The seasonal landscape mysteries. What is going to pop up and when? It takes a full 12 months to decipher.
Our latest adventure at our weekend lake cottage? From beneath 7” of ground cover, I unearthed a woodland staircase going up to our back acres. We didn’t even know it existed.
When I climbed it? A wooded trail revealed itself as it was lined with spring bulbs.
New houses are always such a mystery. Embrace the fun, Buyers!
...she came bursting out and had me running full speed ahead over the bridge in to the “No Boys Allowed” zone in the treetops. I spy the enchanting fairytale backyard treehouse of my childhood dreams!✨❤️
Rain is coming and a lot of it, St. Louis... tis the season of the WET BASEMENT, friends! As far as area properties go, our current local forecast has the ability to turn even the most dry basementinto a wet one as there is nowhere for all of this water to go?! Trickles, drips, streams, and in the worst scenario INCHES= extreme stress and costly repair for Homeowners.
Over 18+ years of building inspections as a St. Louis Realtor, one thing I know to be true: a large percentage of water damage is preventable. Deferred maintenance, red flags ignored, defects like cracks in the foundation brushed off, or water allowed to pool at a foundation or penetrate, one way or another, will eventually cause water damage.
I can assure you from personal experience that water is a property's worst enemy. In a very short period of time, water can cause massive and permanent structural damage in the form of mold/ rot/ foundation cracks, not to mention unnecessary Homeowner stress and damage to personal property. Do you fear water penetrating your house this week? Is that an issue that you tend to have? Don't just sit back and stress. Protect your investment! Pop on a raincoat and proactively make your way through this basic checklist to help troubleshoot and reduce the damage.
1) Clear Gutters of All Obstructions
Is water spilling over the edges of your gutter? Is water spraying with force at the gutter seams? Is water not coming out of the downspout? Are your gutters pulling away from the house due to weight? Is your siding or fascia peeling or showing wear up near the gutter? Most likely, you have a clog and need to clear it ASAP! Plain and simple, if your gutters are not working correctly, your basement will likely LEAK. Clearing all Spring debris or squirrels nests allows water to flow freely, ensuring the excess water gets where it should be instead of sitting at your foundation where it can potentially pool below ground.
2) Place Splash Blocks Beneath The Downspouts
Splash blocks direct rain water away from the foundation of the home and prevent soil erosion, ensuring the critical soil at the base of your foundation remain compact and as dry as possible. At just $10-$15 a piece, splash blocks are one of the most cost effective and simple water solutions a Homeowner has access to. Make sure that you install it correctly, not backwards, or it will flow right back towards your foundation defeating the purpose. This is more common than you think! 3) Ensure Downspouts Direct Away From The Foundation.
Are your gutters clear and you have a splash block, yet water continues to pool near the foundation? Quick fix ...
... a $10 downspout extender from a hardware store. It slips right on the end of the gutter and will immediately give you enough length to get the water AWAY from the foundation. These inexpensive contraptions allow water to be dispersed far from your home foundation, so it will absorb into the top soil evenly. Temporarily, place them per above... it will do the trick! They can also be buried for a more aesthetically pleasing solution. If you have this system in place and you are still getting water, you likely have a breach- major clog or a break in the pipe. Temporarily disconnect the gutter from the buried pipe and redirect the water until you have sunny skies to excavate and repair! 4) Clear All Exterior Drains
If I had a dollar for every clogged driveway drain that I have witnessed cause active garage flooding or basement stairwell drain covered in leaves allowing water to flow right into the basement... I would be one wealthy Realtor. Common sense: drains are there for a reason! Get in the habit of keeping all exterior and landscape drains clear of debris. If you don't, you are compromising your structure by inviting water right in. 5) Ensure That Your Sump Pump Hasn't Failed.
A sump pump is typically installed in a property with a high ground water table to avoid likely water penetration. They are also commonplace in most Midwest new construction properties. When the water table rises, the system is activated and quickly pumps water away via a drain pump trench dug around the structure foundation. Unfortunately, sometimes they fail which can cause a flooding catastrophe! Power failure is the most common culprit, as sump pumps are hardwired and run on electricity. In that case, a backup generator is a quick and easy purchase at a hardware store, easily justified by the threat of a severely flooded basement. If the electricity is on and you STILL have pump failure, this article will help you troubleshoot! If your basement takes on a lot of water and often, a sump pump is a worthwhile solution as long as you commit to regular maintenance and testing. However, installation of a sump system is futile unless done in conjunction with the other steps in this blog post. A pump can only do so much. Personal opinion: Do not invest in a sump pump unless you are willing to invest in a backup generator, as well. It is necessary. In addition, I have learned over the years that sump pumps are typically an automatic exclusion on most insurance policies, and require additional policy to provide failure coverage. If you have a sump pump, inquire with your insurance agent about adding a sump pump policy ASAP. If you don't and your pump fails causing property damage... it will result in out-of-pocket expense. 6) Ensure Basement Window Wells Are Not Taking On Water
Basement window wells serve a purpose, but if taking on water... they are a red carpet welcome for water into the basement. The 1st five items on this checklist could EASILY be causing the problem so start there. If your basement window wells are clean and still leaking after checking 1-5, it likely comes down to 1 of 4 things: A) You need to caulk and seal the windows. B) You have a grading issue that needs addressing ASAP(see #10) C) You need a well cover, ala THIS, to help redirect rainfall if the window isn't located safely under the protection of the eaves. D) You have cracks in the foundation near the windows that need to be addressed by a professional foundation company. 7) Ensure the Service Pipes And Wires Leading Into the House Are Tight And Sealed.
Electric, cable, gas, telephone, and plumbing services are all fed to your property via service wires and pipes coming through the structure. Ensure the boxes and meters aren't loose. Ensure the openings are properly caulked and sealed around the service entry to ensure that water doesn't penetrate. The most common and SCARY one that I see at inspection regularly? Electric panels with interior rust, as water droplets directly enter the box via beading on the entry wire. Water + electricity= disaster. In general, caulk and weather stripping in a Homeowner's best friend in ANY area of their house where they feel draft or see light. 8) Ensure your Roof Shingles and Flashings Are Secure And In Good Condition
Simply, a well-maintained roof is a property's most important defense against water. Deferred maintenance is a huge no-no. A teeny leak can result in severe structural damage in the matter of minutes. Check your roof regularly. Upon the VERY first sign of water penetration, contact a professional ASAP. DO NOT PUT THIS ONE OFF. 9) Check Your Chimney
To ensure that a chimney doesn't leak, it should be properly maintained. If it isn't properly maintained, it is the most common water entry point on the roof. If the cap is missing or damaged, replace/tighten it. If the crown is cracked, caulk it or have it replaced by a professional. If moisture is seeping in, the bricks may need tuck-pointing. Per flashing, see #8. 10) Ensure That The Soil Is Properly Graded AWAY From The Foundation.
Obviously, this is not something that can be address MID-STORM, but often times water issues in the Midwest come down to grading. If you have any low areas where water is able to pool at the foundation, you have trouble! Ideally, your yard grade should be sloped away from the house, as water flowing towards the home almost always causes issue. I discuss grading with my clients regularly, pertaining to water drainage issues. Sloping the soil away from the foundation will remedy a wet basement most of the time. The Family Handyman recommends firmly packing clay soil around the foundation, with at least a 4-in. slope over the first 4 ft. Place 6-mil black plastic over the soil and cover it with landscape rock...
Whatever method you choose to regrade your foundation beds, should you see any pooling it isn't working and it is time for a redo!
The key to successful home maintenance is proactivity. Deferred maintenance always comes back to bite a Homeowner during wicked weather systems like this. Hopefully these tips will get you through this particular storm system. Once sunny skies return, however, proactively troubleshoot the areas that were compromised during the storm to prevent future water penetration.
A trip to Eckert's just got a lot easier for you! My haul. 😊 At Manchester and 141, in the abandoned Office Depot, now sits an Eckert's seasonal pop-up market...
I apologize for the dark photos! I stumbled up the store yesterday morning under stormy skies. While nothing beats a fun day trip to Eckert's mega store in Belleville or their fun farm in Millstadt, this location does carry the best of the best: Fresh and juicy in-season peaches, fresh farm-grown veggies and fruit galore, ciders, homemade baked goods and pies, gift items, select meats and cheeses, and a selection of their lovely condiments from apple butter to salsa...
Nitty Gritty:
ST. LOUIS SEASONAL MARKET
79 NATIONALWAY SHOPPING CTR
MANCHESTER, MISSOURI Open 9-6 every day until late-August.
Yesterday afternoon, I showed a handful of properties to a client of mine, most notably a gorgeous home in Clayton mere steps from Forest Park. While we had a record snow storm here in St. Louis over the weekend, Mother Nature has been kind over the past 2 days with clear skies. I was shocked to pull up and discover that the Seller didn't bother to salt or shovel the walkway or driveway. In fact, the Seller made zero attempt to ensure that we could safely enter the property. Not good. Needless to say, my client was turned off before we even entered the door after trekking through 10 inches of snow in normal street shoes. Is your house listed right now or do you have plans to list your home soon, as we continue to battle Winter? If so, this blog entry is for you! Perhaps the biggest challenge to a Midwest Winter Seller, despite a smaller Buyer Pool, is the inability to visually capture a Buyer immediately. The fact is, curb appeal matters and winter in St. Louis is dreary and sloppy for the most part. The 1st impression is almost always the lasting impression when it comes to real estate. First impressions are everything and achieving a welcoming curb appeal during the gray winter months can be TOUGH! Studies show that a Buyer typically decides within two minuteswhether they like your home or not, as they start forming their opinion before they even walk through the front door!Hence, it is VITAL for your home to be as presentable as it can be to ensure a quick sale at a top dollar price. During the Spring and Summer months, I recommend fresh mulch, flowers, and colorful touches to my clients. Unfortunately, however, during the gray winter months... a Seller doesn't have those options. Hence, a warm and inviting curb appeal may be difficult to achieve during the Winter! Over my 17+ years in the business, I have compiled numerous winter curb appeal tips that I pass along to my Sellers to amp up the marketability of their properties during the colder months.
Curb appeal and winter safety matters to you too, Winter Sellers. Do NOT ignore it or you are kissing money goodbye.
Are you in St. Louis, considering a move in 2019, and still interviewing Realtors? 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 to find out how much your house is worth.
TIP: Landscaping done right can put as much as $4 in your pocket for every $1 you spend, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.
Talk about return on investment (roi)?! It’s time to get your hands dirty, Homeowners!
I am incredibly excited to present my newest listing! Nestled on 3 wooded acres in a picturesque gated community...
... this impressive custom-built home boasts over 7500 sqft of luxurious high-end upgrades and amenities. Just 25 minutes from downtown and in the award-winning Rockwood school district, this stunner is an entertainer's delight!
1209 Diamond Valley features:
Handsome full masonry and stone front exterior...
A two-story grand entrance foyer with custom crown molding and a stunning spiral staircase with twisted metal basket spindles...
A formal dining room with custom inlaid hardwood floors, a designer trey ceiling with accent lighting, a recessed furniture alcove, and a bow window...
A breathtaking two-story 20" great room with sweeping views of the outdoor pool oasis and the 18th green of the Paradise Valley Golf and Country Club...
The great room also features a gas fireplace with a precast surround and granite inlays, built in bookshelves, custom recessed art alcoves with professional lighting, and protective window tinting for furniture, rugs, and art work.
Heading in to the sizable eat-in kitchen, it is a chef's delight and the perfect spot for your family and guests to gather...
Notable features include Silestone solid surface counter tops, custom-built maple cabinetry with crown molding, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances including a hood, a wine fridge, double ovens, warming tray, and more...
This room also boasts a sizable sitting hearth area with gas fireplace, built-in bookshelves, a flat screen, and a professionally installed audio system...
Just outside of the kitchen, is an outdoor kitchen grilling station for summer cookouts, complete with a stainless steel grill, refrigerator, prep sink, and ice maker...
The second story of the multi-tiered no-maintenance composite deck design also includes a sizable dining area with retractable awning, a whimsical palm tree, a sweeping view of the property, and a spiral stair case that descends down to the pool deck...
Tucked off to the side, there is a covered gazebo nestled in to the trees. It is the perfect place to enjoy a warm summer night or your morning coffee while relaxing to the sounds of the 90' waterfall that flows beneath...
Heading back inside, the home features a handsome den/study with 13’0” Ceilings, double 8’0” 21-lite glass french doors for privacy, Oak wainscot with inserts, Oak built-in bookcases, custom crown molding with corner blocks, and Oak hardwood flooring...
The sizable main floor Master Bedroom Suite is the private oasis that every Homeowner seeks! It boasts a lovely coffered ceiling, an adjacent sitting area with a built-in bookcase, a gas fireplace, custom crown molding, a flat screen television, and designer carpeting...
The luxury Master Bath features a marble floor, a double vanity and dressing table, custom marble vanity counter tops, a whirlpool tub with marble surround and flanked by marbled pillars, a glassed-in shower with the Kohler Body Spray system, and a wall mounted flat screen television...
It also features an impressive walk-in closet with a custom-built shelving system...
Heading upstairs, 1209 Diamond Valley features THREE additional sizable bedrooms. While one currently boasts a balcony overlooking the great room and is being utilized as a bonus room, it can easily be transformed back in to a bedroom if the Buyer prefers...
All three upstairs bedrooms feature a professionally designed walk-in closet, designer carpeting, and either a private bath or access to a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
Heading downstairs to the lower level of 1209 Diamond Valley Drive, let the party begin!
The incredible finished basement includes a party room ideal for game day or other large gatherings with a downstairs wet bar kitchen complete with 9’0” ceilings, Maple custom cabinets, a wine refrigerator, a full-size refrigerator, a dishwasher, an ice maker, microwave, and a side wine room that would be an ideal place to build a cellar for wine enthusiasts...
The basement also features two aquariums...
A sizable recreation room with a gas fireplace and a flat screen tv. The Seller opted for ceramic tile flooring as this area looks out and walks out on to the pool deck...
Bring along your pool table, air hockey, jukebox, and pinball machines, Buyers...
The crown jewel of the basement, in my opinion, is the enclosed multi-media room with an overhead HD projection system. It featureselevated seating for twelve, a seven channel custom surround sound system, and custom dimming wall sconces...
The in-home fitness room boasts plenty of room for your workout equipment. With mirrored walls, a mounted flat screen, a private steam shower...
... and a beautiful redwood steam sauna with elevated seating...
... you can stay in shape without ever leaving home?!
Hold on to your seats, party house enthusiasts! Outside is where the magic really happens at 1209 Diamond Valley Drive. The Seller spared NO expense in creating an outdoor oasis that will have you hunting down a pool boy for another margarita!
The backyard includes a custom in-ground salt water pool with an exposed aggregated patio surround...
In addition to the 2nd story outdoor kitchen, there is also a poolside one complete with plenty of places to belly up to the bar under the misting palm tree...
While the hosts has access to a gas grill, bar fridge, and an ice maker for the fruity drinks...
The pool deck also features a lovely shaded gazebo with a stone gas fireplace for roasting marshmallows at night or cozying up during Autumn...
Note: despite the acreage being beautifully wooded for privacy, there is plenty of green space for a game of catch or a play set...
You will also find a hot tub, a custom lighting and surround sound system covering the entire pool and deck areas...
... and plenty of shady spots to dine, take a break from the sun, or get a game update on the flat-screen television.
When landscaping and hardscaping the grounds, the Seller spared absolutely no expense in creating a space that was not only peaceful and beautiful, but region appropriate. They incorporated thousands of dollars of natural stone...
... and incorporated water features in several areas of the property!
One of the most spectacular, by far, is a 90' cascading waterfall...
... that runs beneath a plexiglass window on the lower level gazebo floor...
... to a fish-stocked lily pond below!
So peaceful, so lovely!
Complete with seven+ garage spaces...
Most notably, the current owner's favorite place to store his toys: a fully-conditioned two car bay with a custom car lift, checkerboard tile flooring, a rough-in for a wetbar, and a wall-mounted Flat Screen television...
... this home has EVERYTHING you have ever dreamed of and more!
Other whole house amenities:
Small and private gated community
Rockwood School District
Three (3) Acre Homesite on the Golf Course Overlooking 18th Green
Three+ Bedrooms *
*Bonus Room (aka Bedroom 4) currently features a balcony overlooking Great Room, though this room can easily be returned in to a bedroom if preferred by the Buyer
4.5 Bathrooms
Pella Windows with Slim Shades
8’0” Balagio Interior Doors on Main Level
7-1/4” Base on Main Level – 5-1/4” Base Throughout
Invisible Fencing surrounding entire property
Sprinkler System for lawn
Cantal Beam Central Vacuum System
Whole house Security System
Whole house Technology Package
Zoned HVAC – Four (4) Systems
600 AMP Electrical Service
60KW Kohler Propane Emergency Generator
See the full MLS listing HERE. Offered for $1,175,000 - No show until Saturday, June 9.
For more information or interested in a move? Let's connect!
