Snow Day in the Lou!

Thomas Wentworth Higginson said... 

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, 

if there were no Winter in our year!"

Stay warm and enjoy your first real snow day, St. Louis! Hold in your heart that the first day of Spring is a mere 52 days away!🌷

10 Easy Steps to a Dry Basement and Water-Tight House

Rain, rain go away!  

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 basement into 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.

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.  

Sycamore, Illinois architecture never disappoints!

I have admired this 1886 Queen Anne style mansion for more than 20 years in my husband’s hometown...

I was surprised to find it on the market during our recent visit. 8000sqft and ready for it? Only 450k. 3 finished stories, original silk wallpaper, untouched woodwork in pristine condition, pocket doors galore, 9 functional fireplaces, a carriage house, and gorgeous grounds. So many lovely original architectural goodies that I had to share!

Home Tip: What does snow melting on my roof really mean?

One of the biggest perks of being a Realtor is the privilege to attend dozens of building inspections per year!  It is a continued source of learning and knowledge for me. The beauty of my blog? The ability to share the little nuggets of home wisdom that I pick up along the way!

Needless to say, it has been a wild and wicked winter here in St. Louis!  Snow days have been aplenty and almost ALL of my inspections thus far in 2019 have been in the snow, including yesterday's.   As we approached the property yesterday, before even entering, the inspector blurted out "Alert Carrie- we need insulation!".

How did he know that, you may ask, before even entering the property?  On the north-facing entry of the home, despite frigid temperatures, the snow was melting off the bulk of the roof EXCEPT above the unheated garage.  Hence, heated air is escaping in to the attic and warming the roof.

Insulation has already been a topic that I have blogged about this year, as we recently did some MAJOR addressing of deficiency in our own home.  While as a real estate professional I should advise it is prudent and due-diligence to climb a ladder and regularly check your insulation levels, realistically, most people only venture in to their attic if necessary.  Hence why this tip is INVALUABLE to Homeowners as it is easy and fool-proof!

Plain and simple, a snow-covered roof means that your attic is doing its job. Patches of uneven melt are a sign of heat loss. If your neighbor's roof has a thick blanket and yours doesn't, it is a sign of heat loss.  Steam coming off the roof on melt days- a sign of heat loss.  Icicles forming on the gutter line are also often a sign of heat loss.  If your roof is warm enough to melt the snow but it's cold enough outside for snow to refreeze, your roof is losing heat.  Period.

HOMEOWNER TIP: 
In the days that follow a snowfall, examine the roof on your home- preferably the North-facing side. If the outside temperature stays below 32 degrees, there should still be a healthy sheet of snow on your roof. If you notice patches where the snow is melting (or any of the signs mentioned above), your attic is likely lacking proper insulation OR the insulation has been shifted during home repairs and is no longer evenly blanketing the attic floor. These areas of leakage will not only melt the snow, but it will cause your heating bills to rise and affect your home comfort.

Address the problem now so your pocketbook and furnace don't have to work so hard! You will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

LOCALS:
Curious about the cost of adding additional insulation in St. Louis?  In our personal project, we blew in insulation to a maximum R60 level (from 21ish) using premium 85% Recycled Green Fiber, which also creates a sound barrier and is fire retardant with zero fiberglass.  For just under 2000sqft, it was approximately $2,500.  In just 2 months, we have already seen our heating bill drop tremendously, despite frigid temperatures.

Icy Day at Creve Coeur Lake...

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot 

and the wind blows cold: when it is Summer in the light, 

and Winter in the shade.”❄️

- Charles Dickens

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...

10 New Years Resolutions For Your Home in 2019

A warm thank you to Manage My Life for this terrific advice heading in to 2019...

10 New Years Resolutions for your Home

Tradition dictates that every January 1, we resolve to make a life improvement, big or small. Improving your home can improve your life, so apply the most popular New Year's resolutions to your home.

1. Lose weight
A bit of weight loss goes a long way in a home. Sell, donate, recycle or discard the stuff you never use. When your home is less cluttered, the rest of your life just might follow suit.

2. Quit smoking
If your home is smoking, you need to know about it. Install a smoke detector on every level of your home and outside the sleeping areas. Keep your resolution charged all year by changing the batteries in your detectors twice a year.

3. Get organized
A place for everything, and everything in its place — ever heard that one? Organize files, storage areas and living spaces. Professionals can lend a hand, or you can tackle the job yourself. Either way, your life runs more smoothly when you can find things when you need them.

4. Improve your appearance.
You'll be most content in your home when you're happy with it aesthetically. Refreshes could range from fresh flowers to improved lighting to new flooring. When you revitalize your home, it revitalizes you right back.

5. Make more money.
Small projects can add big profit if you plan to sell your home. Some can be found in simple fixes — a fresh coat of paint, a new rug, less furniture and less clutter. Although the return on your investment depends on your timing and the market, the most profitable changes are a basic kitchen update, a revitalized lawn, an energy-efficient fireplace and a second bath.

6. Save money.
Consistent, proper maintenance of your home can save big money in the long run. If ignored, small things like worn washer hoses, clogged gutters or dead tree limbs can become costly problems. A regular maintenance plan can prevent emergency repairs from taking you to the bank.

7. Drink less.
Is your energy consumption out of control? You can start with the easy fixes — use compact fluorescent light bulbs, rechargeable batteries and fewer disposable items. Turn off what you're not using and adjust your thermostat. Bigger ticket items include energy-saving appliances and low-flush toilets. These changes not only decrease your energy bills, they also place fewer demands on the planet's resources.

8. Go back to school.
Attend home maintenance classes and learn about home improvement projects. If you're calling in a professional, educate yourself about the appropriate processes, know what questions to ask, and then ask them.

9. Try something new.
Never hung a picture? Never built a deck? With the right tools and education, you can manage a lot on your own. Set your sights on a project that's realistic for you and go for it.

10. Spend more time with family and friends.
Your friends and family will line up at your door to help celebrate your accomplishments!

Check your sump pump today, St. Louis!

TIP: A high of almost 50 is expected today, St. Louis, which will result in an insanely fast saturation of the soil around your foundation!

To avoid a basement flood, check your downspout extensions this AM & your sump regularly throughout the day to ensure it is running and properly discharging. ❄️💦

Got chills, St. Louis? Check Your Insulation!

Got the chills, St. Louis?  Slippers, warm coffee, and a steamy shower this morning!  Just 3 days ago, The Nenonens hiked (and waded) our way 5 miles through Castlewood.  In fact, we managed to hike 20+ miles over the past week thanks to lovely 80-90 degree temperatures!

Yesterday, however, in true Midwest fashion...

...Mama Nature surprised us all by taking a tumble in to brisk autumnal temperatures, abruptly ending the unseasonable Fall warm streak we have enjoyed thus far.

I have always said that my blog mimics my life, and this post is no different.  My goal here on CDN and the City is to yes, share my adventures but also educate the public on matters of the home.  Often times, that means learning from my mistakes.

I pose a question to you, friends: When was the last time that you peeked in to your attic and checked the level of the insulation?  Answer honestly, judgement-free zone here. 

Apparently in Casa de Nenonen, it has been too long! Way too long, if ever, since closing on our house.  Let's face it: Life is busy.  Homeowners tend to deal with what is directly in front of them: the garage door that needs adjusting, the lawn that needs mowing, the laundry and dishes and messy kitchen floor.  The mundane daily Homeowner tasks, sprinkled with the occasional crisis or voluntary weekend project, keeps us busy!  Am I right?

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we are currently under kitchen renovation...

In fact, a full gut! When our contractor descended from our attic this week after installing our new recessed lighting, he urged us to add more attic insulation ASAP.  Truthfully, Steve and I rarely even open the attic hatch in this house, as we have plentiful basement storage and it simply is not easily accessible.  

When I popped my head up there this week, however, I was horrified. I have been through enough career building inspections to know the importance of insulation.  I understand R-value.  Yet, I popped my head up in my own attic this week to find this...

Yep.  I am trying not to turn this in to an ashamed Homeowner confession post, but I have no excuse.  To the average person, this photo may mean little to nothing.  To put things in to perspective for you, however, this is the reality thanks to Energy Star...

Insulation's resistance to conductive heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance or "R-value".  Kindergarten terms: the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density.  Over time, insulation shifts or compacts and becomes less effective.   In fact, when insulation compacts, it acts more as a conductor than an insulator.

Our attic, MAYBE, is R-21 right now.  Again, no excuses people. Most local insulation companies recommend an R-49. The US Department of Energy recommends between R-38 and R-60 for the St. Louis area.

St. Louis County requires a minimum of R-30 on new construction and industry-wide, but that is considered RIDICULOUSLY and INSANELY low for our extreme Midwest temperatures.

So these are the facts: Beefing up insulation and caulking/sealing air leaks is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. It is a simple home project that a Homeowner can do on their own and it can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to a whopping 30%!

In addition, per Remodeling Magazine, it has one of the best ROIs (return on investment) of all home improvement projects.

In other words, THIS HOME IMPROVEMENT PAYS FOR ITSELF while keeping your family warmer on chilly days like today!  Win/win.

Our contractor has graciously agreed to bring Casa de Nenonen to an R-60 once our project is complete...

While I am thankful that he alerted us to his discovery, we should have done our due-diligence and checked it prior to this renovation.  We should have done our due-diligence and checked it years ago.

Learn from my mistake, friends.  The cost of the project is nominal compared to the money saved.  Before temps plummet any further, walk around your home and pay special attention to these areas...

Your pocketbook will thank you!  

Winter Scenes at Creve Coeur Lake

No where in St. Louis does Old Man Winter put on a more spectacular display...

... than at Dripping Springs at Creve Coeur Lake.❄  Lovely!

Just For Fun: Winter Date Night in Forest Park

I dare to say that there is nothing more magical...

... than an evening at Steinberg under the stars.  Bonfire, hot cocoa, and a Forest Park icy adventure makes for the perfect date night with my hubby!  If you have never visited Steinberg, I beg you to do so.  It is a charming and magical winter oasis under the shadow and big city lights of the Central West End.

Hours:
The 2016/17 Skating season runs November 12 - Feb 23rd

Sunday-Thursday 10am-9pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-Midnight
Extended Holiday hours—10am-Midnight (Nov 23-26, Dec 16 through Jan 7)

Price:
All ages skate admission is $7.
$6 for skate rental. You may bring your own skates.
CASH ONLY!

Location:
400 Jefferson Drive 
St. Louis, MO 63110 
In the SE corner of Forest Park near the Planetarium

Contact:
(314) 367-Rink or (314) 361-0613

WEB: http://www.steinbergskatingrink.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Steinberg-Skating-Rink-288743437895145/

Curb Appeal Matters: Front Porch Fun

You can't control the weather, but you can control your curb appeal...

One front porch urn, three seasons of fun. We have officially shifted into winter mode at Casa de Nenonen with fragrant fraser fir, magnolia leaves, and dehydrated orange...

Winter Scene at Creve Coeur Lake...

I cut through Creve Coeur Lake on the way to my office meeting this AM...

It was a winter scene at Dripping Springs. Ice, icy baby!

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.

Weekend Happening: Ice Carnival in the University City Loop

The weekend forecast, St. Louis...

Old Man Winter got you down? Give him the cold shoulder, embrace the warmer weekend temps, and head out to the 10th Annual University City Loop Ice Carnival this weekend!

Completely centered around the celebration of ice and all things frigid, the Loop Ice Carnival is an all day event with fun for the whole family.

Nitty Gritty...

Where?
The Delmar Loop, from Rosedale to Kingsland avenues

Full schedule and map HERE.

How much?
Most events free

Where to get more info?
314-727-8000 
http://visittheloop.com/icecarnival/

Fun Includes:
Ice Sculptures
5K and 10K Frozen Buns Run
Snow Ball White Attire Party
Ice slides
Smore Roasts
Human Dog Sled Races
Live Performers
Pub Crawl
Scavenger Hunts

Happy New Year!

To my Social Media family- thank you for a wonderful year of sharing and fun! In 2015, may your dreams become reality and your efforts become grand achievements.

Happy New Year and warm blessings for a safe and joyous celebration, my friends!

Winter Scene from the Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden...

Last night we strolled though the Missouri Botanical Garden, magically illuminated by a half million twinkling lights for the Garden Glow.  I will say St. Louis, while it is incredibly crowded, the display is just as visually spectacular as you can imagine!  If you have not yet done so, bundle up your family and enjoy the fun.  The display runs through January 3rd.  Find more information HERE.

Here is a peek at our visit.  NOTE:  my shoddy mobile uploads do NOT do the display justice!

A quick run by Ted Drewes was in order after the holiday fun, of course =)...