Greater St. Louis & St. Charles Area Real Estate Blog by CINDY WINKLER!

Second sent post

2011-11-05T19:43:00.001-05:00

Kelly's sock notice is attached second.

Test Email Post

2011-11-05T19:36:00.000-05:00

What order do the pictures post? Thumbsucking is second picture attached.

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WWW.STLREALESTATE411.COM

2011-09-29T07:56:00.001-05:00

PLEASE VISIT ME @ MY NEW BLOG -- LINK ABOVE!

HAPPY REAL ESTATING!

cINDY WINKLER

You Don't See THAT Everyday! [Random Post Alert]

2010-11-18T19:37:00.003-06:00

Greetings!

A week or two ago, a gaggle of Canada geese flew over the house. One guy looked a little different than the rest. . . looked like a Snow Goose to me. How neat is that? But where was my camera when I needed it? You don't see something like THAT everyday! That is for certain!

I had that same sentiment recently whilst "tailgating" before a Rams game, but this time I had the camera in hand. Now, this sure was an oddity in a $20-a-space lot! What is the meaning of this?

~~Spreading~~ Driving the Good Word via GMC?

Parking Lot Proselytizing?

Praying for a Rams Win?

Mobile Messiah?

I just don't know how to describe the following picture. I'll remember this more than the game that day; that, I do know.

~CW

Great Tips for Readying Home for Sale -- from RISMedia/Lowe's

2010-08-10T08:23:00.002-05:00

Greetings!

While there is nothing new in this article, it's nice to have it pulled together in one spot. . . .Oh, and this is a reprint from RISMedia and Lowe's:

Stay cool!

~Cindy

10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your Home's Appeal

By Paige Tepping

RISMEDIA, August 10, 2010--When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. The experts at BuyOwner.com offer the following recommendations for preparing a house for sale and staging it for showings.

Tip #1: Refresh the exterior

First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:

-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.

-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.

-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.

-Washing windows.

Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape

Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:

-Mowing and edging the lawn.

-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.

-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.

-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.

-Weeding and mulching plant beds.

-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.

-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.

-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.

Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance

The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:

-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.

-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.

-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.

-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.

Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture

A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to declutter your home include:

-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.

-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.

-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.

-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.

-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.

-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.

-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.

Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean

The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:

-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.

-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.

-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.

-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.

-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.

-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.

Tip #6: Make minor repairs

The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:

-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.

-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.

-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.

-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.

-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.

-Lubricating door hinges and locks.

Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen

The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:

-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.

-Installing under-cabinet lighting.

-Replacing light fixtures.

-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.

-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.

Tip #8: Stage furniture

Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:

-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.

-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.

-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.

-Turning an awkward space into a home office.

-Setting the dining room table with your best china.

-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.

Tip #9: Light up the house

Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:

-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.

-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.

-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.

-Turning on all the lights for a showing.

Tip #10: Add fresh touches

You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:

-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.

-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.

-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.

-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.

-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.

Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). . .Palladian Windows. . . 2373 Ashley Place Drive

2010-07-22T09:59:00.002-05:00

This post certainly falls under the Random Thoughts category.

I will admit it. I check my spelling via Google sometimes. "Is it 'Palladium' or 'Palladian' windows?" I wondered, while captioning a few pictures of a new listing. Palladium is a mineral of some sort. I never really gave any thought to where the word "Palladian" came from, though. Until the Wikipedia entry was one of the first in the search results, that is.

2373 Ashley Place Drive -- Palladian Windows @ Dining Room & Above Front Door

Certainly, I don't take Wikipedia as the Gospel; however, I did read this with interest:

Palladian architecture is a European style of architecture derived from the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508–1580). The term "Palladian" normally refers to buildings in a style inspired by Palladio's own work; that which is recognised as Palladian architecture today is an evolution of Palladio's original concepts. Palladio's work was strongly based on the symmetry, perspective and values of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. From the 17th century Palladio's interpretation of this classical architecture was adapted as the style known as Palladianism. It continued to develop until the end of the 18th century.

The Palladian window

The Palladian, Serlian, or Venetian window features largely in Palladio's work, almost a trademark in his early career. It consists of a central light with semicircular arch over, carried on an impost consisting of a small entablature, under which, and enclosing two other lights, one on each side, are pilasters. In the library at Venice, Sansovino varied the design by substituting columns for the two inner pilasters. To describe its origin as being either Palladian or Venetian is not accurate; the motif was first used by Donato Bramante (Ackerman) and later mentioned by Sebastiano Serlio (1475–1554) in his seven-volume architectural book Tutte l'opere d'architettura et prospetiva expounding the ideals of Vitruvius and Roman architecture, this arched window is flanked by two lower rectangular openings, a motif that first appeared in the triumphal arches of ancient Rome. Palladio used the motif extensively, most notably in the arcades of the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza. It is also a feature of his entrances to both Villa Godi and Villa Forni Cerato. It is perhaps this extensive use of the motif in the Veneto that has given the window its alternative name of the Venetian window; it is also known as a Serlian window. Whatever the name or the origin, this form of window has probably become one of the most enduring features of Palladio's work seen in the later architectural styles, evolved from Palladianism.[7]

Told you it was a random post! Pictures and information about this new listing coming soon!

Have a great day!
~Cindy

GOTTA LOVE IT!

2010-07-21T16:34:00.002-05:00

Self-Serve Vegetable Stand, Vaile Road, Old Jamestown

This has got to be a rarity. A stand full of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and whatever else may be in season. . . and a scale and a bowl for money. Somehow, this stand restores my faith in humanity. Thank you, neighbors on Vaile, for doing this every year. Especially since your tomatoes usually come in LONG before ours!

Lewis Seed Sign

I wouldn't even want to guess the total number of farmed acres we have in the Old J area. A thousand acres? More? Less? One this is certain: Rarely do you see these seed producer signs. It's as if Illinois just got a little closer. . .

Hope you find a "gotta love it" soon near your home!

~Cindy

Aren't You Glad Moving Isn't This Hard Anymore?

2010-04-18T18:28:00.008-05:00

Recently, I ordered and received a batch of old pictures from the Missouri Historical Society. All were taken by Mr. George A. Warren, a photographer for the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1907-1918. The Society notes that these photos were created from original glass plate negatives loaned to them by Mr. Warren's descendants. Bless their hearts! Truly, how forward-thinking and unselfish of them to share these images.

The caption on the copy of this photograph is: "Moving the Warren Family House. Grandma Warren and Children sitting on porch." See the ladder? Can you even imagine doing all this work? I give Grandma a great big hand for climbing up there! Moving the whole house saved all the packing, I guess! This home is (was?) in the Old Jamestown area, Down By The River (thank you, Neil Young).

This one is, of course, the first I'm sharing. Mr. Warren took a number of photographs along the Missouri River here in the Old Jamestown Area. I wish some were marked with more specificity, but they are great fun if you like old things.

It's busy times right now, helping buyers and sellers take advantage of the SOON TO EXPIRE tax credits . . . I will post more of these pictures when I can (had to throw that in there, sorry). I do hope you enjoy them -- the tax credits & the pictures!

Oh, by the way, here is Grandma Warren's house after it was moved. The thing that strikes me about this picture is how the Coca-Cola logo is so unchanged . . . after 100 years, more or less. Can you see the sign on the porch, or no? Anyhow, this picture's caption is: "Grandma Warren's House (George A. Warren Residence) after move/Shows Grandma's Store and Lucky Boy's (dogs) pen on right."

.
~Cindy

NO SATURDAY MAIL?

2010-03-03T10:08:00.002-06:00

NO SATURDAY MAIL?

This is an important and relevant topic in our household. My husband has been a letter carrier for a little more than a decade and a half. It's a hard job physically. I've watched my beloved transform from a very agile and athletic 30-year-old when he started the job to a still-fit man in his late 40s, who walks like an 85-year-old when he first gets up in the morning. No offense to 85-year-olds. It's also a dangerous job . . . one of his coworkers was shot in the face a few years ago. And it's an underappreciated job, in that within many communities, mailmen are something residents set their clocks by. One elderly lady on my husband's route once fell near her front door. He helped her when he got to her stop, and she told him, "I knew you'd be here, so I just waited rather than hurting myself worse by trying to get up." Lastly, it's a good job, and we are thankful for it.

At any rate, now you will know why I am sharing the following press release from the President of the National Association of Letter Carriers. Sometimes the public is so quick to criticize the post office and its hard workers. Many times when reporting the elimination of Saturday delivery, the media focuses only on decline in mail volume. . . It seems that one of the main issues at hand is the "formula" for funding retiree benefits, which is not discussed at length on the news or the two sentences dedicated to the issue on internet newspages. That is addressed below.

Thanks for reading this post, and be sure to give your mailman a friendly wave today!

~Cindy

Letter carriers union opposes cutback in mail service; urges Congress to give USPS ‘financial breathing room’

3/2/2010

ORLANDO, FL—The president of the 300,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) today opposed the proposal by Postmaster General John E. Potter to eliminate Saturday delivery to American homes and businesses, and urged Congress instead to take steps that would provide “financial breathing room” while a better plan can be developed.

NALC President Fredric V. Rolando, in this city for the mid-winter meeting of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, said such a drastic move is both unnecessary and counter-productive and that other steps should be taken to bolster the Postal Service's financial situation while all stakeholders examine viable long-term changes that will assure continued universal service throughout the country.

“I do not believe that weakening our commitment of six-day service to the public will enhance the long-term position of the Postal Service as a critical element in our nation's economic infrastructure,” Rolando said. “In view of the January report released by the postal Inspector General that showed that the USPS was overcharged by $75 billion for postal pension costs, Congress instead should take immediate steps to correct the error.”

“If Congress takes such action, the Postal Service will have the financial breathing room needed to develop a more successful plan,” Rolando added. “The NALC stands ready to join in discussions with other principal stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for the long-term viability of the Postal Service and continued high-quality service to the American people.”

~~~~~~

So Many Statistics, So Little Time!

2010-01-20T08:02:00.011-06:00

So Many Statistics! So Little Time!

The sources for real estate information and statistics are endless. There’s the NAR, the MAR, the SLAR, the government’s incessant quoting of data from a company which will remain unnamed here, but consistently publishes inaccurate information to the public. . . Whew! It’s hard to decipher what really is the truth! By the way, did you know when the newscasters quote data from the aforementioned (afore-unnamed?) entity, the information is compiled on select states, of which Missouri is not one?

So, that’s helpful, isn’t it?

Above are two tables from Realist, the tax service local Realtors use. One is information for St. Charles County, and the second is for St. Louis County.

Other than indicating an uptick in sales for November 2009 over November 2008 (tax incentive spurred, no doubt. This is good news, not bad!), this is not all that particularly helpful either. It’s interesting, but what can you do with this if you are looking to sell your home, or if you are looking to buy a home? Not much.

The statistics need to be LOCAL to be useful to the consumer in most instances.

So where CAN you get reliable, pertinent information regarding real estate sales and pricing? From a Realtor! This Realtor is on standby, waiting to help! Call me!

Have a great day!

–Cindy Winkler, Your Real Estate Resource!

This is Not Public Property (oops!)

2010-01-14T13:32:00.027-06:00

Around the Old Jamestown area, we know this place, right? Great, photogenic old barn (especially for someone skilled with a camera -- i.e., not me). Every now and then I see people walking around, taking pictures of this relic. There are not a large number of these guys left around here anymore.

Especially not a lot of sites like this remain with so many outbuildings in tact (somewhat in tact, anyhow). What DID they use all these buildings for, I wonder?

I enjoy seeing this little hunk of the past, though. It's weathered, picturesque, full of character and hints of -- well, TWO centuries ago now! Looks like a cabin someone named Jedidiah would call home, doesn't it?

Enjoying the view from the car really is all I should have done. The owners clearly have posted "Private Property" on the side of the barn. Either I didn't see that sign, or it didn't register immediately. I had thought this property belonged to St. Louis County, as part of Sioux Passage Park. I WAS WRONG! IT IS PRIVATELY OWNED.

If the owners ever read this post, please know I am sorry for trespassing! Thank you for not tearing down this homestead! It's a treasure!

(Thanks, too, for not calling the police!)

--Cindy

The River She Freezes, 1/5/2010

2010-01-05T19:19:00.011-06:00

The Mighty Mississippi has not only frozen over, it's heaved up huge shards of ice. It is BLANKETED in the stuff. On one hand, it is unpleasant that it is cold enough for this to happen; on the other hand, IT IS A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT! Eagle watchers: It's time! They're here! Saw one today!

These pictures were taken from West Alton, Missouri (St. Charles County). See the barge pushing through this mess beneath the bridge?

These are HUGE chunks of ice that have pushed ashore. Another modern convenience that is underrated -- availability of ICE! Can you imagine hauling and storing this stuff in the days of old? Wow!

And what, you ask, has this to do with real estate? NOT A DARN THING. Just thought I'd share a few pictures.

Looking for real estate information, listings, statistics, and the like? Call or email me. I'm here to help!

--Cindy Winkler, Realtor
YOUR REAL ESTATE RESOURCE
Cindy@CindyWinkler.com
314-374-4335

RIP Tallon Celtic Storm, 3/20/98-1/5/10. You were a good dog, a very good dog.