10 Features Home Buyers Want - View at Upcoming Home Shows

Upcoming home shows in St. Louis and St. Charles, MO will showcase the must-haves on homebuyers lists. New homebuyers know what they want – family togetherness, casual living and flexible spaces, said Carol Lavender at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas. Buyers also want cost-effective features and reject things that don’t have lasting value. And what are the hottest must-haves now? Avid Ratings identified these buyer preferences: Large kitchens with islands Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation and high- efficiency windows Main floor master suite Soaking tub in the master suite plus an oversized shower with seating area Home offices Outdoor living space Two-car garages, but three-car is even better Brick and stone exteriors instead of stucco or vinyl Community walking paths and playgrounds Ceiling fans Potential buyers will have the opportunity to see these features at two upcoming home shows. The St. Louis Home Show is set for February 25-28 at the America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome. More than 600 exhibitors will be happy to show off their products and services. Plus, the event includes a garden and spa show, just in time to get homeowners excited about sprucing up curb appeal. There are discount coupons are available at Schnucks. The 2010 Builders St. Charles Home Show will happen April 23-25 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Admission is free. Celebrity speakers and interactive events make this show a positive experience. More about this show in April. Written by Myra Vandersall

Around St. Charles County

Tuesday, September 15
Your Personal Economic Recovery7-8 p.m.Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles-St. Charles County Library District
Today's economic environment may be one of the most challenging. Take control of your financial situation - and the sooner you act, the better. Learn about the steps that can help prepare you for a potential recovery and keep your financial future on track. Presented by Gary W. Weber, Edward Jones.

Tuesday, September 15
AUDUBON OPEN HOUSE7 pm to 9 pmSt. Charles Nonprofit Development Center, 425 Spencer Road
Open House presentation by the St. Louis Audubon Society. Refreshments will be served while you wander exhibits, pickup informational materials, and meet the folks that make it happen around the Metro Region. From birding to education to hands-on conservation activities and more.
Free
Info call 314-599-7390

Friday, September 18-Sunday, September 20
MOSAICS MISSOURI FESTIVAL FOR THE ARTSFriday: 4 pm - 9 pm
Saturday: 11 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
Historic St. Charles Downtown District
Approximately 125 artists from across the country are selected to come to St. Charles to exhibit and sell their works. Mediums represented include painting, sculpture, jewelry, and many other fine arts. Other activities include A Mentor Me program, an Art for Youth gallery, and a Kids Creation Station. Food and other refreshments are available throughout the festival grounds.
Free
For info: call 636-940-5178 or visit www.stcharlesmosaics.org

September 25 - October 25, 2009

Quilt NationalTuesday-Saturday hours are 10 am - 5 pm
Open until 9 pm on Wednesdays
Sunday hours are 12 pm-4 pm
Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street
Quilt National is a biennial, international, juried and judged quilt art competition. Quilt National has showcases the most exciting & innovative trends in the medium and promotes quilt making as what it always has been - an art form. Jurors will select works that represent unique approaches and demonstrate the breadth & diversity of contemporary expressions. An educational lecture series will run in conjunction with the exhibition.
Free

Tuesday, September 29
Escape To Araluen/Ranger’s Apprentice7 p.m.Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles City-County Library
Experience the story, live the action with the Viking Story Pirates of New York City.Info: Register online at www.youranswerplace.org or call 636 978.7926

Wednesday, September 30
When Should Ms. Daisy Stop Driving?3-4:30 p.mProgress West Highway K Medical Building & Urgent Care CenterDesigned for the impaired senior driver and their loved ones, this discussion separates fact from fiction on the safety of older drivers. Call 636.344.2273 to register.

Around St. Charles County

Thursday, July 2-Saturday, July 4
Riverfest, Frontier Park. Games, food, crafts, carnival rides, parade, fireworks and fun for the entire family.
Thursday, Bluegrass Festival
4:30-9:30 p.m.Friday and Saturday
Music at 2 stages. Parade at 10:00 AM on July 4th. Fireworks at 9:20 PM. On Friday and Saturday www.stcharlesriverfest.com

Friday, July 3-Saturday, July 4
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest
Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-11 p.m.
Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.
National bands, fireworks, carnival rides, family-friendly shows, kids’ activities, festival food and beverages, Independence Day parade. Info, www.heritagandfreedomfest.com. Or (636) 379-5614.
Free

Saturday, July 4 - New Town St. Charles
1 p.m. Parade 4-8 p.m. music

Friday, July 10
Bicentennial Historical Trolley Tours
1-4:45 p.m.Tour of Old Cemeteries Historical Trolley Tours developed in conjunction with the Greater St. Charles CVB, the Bicentennial Committee & Steve Wiechens of the First Capitol Lions Club. Trolley Transportation will be provided by the CVB. Participation is limited to 20-22 people per tour and is by reservation only on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Info, 636-255-6154
Free

Saturday, July 11 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
MoCHIP - Child Identification and Protection Program: Keeping MO Kids Safe!
Little Guppy Child Development Center, 3151 Elm Point Industrial Drive.
MO Masonic Family will be on hand to further ensure the safety of area children free of charge. Representatives from the police department and fire department to discuss child safety. Car seat and helmet safety checks, games, ice cream social.
Info, 636-530-6069.
Free

Friday, July 17-Saturday, July 18
Friday, July 24 - Satuday, July 25
7:30 p.m.
Lindenwood Center for Fine & Performing Arts Events
Production of Pulitzer Prize Broadway play Harvey
Tickets available at Lindenwood Box Office, www.telecharge.com or 800-447-7400.
General Admission $10.
Info, 636-949-4433

Thursday, July 23 1:30 p.m.Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles Library District
How To Find Medical Information
Consumer health librarian Denise Ulett helps patrons research understandable, reliable sources for healthcare consumers. Navigate print and electronic information.
Free

Sunday, July 26 1-4 p.m.Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton
Hummingbird Festival
See hummingbirds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will band birds. Adopt a hummingbird for a small fee.
Info, 618-786-2331, ext. 338
Free

Friday, July 31 2:30-4:30 p.m.Corporate Parkway Branch, St. Charles Library District
Teen 80s End of Summer Party
Games, trivia, snacks, prizes for best dressed.
Register online or call 332-9966
Free

Pending Home Sales Jump in St. Charles County

As reported on the St. Charles County Association of Realtors website: "The number of pending sales, homes under contract, in St. Charles County jumped 26 percent in March. “This strong increase over February numbers is an indicator of increased market activity in St. Charles County and across the nation,” commented Karen Vennard, 2009 St. Charles Association President.These numbers reflect the reports we are getting from brokers all across the county who are seeing an increase in property calls, showings and general business activity, reported Vennard.Brokers point to the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers, record low interest rates and stable prices as the reasons for the increase in activity.“People are realizing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a home,” added Vennard. “Interest rates haven’t been at this level since the 1950s and if you are a first time buyer, Uncle Sam is giving you $8,000 in free money, so why would you not buy now, “concluded Vennard.These incentives have helped to keep housing affordability at record high levels. In March, the national housing affordability index stood at 166.7 percent. An index of 100 means that the family making the median income could afford the median priced home. In March that family making $61,100 per year could afford a home valued at $291,600. The index assumes a 20 percent down payment.“The market is rebounding and there may not be a better time to buy in our lifetime,” concluded Vennard".

Going Green May Clinch the Sale

Green is the hot color right now and should be your color too
when you sell or buy a home. Becoming attuned to the current eco-
movement will make a huge difference. As a seller, you will boost the
value of your home with eco-friendly improvements and give your
real estate agent more features to highlight that will set your home
apart from the rest.

Buyers are much smarter about their home purchases and
want lasting value for the money; an energy efficient system
that saves on utilities; and a clean, healthy place to live.
Given the current real market, a buyer has the upper
advantage and green may very well clinch the sale.

Here are some smart eco-improvements that will attract
buyers and sell your house faster.

Breathe Easy
Applying a fresh coat of paint is a standard way of freshening
up a home, but you really don’t want that “fresh paint” smell.
To make it more comfortable and physically healthy for
potential buyers, use paint low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This paint is readily available and comes in a wide array of colors.

The Hogs In The Kitchen
Two rooms attract the most attention from buyers–the
kitchen and the bathroom. Here’s where you can really shine
and show buyers you care about their utility bills. Upgrade old
appliances with new Energy Star certified models. While this
may seem expensive on the front end, the replacements will
more than pay for themselves on the back end and increase
traffic.

Don’t Take It For Granited
While we’re in the kitchen, take a look at those countertops.
But here’s the deal; don’t automatically assume that granite
is the way to go for replacement. Granite countertops may
still impress some buyers, but true trendsetters will be on the
lookout for kitchens that incorporate some of the hottest new
materials. So, what about paper? That’s right, paper.
Compressed post-recycled paper sealed with resin makes an
extremely durable countertop. It’s less expensive than
granite–which is not a renewable resource–and has a warm,
sleek feel. Maintenance is low too. A yearly application of
mineral oil will keep the countertop looking fresh and new.

Drips Are Out
Leaky faucets, showerheads and old toilets are not selling
points. Now’s the time to install low-flow faucet aerators and
showerheads. Did you know that showers account for 22% of
the individual water use in North America? That racks up
really big water and utility bills and rates will continue to rise.
Take a look at that toilet too. It’s the biggest water user in
the house. By installing a low water usage unit, you can save
around 2,000 gallons of water a year.

It Makes Scents
Potential home buyers get a feel for a property as soon as
they arrive. To give your visitors a preview of what’s inside,
arrange fresh plants new the front door. Especially effective
are scented geraniums and herbs that offer an aromatic
experience. To spruce up your landscaping, support your
state and choose native Missouri plants that grow well in local
soil and weather conditions. Inside, remove any chemical
room fresheners and display herbs, especially in the kitchen.

Flaunt It
When you go green to sell your home, make sure that
potential buyers know about your efforts. Discrete signs here
and there, noting low VOC paint, Energy Star appliances, low
water usage products and native plants show that you care
about your environment and that of the new owner.

For sellers who use eco-friendly techniques, your property has
an edge on the competition. Take advantage of these smart
tips to be green and earn more green!