-sale-by-owners-fsbos-fail/

Article image credited to Olivier Le Queinec / Shutterstock.com

P.S. Real estate is really booming this Summer!  Homes are selling fast & for the highest prices in years. It is a great time to put your home on the market.  It is a super time for buyers to buy while interest rates are still low. Don’t miss out on your dream home.  Call me for details today! (314) 691-1320

by Leave a Comment

Top Cities Where America Wants to Live

iStock_000016225671XSmall-300x199Americans seemed to search Realtor.com in 2012 for homes in milder climates.  In fact 7 of the top 12 cities searched are in the southern part of the U.S.  Warm weathered cities dominated the list, with only Chicago being in the Top 7.  It’s important to work with a certified relocation specialist when moving to a new area.

Cities that made the Top 7 list include:

7. Los Angeles, CA

6. Phoenix, AZ

5. San Antonio, TX

4. Orlando, FL

3. Miami, FL

2. Chicago, IL

1. Las Vegas, NV
Find out why these cities topped the list!

If you know someone who is thinking about leaving the St. Louis area, or moving into the St. Louis area, I am a nationally certified relocation specialist with Coldwell Banker Gundaker, covering the entire St. Charles and St. Louis county areas.  I specialize in assisting buyers who are moving into this area, helping them find their dream home and assisting with all aspects of their move.  I also assist the home sellers by getting their homes ready to be sold for the most money possible and in the shortest amount of time.  I love to work with relocating folks!

Sandra Meranda specializes in the St. Charles and St. Louis county home markets.  Contact me for help with finding or selling your home.

by 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!

Contact Sandra

Cell: 314-691-1320
Office: 636-946-2020
Email Sandra

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate, St. Charles
2171 Bluestone Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63303

Follow Sandra

Habitat for Humanity St Charles County Donations