CLOSED: #617 Oak Springs Trail Drive in Ballwin

This beauty closed escrow today...

A sincere thank you and congratulations to the D family for their friendship, trust, and due diligence. This sale was an emotional one for the family, hence, I was humbled by the opportunity to help. It means so much!  

Team Oak Springs took every single ounce of my preparation advice, from stripping wallpaper to repainting, and their attention-to-detail paid off at the closing table.  Competing contracts, 100% as-is, full price offer. Yes!  While this closing is bittersweet, I am so happy for my sweet Sellers and appreciate everything that they did to help make this a quick and seamless sale.  Congrats, friends.

In St. Louis and contemplating a move in 2020? Inventory is low and listing are selling quickly at top dollar!  Let's connect and see what your property may be worth...

Under Contract: #2824 Essex Street in St. Charles

I knew that this gem would go super fast...

Lovely Essex was one busy listing this weekend, with multiple showings and offers.  A huge congratulations and THANK you to my Sellers, the W family, for their careful prep and attention to detail.  From following every single one of my suggestions to fresh-baked cookies and flower-filled vases on showing day, they pulled out all of the stops.  It closes escrow in April!

In St. Louis and ready to make a move? The 2020 market is in FULL-EFFECT!  My listings are selling as fast as I can get them on the MLS,  friends.  This is the year!  Let's connect...

Staging Before and After

Which kitchen would you rather cook your family breakfast in? 

Easy answer.

SELLING TIP: Your home doesn’t have to be 100% updated to have a quick and profitable sale. That being said, whether original or brand spanking new... staging is EVERYTHING, friends. If your potential agent hasn’t discussed preparation strategy with you, I highly recommend getting a second opinion -STAT.

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.

Seller Tip: Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!

Clutter and contract rarely belong in the same sentence, friends.

If you were a Buyer, which kitchen would compel you to pull the trigger? Exactly!  Decluttering is sweat equity, aka money in the bank for a Seller at closing!

Staging matters- Laundry edition.

The same laundry room, a weekend of Seller sprucing distinguishes the two...

Which one would give a Buyer concern that there is not enough storage space and which one would result in Buyer love-at-first-sight?

Exactly.

Staging and preparation is everything, Sellers. A little bit of work can mean a lot more money at the closing table!

Neutral Paint Boosts Home Value

Fresh neutral paint gives a Seller the most “bang for the buck” in terms of sweat equity, a quick sale, and maximization of profit! In fact, the ROI (return on investment) is astronomical. 💰🏡  I am Brentwood-bound this morning, my Sherwin Williams color deck in hand, for a paint color consultation... 

4th quarter planning and preparation meetings with my upcoming Spring Sellers? My favorite part of the job! Goodbye warm amber tones, hello market-friendly neutrals. 👍🏼  

In St. Louis and contemplating a move in 2019?  The time to start interviewing and conversing with Realtors is NOW!  Proper planning, staging, and preparation takes time.  I would love to be considered...

Under Contract: 1209 Diamond Valley Drive

Fire up the misting palm trees and pour a round of margaritas!  With less than 3 weeks on market, gorgeous Diamond Valley (aka the ultimate party house)...

 ... SOLD and closes escrow in August!  The Sellers pulled out all of the stops and created a home and gorgeous outdoor oasis that is unparalleled to any other house in the area.  From the movie theater and 7 car garage to the gorgeous salt water pool and Scandinavian sauna... this home has it ALL.  Wow, did their attention to detail PAY OFF!

It has been an honor to have the opportunity to represent this lovely home and its incredible owners. A warm thank you to the Z family for their trust, faith, and confidence!  It was a fabulous group effort that resulted in a fast sale. I also want to extend a sincere moment of gratitude to the H family for their client referral! I am so fortunate to have such wonderful and supportive friends and clients in my life.

Learn more about the property HERE, including price and all photos.

If you are contemplating a 2018 move, the market is hot, friends.  Proper preparation can take time, so get the process started now to maximize your profit potential!  Let's connect...

Under Contract: 10918 Midland Ridge in Pattonville

Nothing says "Happy Monday morning, Carrie" like waking up to a ridiculously kind online shout-out on Instagram and Twitter...

 Thank you, J! 💛  

Lovely Midland Ridge was “no show until Sunday”, and wow... 

... yesterday was an exciting all-day contract party as several Buyers bid for the chance to call this tidy ranch “home”! 

Awesome example of how the swift St. Louis Spring market paired with detailed team prep and strategy by Agent and Homeowner gets the job done quickly and for top dollar. A warm congratulations to my Sellers and a huge THANK YOU for their trust and supreme effort to make the house sparkle.  We close escrow in early April!

If you are contemplating a 2018 move, the market is hot, friends.  Proper preparation can take time, so get the process started now to maximize your profit potential!  Let's connect...

30 Days To A Clutter-free Home

The key to a successful post-New Year list is a December of decluttering.  NOT easy with parties, house guests, and general holiday chaos. Take the challenge, friends...

5 minutes per day and you’ll ring in 2018 clutter free.  Love this! ❤️ 

 PS: Casa de Nenonen is also participating! Printed and on my fridge. 

Sellers: The Details Matter!

Which linen closet is likely to impress a Buyer or go unnoticed, and which one clearly communicates that there isn’t enough storage space in the property? Go the extra mile in preparing your home this Winter for your Spring list. Organize cabinets, tidy closets, clear the clutter. It will pay off at the closing table!

Hidden Gem: Pottery Barn Outlet

While it was a temporary pop-up store with strange hours for several months, Pottery Barn has officially opened up a permanent outlet store in town, St. Louis...

They carry Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn Kids, and PB Teen items at a healthy discount. If in need of a home refresher or a housewarming gift, I highly recommend checking it out. 

A teeny tiny peek at what they have to offer via my recent visit...

The Nitty Gritty:

Pottery Barn Outlet- St. Louis

Address: 788 Gravois Bluffs Blvd, Fenton, MO 63026
Hours: Open today · 10AM–9PM
Phone: (636) 326-6456
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotteryBarnOutletFenton/ 

See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

Hidden Gem: Gateway Online Auctions and Overstock Outlet

Just a quick hop west of the Missouri River, near the Family Arena and Historic Downtown St. Charles...

... sits a retail hidden gem that most locals know nothing about.  In fact, I almost hate to share this one as it means less great deals for me. 😉 Ha!  

An industry friend who is a professional stager told me about Gateway and I was astounded when I visited! I found a 10k+ sq ft warehouse filled to the BRIM with overstock from Wayfair, Amazon, and local big box stores. All items are 50% off the manufacturer price.  In fact, most items at Gateway are currently for sale on these sites for DOUBLE the price.  The owner, who is super friendly and helpful, told me that he receives several truckloads, 2-4 per week. The contents vary from truck to truck. 

A visit to Gateway Online Auctions is the ultimate trendy home item scavenger hunt.  Each visit, you never know what you will find!  If you just bought a new home or seek a little home decor spruce, Gateway is a must-visit. 

Happy shopping!

TIPS: 

1) In my opinion, the name is somewhat deceptive as while they do run some online auctions for smaller items, this is in fact a retail location. Everything is marked with a price and you carry it out that day.

2) Ask to utilize the new computer data base to browse/search their inventory!  I walked around first and then searched the database second.  Super helpful, particularly when shopping for a specific item like I was.

NITTY GRITTY:

1735 S. River Rd.
St. Charles, MO 63304
Open Monday- Saturday from 9am-5pm

Web: http://www.gatewayonlineauctions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatewayonlineauctions

See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

To Stainless or not to stainless... that is the question!

Stainless steel appliances have been the "belle of the ball" for some time now, as they have become the hallmark of a desirable and updated kitchen.  However, I have been privy to client concerns and complaints for years, typically for two reasons:

1) Fingerprints: 
"Kids do NOT touch the refrigerator today as the house is being shown!"

Note- I have heard more home remedies on reducing smudge than I care to count from baby oil to coconut oil.

2) Dents: 

"Carrie- should we buy a magnetic wipe board or something to camouflage it for listing?"

In fact, this post is brought to you by...

...the big fat dent made by the delivery men upon installing our brand new 24 inch special order counter-depth wet bar refrigerator. 

No, no, no! *sigh* 

Universe- I will take your 2 months of waiting for this fridge only to have it dented upon installation and spin it as a gift. A happy accident. Had this dent not been made by the poor delivery man, it would have likely been made by a member of my family with zero recourse. We sadly learned a lesson at his expense, I suppose.

While most Buyers love themselves some stainless steel and I don't see it being out of vogue for a very long time, there has been a distinct shift in what I have begun to see in homes around St. Louis and trending in design publications.  As Homeowners begin to seek contemporary appliances that are lower maintenance, designers and large appliance houses have responded in a big way. 

If you enjoy the aesthetic of stainless steel and seek a low-smudge alternative...

Black or slate-toned stainless steel is trending and is hot, hot, hot!  Not long after its introduction, this finish has quickly taken over Pinterest and big box stores due to its popularity.

In addition, traditional white and black appliances are making a huge comeback as they have a new sexy swagger with clean lines, smooth surfaces, and high-end options.

Those aren't your parents' appliances.  Clean, stylish, and gorgeous, aren't they?

Per the Nenonens, we have changed courses for our unique space that requires a very thin (24") yet tall (70") special order fridge.  While I was initially drawn to the sleek and modern appearance of the steel fridge for our wetbar makeover with new granite and carrara marble...

I have opted to reorder the white version instead.  Yes, the somewhat painfully practical decision, but likely the right one for us.  With no less than a dozen teenagers in my basement every weekend, we have tried to create a space that is stylish and pretty, but yes... practical and durable, as well.

Staging Matters!

Which house do you think would sell on the first day, with multiple offers, over list price?

While a professional stager's services with paint consultation may cost a Seller between $3-5,000, typically the result pays off at the closing table!  What a terrific makeover.

Under Contract: #1210 Wicklow Rd, Unit H in Parkway South

Nothing says "Happy Sunday" like a steamy mug of Sumatra with skim, a loyal pup at your feet, and heading over to a Seller's house to place an "Under Contract" rider.  The absolute best!

Wicklow sold yesterday with less than two weeks on the market and closes escrow in November!  This timely sale is a true testament to the power of Sellers 100% dedicated to the process.  So wonderful to work with, they took every ounce of advice that I gave them and prepared their property like true champions. The payoff is a quick sale as we venture in to Fall.  Yahoo!

A HUGE thank you and congratulations to the H family! I love my time spent with you and can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring as we secure your forever home.  Fantastic weekend!