Under Contract: 2636 January Ave in South City

The news rolled in late last night that my Buyers contracted this lovely...

WHEW!  It was a super busy holiday weekend exploring different parts of St. Louis with 3 different Buyers and writing 3 total contracts!  I received news on this one late last night and my Buyers are elated. Hurray!

Gorgeous home, terrific location, closes escrow in a few short weeks!  Check out all of the photographs HERE.  A warm congratulations and THANK you to my sweet clients, S and K.  An extra special thank you to my wonderful friend M for his sweet referral.

Great ending to a wonderful holiday weekend!

Closed: #405 Auber in Parkway West

It was an exciting morning here at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker Corporate Centre office!  My Buyers closed escrow on #405 Auber.  These particular clients have an amazing eye and are incredibly handy with a lot of fun projects planned. I cannot WAIT to see the final product/makeover.

A warm congratulations and thank you to the B family!!

Under Contract: #1115 Grandview Dr. in Kirkwood

The Seller was kind enough to allow us to hurriedly rush in the property late last night.  At 11:30 PM, we were writing a contract. By 1:30 AM, my Buyer had an accepted contract in a multiple contract situation!  THAT is how you rock the 2016 St. Louis Spring real estate market, people.  My buyer did a phenomenal job and this charming Kirkwood bungalow was well worth the effort and fight- gorgeous!  Check out more photos HERE!

We close in a few short weeks. A warm congratulations to the C clan for an exciting new chapter. ♥

Are you ready to shop for your dream home?  I would love the opportunity to help you!  

Learn more about me HERE or see what my clients have to say HERE.

Under Contract: #405 Auber Drive in Ballwin

The West County Spring housing market is incredibly fast and competitive right now, but my clients' persistence paid off! After a Sunday evening bidding war, they contracted this handsome Parkway West two-story. The perfect next chapter for this adorable growing family... an enthusiastic "congrats" to the B crew who closes escrow in June!

Learn more about the property HERE.

4th quarter roundup, both personally and professionally.

I will admit that I have been rather lackadaisical on the blog recently...

I haven't forgotten about you, Bloggers!  

I bumped into a former client last week while holiday shopping at the Galleria, and she mentioned that she has enjoyed the more frequent glimpses of my family and personal happenings recently on Instagram and Twitter.  She also questioned whether the market was still holding strong, as she noted that I haven't been "talking work" as much recently.

The fact is, the 2015 St. Louis real estate market was incredible.  Per our local MLS system, these are the year-to-date stats in Missouri real estate...

Staggering, right?  

Per my office's latest year-to-date tally, my personal production has landed me in the Top 10 thus far at the Coldwell Banker Gundaker Corporate Centre Sales Office...

While I don't tend to focus or dwell upon rankings, I am beyond blessed by the number of wonderful families I was given the opportunity to assist in 2015.  My Buyers made solid investments, my Sellers walked away with more equity in their pocket than they have in YEARS with less days on the market, the condo market finally started moving again, and lateral this-house-just-isn't-a-match moves became possible again.  The rates stayed constant, the inventory was swift, lenders loosened up, and St. Louis was MOVING. The fact that 4th quarter dropped off in to seasonal slowdown this year is a positive thing, as that is a sign of a NORMAL and HEALTHY market here in the traditional Midwest region of the country.  

The healthy St. Louis real estate market is cyclical and Mid-October through New Years is traditionally a forced hiatus for most Midwest Realtors.  Even the most pressed clients typically pause in the 4th quarter to enjoy the season and their family, only to start back up again on January 1st with a bang. A productive Realtor plans around this time of year both financially and personally.  We manage our money to account for the financial drought and use the extra time off for travel and family commitments that are impossible during peak season.    

Summer through Fall was notably busy for me in 2015 with back-to-back closings, time-pressed Buyers, and complicated negotiations. Over 4 to 6 peak months, a full-time Midwest Realtor typically works 7 days per week, often 12-16 hours per day.  As you can imagine, it is an exciting yet tiring whirlwind. Hence, the 4th quarter hiatus is a terrific breather.  I personally use this time to recharge and enjoy my family, connect with my clients on Social Media on a more personal level, and shift my focus to super-prepping for new year.

So what do Realtors really do behind the scenes during this time of the year in addition to the "fun stuff" that we share on Instagram? While we do have the opportunity to enjoy holiday family time, travel, and complete personal projects, much of a Realtor's holiday season is spent sitting behind a desk under a pile of paperwork.

Over recent weeks I have been...

• Interviewing with potential clients who have made contact with me for their consideration of representation.
• Prepping my 2016 committed Sellers with numerous home visits, listing consultations, and staging appointments.  Gauging the market, pulling comps, and pricing.
• Getting to know my signed Spring Buyers and their preferences while creating their hot sheets to begin their search after the New Year. 
• Getting my marketing plan together for 2016. 
• Getting my receipts and tax papers organized from 2015. Tax time, ironically, hits during a Realtor's typical PEAK time, hence getting the bulk of it prepared in December is ideal. Everything is added and in the correct category, rearing and ready to go for our accountant once our final statements come in. Imperative for an independent contractor.

Overall, December has been an incredibly productive month for me that has prepped me for a seamless 2016 transition.  I am excited.  I can't wait to get going!! I love the post-New Year real estate frenzy and I am super eager to enjoy the fun here on the blog.

Are you considering a move in 2016?  A proactive December/January is the key to success!  The time to start preparing is NOW, regardless of your target dates.  Interviewing?  I would love the opportunity to speak with you and appreciate your consideration!  Learn more about me at www.MoveWithCarrie.com, see what my clients have to say about me HERE, or call me at 314.298-5275.

Rule of Real Estate: Affordability

There is nothing worse than being "house poor". A good rule of thumb for affordability? Even if a lender offers some wiggle room, housing should take up no more than 28% of gross monthly income; housing plus other debt, 36% or less. 

CLOSED: #7232 Greenway Avenue in University City

The superb Greenway property officially closed today.  A sincere thank you, safe travels, and "Welcome to St. Louis" to my Buyers, the fabulous G Family! 

Closed: 14301 Open Meadow Ct. in Chesterfield

Happy Close Day to the N Family, celebrating the new ease of condo living with a night at Busch Stadium...

Congrats and a warm thank you to these good friends and mega baseball family...Go Cards!  ⚾️

Under Contract: 14301 Open Meadow Ct. in Chesterfield

My Buyer just contracted this fabulous villa in the impeccable Conway Meadows complex in the heart of Chesterfield (Parkway Central).  With almost 2500 square feet of finished space and an additional 2500 square feet of UNFINISHED space, it is the perfect match for my Buyer's exciting next stage of life.  A warm congratulations to my friends and clients, the N family. =)

Learn more about the property HERE.  We close in August.

Closed: #1725 Summergate in St. Charles

Time to celebrate!

It is closing day for my Buyer of 1725 Summergate! Congratulations and a warm THANK YOU to my friend A and her adorable kiddos. 

Learn more about the property HERE.

Under Contract: 7232 Greenway Avenue in University City

My Buyers are going to call this handsome two-story in University Hills home soon, as it just went under contract! As a Realtor, I weave in and out of local neighborhoods daily and there is something distinct about the historic University Hills in University City, palpable every time I enter the gates.  Obviously, the tree-lined streets and meticulously maintained 1930's architecture are fantastic, though there is something special about how cohesive this particular neighborhood is with an organization to promote neighbor relations.  

The University Hills homeowners take true pride in their homes, evident as you pass from one house to the next.  Plus, you can walk to The Loop, Downtown Clayton, Washington University, and the fabulous Winslow's Home.   Lovely homes nested around Flynn Park, gorgeous historic architecture, and a terrific central location- fantastic! 

7232 Greenway Avenue closes in August.  A warm congratulations and official St. Louis welcome to this amazing family!

Under Contract: 1735 Summergate in St. Charles

My Buyer just contracted this handsome 2 story over the weekend.  Building inspection surprise? Fruit on the mature backyard Plum Tree. I am jealous!

This beauty closes in mid-July... learn more about the property HERE.

BUYER TIP: Things to Consider Before Buying a Weekend or Vacation Home

Summer vacation is a mere 9 days away for most St. Louis schools.  How do I know?  The Nenonen Boys started the official countdown at the breakfast table this morning- ha!

Each year around this time, like clockwork, friends and past clients begin to reach out to me with questions about vacation home acquisition: a dock house in the Ozarks, an Innsbrook A-frame, a hillside escape with a view Table Rock, a river house with land, a historic cabin in Chautauqua, a hunting retreat, a condo in sunny Florida, a place to get away.  

The fact is, St. Louis is surrounded by gorgeous lakes, rivers, and resort communities- little hidden secrets that are not only beautiful, but relatively affordable to purchase.  Those who have experienced the joy of planning a local Lake weekend rental getaway, myself included, know all too well that getting your hands on peak time (like Memorial Day weekend) can be impossible and COSTLY.   

I have the same questions presented to me every year around this time: How do I find a property?  What do I look for?  What do I avoid?  Is it a decent investment? How do I ensure the security of the home when I am not there? Ultimately, isn't it less expensive for me to buy? What hidden costs do you project?  Will my vacation home ultimately become a headache?

All of these questions are important, valid, and necessary to research prior to taking the plunge!   I recently stumbled upon this terrific article on BiggerPockets.com and felt compelled to share. Sound Advice. 

8 Factors to Investigate Before Purchasing a Vacation Property

TREY DULING ON MAY 11, 2015

I have been a property manager here in Orlando since 2006, so I feel very confident in advising investors on buying a vacation home. Here are eight tips you should consider before you go and put money down on a vacation home.

Know All Your Costs

Before you sign a contract, do your homework and know exactly what the true carrying costs of your vacation home are going to be every month. The carrying costs should include: mortgage, home owners insurance, property taxes, HOA fees, property management fees, pool service (if you have a pool), lawn service, monthly utility bills, etc.

I recommend after you have calculated all your expenses, you should make sure you have no problem paying these expenses even if your vacation home brings in zero monthly income. I have talked to too many investors over the years who bought a vacation home they could not afford and whose home became an anchor on the family’s finances.

Find a Good Property Manager

A good property manager is key if you are going to be owning a vacation home. After all, the manager is the one who is going to be looking after your investment when you are not in town. A vacation home can deteriorate very quickly if the house does not have proper care.

I recommend driving around the neighborhood where the house you are looking to purchase is located and find homes that have good curb appeal. Then find the property managers who manage those homes. Chances are if a property manager is taking great care of the outside of a vacation home, then the inside is usually very nice as well.

Travel to the Vacation Home Location Before Purchasing

You will want to travel to the vacation home location quite often and make sure this area is where you and your family will want to travel and spend most of your vacations. You should also make sure that the area is easy to get to. I’m sure it is nice to have a vacation home in the mountains, but if it takes you a plane ride and a 3 hour car ride to get to, chances are you probably will not be visiting your vacation home too often.

Learn About Peak Time

If you are going to looking to get rental income from your vacation property, you should be aware that the most popular travel times will bring you the most rental income. So if you need income from your vacation home to make the deal work for you and your family, then you will probably need to use the house during the off season when the demand is not as great.

Know That Owning a Vacation Home is Not Always a Vacation

If you are pretty handy or if you want to save money, just be aware that when you visit your vacation home there will probably be a couple of days that are dedicated to doing general maintenance and repairs to your property.

The National Realtor Association has stated that the annual upkeep on a house should be around 2% of the value of the house. So if a house is around $150,000, then the owner should expect to spend around $3,000 annually on repairs and upkeep to keep the house in the same condition. The same rule goes for vacation homes.

Be Aware That Lifestyles Do Change

My wife and I have a vacation home in Destin, Florida. When our kids were younger, we used the house all the time. Now we visit our property about every 18 months or so. As your kids get older, their lives become more hectic with sports, school, and church activities so there is not as much free time.

Check the Crime Rates

You will want to check the crime rates of area and make sure that you are purchasing a home in a safe place. High crime will kill a vacation hot spot quicker than anything.

Learn the City’s Future Plans

Go to the city planning board website or do some investigation on your own to see what future plans are for the city. This insight will be extremely helpful when you go to actually purchase a property.

I hope these tips help you when you go to purchase a vacation home. The biggest tips I can give any potential vacation homeowner is to be realistic in what you can afford and do not overreach when purchasing a vacation home. After all, a vacation home is a luxury item that has turned into a nightmare for far too many families.

A CARRIE ADDITION:

LOCATE A LOCAL REALTOR WHO YOU TRUST TO ADVISE YOU FROM START TO FINISH ON THIS PURCHASE. No one can determine value, growth potential, best location,upkeep, and income potential like a Realtor.  Period. As a Buyer, your Realtor representation is 100% FREE to you, paid for by the Seller so take advantage. Ask around, do your homework.  If you cannot locate the right fit, call me at 314.452.7675 and I can stick you through our NRT referral network to have your placed with a reputable agent in the area.

Oh yeah, and don't forget to invite your friendly St. Louis Realtor for a weekend of fun in the sun. =)

Under contract: 6404 Cates Ave #3E in the UCity Loop

My client contracted the coolest University City condo this afternoon, in the heart of The Loop!  Gorgeous open space with a huge private deck and the location of a lifetime... this unit has EVERYTHING.  Congrats, CONGRATS to my Buyers on an exciting new move!  

It closes escrow in April.  Learn more HERE.

Under Contract: 106 Harvestgate Court in Lake St. Louis

My Buyers contracted this meticulous newer construction property with upgrades GALORE in Lake St. Louis last night.  Located on a private cul-du-sac in the popular Wyndgate Subdivision with community amenities galore like a pool/ biking trails/playground...  it is the perfect match for their super active family.

We close escrow in May!  Congrats to my awesome clients... I am so excited for you. =)  More photos of the property HERE.

Gardening Tips for New Homeowners- Where do I start?

Over the last week, I have noted that my daffodils, crocus, and tiger lilies have begun to emerge from the ground.  Sure sign of Spring- exciting!

Knowing that I enjoy the time in my garden, my new homeowner clients occasionally contact me after closing with basic gardening questions.  Exteriorly speaking, when you purchase a home you inherit the landscape from all of the property's past owners!

 The good...

Like a sizable, well-placed hydrangea or peony plant that typically takes YEARS to establish, let alone flower.   Anyone who has planted one can assure you that it can take a DECADE to get blooms the size of their head!

The bad...

Like well-established ivy that has been given free-reign to be as invasive as it would like to be, compromising the architectural integrity of the structure by penetrating the tuck-pointing, siding, and often times gutters and roof.

And well,  the ugly...

Poorly placed, overgrown, and unattractive landscape elements can often add nothing but negative value to the exterior of a property.

In the ideal situation, when making the yard your own, you save what you can.  The task of sorting out a project of this magnitude, however, can be daunting.  Landscaping and "making over" a garden is meant to be a process NOT a weekend project.   To remain sane (ha!), one must keep it simple, take it slow, and not bite off more than they can chew.

My advice, from my personal experience...

1) Enlist the help of the Seller.

If it is obvious that the previous homeowner put a significant amount of time, money, energy,  and/or heart into the outdoor space of the property... they are also typically eager to pass along their care information, including a garden overview and their pruning and care schedule. 

If the Seller didn't freely offer that information at the close of escrow- ask your Realtor to please request it.   It is worth a shot!


2) Dig it up, cut it down, yank it out!

If any part of your landscape is threatening your structure in any way- deal with it now.

If a tree branch is touching the structure or hanging over the roof- trim it!  If ivy is climbing up the foundation or even worse, penetrating your structure in any way- yank it out!  If the sidewalk is overgrown with ground cover- clean it up!  If weeds are invading your flower beds- pull them out!

Even if you don't necessarily like what you are working with, clean it up and get it under control before you do anything too drastic to change it. 

The most important focus initially is to prevent any further damage to the property. Then focus can shift to getting the basic upkeep back up to par: mowing, weed control, trimming, pest control, mulching,  aerating, seeding, etc.  From there, you can make improvements.

3) Identify what you have.

Are the blooms that you see annuals that the previous homeowner planted to punch up the color in the garden or are they perennials that will come back year after year on their own? 

•  Learn landscape terminology:  The first step in determining what you have is to learn the terminology, as you will need that knowledge from this point on.  Simple terminology articles like this cover the internet and can be extremely helpful to a newbie gardener. 
• Identify:  The second step is putting a name to what you see so you can research it- what is it, when and how long does it flower, is it drought resistant, what type of care does it require, when is the appropriate time to prune it, etc. While the internet is a great resource, I still recommend purchasing a book- trust me, you will use it.  There are HUNDREDS of fabulous choices, just ensure that you try to purchase one specific to your region, if possible.
• Allow for a full growing cycle, by giving it time: This is always the toughest step for a newbie gardener, craving a beautiful Pinterest-worthy outdoor space NOW!  It is rare for a new homeowner to have to start from scratch with nothing worth saving.  The challenge?  What is lurking beneath the soil, preparing to pop up and deliver beauty to the garden?   The fact is: a seasoned Midwest gardener plants perennials that will emerge, flower, and peak at different times of the year to ensure a lush and interesting garden through all of our distinct growing seasons.  The biggest mistake that I see repeatedly from novice gardeners is not allowing their garden to perform for a full 12 months before they start making major changes.  Often times, they destroy the layout and performance of a well thought-out garden, and do not discover that they have done so until it is too late.

4) Plan.

Do not purchase a thing until you can answer these basic questions...

• What are you trying to achieve in aesthetics and functionality?  Color, shade, filler?
• What direction does the property face?
• Are you working with shade or sun?  If partial sun, is in morning or afternoon sun?  Yes, it matters.
• What plants draw your eye?  What flowers do you love?  Do you like soft, colorful blooms or plants with more structural visual interest?  Start a Pinterest Board (this is my personal Green and Garden board) and begin to compile the items that draw your eye AND would flatter the exterior of your property.
• How much time are you willing to give?  If not a lot, stick with hardy and drought -resistant perennials that require very little upkeep.  If you like to get your hands dirty, an annual-heavy outdoor space can really bump up color and beauty!
• Do you wish to incorporate edibles?  Herbs, veggies, fruits trees?
• Does your soil remain moist?  Do you have easy access to water?  Do you have an irrigation system?  If not, are you willing to commit to watering your new plants by hand or have a system installed?
• Do you have specific pest issues?  Grubs, moles, Japanese Beetles, that I wrote about a few years ago. For example, we live in an neighborhood that is highly populated by deer.  Everything that I plant must either be protected OR something that deer do not enjoy eating or it will be gone my early summer.
• Are you trying to attract more friendly garden visitors?  Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds?
• Do you have well thought-out beds/ soil retainment or do you need to create some?
• Does your soil PH need to be adjusted to grow the type of plants that you wish to incorporate?  For example, if your yard has a lot of pine, high acidity is likely.  From my experience, Azaelas and Gardenias would probably thrive in your yard while lilacs would suffer.  Know your PH- this article can help- and adjust your soil or plant accordingly. 

5) Ask for help.

Does your best friend or family member have a green thumb?  Invite them over for brunch and garden advice!  Do any of your new neighbors have a showcase yard?  Introduce yourself and pick their brain.  Contact a landscaper.  Ask the experts at your local nursery or big box store.  Enlist the advise of your favorite gardening blogger (mine is Steve Bender, who I tweet continuously). Reach out to local resources- the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis.

If you don't have resources,  ask the people who you trust the most for their referrals.  Ask them who designed their garden.  Ask them where they typically purchase their plants.

Regardless, do not be afraid to reach out!

6) Give it time, and be patient.

Resist the temptation to overcrowd your plants.  By planting garden elements too close together, you do nothing but create more work for yourself down the road.  Research the eventual size of your new plants and place them accordingly!  I spotted this quote and fell in love, as it is so true...

What may make for a sparse garden today, will result in a beautiful, low-maintenance garden tomorrow!  Spacing your plants properly allows them to live up to their full potential in the future.  If the bare space during the interim is driving your crazy... use annuals as filler.

7) Have fun!  Nothing is permanent, if you don't want it to be.

This is my absolute favorite aspect of gardening, and why it is my personal stress-reliever!  Be as bold and adventurous as you want to be, as it is impossible to make a mistake that cannot be remedied.  Do not be afraid- this is the ideal place to take chances and try new things!

If you don't like it, change it.  If you change it and your plan didn't work out- dig it up and start again! 

Let your imagination run wild with color and texture in your garden.  Create a space that functions well, but also incorporates the colors, scents, and textures that you adore.

Closed: 526 North Kirkwood, 3B in Kirkwood

A nice way to kickoff the weekend... North Kirkwood closed this AM!  A warm thank you and sincere congratulations to my friend/Buyer on embarking on a new chapter and allowing me the opportunity to help.  I appreciate it, you. ♥

Happy Friday, all!  

Under Contract: 526 North Kirkwood, 3B in Kirkwood

My buyer contracted this charming move-in ready Kirkwood condo yesterday afternoon, within a stone's throw of the adorable Historic Downtown Kirkwood area! It closes by the end of this month. 

A fresh start, new chapter my friend.♥

St. Louis is TOPS in affordability according to Interest.com!

St. Louis just landed high on Interest.com's Home Affordability Study list results for the year...

No surprises here!  Our city has always boasted incredible affordability which is yet another reason why St. Louis is a terrific place to live and raise a family.  See the full study HERE.

Rules of Real Estate: Timing matters. Midwest Seasonal Slowdown Advice for Sellers and Buyers.

Farewell to jack-o'lanterns and spooky stuff...

November has arrived and the holiday countdown has begun!  In the Midwest, not only does our weather have four distinct seasons... so does our real estate market.  To achieve your individual real estate goals, timing matters a lot.

While the phenomena varies dramatically across the different regions of our country, seasonal slowdown in the real estate market is pronounced here in the Midwest! During the 4th quarter(Oct/Nov/Dec), here in the middle of the country, homeowner focus and finances are traditionally spent "decking the halls" and being merry! 

We in the Midwest tend to covet our holiday season.

For this very reason, 9x out of 10, I advise my SELLER clients to avoid listing during this period and/or pull their listing off the market if it hasn't yet sold by the time that late October rolls around. As an average transaction is anywhere from 5-7 weeks from contract to close, an October contract puts a Buyer and Seller move smack in the middle of the holidays. In the Midwest, most clients prefer to avoid that scenario. As a general rule here in St. Louis, a Seller who remains listed during the 4th quarter is either especially motivated or has received not-so-great real estate advice, in my opinion.  

Midwest Sellers: if your goal is to maximize your profitability, in my 12+ years of local residential experience, I urge you to avoid listing in the 4th quarter of the year. Most of my clients will attest that this is almost ALWAYS my recommendation. During the 4th quarter, Midwest Sellers tend rack up unnecessary days on market and battle winter weather and an unusually small Buyer pool that results in numerous price reductions and inevitably a lower sales price.

For that very reason, however, 4th quarter is a FABULOUS time for Buyers! FABULOUS. While there is less inventory to choose from, deals are a plenty! There is less competition, far less rush, and far more Seller desperation. If my Buyer clients are willing to remain focused on the process during the holiday season, I STRONGLY urge them to work the 4th quarter for all it is worth! Buyers are in control during the Midwest 4th Quarter. It is an AWESOME time to buy.

As a general rule during 4th quarter in St. Louis:  

Sellers- hold off until after the New Year to list in order to be on a more even playing field.  
Buyers- frivolously scour the current inventory to see if you can find a match, as you OWN this market!

A HUGE misconception in the Midwest is that a Seller and Buyer must hold off until late March/April/May in order to benefit from the strong Spring market.  Not true.  The fact is, once the clock strikes Midnight and the New Year turns, our local real estate market is back in full force unless the weather is especially treacherous! 

1st quarter is an excellent time for both Buyers and Sellers, as it is more of an even playing field.  Sellers have a plentiful Buyer pool eager to spend their money and welcome Spring in their new home.  Buyers have a LOT of fresh inventory to choose from, but not the competition and pressure that is generally encountered during the 2nd quarter of our real estate market.  In addition, tax time often puts a little more money in a Buyer's pocket, to aid in the closing process.  1st Quarter deals tend to be more amicable and pleasant deals for all parties involved.

The 1st quarter tends to be my favorite part of my professional year.  As the days grow longer and the weather warms, clients are renewed from the holidays and excited for the process.  Their energy is contagious... I thrive on it!  If you are contemplating a late 2014 or an early 2015 move (particularly in the 1st quarter), the time to contact a Realtor is NOW!  Knowledge is power in this process, and planning and preparation is KEY to a stress-free and profitable transaction.  I have been meeting with my 2015 Sellers all month and providing them with a healthy to-do list for the cold winter months.  They will be let out of the gate and prepared to list MILES ahead of their competition as a result!

Looking for advice or an agent to work with in the St. Louis area?  I am always looking for new clients and would love to chat with you!  I have numerous references both online and upon request.  Visit my website at www.MoveWithCarrie.com to learn more about me and see what my clients have to say.