Mike and Pat Simms

It was one of those crisp Sunday mornings that I drug myself out of bed and headed off to Church. Following the service I was quite famished and not wanting to partake in the normal Sunday morning donut fare headed out the the door to take a drive to the local Bread Co. I hopped in old faithful who wasn't feeling so faithful that morning. Turned the crank and heard nothing but clicks. Ugh! I marched back into Church but my faithful spouse was already off teaching Sunday School. This must be my punishment for listening to my stomach rather than going to Bible Class. Frustrated I headed out the door again and looked aroun. Well . . . I could walk. I really hadn't donned my walking shoes that morning but well, I was hungry. Off I went.

As I started down the sidewalk I wondered how far it would go and if it would take me to my beloved breakfast haven? The first portion of my tour took me through the older part of town past the car wash, the smaller grocery stores in the area, a florist, card shop and a lawyer. Then on past a few other restaurants I thought for sure the sidewalk would end but it didn't. It just kept going. I passed the high school, some new strip malls and thought surely it would end here. But it didn't as I walked passed the newer large shopping chain grocery and more fast food. At the corner I could see breakfast across the street. As I waited for the light to change I thought about how lucky we are to have such a great home town within walking distance of a lot of conveniences. It wasn't a single development intended to be that way but it had evolved. A lot to choose from the town is growing in leaps and bounds but still holds an Old Town Charm. The train still runs through the middle of town and though it may hold us up a bit we still love seeing it. New Construction homes are every where. You have your choice of quaint older homes or designing your dream home.

The light changed. It was a large intersection and as I crossed the street the sidewalk picked up again. I noticed the sidewalk went past my breakfast place. I was tempted but couldn't continue. I had to make a stop. Rich hot coffe and a breakfast sandwhich my stomach was satisfied but you'll have to wait to find out where the sidewalk ends in Wentzville on my next trip for breakfast. On the other hand you could call us for a personal tour and we'll show you the homes available in the "Cross Roads of the Nation" known as Wentzville.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24/7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis to know the value of your home go to www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our complimentary monthly "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home. Servicing the St. Louis Metropolitan Area contact Mike or Pat for all of your real estate needs.

When your income from investments starts to decline or other situations cause a decline in income one of the first thoughts is to downsize or move to a lower cost home. If you are thinking this way there are several things to consider when looking for an agent to put your home on the Market.

Dont Wait

Depending where you live the average days on market varies. If you have made a decision to sell your home, start interviewing realtors now. If you are unable to make a mortgage payment you shorten the window available for marketing your home.

Lower Commissions Doesn't Always Mean Better

Choosing a realtor by the commissions they offer doesn't mean you will receive the best service or the best marketing of your home. Be sure the realtor you choose clearly outlines what marketing they are doing, how you will receive feedback and what sources provide feedback. You could find out you have your home in the multi-listing service but no marketing is being done, or that you have to hold your own open houses etc.

How Will Your Home Be Presented?

Many home buyers research on-line to search for homes. What will the pictures look like that are being posted on-line? Do they feature your home well or are they dark and hard to see? Will the realtor use a professional photographer?

Is Your Home Ready for Market?

Is the realtor familiar with city inspection guidelines and unnderstand's home construction to ensure those important items are repaired before your home goes on the market or can inform you where price adjustments may need to be made. Is the realtor familiar with staging a home and able to provide consultation. Your realtor should be able to go through your house with you and make a list of to do's that buyers will notice.

Pricing

Understang the market in your area is key and selecting the right starting price is also essential. Selecting a realtor because they agree to sell it for the highest price is not wise. Be sure the realtor provides you with plenty of data, comparable listings, and trends information to help you decide how to price your home. The work isn't done there, montoring the market on a daily basis and keeping you informed of activity is key to getting your home sold. Be sure your realtor has the tools and the processes to keep you up to date.

Your property is a large portion of your investment profile. Working with a realtor who understands this and places your home as a top marketing priority is key. For additional information on listing and selling a home e-mail us at mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis on your home go to www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home and develop a preliminary comparative market analysis. Your home does not have to be located in St. Charles county to receive this complimentary service. We service homes in the Great St. Louis Area.

A St. Louis tradition has the possibility of being taken over by another company. If you are a true St.Louisan whether relocated here or not I think I can speak for many that once you've been to St. Louis most people just love it here and they want to stay. Part of that is because of the traditions, first there is baseball, and with that there is beer and there has always been Anheuser Busch. Not that we are a fan of over indulging but 1 very cold beer on a very hot day can be just delicious. If you are a coniseur of beers Anheuser has always been able to come through with a beer for everyone. Then we have The Hill, and Dog Town, and the list just goes on. It is disheartening to hear that a long time tradition in St. Louis has the potential to disappear some day. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these kinds of happenings in St. Louis. Not that we don't like change - but we want it for the betterment.

This weekend was just fantastic in St. Charles County! The weather was beautiful with lots of sunshine, people were about everywhere including open houses. We hope all of you had an opportunity to spend time with your family and enjoy this great weekend. If you didn't you may want to plan on taking a trip out way and visit one of the great Parks such as Busch Wildlife for some fishing (don't forget to get a fishing license) or Cuiver River State Park for a hike. Klondike Park is great for hiking too. Want to take your favorite pal along - visit the Dog Park at Quail Ridge.

Once you visit you will want to stay. If you are looking for homes in the St. Charles County area visit our website 24 x 7 at www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. You can also check out our Podcast for up to date real estate information at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com. Want to build a New Construction home, contact us to find out why you need an agent to represent you. We would love to help you with your dream home. Let's have another great weekend finding the key to your new front door!

We are always looking for things to do when the sun comes out and the weather warms up. You may want to consider the Spring Art Walk coming up April 25, 26, and 27. Meet the artists! Nearly 100 artists along Main Street and in the Foundry Arts Centre will participate in this unique experience. All exhibits are inside; see the artists in action! Sculptors, painters, potters, photographers, glass jewelry, digital and fiber artists will exhibit their work.

Check out the music, dance, food, wine and enjoy the Arts and Culture District on Historic Main Street Saint Charles - an art destination.

For more information past the following in your browser http://www.saintcharlesriverfrontarts.com/

Another reason to live in and around St. Charles county. to search homes 24 x 7 go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com.