Spring has sprung!

William Wordsworth said “If one daffodil is worth a thousand pleasures, then one is too few.” 

TRUTH: You don’t know fun until you purchase a home during Autumn and get to experience the daily unexpected surprises of Spring. It’s magical! ✨ 

Hello, lake life!

Most real estate purchases are based on practicality- utility and how it will effectively serve your current household needs. Others are of the heart, part of a vision and manifestation of what you want in your life.

It only took a global pandemic and an empty nest for us to finally pull the trigger on the little weekend escape that we have tossed around for 4 years...

We contended with 74 other showings in the 1st 24 hours and 13 other contracts, but I somehow knew this quirky little gem was ours from the second I laid eyes on the rickety pontoon that conveyed with the property- hysterically christened “The Looney Pontooney”.

The hope for this baby cottage, with a porch view of the lake and backed by hundreds of acres of wooded trails, is that it serves as a quiet respite, a place to eventually share and gather with friends/family, and radiates a strong gravitational pull to the boys (and those important in their lives) as they begin to establish themselves outside of Casa de Nenonen.

My job is to help people make big moves and this one closed escrow today. Here goes nothing... all aboard the Looney Pontooney, Nenonens!

My nest is officially empty! Yikes.

I just left my heart in Des Moines, friends... 

Brutal. This never gets easier. With teary eyes yet pure excitement, our boy is officially a Drake University Bulldog and we are empty nesters. 

A teeny peek at his dorm room, which or course is styling because well, hello... that is my Reed.

Sparkle and shine, Reed❤️

Under Contract: 1134 Winter Lake Drive in Fenton

Things always happen for reason in the business of real estate. It never ceases to amaze me. When one door closes, another one swings WIDE open...

...revealing the perfect house!! 🏡❤️ My Buyers just signed on the dotted line this AM and contracted this adorable property in 63026. I have a serious case of wet bar envy. 

A warm congratulations to the fabulous W family!  We close escrow in April.

View the full listing HERE.  Take a 3D virtual tour HERE.

In St. Louis and considering a move?  The 2018 market projections predict a healthy market for both Buyers and Sellers!  I am always accepting new clients, Buyers and Sellers, and would appreciate the opportunity to present my services to you. Let's connect, and make it happen in 2018 for you and your family...

Under Contract: #1989 Crossbridge Ct. in St. Charles

Oh happy day and an exciting start to a new year for my amazing clients, J and L...

... they just contracted this meticulous newer construction ranch in St. Charles!  I have said it before and will say it again, nothing beats the magic of walking in to a property with clients to an immediate group epiphany "Here it is- the ONE!"  It never gets old. ♥

As J and L journey in to an exciting new stage of their life together, this home will be the perfect place to do so.  A warm congratulations to my wonderful Buyers! They close escrow in March.  See the property details HERE.

In St. Louis and considering a move?  The 2018 market projections predict a healthy market for both Buyers and Sellers!  I am always accepting new clients, Buyers and Sellers, and would appreciate the opportunity to present my services to you. Let's connect, and make it happen in 2018 for you and your family...

Downsizing and Space Savers...

After 10 years in the residential real estate industry, I am certain of one of the most prominent Real Estate Truths: over the span of a lifetime... THE most difficult move is one's final downsize.  Period.

There is a time when most succumb to the fact that they no longer need the large yard that their (now grown) children once frolicked in.  The spacious house, basement, pool, and excessive amount of belongings that once seemed a necessity... quickly become a burden. 

Simply, the amount  of work associated with the upkeep of an earlier stage of life becomes a serious life stress down the road for most.  I have seen the immediate need to simplify, reduce, and declutter with numerous clients over the years.  Most empty-nesters crave the ability to go forth, enjoy, and live life rather than constantly trying to maintain it.

Life changes.  It just does.

Over the years, I have worked with a number of empty nesters desperately ready and eager to take the plunge into a simpler lifestyle.  A lock and go lifestyle.  The mantra that I always pass along and ask them to repeat:  "No, this will not be fun.  It will not be easy.  That being said, once through the difficult task of dividing a life it took YEARS to build... I WILL feel happier, lighter, and more grounded.

It is always the case,  I promise.   I almost always get a huge "THANK YOU, CARRIE!" a month or so after closing.

Emotionally tolling is the final downsize, though the logistics of retrofitting life into a fraction of the square footage seems to be the biggest challenge for most.  Clever solutions are key, so when I see something VERY good- I must share. 

This my friends...

... is not only good- it is GREAT!  Murphy Beds have come a LONG WAY, baby.

A client of mine, who recently traded in a large house for condo living, just had this built-in Murphy Bed locally commissioned.   I think it is a BRILLIANT solution for the small spare room that she desired to multi-function.  Obviously, above it serves as a shelving unit.

When desired, it can also serve as a table or workspace...

When guests /grandkids pay an overnight visit, it can serve as a bed...

NOTE: I caught these photos during the construction phase, so the mattress wasn't yet in place. 

She even had little drawer nightstand /pull-out tables added...

Isn't this FABULOUS?  I think it is ideal for this type of scenario/space and a fantastic creative solution for downsizers. 

While a tad pricey at approx. $2,000, you are basically purchasing 3 pieces of furniture.  This unit was 100% fully customized, designed, and built for this space in total collaboration with my client and she is tickled pink. She had full control of the wood type, finish, stain, hardware, and options.  It can be as traditional or modern as you want it to be.

When it comes to this type of built-in, the choices are endless...

The key is finding someone skilled who can build it and is willing to work hand-in-hand with you.  My client gave David Talley, at DBT Wood Products, a 5-star review.  You can find more information about his work, pricing, and options here:  http://www.dbtwoodproducts.com/

Good stuff!