New Client Recommendation on LinkedIn

Oh my goodness, this made my week... 

Absolutely nothing beats waking up to a notification of a new client recommendation on LinkedIn, particularly one as kind and generous as this.  A warm thank you to my sweet Seller, Amy.  I can't begin to express how much I appreciate your sentiment, business, and most important... friendship.  

There is no doubt that no one can truly vouch for a Realtor's work ethic, integrity, and ability like their former clients.I am so humbled and grateful each and every time I receive one of their endorsements.💗

In St. Louis and contemplating a move in 2020?  Let's connect HERE on my LinkedIn.  There you can see what my other former clients have to say, as well. 

Under Contract: #2347 Goodale Avenue in 63114

Wow, it has been a busy week for me!  As a Midwest Realtor enters 1st quarter, you never know what you are going to get as our weather is unpredictable and the Buyer pool can take several weeks to reengage after the holidays.  I always encourage Sellers to proceed with caution in January.

Not in 2020!  This is my second listing this week to sell within days.  Gorgeous Goodale was "no show" until Sunday morning, and after an exciting whirlwind 72 hours of showings and negotiation... SOLD!  Yippee! 

Obviously, this home is lovely and practically sells itself, but my clients are the true testament to this fast and profitable turnover.  I sold the K family this home just a few years ago and it was beautiful then, but their improvements took it to the next level.  Thank you for your trust, friendship, and repeat business, K family.  

People tend to come into your life in funny ways, and this holds very true in my industry.  I met the K family while sitting a very quiet open house almost 2 decades ago and we bonded immediately.  This is the 4th time that I have had the privilege to represent them over the last 18+ years of my career, and their loyalty means the world to me. Wonderful people, great friends, contagious postive energy that I so very much appreciate!

Congrats to the K duo... their 1948 Cape Cod closes escrow in a month.

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...

Winter Curb Appeal matters!

With Thanksgiving so late this year, I have been admittedly slow to shifting our curb appeal to Winter mode.  I am happy to report that as of this afternoon, Winter has officially kissed the front porch of Casa de Nenonen...

Nothing punches up drab winter curb appeal like the warm touch of birch and pine?! As a member of Team WhyOverComplicate, I prefer to steer clear of holiday-specific themes in lieu of items of longevity that can appropriately remain up throughout the season until we are blessed with Spring.  

Winter Curb Appeal - It matters, Sellers!

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 minutes whether 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.

Coming soon in Creve Coeur...

I just placed the supra on this stylish loft in the heart of the Central Corridor, St. Louis! Listing coming in March.  Isn't the sleek vessel sink sexy?   This loft boasts contemporary yet sophisticated updates in an INCREDIBLE central location!

Want more information?  Email me at cnenonen@cbgundaker.com.

Closed: 7 Summersweet Lane in Ballwin

#7 Summersweet in Ballwin closed this AM.  With the closing of this estate, I also bid farewell to a personal friend.  As I expressed last week, I do not take for granted that my job is unique in that I help families during some of their most emotional transitions.  Often times as a Realtor, my personal and professional lives collide.

Team Summersweet- I would like to express a warm thank you for allowing me to handle this transaction.  As they say, the apple does not fall far from the tree.  It did not surprise me in the least that such a remarkable lady would have such a terrific group of loved ones.  I had a profound respect for M and will/do miss her friendship deeply. My sincere gratitude for trusting me to handle this transaction on behalf of her.    

Gorgeous property and a wonderful transaction to finish off 2014, as it served as a reminder for me to pause and give thanks for each day with my loved ones.  Life is sweet yet short, friends.  Each day is indeed a gift. 

Happy Holidays and thank you all.  

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.