Showing morning...

My inner child was not only tapped...

...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!✨❤️

Playful Painted Lady

Lady, you sure know how to stand out in the crowd...

This 1913 Peoria home was built as an American 4 Square with Victorian ornaments added over a century. Playful, isn’t she?  Every time I head up to Bradley University to visit my eldest, I always stop to admire her!❤️

St. Louis Ghost Story: the house that inspired "The Exorcist".

Who doesn't adore a handsome traditional two-story brick home...

Built in 1942, this lovely 3 bedroom, 3 bath property boasts hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, almost 1,700 sqft, and an interesting reputation...

YIKES!!  Happy Halloween week, St. Louis.  Yes, the 1973 cult classic movie "The Exorcist" is rumored to be a St. Louis real life ghost story.

In real estate, a "stigmatized property" is one that buyers shun for reasons that are unrelated to its physical condition or features, most often related to death, murder, suicide, serious illness, or belief that a house is haunted.  Some of the most notorious?

The "Amityville Horror" house...

Jon Benet Ramsey's house...

Jeffrey Dahmer's house...

And yes, one of the most stigmatized properties on the planet...

"The Exorcist" house, located less than 15 minutes from the St. Louis Arch, is nestled in a quiet Bel-Nor neighborhood near the campus of UMSL.

Even though the current Homeowner has encouraged the property's wicked reputation by willingly hosting numerous spooky television shows over recent years like "The Ghost Hunters"  and "Exorcism: LIVE", I won't post the address out of respect to their privacy. That being said, the property is the backdrop of "selfies" from the around the world as spook-seekers have hunted down the address and ventured to this unassuming house to document their visit.

While the movie itself contradicts and embellishes much of the detailed 26 page diary accounts of a St. Louis priest who participated in the actual exorcism itself, most of the rumored locations have been verified by local historians.  THIS interesting NPR article gives the historical accounts of this real life St. Louis ghost story.

So the question is, locals:  would you be interested in attending a Open House or submitting an offer if this one were to hit the market again?  The last sale was in 2005.

Every house deserves the perfect backyard tree swing, don't you think?

Thinking back on my childhood, hour upon hour spent swinging on our backyard swing remains one of my favorite childhood memories! I was charmed by this one in West County this morning.

Spooky October Fun in Des Peres

 Last week on my Facebook page... 

... I expressed that the month of October is always a little more fun for Realtors, thanks to the creativity of local homeowners.  This rang true when I passed this teeny Des Peres street on the way to show properties in Kirkwood last week!

While I wouldn't recommend this "spooktacular" exterior decor if your house is on the market, it got me in the Halloween mood- I had to share!
  

Homeowner Tip: Leave a piece of you behind

Homeowner Tip: The week before closing can be busy for Sellers...

...though consider taking a moment to leave a piece of your story behind!

Hidden Gem: Lake Sherwood in Overland

I have been intrigued by the history of Lake Sherwood (63114) since I sold my 1st house on it (#1 Crossbow) years ago. A hidden gem that most don't even know exists.

I showed property in the subdivision last week- had to share! An interesting subdivision tucked into Central/North St. Louis County.

Connect with the Overland Historical Society:

Web: http://www.overlandhistoricalsociety.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OverlandHistoricalSociety