Why Hire a Real Estate Agent Archives - Page 2 of 2

January 22, 2013 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Top Cities Where America Wants to Live

iStock_000016225671XSmall-300x199 Americans 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.

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!

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!

October 14, 2011 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Select a qualified and trusted real estate agent

Sandra-Meranda-Sold-Fast COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE PROVIDES TIPS ON HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR YOU

A trusted real estate agent provides experienced counsel, guidance and unparalleled local expertise – all essential ingredients for anyone on the hunt for a home. But for first-time home buyers, the first step can be one of the most intimidating.

To help first-time home buyers, the professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate have provided the following tips to identifying the right real estate professional:

1. Ask around: Friends and family can be the first source of helpful information. Referrals are the leading source of finding an agent. If your new to the area or don’t have references, you should feel free to contact the manager of your local Coldwell Banker office. Once you explain your situation and needs, the manager should be able to suggest a few names.

2. Questions for potential candidates: As you meet potential agents, you should feel empowered to determine if the agent’s personality and skills are a good match. Some of the key questions that might help you make a decision include:

What is your experience in [name of desired neighborhood]?
What is the average price point of homes that you help people buy and sell?
Could I speak with some of your past or current clients for a reference?
Tell me about the brokerage firm where your work? How long has it been around?

3. Examine their online presence: Many real estate professionals are especially savvy when it comes to marketing themselves online. They list their areas of specialty. Some post tours of their local areas, demonstrating their expertise. If the person is highly-visible and socially active online, it is also a good indicator that he or she is connected to the right tools and technology that come in handy for home buyers. Don’t be afraid to inquire about their experience using video when it comes to real estate. Cutting edge agents can point you toward video tours, community videos and more to give you a real life sense of the areas you are considering. Buyers can also go right to coldwellbanker.com to find a local office and look at profiles for the professionals who work there.

4. Go with your gut: After consulting with friends and family, doing research and looking online, the buyer’s instinct is often right on. He or she will have a good “gut” feeling as to whether a person will be a good fit for the house-hunting process.

A top real estate agent can help you make an informed decisions about buying or selling your St. Charles or St. Louis Missouri home. My team specializes in St. Charles County and St. Louis County. If you are considering selling your home, please contact Sandra Meranda and I’ll get you moving!

September 20, 2011 by changescapeweb Leave a Comment

Top ten clients for a real estate agent

Who are the best clients for a real estate agent? Well, there are a lot of reasons why people buy or sell homes. Working with a top real estate agent can make the experience better for most people regardless of circumstance. Here are a few situations where people choose to work with real estate agents to buy or sell their homes.

1. First Time Home Buyers. This pertains to anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years. Home prices are lower than they have been in a long time, and so are interest rates. As a result, now is a great time for first time home buyers!

2. Bankruptcy, Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Money Problems. Unfortunately, many people find themselves in difficult situations in these difficult times. Contacting a top real estate agent earlier in the process can help people in these situations.

3. Family Changes. Divorce, Marriage, and having a baby often cause people to think about buying a home or finding a new home.

4. New construction. If you hear someone you know who is talking about building a new home, please encourage them to talk to a real estate agent. The people at the construction office work for the construction company. They do not work for you and therefore may not represent your best interests. They also already factor in the commission of a real estate agent too.

5. Rehabbing and/or buying rental and investment properties. Even if you plan to rehab, it is best to work with a real estate agent. Regardless of whether the property is going to be your primary residence, or whether you are buying rental or investment properties, a top real estate agent can play a critical role for you in securing the best deal.

6. All the kids have left the home, empty-nest syndrome. When the kids leave home, your needs change. Downsizing, moving to the city or a new part of town, or just want a second home – these are all important reasons to work with a top real estate agent.

7. Older (more mature) folks who can’t take care of their big home or yard and want a smaller home or villa. Or they want to move to Florida or another warmer place.

8. Parents & grandparents move to be near their kids or GRANDKIDS, who are now living in another city.

9. Moving for job reasons or transfer.

10. Anyone you know is moving from ANYWHERE TO ANYWHERE in the country, I can refer them to a top agent ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

A top real estate agent can help you make an informed decision about kitchen remodeling to help you sell your St. Charles or St. Louis Missouri home. My team specializes in St. Charles County and St. Louis County. If you are considering selling your home, please contact Sandra Meranda and I’ll get you moving!

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