Household Tip...

I am always looking for an effective green solution to everyday problems. I swear by this one! It totally works...

Is your microwave suffering from an abnormal amount of build-up and/or your standard cleaning routine isn't cutting it!?

Lemons. Lemons are your solution!

Cut 2 lemons into quarters and place them in a microwave safe bowl, with 4 cups of water. Microwave on high for 5 minutes AND LET STAND FOR 20 MINUTES WITHOUT OPENING THE MICROWAVE DOOR. The citrus-infused steam will penetrate the gunk to the point that you will be able to wipe it off easily with a paper towel. I kid you not.

Once done, pour your lemon solution down your garbage disposal to freshen your sink and pipes, as well.

Kirkwood Cute: 3 Hillcrest Place

It’s bordering impossible to drive through the downtown Kirkwood area without releasing an occasional sigh or enthusiastic “How cute!”.

Established in 1853, Kirkwood was the first planned suburb west of the Mississippi River, and is centered around the railroad that runs through the heart of downtown. From the beginning, it’s been a love affair between the Kirkwood citizens and trains, as Kirkwood owes its very existence to the railroad and James Pugh Kirkwood- the engineer in charge of building it.

Obviously, as Kirkwood boasts a great Central location and reputable schools, it is an EXTREMELY popular area for Buyers. That being said, the appeal tends to go a tad further than the logistics in my experience. When Buyers center their home search around Kirkwood, they are looking for a lifestyle.

Kirkwood is a small town within a big city. It's slower pace, Farmer's Market, and come-hither architecture just BEGS you to pull up a wicker chair, a good book, and a glass of lemonade to enjoy a warm and balmy St Louis evening on your wrap-around porch.

This home's exterior, at #3 Hillcrest Place, well defines the small town curb appeal of Kirkwood. Just 2 blocks from the downtown area and the Kirkwood Farmer's Market, this historical 120 y/o Kirkwood property boasts large mature trees, lush perennial gardens, and a big, ol' porch to enjoy the small town charm that Kirkwood is famous for...

Offered for $339,000 by Keller Williams - 314-677-6000

I've fallen and I can't get up...

Fall... I adore it. Period.

Everyone has their favorite season, and by FAR, mine is Fall.

As we begin to bid farewell to the humid, sweltering St Louis summer and welcome the cool, crisp Autumn air... I start to feel alive again.

The colors and smells, gorgeous foliage, leaves crunching under your feet, crispy evenings, dewy mornings, cornstalks and gourds, sweaters and jeans, hay bales and scarecrows, apple cider, pumpkins on porches, colorful mums. There is really NOTHING about Fall that I don't absolutely love?!

Every year, I know that my beloved Fall is quickly approaching when apple-picking season finally arrives. What do you know? It's here!!

Yesterday we took our annual trek over to Eckert's in Belleville to pick our own apples and welcome the season with open arms...
When our children were younger, we used to hit Eckert's Millstadt location, jam-packed with a DAY FULL of activities for the little, little ones. As the kids have now outgrown the bulk of the activities there, however, the Belleville Farm is a better match for us these days.

Apple picking at Eckert's goes through mid-October. Click here for Eckert's ripening schedule, to ensure that you don't miss your favorite kind! We left the farm today with 20 lbs of Honeycrisp, our family favorite...

Kick your knees up...

Last night, I caught the Fox Theater's production of Mary Poppins. Fantastic and the PERFECT show to take children! It is only playing until Sunday, so if you are even contemplating going... I highly recommend it.

TIP: If you have not purchased your tickets yet and plan to purchase them at the box office, consider the Mezzanine on the South side of the theater. Mary will fly right directly over your head...

Attention Night Owls...

Looking for Saturday evening plans and have the opportunity to sleep in on Sunday? The 46th annual Moonlight Ramble is happening tomorrow! This event is an absolute BLAST, if you have never been?!

It is a family-friendly, all-night bike ride through downtown, that typically draws over 10,000 riders a year. The ride itself begins at 1 minute past midnight and follows a short (7 miles) or a longer (14 miles) route through the streets of Saint Louis.

The event is well patrolled by the St Louis City police and there are a number of sponsors, providing food and drink along the way.

In addition, there are activities before and after the ride, distinctive glow-in-the-dark commemorative T-shirts, plus the chance to be part of a unique spectacle draw recreational cyclists of all ages and skill levels, many of them returning year after year.

Registration/Sign-In: in downtown St Louis at Soldiers' Memorial Plaza, 14th and Chestnut tomorrow night (Saturday) from 9 - 11:59 p.m.

Cost: $30 for adults (price includes ride T-shirt), $10 for children (must be accompanied by adult and price includes T-shirt), $100 Premier Rider option (price includes jersey for Premier Rider)

Their website: http://www.moonlightramble.org/ramble/

What all of the buzz is all about...

One word of advice: skip the tandem bike and go solo. I speak from experience... =)

23858 Brushy Creek- St. Mary

Every so often, I run into a listing on the MLS that is almost indescribable with words. This AM, that was the case when I ran into a St. Mary area Bavarian Style Castle on our local MLS.

Per the listing, this "castle" was built by owners originally from Germany. It sits on almost 700 acres of varied topography and is perched on a 20 acre stocked lake. It is characterized by numerous hand crafted carvings, lead-glass windows, hand-painted ceilings, carved staircases, and fireplaces. The main castle boasts 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an indoor swimming pool, a great room with 2 story windows overlooking the private lake, and a Monet style bridge leading to a private island. In addition to the main building, several outbuildings are included in the sale including a barn, hunting lodge, and a historic log cabin.

Would be a unique B&B, don't you think?

Offered for $3,200,000 by Coldwell Banker Gundaker 314-878-9820

I'll Take It... NOT!

If you were to sit in the work room of an average ol' real estate office on a Saturday afternoon, you would SHOCKED at some of the stories that you hear.

Needless to say, we see it ALL.

For years I have contemplated compiling these stories and writing a book, as seriously... some of the things (and sometimes, people) found behind the Supra key are not to be believed. Though most daily activity is not out of the ordinary and is quite lovely, ALL Realtors have "one of those days" every so often.

A client recently referred me to this website and I literally can't get enough?!

"What were they THINKING?" is a gross understatement. Regardless, you should get a good chuckle... =)

It was finally time to see what all of the fuss was about...

Let me tell you... FANTASTIC. If you have not yet checked out the new downtown City Garden (one block west of Keiner Plaza)... it's TIME! Modeled after Millennium Park in Chicago, it is 2.9 acres FILLED with sculptures and water features designed to be climbed on, explored, and appreciated by all ages. Phenomenal addition to the city.

A few photos from our visit...

Hidden Gem Alert: Whistle Stop Depot

My favorite part of being a Realtor, is the excuse to visit all regions of the city on a daily basis. Love it!

Love it, love it, love it.

I came to the conclusion long ago that I am not a desk person. Hence, in addition to my love of architecture... the constant exploration is what keeps my job new and exciting, even 8 years later.

Anyhoo, this afternoon's business consultation with an UMSL employee took me to a cute little establishment in Historic Downtown Ferguson called the Whistle Stop Depot.

How did I not know about this place sooner?!

This adorable little eatery/ice cream shop is located in the original Ferguson Train Station building, circa 1850's. Though no longer an active train station (operation was shut down in the early 1900's), it still sits immediately adjacent to an active Norfolk-Southern Freight Line track.

They have an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia in their depot museum, you order your food at the original ticket booth, and you get to enjoy the extremely reasonable cuisine while watching the freight trains rumble past. This place is a train fanatics dream!

The Whistle Stop is truly unique. You feel how special it is as soon as you pull up! By the size of the lunch crowd, it is apparent that is it an area favorite!

I cannot WAIT to take my kids there...

Like sands through an hourglass...

Though the lenders have been stressing this fact for months, I just received this press release from CNN Money reiterating the fact that the Obama $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit is soon drawing to a close.

For months, a rumor circulated that the government was considering an extension. However, most lenders forecast that this will not indeed happen due to the current economic conditions.

Between the low property values and the opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit... there is NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW to be a first time home buyer.

If you are contemplating your first purchase, or know someone else who is, the time is now!

The tax credit deadline is November 30, 2009. Meaning your new property must be CLOSED by November 30th to actually utilize the credit. As the average transaction is 5-8 weeks in length... time is of the essence to locate your dream house and write a contract. Email me with any questions...

Introduction

Hi~

My name is Carrie Nenonen, and I am a full-time Realtor with the Coldwell Banker Gundaker Corporate Office in St Louis, Missouri. I have pondered creating a St. Louis real estate blog for some time to begin documenting my city/work finds... and am glad to finally make it here =).

I assume that the posts will reflect a little bit of work and a little bit of play. Frankly, I'm not sure what direction this blog will take, which is half the fun. Regardless, I want it to be informative, yet informal, fun, and light. Welcome to an inside peek of my St Louis adventures!

To learn more about me, please visit http://www.movewithcarrie.com/ .

Should you have any city or real estate questions, please click here to email me. I would love to use your market/RE questions as blog posts, so please don't be shy.

I look forward to this journey with you... =).