Under Contract: 7 Summersweet Lane in Ballwin (Parkway West)

A terrific start to a fun holiday weekend, #7 Summersweet went under contract late last night and closes in December!  A warm thank you and congratulations to the M Family.

Just For Fun: The 2014 Trulia Housing "Scare Report"

This Fall, Trulia surveyed over 2,000 prospective buyers about what SCARES them during their October house hunt. Their findings!  Would you buy a house near a cemetery?

October Pinterest Fun

"Eat, drink, and be scary."

~Author Unknown

Halloween falls on a FRIDAY this year, so you better have a full "treat" bowl ready! Need a last minute costume idea or recipe? Check out my spooky October Pinsperation HERE!

Rule of Real Estate: Know your numbers. Check your credit score for FREE

Answer this question honestly:  

When was the last time that you pulled your credit reports? 

The fact is, your numbers matter!  I did the annual examination of my credit reports this AM- fast, easy, and painless.  I figured that this would be the perfect time to share the information on the blog with you!

Did you know that under the Federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), you are entitled to a free peek at your credit report once per year?  To comply with their obligations under FACTA, the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) organized the web site AnnualCreditReport.com,  allowing consumers a way to easily exercise this right.  The website is safe and FREE TO YOU, providing all American consumers an easy mechanism to receive their three free credit reports per year.

Ok, so why don't people use this service?  After 13 years of discussing money matters with clients, I hear 4 reasons repeatedly.

1) I didn't know about the service.
2) I hate talking credit.
3) I have no plans for a big purchase, so why bother
4) By FAR, the most common- I don't want to damage my credit

Whether preparing for a large purchase (house or car) or NOT, an annual credit report check is necessary and advised to ensure that you are "moving in the right direction", that your identity has not been compromised, and to allow you the ability and adequate time to dispute any discrepancies. 

I equate the fear of facings ones' numbers to someone who refuses to go to the doctor every year.  The fact is: knowledge is power. Once you rip off the band-aid and HAVE the information in hand... you can work with it. When it comes to your finances (or your health for that matter), ignorance is NOT bliss.  If your goal is to build and maintain a healthy credit score, checking your credit report on a regular basis is a good first step. 

Just do it.  Face the music.  Take control of your finances and pull your report HERE.  You will be relieved that you did, I promise!

Per the Annual Credit Report site:  Keeping an eye out for three things can help to have a positive impact on your credit score: suspicious information, score factors and signs of identity theft. It’s a common misconception that having your credit checked will harm your score and this isn’t always the case. 

There are two types of credit inquiries

Hard Inquiries
These types of inquiries, such as when a potential lender checks your credit report to approve a loan, application, rental agreement or other contract, can show up on your credit report and damage your score to some degree. Companies will need your permission to review your credit report. 

Soft Inquiries
These inquires occur when you’ve given permission to access your credit report for things like employee background checks or when you review your own report. Soft inquires won’t affect your credit score.

Checking Your Credit Report for Signs of Identity Theft

The following issues may be indications that you’re a victim of identity theft:

• Accounts that don’t belong to you
• Inquiries that you haven’t authorized
• Addresses that you can’t recognize or haven’t lived at
• Checking for Unfamiliar Information

Sometimes information on your credit report is reported incorrectly by the company to the credit bureau. Some examples of incorrect reporting include:

• Accounts that are open being reported as closed
• Late payment reports that never occurred
• Incorrect numbers that deal with credit balances or credit limits

Reviewing Your Credit Score Factors

Your next step is to take a look at your credit score factors. These detail those issues that hurt or help your credit score. 

Positive credit score factors include: punctual payment history, age of accounts and low balances. 

Negative score factors include: being been more than 30 days late, having several inquiries, and having one or more legal judgments in your credit report. 

St. Louis Weekend Happening: October 24-26

Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival 

October 25-26, 2014
10am-5pm

This festival is one NOT to miss!  In fact, Steve and I have taken the boys to this annual fall festival since they were babies.   Drawing almost 100,000 people per year and less than 30 minutes from St. Louis, escape to Kimmswick for casual day of Fall fun, including crafts, holiday shopping, pumpkin carving, live entertainment, food, drink, and more.

In addition, watch the Kimmswick Historical Society make fresh apple butter in front of your eyes and purchase a fresh jar.

Festival is FREE, though parking is $5.00


WEB: http://www.missourimarketplace.net/applebutterfestival.html 
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/applebutterfestival 

Halloween in the Central West End 

October 25, 2014
11am-12am

Set in the vibrant cosmopolitan Central West End with a backdrop of tree-lined streets and stately turn of the century mansions, the annual CWE Halloween is the can’t miss celebration of the season. Festivities kick-off with family fun daytime activities and as the sun sets, the party continues with an adults only bash…the Adult Costume Contest and Party-legendary for its elaborate, complex and outrageous costumes.

CWE Halloween is open to the public and free to attend. Adults interested in participating in the Adult Costume Contest are required to pay a nominal entry fee

WEB:  http://www.thecwe.org/events/halloween-in-the-cwe-2/

Oktoberfest in Hermann 

October 25-26, 2014
Times and activities vary

Less than an hour from St. Louis, Hermann celebrates its German heritage with four weekends of German music, dancing and food, all set against a backdrop of glorious fall color. This is your last weekend to enjoy the fun!

HERE is the full weekend calender!

Lemp Mansion Halloween Bash

October 25, 2014
8pm-12:30am

The Lemp Mansion, one of the most haunted mansions in the country, is home to St. Louis’s favorite Halloween party. This is the place for people who like their Halloween as spooky and macabre as possible. Dress up in your most creative costume and mix with Lemp’s authentic ghosts and poltergeists for a rowdy bash filled with food, music and tasty adult beverages. The $55 admission price includes multiple buffets spread throughout the rooms of the house, live music by several top local bands, an open bar and costume contests with cash prizes.

$60/Advance; $65/ at Door
Reservations Required, 314-664-8024

3322 Demenil Place
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 664-8024

WEB:  http://www.lempmansion.com/bash.htm

Reduced: 7 Summersweet Lane in Ballwin

This gorgeous 4 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch, on the prettiest lot that you have ever seen, has been reduced to $214,900!  A bargain in the reputable in Parkway West school district.

Learn more HERE.  Want a private tour?  Contact me at cnenonen@cbgundaker.com or 314.298.5275.

Peek In My Kitchen: Lasagna Soup recipe

As we venture into cooler Fall weather, "Soup Season" officially commences in Casa de Nenonen. There is arguably nothing more comforting than a pot of soup simmering on the stove top as the temperatures begin to plummet. 

Here is a peek at our dinner table this evening.  As this recipe is one that my family requests repeatedly, I figured that I would share.  The flavor of lasagna without the calories and hassle... this recipe is tasty and easy!

 Italian Lasagna Soup

Ingredients

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 lb lean ground beef (I often sub ground turkey)
1 large yellow onion, diced (2 cups)
4 garlic cloves, to taste, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can Petite Diced Tomatoes (I use no-salt added)
1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes (I use no-salt added)
2 1/2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (I use no-salt added)
1 3/4 tsp dried basil (can use fresh, if on hand)
3/4 tsp dried oregano (can use fresh, if on hand)
1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed 
1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 tsp dried thyme 
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite size pieces (6.5 oz)
1 1/4 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese (5 oz)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 oz)
8 oz ricotta cheese

Directions

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, crumble beef into pot, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally until browned. Drain majority of fat from beef and set aside. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in pot, add chopped yellow onion and saute until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add in garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Add in chicken broth, Petite Diced Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, basil, oregano, rosemary, fennel seeds, thyme, parsley, the cooked ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare lasagna noodles according to directions listed on package (don't overly salt the water as some of the water will be added to the soup later). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining pasta.

Add cooked pasta to soup along with 1/2 cup - 1 cup pasta water as desired. In a mixing bowl, using a fork, stir together Grated Parmesan Cheese with ricotta cheese.

Ladle soup into bowls, dollop each serving with a large scoop of the cheese mixture, sprinkle shredded Mozzarella Cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm.

"Pin It" here:  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33214115977047234/ 

Real Estate Tip: Spring Listings require Fall and Winter preparation to maximize profit potential!

Contemplating a Spring move? Contact your Realtor NOW! It is not too early, friends.

I have had 3 listing appointments over the last week, providing in-depth comps and cold weather month "to do list" suggestions to help my clients maximize their Spring profit potential.  Need a Realtor in St. Louis? I would love to help! 314.452.7675 or cnenonen@cbgundaker.com.

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!
  

St. Louis Weekend Happenings: October 3 - 5

The weekend forecast is amazing, St. Louis! Grab the family and enjoy one of the many family-friendly events going on in the Metro.

Food Truck Friday sponsored by Sauce Magazine

This is your last opportunity to enjoy the 4th season of Food Truck Friday in Tower Grove Park with music by Miss Jubilee. 

Friday, October 3 from 3:30 to 7

Tower Grove Park
4256 Magnolia Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63110

Truck lineup and more info can be found HERE.

Oktoberfest at Union Station

Munich on the Mississippi!  Oktoberfest at Union Station offers two stages featuring live performances showcasing German culture throughout the day and night. The main stage features live music by the likes of 20-piece Deutschmeister Brass Band and Uber Cool. While the German Cultural stage hosts live displays of various facets of Germany's rich culture like Dance Troupes, contests, choral performances, and more.

October 3, 2014 from 3pm -11pm
October 4, 2014 from 11am-11pm

1820 Market Street

Ticket and event information HERE.

Taste of Benton Park

Come enjoy the best of Benton Park at this street festival including music from Scandaleros and Jake's Leg and cuisine from Benton Park's finest, including Frazer's, Sidney Street Cafe, Jax Cafe, Blues City Deli, Mud House, Luvy Duvy's, Spare No Rib, Melt, Yemanja Brasil, Ernesto's, Peacemaker's, Choice, Capitalist Pig, Benton Park Cafe

October 4, 2014 from 10am - 6pm

S Jefferson Ave at Arsenal St
Saint Louis, MO 63104

More information HERE.

Grovefest 2014

The 9th annual Grovefest features a multitude of different street vendors, live music and all-around entertainment. Sponsor Urban Chestnut is also unveiling a special brew for the occasion, so make sure you start your October right with one of the biggest STL events of the year.

October 4, 2014 from 2pm-10pm

In the Grove Neighborhood on Manchester

More information HERE.

31st Annual Belleville Chili Cookoff

In Belleville, Illinois- just 20 minutes from the Arch- there will be more than 60 vendors selling various types of chili, desserts, kabobs, treats, and more! The live entertainment will consist of Smash Band, Permanent Groove, and Rat Rod Kings. On Saturday, there will be a Chili Chase 5K Run/ Walk and the 8th Annual Jr. Idol, singing contest.

October 4, 2014 from 11am - 10pm

More information HERE.

The architectural "eye candy" of the French Quarter in New Orleans...

Last weekend, I enjoyed a "Girl's Getaway" to one of my favorite cities...

...New Orleans!   

I have true appreciation for a city that embraces its culture and history by preserving the original architectural integrity of the buildings within it.  As far as architecture goes, New Orleans is world famous for its vast array of unique architectural styles that directly reflect the city's multicultural heritage, history, and flavor.

I have visited New Orleans several times over the years and the ritual for my 1st morning there pretty much remains the same:   I rise extra early for a long morning walk alone down their gorgeous Mississippi Riverfront...  

I pop into the infamous Cafe du Monde for a to-go cup of chicory Cafe Au Lait and an order of fresh beignets... 

I then enter the French Quarter, nibble on my breakfast, and I get lost for a few hours. From Creole Cottages and Shotguns to Double-Gallery Houses, there is something beautiful, interesting, and impressive around every single corner!  New Orleans is a real estate lover's dream, particularly for those of us who are innately drawn to historic architecture.

Here is a peek at my early morning walk this year...

It never ceases to amaze me that despite the amount of times I have done this trek... I always mange to see something new?!  Gorgeous city, New Orleans is.

Welcome October...

Just for fun- A spooky scene ushers in October this morning at Casa de Nenonen, thanks to a little help from my boys!  Welcome October.