Peek at my Day: Spooky Curb Appeal!

When witches are cackling and black cats are seen...

 The moon laughs and whispers “Tis soon Halloween!”

Covid hair, don’t care!

Who needs a groomer when you have gorgeous crisp Autumn weather?! Fall has arrived, St. Louis and our Willow sure has enjoyed the shift in the wooded back acres at the lake house!

October is here- prepare your home for Winter!

Friends: October is here and you can feel it in the air! This weekend is the time to get all of your Fall prep home projects underway so you can nuzzle up for the cooler months to come...

Don’t put the projects off! Get them done while it is still relatively warm outside. Want your family to stay safe, cozy, and warm this winter? Get those fireplaces and furnaces checked ASAP!

Spooky home invasion at Casa de Nenonen! ☠️

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers...

... “Tis near Halloween”!

Fall is the time to think Spring blooms!

Does the crisp Autumn air already have you daydreaming about tiptoeing through the tulips? Plant bulbs now for pops of perennial Spring color in your garden, friends!  

NOTE: Not all bulbs should be planted in the fall. Dahlias and gladiolus should be planted in the spring, for instance, so do your homework.

Fall Lawn Care "Do's and Don'ts" for the Midwest

Now that Fall is officially here, it's time to pay special attention outside to get your yard prepped for Winter. One of the most difficult aspects of being a novice home gardener is learning the rules of the what and when, as one little mistake can result in the loss of plants.  We have learned a lot from trial and error over 23 years of home ownership, which I have shared here on the blog from time to time.

As things get a tad more spooky around here, and we shift our own focus outside this week at Casa de Nenonen, I figured it is a great time to share my do's and don'ts for Fall. Let's face it, this is a busy time of year and daylight time is limited with the shorter days.  Focus your energy on what you can and should do now, and leave the Fall "don'ts" for when the warm weather returns to the Midwest.
.
Do's

Do aerate, fertilize, and seed your lawn.
As temperatures drop, grasses put their energy into developing roots. If you only aerate, fertilize, and seed your lawn ONCE during the year, Autumn is the time to do it in the

Midwest! It is your best shot at a lush yard throughout the rest of the year.

Steve and I actually hire a lawn service for our Fall care and it is WELL worth the money spent, approximately $175 for their Fall package. If you have bare patches in your lawn from dog play, as WE do, this is also a terrific time to request they overseed.
Tip: Learn from our mistake- it is easy to burn your lawn with fertilizer so apply with caution.

Do divide perennials.
It'a time to divide your perennials, particularly if they've become so crowded that they bloom less. This is also a fantastic time to split a large clump into smaller clumps to plant elsewhere. Generally, in Fall you can divide perennials that bloom in Spring or early Summer.

Do mow like crazy
Leaving leaves on the grass over winter can actually hinder Spring growth. Keep the lawn as clean as possible before the 1st snow. That is what teenagers are fabulous for, at least in our house where they appreciate a little more spending money. 

Do corrective pruning.
After the leaves fall from trees and bushes, branches that are broken or scrape against the house are easier to spot and get to. Make the cut where they meet a larger branch or the trunk. Reminder not to leave a stub, as it won't heal and leaves the plant vulnerable to disease.

Do plant.
Fall is the only time to plant spring-flowering bulbs! Sink the tulips, daffodils, and crocus NOW. You can plant bulbs until the ground is too frozen to dig. Fall is also a solid time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Although you can plant them until the ground is frozen, their chances for survival improve if you plant in early fall, giving them more time to develop roots. Remember to water generously if we don't have a rainy Fall.

Do control weeds.
Perennial lawn weeds such as dandelions and violets get their second wind once the weather cools and ironically are most susceptible to attack during this time. In our current house, we have been successful in keeping weeds at bay but fought a continuous violet infestation at our last house. Wage war NOW! If you pay special attention to your weeds in the Fall, they will be less of a burden in the Spring.

Do protect from deer
Got deer? Particularly if you live West of I-270 in St. Louis, I guarantee that you have had a tree trunk annihilated by the Fall scraping of the antlers. Bucks do this seasonally every year- we know this. Buy corrugated tubes and protect your young tree trunks. Just do it.

Don'ts

Don't shear spring flowering shrubs.
Shaping or lopping off length of Spring-flowering shrubs during the Fall removes the buds

that produce next year's flowers. YOU WILL REGRET THIS MISTAKE COME SPRING, I ASSURE YOU FROM EXPERIENCE. If you must control their size, cut off the longest branches at their base - you'll make them more compact and still enjoy flowers next spring.

Don't fertilize trees and shrubs.
Fertilizing stimulates tender new growth that won't have time to toughen up before winter. If your woody plants need fertilizer, wait until the Spring.

Don't cut back ornamental grasses and attractive perennials.
Wait until Spring growth starts before cutting back ornamental grasses and perennials that look decent in winter. Not only do they give you a little something to look at during the cold months, but their stems trap leaves and snow around the base of the plant, which protects the roots from freezing.

𝗕𝗢𝗢! 🎃👻

One of my favorite things?

Seeing a house that I sold, all dressed up for Halloween! This Webster beauty has seen over a century’s worth of trick-or-treats. I love the spooky makeover!

Pretty in pink!

Seen the projected local St. Louis weekend forecast yet? 

I am filling every vase in my house with the last gorgeous blooms of Summer, before they are taken by the Autumn frost.

A peek in my garden, the Fall edition.

I have mentioned before that Casa de Nenonen is a bus stop corner, and before the school year kicked off, I hid whimsical teeny tiny village scenes at the base of the shade trees lining our sidewalk... 

Most neighbors walk right past them, unnoticed, but littles somehow see them right away!  Just for giggles, I gave the scenes a spooky little Fall makeover this morning over my coffee🎃 ...

Under Contract: 585 Coeur De Royale Unit #308 in Creve Coeur

Hello low-maintenance one-level living...

This spotless condo, in the heart of Creve Coeur, popped on the market and my Buyer was quick to the draw! Despite multiple offers, we beat out the competition with some serious strategic negotiation. It closes escrow in just a few short weeks!   

YIPPEE! 

I am so happy for the sweet K duo on this smart move and can already see their grandkids having a blast in the pool!  Thank you for being such good friends and clients to me, K family. I am so glad this went your way! 💗

On a separate note, I will add that I have been incredibly impressed with 3rd quarter movement in the St. Louis real estate market.  At a time of traditional seasonal slowdown, 2019 has instead delivered a steady supply of exciting new inventory, motivated buyers, and healthy financing options.  If in St. Louis and considering a move in 2019, it is not too late, friends! The market continues to move swiftly for both Buyers AND Sellers. 

Let's connect...

Sweet Saturday morning scene in my kitchen...

The taste of Autumn officially arrived in my kitchen this morning...

... in the form of Harvest Oatmeal for my boy!  

Find the recipe HERE.

Just for Fun: Sweet September!

Tis the season! Farewell begonias, hello pumpkins...

I took advantage of the lovely weekend forecast to acknowledge September with a little touch of Fall curb appeal at Casa de Nenonen.🍁

My house didn't sell over the summer... HELP!!

Sweet Fall.  For most people, Labor Day is the welcomed celebratory end of Summer and threshold to cool autumn air. To a homeowner whose property sits on the market and remains unsold, however...  

... the passing of the Labor Day weekend can be stressful as traditionally, this holiday also ushers in the slower Fall selling season here in the Midwest.

Each year around this time, I have distressed homeowners reach out to me. Most of the time, they have been listed all Spring and Summer with another Realtor, resulting in no sale. They typically are at the end of their listing contract (and rope), unsure what to do next. Most times, the current relationship with their Realtor is strained, the line of communication is fractured, and they do not wish to renew their listing contract.   

It happens.  

Whether the unsuccessful Seller stumbled upon my information on Social Media or they confided in a loved one or coworker who coincidentally was one of my past clients and graciously passed along my business card... they seek honesty, understanding, advice, guidance, and HELP.

Before I proceed, I will preface by stating that a good Realtor makes the job look easy. However, it is incredibly difficult to walk into a homeowner's space - their sanctuary - and barrel off what needs changing to make the property appeal to the masses. A number of agents find this aspect of the job unbearable, revealing to a homeowner that their house needs tidying, cleaning, rearranging, redecorating, or renovation. 

Realtors also typically face a Homeowner who clearly states what they financially expect or "need" out of the property, despite what the statistical comps indicate the TRUE market value to be. Added pressure.  As a result, some agents are not honest with their Sellers... often resulting in months on market and hard feelings.

My take?  Having these difficult conversations is the basis of a Realtor's job. A difficult part of the job, yet the most IMPORTANT part of the job. A good agent faces this situation head-on and refuses to be bullied by an unrealistic Seller, even if it means potentially losing the listing.

The fact is:  While the truth sometimes hurts, information is POWER to a Seller.  It allows them to control the process and not have the process control them.   In addition, it is during these moments that an understanding is made between Realtor and client and an open line of communication is established. Both are IMPERATIVE to a successful transaction.

Listings don't sell for a variety of reasons.  As we had (and continue to have) a healthy 2019 season for Sellers in St. Louis, with a lower inventory and enticing interest rates, market/financing conditions can likely be removed as a culprit.  
The unsuccessful sale can typically be attributed to 1 of 3 factors, or a combination of the 3:

1) Realtor Blunder: 

• Dropped the ball in their preparation, pricing, and staging advice. 
• Haphazard pricing not in line with the statistical comps. 
• Didn't honestly reveal to a Seller that their house has an undesirable odor or is dirty.  
• Sloppy MLS entry with spelling mistakes, incorrect showing instructions, or incomplete or incorrect property information.
• Used an inappropriate psychology of words in marketing, not focused on the targeted Buyer pool.  
• No Open House plan in place for extended days on market.
• Low quality or inadequate photos of important house features. 
• Inadequate (or lack of) staging advice prior to photos and/or showings.  
• Poor/ inappropriate exposure across the internet and social media space.
• Vast exposure with lackluster marketing/photos to back it up.  
• Lack of communication with the Seller.
• Lack of communication with the general public or fellow Realtors whose inquiries were not met with timely response if any at all.  Yes, this is quite common.
• Didn't properly prepare the Seller with showing guidelines and expectations.  
• Didn't share showing feedback with Seller and encourage them to adhere to it.
• Didn't define communication expectations with the Seller.
• Didn't keep the line of communication open with the Seller.  
• Didn't provide the Seller with honest Buyer feedback received.  
• Made promises that they knew they couldn't keep. 
• Didn't defer a Seller who they knew they couldn't help.  
• Listed at a commission that is so low it deterred Buyer's agents.

2)  Homeowner Blunder:

• Chose to list at a challenging time of year, outside of peak market.
• Didn't properly interview and/or ask the tough questions prior to selecting a Realtor. 
• Didn't hire a Realtor with a proven track record and client recommendations. 
• Didn't trust or follow the Realtor's advice when given. 
• Wasn't realistic about value, despite statistical data given.  
• Hired a discount Broker with shoddy marketing and representation- you get what you pay for!  
• Didn't properly prepare the property before photos, listing, and every single showing- from clearing the sink of dishes to scooping poop in the yard.
• Bulldozed their Realtor and insisted on controlling the process. 
• Ignored showing feedback regarding property and price.
• Didn't make their property readily available to Buyer's agents and their clients, even if inconvenient for them. 
• Was problematic, disrespectful, or rude to Buyer's agents.
• Was problematic. disrespectful, or rude to their own agent.
• Publicly broadcasted their house woes on Social media, alienating their Realtor or snooping Buyers. 
• Didn't give potential Buyers adequate time alone in a property. 
• Didn't keep the line of communication open with their Realtor.  
• Didn't keep their Realtor informed, including withholding questions or stating concerns as they arose. 
• Was not realistic about profit potential despite comps given. 
• Used their agent as a verbal punching bag when frustrated.
• Refused price adjustments when the time arises or feedback/days on market reflect it to be necessary.

3) Location/Property features that are out of your control: 

• Market or neighborhood inventory saturation (too much supply for demand).
• Stigmatized area or property. 
• Certain location or property features automatically reduce the Buyer pool, thus prolonging the listing period, for example: vicinity near commercial or a school, busy street, power lines, flood plane, airport, swimming pool, certain architectural styles (split foyers and slabs in St. Louis), extremely stylized decor, unusually small or large lot, strange lot topography/grading, unappealing neighboring properties, etc.

OK, SO WHAT NEXT?

The key to recovery after a lengthy unsuccessful listing period is to pause and regroup before you sign another Listing Agreement.  Ask yourself the question: Should I stay or should I go?  Do you want to remain in the house or are you willing to do whatever it takes to sell that house, even if it means switching things up, engaging in difficult conversations, taking on some new projects, and/or taking a financial hit? 

Should you decide that selling is your preference,  it is time to seek a 2nd opinion, a fresh perspective, IMMEDIATELY.  Speak with a new Realtor (or two).  Conduct a formal interview.  Ask for professional references and CHECK THEM. Take the lessons learned from your 1st experience and seek someone who you think will be a better match and earn your trust.   Be honest about your past frustrations, admit what you could have done better, ask the tough questions that you should have asked the 1st time around, and ask them to highlight what they see as the key selling obstacle from an outside perspective.  9x out of 10,a skilled Realtor can directly pinpoint the problem just by pulling up the listing, carefully examining the current comps, and visiting the property.  

Most important:  

• Do not panic and stay positive.  
• Wipe the slate clean.  
• Own your mistakes and learn from them.
• Hire someone who you have confidence in.  
• Be clear about what you need and expect from your new Realtor. 
• Trust the process.  
• Trust your Realtor's advice and do not be afraid to tap their wisdom and confide in them. 
• As difficult as it is, try to approach your new agent with a positive attitude and with faith, devoid of the frustrations and bias caused by the previous agent.  
• Take each day and part of the process as it comes and keep in mind- this too shall pass.  

The fact is:  every property has a Buyer.  The key is getting your property into the hands of the right person to present it on your behalf to the world.

If you are a St. Louis homeowner currently feeling shackled by your unsold property and do not know where to turn or what to do... please do NOT be afraid to reach out.  I welcome this contact. I can help you. I do not judge. 
     
My clients, whose praises I wear like a badge of honor, will attest... 

I am brutally honest and take my professional integrity seriously. I will not compromise either of those things. I will not lie, even when the truth may sting or is extremely difficult to deliver.  

I bring to the table over 18 years of residential real estate experience, a proven track record of success, concrete statistical data, and an unbiased opinion.  When working with a Seller, I will not sign a listing agreement until the issues of the property are well-understood, discussed, and remedied.  If a Seller is unwilling to remedy issues that I address, I ensure that they understand the possible financial consequences of not doing so. 

If I think that prolonging the listing until the Spring is advisable and/or necessary to maximize profit potential- I disclose that immediately.    If I think that I am not the match for that Seller- I reveal that and politely decline the listing.  My single goal as a Realtor is to sell your property, making it as stress-free and profitable a process as I possibly can for you.  All of my advice given will support that goal. 

I can help.  Let's connect!  Many of my professional accomplishments can be found here on the blog.  Learn more about me HERE at my bio, on my LinkedIn where I have numerous professional recommendations,  or contact me directly at...

Carrie Nenonen

Licensed Realtor - State of Missouri

Selling St. Louis since 2001

9-time recipient of the St. Louis Magazine 

“5 Star Realtor Award” for best customer service

Coldwell Banker Gundaker Corporate Headquarters

#2458 Old Dorsett Road, Suite 100

St. Louis, MO  63043

www.MoveWithCarrie.com

314. 452. 7675   cell / text

314. 298. 5275   office
carrie.nenonen@cbgundaker.com

My clients are talking.  Read some of their testimonials HERE!

Coming soon, x3 in West County

2019 has been an fantastic market for both Buyers and Sellers in St. Louis.  Due to lower inventory conditions, activity level is still rolling steady and incredibly healthy as we barrel through the 3rd quarter.  In fact, I have 3 new West County listings hitting the MLS over the next few weeks that I am super excited to share...

This is just a tiny peek at what is to come as we do the final preparations of listing from staging to photographs.  If seeking a new home or luxury villa in Ballwin or Chesterfield, Parkway West or Parkway Central school districts, feel free to email me for more information at carrie.nenonen@cbgundaker.com.

In St. Louis and contemplating a move?  I have 18 years of experience working with St. Louis Buyers and Sellers throughout the Metro.  I would love to be considered. Let's connect...

Beat the crowd and start Fall prep early, Homeowners!

The kids are back to school, pool days are numbered, days are shorter, and evenings are cooler as we draw Summer 2019 to a close. 

In a region with four distinct seasons, most folks have their favorite.   I unapologetically declare 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.  Crisp evenings, dewy mornings, crimson-painted treetops, cornstalks and gourds, sweaters and jeans, leaves crunching under your feet, hay bales and scarecrows, apple cider, pumpkins on porches, colorful mums. There is really NOTHING about Fall that I don't adore.

Steve and I learned long ago, however, that the key to truly enjoying the coziness of Autumn is proactivity before the weather cools. There is nothing WORSE than switching on the furnace to remove the chill from the house to NOTHING or heading out to build that 1st bonfire to find you are out of wood.  The fact is, most service companies are overwhelmed and inundated with calls once the weather turns.  

This year, take the bull by the horns and beat the crowd.  While the weather is still nice, proactively get your home ready for the cooler days ahead. You will thank yourself in a few short weeks!

• FIREWOOD: Order and stock up on firewood now before the local companies are inundated with requests and the wait becomes lengthy.
• CHIMNEY:  Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.  Check the flue, ensure the safety screen and/or doors are sound, and ensure the integrity of your chimney cap to keep critters and nests out. 
• HVAC SYSTEM: If you didn't do it last Spring, schedule an annual heating system check-up. A professional clean and service ensures your HVAC system is safe and ready to fire up once the weather turns.
• WINDOWS AND DOORS: Inspect your windows and doors for drafts. Check weatherstripping. Re-caulk.  If you have removable window or door screens, now its the time to clean, store, and replace them with storm windows.
• ROOF: Check for loose shingles and ensure your chimney flashing is intact and secure.

Goodbye Petunias, Hello Pumpkins!

More Fall fun in Casa de Nenonen...

...in the spirit of Autumn. 🍂

September in Forest Park...

Nothings says “Hello, Heaven”...

...like a dreamy 70 degree September day in Forest Park!  This was the perfect day to pencil in some down time to lunch at The Boathouse and get our 10K steps enjoying the heart of the city at it's best. 🍂😍

Just for Fun: Bees vs. Hummingbirds

A sure sign that Fall is around the corner...

The autumnal battle for nectar has begun at Casa de Nenonen!

In The Kitchen: Harvest Oatmeal recipe

Rain, glorious rain brought lovely Fall temperatures to St. Louis over the last 24 hours.  High of 66 today! As soon as the weather begins to turn, Casa de Nenonen goes into full-on Autumn mode.  Apple season is underway and gorgeous produce has flooded local orchards and markets recently, inspiring a return of one of my favorite breakfast recipes.  Harvest Oatmeal is simple and quick, yet delicious... this recipe is the perfect hearty start to a cooler September day!

🍁 Harvest Oatmeal 🍁

(serves 4)

1.5 cup apple cider
1/2 cup water
1 cup old fashioned oatmeal (not the quick cook)
1 large apple (or 2 small)- diced (I leave the skin on)
1/4 cup of pecans 
Teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
Tablespoon of Brown Sugar
Dash of Salt 

Bring cider, salt, water, brown sugar, spices, and diced apples to a boil on high.

Bring heat down to medium high and add oatmeal, stirring occasionally.  Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat, add pecans, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon or cinnamon sugar and serve.

NOTE: Oatmeal will thicken as it cools, so if "watery" upon removing from heat, do not fret.

------> See other Nenonen recipes HERE.

Just for Fun: Journey in to Fall at Casa de Nenonen

Thanks to the arrival of the fantasy pumpkins at Trader Joe's... 

I began the process of giving Summer the big "heave-ho" from my garden this week. Tired summer blooms out, mums and pumpkins in! 

My loyal sidekick and project supervisor, Miss Willow, approved.🎃🍂

TIP:  The fantasy pumpkins at Trader Joe's are an incredible deal at only $6.95 a piece but they DO NOT LAST LONG, friends!  If interested, get there quickly.  My pumpkin topiary almost always stays in tact until after Thanksgiving!  I love their interesting shapes/textures and creamy, warm colors.