Holiday light displays make the season bright and glitzy
St. Charles County is one of the most lighted up communities during the holidays. Add the traditional lights in St. Louis, and families can see stars every evening. Here are a few to enjoy.

O’Fallon
Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt Park
Through December 30 (closed December 24 and 25)
This drive-through holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 8,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals on walk-through night.
Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
$9/ vehicle - $15/large (15 passenger) van - $1 per person/ bus ($25 min.)
Tuesdays - $7 for cars, vans and non-commercial vehicles
$1 off any regular admission with canned food or toy donation (not valid on Tuesdays)
Closed to vehicle traffic on Mondays for train rides by advance reservation only To make a train reservation, call 636-379-5502.

Carriage rides are available too with advanced reservations. Call Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at 636-390-4403.

Sleigh rides are another way of seeing the lights. Reservations are a must. Call 636-379-5502.

After enjoying the Celebration of Lights, save your program! Presenting your program at participating O'Fallon businesses qualifies you for great discounts. For detailed information, go the Celebration of Lights website.

Wentzville
Holiday Night Lights
Rotary Park, Foristell
Through December 27
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Price: $8 per car or $1 per person per bus or van over 7 people
The City of Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department will present the 13th Annual Holiday Night Lights at Rotary Park. This one-mile drive-through display features more that 36 themed lighted displays and 500,000 lights. For detailed information go to the City of Wentzville’s website or call 636-332-9236.

Alton
Christmas Wonderland
Rock Spring Park on College Avenue, off Washington Avenue
Through December 27
Monday-Friday, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
Price-$7 for cars and small vans
$1 per person for 10+ passenger vehicles
Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see three million lights twinkle amongst a beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park's Christmas Wonderland. Visitors can turn off their headlights and let the holiday displays carry them through the magical scene. Or, make the night even more memorable with a horse drawn carriage ride through the park. Carriage rides are first-come, first-served on Saturdays and Sundays. Other evenings may be possible upon request. For carriage ride reservations, call Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986.
For more information about the event, call 866-465-7890 or go to visitalton.com.

St. Louis County
Winter Wonderland
Tilles Park
9551 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis
Price-$9.00 Family vehicle; $10.00 Limousine; $30.00 Commercial transport van; $75.00 tour bus
Through January 3 (Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturdays are closed to vehicular traffic and reserved for carriage rides.
St. Louis County Parks is celebrating our 24th year of Winter Wonderland! Winter Wonderland is created and designed by St. Louis County Parks employees. We hope you enjoy your drive through Winter Wonderland.

Horse drawn carriage rides are available every night except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Advanced reservations are required for all carriage rides and ticket prices vary depending on type of carriage and number in party.
Purchase tickets online at MetroTix.

St. Louis
Wild Lights: St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park
December 11-13, 18-23, 26-30
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Price-$4 for Zoo Friends members (no passes)
$5 for general public
Free for children under two
Stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo's enchanting holiday wonderland and enjoy hundreds of thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds, including penguins in paradise, flamingo lagoon and butterfly garden, shooting stars and a gingerbread village. For more information, go to stlzoo.org or call 314-781-0900.

St. Louis City
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Christmas Lights Display
Through January 2
Location: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
After sunset
Free
The display features over 800,000 lights that adorn a magnificent tree, the Bevo Plant, Pestalozzi Street and surrounding landscape of the nation's largest brewery. Light-tour lovers can drive or stroll on Broadway, Lynch, Arsenal, and 12th to admire the spectacular sparkle of the Christmas spirit.
For more information call: 314-577-2000

Do you know of a Light Display in the area? Please share in our comment box!

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010!
Plus...A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Home Owners!

It's official. President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009.

In addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000 through June 30, 2010, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.

So Who Gets What?
The program that has existed for FTHBs remains intact with the one exception that more people are now eligible based on an increase in the amount of income someone may now earn.

Additionally, the program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Deadlines
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Higher Income Caps in Effect
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the tax credit.

What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual's primary residence.

What is the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs)?
An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is eligible for the FTHB tax credit?
Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible. This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.

As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How do I claim the credit?
For those taking advantage of the tax credit in 2009, you may choose to either apply for the credit with your 2009 tax return or you may apply for the credit sooner by filing an amended 2008 tax return with Form 5405 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf).

Can you claim the tax credit in advance of purchasing a property?
No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a taxpayer claim a credit if the property is purchased from a seller with seller financing and the seller retains title to the property?
Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Examples of this would include a land contract, contract for deed, etc. According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would include: 1. the right of possession, 2. the right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price, 3. the right to construct improvements, 4. the obligation to pay property taxes, 5. the risk of loss, 6. the responsibility to insure the property and 7. the duty to maintain the property.

Are there other restrictions to taking the credit?
Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe your situation, a credit would not be due.

• You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.
• You do not use the home as your principal residence.
• You sell your home before the end of the year.
• You are a nonresident alien.
• You are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• Your home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• You owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2009, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at any time from July 2, 2006, through July 1, 2009.

Can you buy a home from a step-relative and be eligible for the credit?
Yes. Provided the person you are buying a home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

Can parent(s) who will not live in the property cosign for a mortgage for their child and the child that is a qualifying FTHB still be eligible for the credit?
Yes.

Can a separated spouse who has not owned a home for four years qualify for the FTHB tax credit if the spouse has owned a property anytime in the last three years?
No. However, the spouse may be eligible for the repeat buyer credit. The best path to take in any situation regarding income taxes is to speak with a professional tax preparer or CPA.

If you have any questions that fall outside the situations here, give me a call and if you do not have an accountant to speak with, I can refer you to one.

Your Real Estate Expert,

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Grant M. Hickman GRI, ABR, e-Pro

#1 SCHNEIDER Home Buying & Selling Team

Direct: (314) 265-1531

Let’s stop Missouri politicians from penalizing homeowners and buyers  

Missouri is one of 13 states that does not levy a transfer tax on home sales, and a coalition of property owners, businesses and the Missouri Association of REALTORS™ want to keep it that way.

The group sees transfer taxes as double taxation because Missourians already pay property taxes on real estate. A petition drive and a website have been created to help homeowners and potential buyers reach lawmakers who have the power to levy such a tax.

To place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot to prohibit Missouri lawmakers from passing the tax initiative, the group needs more than 157,000 valid signatures. To make voters more aware of this issue, a new website, www.YesToSaveHomes.com is now online to help consumers learn more about the tax, calculate the tax based on the home’s sale price, and get involved.

Here’s the simple and straightforward proposal:  “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

As an example, here’s a calculation on a St. Charles County home sale. The home sold for $150,000 and at the St. Charles County taxation rate of 7.0750%, the amount would be an additional $10,612.50.* Jane Mendenhall, president-elect of the Missouri Association of Realtors, believes the transfer tax places undue stress on low-income Missourians who typically spend a larger percentage of income on their home.

Add the mix of Missourians who have lost their jobs, had pay cuts and have been forced to sell their homes or experienced a drop in property values, and the transfer tax just isn’t good for the recovering Missouri economy.

Legislators are looking around to fine new sources of revenue. The transfer tax is one of those sources politicians are eyeing. With the help of voters and homebuyers, the transfer tax will not be an additional burden on Missouri residents.

* This number is based on area percentages.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Careful preparations and common sense will make this season a fire-free, happy holiday for your family.

Keeping your family safe during the holidays is top priority so that all can enjoy the lights, the glitter and the sights of the season. Seasonal fires claim more than 400 lives, 1,650 injured and more than $990 million in property damage.

Here are some simple tips that don’t take much time but will make your family fun last.

• Make a plan. You should do this anyway, so sit down as a family and discuss who is in charge of what should you have to evacuate the house. Using a floor plan, identify two ways out of each room and agree on a place to meet once you have evacuated. The National Fire Protection Association has a great floor plan to download that you can customize for your home.
• Choose a tree. Choose a tree that is fresh and green. Branches should be hard to pull back and the needles will not shed. Test for a sticky trunk and always have the tree lot person make a fresh cut at the bottom of the trunk. Trees are very thirsty.
• Water your tree. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the 24 hours after it is cut, and one or more quarts every day after. Maintaining a steady water level prevents the needles from drying out and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water will also keep the tree fragrant. Do not allow the water pan to empty or go below the tree base.
• Let there be lights. Part of the Christmas tradition is all glitter and lights. Don’t try to skimp by with old, frayed light strings or broken sockets. Should these catch on fire, you’ll be spending more than you could ever believe. LED lights are in now and use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights, reducing your impact on the environment. Up front, these lights are more expensive but over a period of years, they more than pay for themselves.
• Plug ‘em in. Overloading a wall outlet is not a good idea. Purchase some surge protectors and plug your strands of lights in there first, and the surge protector into the wall. Turn the lights off when you retire for the night.
• Candle light. The glow of candle light makes the holiday warm, but candles should be attended at all times and not left burning if you leave the house. Fireplaces are the same, and refrain from burning wrapping paper in the fireplace. Sparks could ignite and fly on to flammable materials.
• DO have a wonderful holiday season. With just a few precautions, your family will be safe, happy and warm.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Ongoing through Saturday, December 26
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Christmas gets that much better with the historic celebrations on Main Street. Shops open their doors with special holiday gift ideas, Victorian carolers roam the streets singing traditional songs of the season while the Legendary Christmas Characters tell of Christmas lore past. Ice skating at Frontier Park, carriage rides and Santas abound. For full schedule, go to the St. Charles Christmas website.

Friday, December 4
VFW Fish Fry
VFW Post 2866, 66 VFW Lane
3-8 p.m.
Tired of turkey? Try the catfish, walleye, crappie, cod, fried chicken and shrimp dinners at the VFW. Sandwiches are a reasonable $5.50 and plates go for $8.00.  

Fridays, December 4 and 11
Augusta’s 26th Annual Christmas Candlelight Walk
5-10 p.m.
Tour this charming river town during the holiday season for a wide variety of food, wine, live music performances, shopping and holiday experiences. Augusta will be lighted with luminaries to show the way. View an old-fashioned cedar Christmas tree hung with antique ornaments, popcorn strings, gingerbread figures. The Ebenezer United Church of Christ hosts a Christmas carol sing-a-long from 7-9p.m. For more information, go to the Augusta Chamber of Commerce website.

Saturday, December 5
Las Posadas
6 p.m.
Begins on South Main Street and ends in Frontier Park
Beautiful re-enactment of the Spanish tradition of Las Posadas (the Inns) with Mary and Joseph looking for shelter as the proceed down South Main with thousands of visitors carrying luminaries and sing carols. The Christmas story is told in Frontier Park, the Christmas trees is lit and carols are sung around the Yule log bonfire.

Saturday, December 12
St. Charles West Warrior Bands 24th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
St. Charles West High School Drive, 3601 Droste Rd.
150 crafters, homemade cookies, attendance prizes and concession stand
Free

Friday, December 18–Sunday, December 20
Scrooge, The Stingiest Man In Town
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. matinee Saturday and Sunday
Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building Theater, St. Charles Community College campus,
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Cottleville
The Young People’s Theatre of St. Charles Community College presents this traditional musical production of Christmas past, present and future. Area St. Charles County youth are highlighted in this production
$7 for general admission, $6 for students/seniors.


Saturday, December 19, 2009
Candlelight Concert
6 pm - 8 pm
 First Missouri Capitol State Historic Site, 200-216 S. Main Street
"Papa and Jackie Wright" will narrate and perform "The History of Christmas Music" in this candlelight concert. This warm holiday show with marimbas, drums, and various instruments will leave you with the holiday spirit. Lit entirely by candles, the concert is held in the legislative chambers.
$6. Reservations are needed
For more information call 636-940-3322

St. Charles is in the news again, this time in the AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine. Our holiday festivities, Christmas Traditions, is prominently featured in the November/December issue. To read the feature story, go to  http://www.ouraaa.com/traveler/mid/2009/11/tank.html
This joyous season kicks off with opening ceremonies on Friday, November 27, at 11 a.m. at Kister Park. Santa and Mrs. Santa arrive in a horse drawn carriage, escorted by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps and the Legends of Christmas.

To learn more about our premier event, go to www.stcharleschristmas.com
SCHNEIDER Real Estate and our agents are so very proud of our volunteers, the South Main Preservation Society, the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and the St. Charles Special Business District for showcasing St. Charles as a great place to visit and live.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Good news all around today–the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers has been extended to June 30, 2010. This action will encourage a robust housing market in the first quarter of 2010 and affect home prices.

The legislation also includes a $6,500 tax credit for people who currently own a home and want to buy up. Qualifications are owning and occupying a home for at least five of the past eight years. Buyers must have a signed contract in hand by April 30 and close by June 30.
And, the income limit has been increased too. The ceiling for single buyer income is now $125,000 and for married couples $225,000. Increasing the income limit will stimulate more purchases of pricier properties.

Merle Schneider, co-owner/broker and vice president of operations for SCHNEIDER Real Estate, is very optimistic about the future of the St. Charles housing market. “These new tax credits will encourage potential buyers who weren’t quite ready to purchase take another look around at properties in St. Charles.

“The first tax credit, which helped more than 400,000 homebuyers, is a success and now gives confidence to more homebuyers. This comes at a great time, ready for the spring 2010 buying and selling season.”

More positive indicators were released this week. Grant Hickman, a real estate expert with SCHNEIDER, notes that existing homes sales are up 9.4% in September, and pending home sales are also up, 6.1% in September. “These findings by the National Association of Realtors are exciting,” he says.

“We are making progress toward recovery. With the tax credit extension, inclusion of current homeowners, and the income increase, more buyers will see what a bargain St. Charles County is. We have a great atmosphere, excellent services and a wide range of housing stock. This week’s government actions will serve our area very well.”

Written by Myra Vandersall

For homes for sale in St. Louis Missouri

Month of November
Native American Heritage Month
St. Charles Community College celebrates Native American Heritage Month Festivities with concerts, documentary films, panel discussions, and a luncheon event, “The True Story of the First Thanksgiving.
For schedule, go to www.stchas.edu
Or call 636-922-8544 FREE

Wednesday, November 4
Medicare Update 2010
10-11 a.m.
Progress West HealthCare Center Community Room
CLAIM is a Medicare and insurance counseling program that provides free confidential and unbiased counseling. Learn changes in Medicare for 2010, how to access services, Medicare Part D. To register, call 636-344-2273.

Tuesday, November 10
Back In Time: Explore History
St. Charles :Les Petites Cotes
7 p.m.
Kathryn Linnemann Branch, St. Charles City-County Library Don and Dianna Graveman will discuss and sign their new book. In 1769, French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette built a cabin on the Missouri River in what is today St. Charles. He called the settlement Les Petites Côtes, or the little hills. Today St. Charles hosts many annual events to celebrate its history and transport visitors to the past.

Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day Memorial Service
11:00 AM
At the Veterans' Memorial at Bishops Landing along the riverfront.

Wednesday, November 11
THANK YOU, VETERANS!
McClay Branch, St. Charles City-County Library
10:00-2:00 p.m. Honor the veterans who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces. Make a thank-you card for a veteran and enjoy coffee and doughnuts. Supported by the Friends of the Library.

November 27-December 26
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
Historic South Main Street
Opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the Gazebo at 400 S. Main Street (Kister Park) with Santa’s arrival and hanging of the greens.

Holiday festivities include Santa Parade every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m., carolers, special shop hours, ice skating, fife and drum corps, carriage ride

November 27-December 30
Celebration of Lights
Fort Zumwalt Park, O’Fallon
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday 6:30pm-9pm & Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm-10pm
Holiday light display of more than 1 million lights and a 1-mile display of holiday scenes.

Lawmakers are also considering tax credits for repeat buyers to enhance local economies

With the first-time homebuyer $8,000 tax credit set to expire at the end of November, both the Senate and House of Representatives are busy working through agreements to extend this popular program, and keep in place the loan limit for U.S.-backed mortgages at $729,750 for two years, thereby holding down interest rates.

More than 1.4 million first-time buyers have benefited from the $8,000 tax credit and that incentive helped to increase home sales in St. Charles County by 10.6% this September, compared to a year ago. St. Louis County saw an increase of 5.8% during the same period. The median home price has declined during the same time frame, by 3.4% in St. Charles County and 0.7% in St. Louis County.

To keep the up tick in housing sales going, legislators are trying to extend the tax credit incentive through June of 2010 for homebuyers who have a contract on a house by the end of April. Also proposed is up to $6,500 in tax credits for repeat buyers who have owned their home for at least five years, and an income increase to $125,000 a year for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

The Senate is expected to look at the extended tax credits next week (it’s been bundled with legislation to extend unemployment insurance) and then the House will have it’s chance to pass the legislation.

Without a doubt, the tax credits, decreased interest rates, various home ownership program assistance have helped countless qualified buyers purchase a home, and have provided more jobs for Americans in desperate need of jobs.

No doubt, this has been a rough patch for our citizens, our economy and our state of being. With extended housing incentives, we’ll be that much further to recovery and a positive outlook.