Grant's Blog

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

817 Deandell Court

Saint Louis, MO

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Home for sale in St. Louis,

4 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS (3 full)

1490 Square Feet

Home for sale in St. Louis, MO 47,000 USD

Huge ranch home on a private culdesac. The home is located only 2 miles from UMSL and 3 blocks from STLCC. Definite diamond in the rough. The kitchen is in relatively good condition. The kitchen presently has an island, and a sitting area off to the side. The kitchen/dining area overlooks the spacious backyard, which backs to woods. There are hardwood floors in living room, and all 4 bedrooms. The living room has an additional area, perhaps for a more formal sitting, or family sitting area. The basement is huge, walkout, and also has a full bath. The backyard is flat and fenced in. Because the home is on the corner of a culdesac, the backyard…

Gary’s Auto Service in Florissant is seeking applications to Donate a Car to Needing Family

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:24:37 -0800

Gary’s Auto Service, located at 1779 N. Lindbergh Blvd in Florissant, Mo is donating a rebuilt car to a needing family on Dec. 27th. Mike Moehlenkamp, owner of Gary’s Auto Service, is donating a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis, reconditioned, with rebuilt transmission, new tires, and much more that will be a safe and reliable vehicle for a family in need of a car. “It’s a way to help someone out there who may need a reliable car to make their life a little easier,” said Mike. For more information, email Mike at mike@garysautoonline.com.

Applications can be downloaded from their website, www.garysautoonline.com. All applications must be dropped off or sent in to Gary’s Auto Service by December 23rd.

KnowledgeFULLgiving.com book sharing site connects readers who have a desire to '€œgive back'€ the gift of knowledge (books)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:59:56 -0800

A believer in small steps and sharing, St. Charles County resident Grant Hickman saw a need to pass along information so that others could enjoy what he had learned. The result is knowledgeFULLgiving.com, an online book exchange site that makes it easy for members to list books, request books and receive books at no charge other than postage. Titles range from self-help, inspirational, biographies, non-fiction, cooking and business planning.

“One of our goals is to post (100) books by the end of (name month) to provide our members with a wide range of reading enjoyment and learning,” says founder Grant Hickman. “I created this site because I believe the act of giving and receiving knowledge is powerful and important. This has dramatically changed my life and I want you to share in this positive experience through reading, giving and receiving. The concept to share knowledge really isn’t mine alone. We need everyone’s contribution! By taking small steps, you help impact someone else’s life.” Hickman, who is also a St. Charles County real estate agent, designed the site to be reader and user friendly. “The sign-up process for some book sharing sites is extensively complicated. I want our readers to quickly begin sharing and reading. This is an online sharing library. In this age of digital downloaded books, there’s just something very special about holding a real book in your hands, that someone has given you, and anticipating all that the words have to offer.”

Mister Sparky Saint Louis earns coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:55:31 -0800

The Grant Hickman Team partners with local industry leaders to provide top of the line services for our home buyers and sellers. We are so proud of our partners at Mister Sparky Saint Louis.

Mister Sparky Saint Louis has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately five percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers. The award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service.

“This is our second Super Service Award in a row,” says Brooke Schoene. “It speaks to the fact that we value and respect our customers and provide electrical services that are worthy of a recommendation. Our professional, skilled St. Louis electricians know that if we don’t do our job right, the first time, customers will go elsewhere. This award validates our customers’ trust.”

According to Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks, “Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar. The fact that Mister Sparky Saint Louis can claim this status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Embroidered, personalized items for the home add a sense of elegance and self

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:39:12 -0800

I’ve had the privilege to visit many homes throughout my career as a REALTOR. Certainly the old adage “Home is where the heart is” comes shining through. Many homeowners take that extra step and add personalized items to their home. I find this adds elegance to any room and a sense of self and pride in homeownership.

The opportunity to personalize is wide open as embroidered monogramming goes below the traditional bath towels and linen. Anything you touch can be personalized to add flair and pride to your home! If the center of your home is the kitchen, think about monogrammed dish towels, glasses and or cutting boards.

The bathroom just invites fragrant monogrammed soaps and those embroidered towels. Personalized seat covers are popular for your dining room and living room, plus coasters for those personalized glasses. Embroidered napkins add a touch of elegance to any dinner party.

And remember that any article you have personalized for yourself is a wonderful gift idea for the new homeowner. Embroidered items show you are thinking of that person and a cookie cutter housewarming gift is not the way you want to honor the recipient.

During the Victorian era, all sorts of materials were hand-embroidered to denote social status. Now we have computerized digital sewing machines that can create any personalization you have in mind in a matter of days instead of months.

Enjoy your home and enjoy giving personalized items to friends and family. Both ways, embroidery will add a touch of elegance and hominess.

Spacious St. Charles Home With Lots of Privacy and Great View!

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:35:33 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

3 Crooked Creek Ct

Saint Charles, MO

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Just what your buyers are looking

4 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS (2 full, 1 half)

2000 Square Feet

Just what your buyers are looking for, loads of space inside and out! Nestled on a quiet cul de sac and close to a half acre this 2 story has just enough privacy. Hardwood floors flow through the entry, kitchen, breakfast area and family room. The view out the back is stunning, no curtains needed here! The family room boasts a cozy brick, gas fireplace, bay window with a sliding door that exits to a large partially screened in deck. The kitchen is functional with plenty of cabinets and counter space. Head upstairs and check out the vaulted master with walk-in closet and private bath. The 2nd bedroom is larger than the master! The walkout basement is unfinished (seller removing unfinished framed walls in basement), ready for your improvements! Don`t miss seeing the backyard; huge, level, fenced, and lined with mature trees. (In the past 6 years the seller added a 6`privacy fence, roof, and furnace). Hurry and call today to schedule your own private viewing! (owner/agent)

Click here to see more pictures and detailed information.

Tons of Improvements and Low Price Tag Even Lower with $5,900 Price Drop! Virtual Tour!

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:23:36 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

With unpredictable weather comes unpredictable water damage. Homebuyers should be vigilant about finding moisture hotbeds.

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:05:19 -0700

Weather is unpredictable, regardless of the nightly forecasts. We checked the 2012 issue of Farmers’ Almanac as backup and, for the Midwest, predictions are average temperatures (whatever that is) and wetter than normal. Looks like our friends in the Northeast are going to take a pounding again this year.

For potential homebuyers, weather can play a big part in the home’s saleability. We’re talking about leaks, drips, mold and structural damage that happen because of weather. Smart home sellers have done a pre-sale inspection with a qualified inspector to address any of these issues. Still, buyers should watch for any signs of moisture.

As you tour the home, look for these moisture alerts:

Look up and in front of you. Windows and skylights are prime places for water and air leaks. Houselogic.com suggests shaking the windows a bit. If they rattle, the frames aren’t secure and you’ve got a leak there. As for skylights, if you can see through the frame and brown spots are present, this is a sure sign of a leak. Most likely, water has collected on the drywall, which can lead to rot and mold.
Doors are another area prone to leaks. Is the weather stripping around the door adequate to keep out drafts and moisture? Are the hinges secure, balancing the door correctly? Can you see daylight through cracks around the door? If so, more work needs to be done here.
Check corners in the rooms. Are there stains, do the floorboards creak, has the woodwork pulled away from the wall? If so, there may be problems behind the walls, most likely caused by water leaks.
Your inspector will go up on the roof while you stay put on the ground. He’ll let you know about missing shingles, chimney leaks, loose flashing and droopy gutters.
In the basement, check the walls, especially in older homes, for moist stone and water pooled in the corners. Also, look at the floor for staining, cracks and protrusions, indicating a water issue is somewhere under the home.

As a buyer, pay careful attention to areas that may be hotbeds for water damage. It doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, but you do want to be vigilant to head off any unwanted surprises.

2.2 acres of Lake STL Ready for Monthly Lease!

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:36:17 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

5706 Lake Saint Louis Blvd

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

Saint Charles, MO

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2.2 acres rolling/hilly property on Lake

2.2 acres rolling/hilly property on Lake St. Louis, Blvd. Zoned Improved Neighborhood Commercial (405.130)see attachment for more details concerning uses. This property is available for sale as well, please see MLS # 10059755.

View the Virtual Tour for 200 W Thornton Ave, St Louis, MO

Interest rates are at the lowest point since the 1940s. Jump off the fence and buy your dream home.

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:32:30 -0700

The big news last week is the extraordinarily low mortgage interest rates. And this time, the rates really are historic, the lowest since the 1940s. Combined with lower housing stock prices, this really is the best time ever to end your career as a house hunting fence sitter.

According to the latest word from Freddie Mac, the Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging 3.94%. A year ago the average interest rate was 4.27%. A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage came in at an average of 3.26%. Last year, the rate was 3.72%.

Some potential buyers are still waiting for that stupendous “deal,” but we see this level of interest rates just that deal. Combine that with an amazing selection of homes, and you have a remarkable opportunity to buy or refinance.

Before you begin your search, be prepared. Lending institutions have tightened there qualifications for a loan, but the money is there for organized buyers.

Check your credit rating first. Lenders look for a rating of 660 and above, but that can vary from lender to lender. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate.

Pay down any debt you have now, and pay your bills on time. Lenders want to see that you are a cautious and dependable spender with the ability to repay the loan. This lowers your debt-to-income ratio.

Don’t borrow any more money. Taking out another loan skews your credit score. You really don’t need that new car right now.

Stay in your present employment position. Job hopping will reduce you ability to get a loan.

Save. The higher your down payment, the better interest rate you’ll get.

With all of these preparations, get pre-qualified with a lender. As you begin your home search, pre-qualification shows you are serious and sellers will take your offer seriously.

Now you’re ready to take advantage of these incredibly low interest rates to buy your dream home!

Ideal Short Sale in Well Known Webster Groves! 200 W Thornton Ave Virtual Tour

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:29:26 -0700

Ideal Short Sale in Well Known and Respected Webster Groves

Great Short Sale - Motivated Seller. This home is located in highly regarded Webster Groves. It`s a three bedroom 2 bath, detached garage. The home is situated on a corner lot with lots of potential. Great property for a rental or a first time homebuyer needing a sweat equity project. This home is not move in ready. It`s a rehabber special.

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

View the Virtual Tour for 729 Millwood Drive, Saint Peters, MO

Gorgeous home with Privacy of Woods! 729 Millwood Virtual Tour

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:02:17 -0700

729 Millwood! Great privacy and beauty!

Residential, Ranch - Saint Peters, MO

Location Location! Tucked in tall trees offering loads of privacy along with a gorgeous view this home is beautifully situated! Close to Laurel Park in a well established neighborhood don`t miss checking out this home! The living room is bright and spacious featuring a cozy floor to ceiling corner brick fireplace sure to be a favorite gathering spot this winter. The heart of the home kitchen has plenty of room for a nicely sized table and hutch. The view out of the kitchen window and slider is outstanding! Right outside the kitchen is a large deck flanked with mature trees that offer their shade all summer long! The main bathroom offers…

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Spectacular home with Park Like Yard!

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:55:54 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

462 Timberidge Dr

Saint Peters, MO

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Spectacular! Lots of extras here! Beautiful

3 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS (2 full, 1 half)

2326 Square Feet

Spectacular! Lots of extras here! Beautiful hardwood floors flow through the entry, kitchen, family room, and hallways. Richly trimmed out with deep baseboards, crown molding, chair rails, built in bookshelf and extra wide spindled staircase, all the details have been lovingly tended to. This heart of the home kitchen features raised panel oak cabinets galore, corian countertops with backsplash, and plenty of room for a nicely sized table and chairs. Off the kitchen is a sunroom right out of a picture book, sure to be a favorite retreat! Head upstairs to your very own private refuge! Spa like the master bedroom must be seen to be fully experienced. Decked out with a 2 person Jacuzzi tub surrounded with decorative tile, separate bathroom with doorless shower and sink, large sitting area, and walk-in closet, don`t miss seeing this! The huge park like yard is ideal for entertaining or long quiet evenings in the privately fenced cozy patio/courtyard. Hurry and call today!

Selling your home this Halloween season? That can be spooky, but toning down the decorations goes a long way to a quick sale.

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:20:51 -0700

And so it begins with Halloween–the holiday season when home decorations, both outdoor and indoor–proliferate through the new year. If you home is on the market now, you can still bring out the decorations, but with some cautions.

Curb appeal is the first step to entice buyers through the front door. First impressions alone can sell your home. Little goblins and ghosts are accompanied with parents who may be in the home buying frame of mind. Be prepared to make the most of your curb appeal by toning down the decorations, especially for Halloween, so that potential buyers can actually see your home. Here are some helpful tips.

Safety first. Always. Keep the walk in front of and to your home clean and debris-free. Make sure the walkway is well lighted to avoid accidents. This Halloween, go more for the fall look with pumpkins and flowers rather than a collection of screeching bats, frantic witches, and lose that yellow caution tape. You’re selling a home, not a disaster site. And, no towering, spooky inflatable lawn ornaments. Please.

You’ve had all of your windows washed, right? Let the light in. This year, avoid taping paper decorations to your windows. Turn the lights on and create a warm autumn atmosphere inside your living room. This cozy tableau will help buyers see themselves sitting by the fire.

Decorations do not linger. The day after Halloween, take down all decorations. It’s back to staging the best curb appeal possible. Sellers who leave decorations up long after the “sell by” date can be perceived as not caring much for their property.

The day after the decorations go down, check your property for trash, trampled flowers and stray candy. Freshen your landscape again–trim bushes, rake leaves, wash the driveway and add a beautiful autumn wreath on your front door.

Even though you may be known in your neighborhood for the biggest, spookiest, rockin’ Halloween decorations, keep in mind you can do that all over again next year in your new home. This year is all about attracting buyers.

Looking for something a little Smaller? Check out this Condo in St. Peters for only $40K!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:28:48 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

148 Old Buggy Ct

Saint Peters, MO

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Open floor plan with a Vaulted

1 BEDROOMS

1 BATHROOMS (1 full)

700 Square Feet

Open floor plan with a Vaulted Great Room and Bay window overlooking tree lined common ground. Large Master Bedroom with double closets. Nice sliding glass door leading to deck. Nice neutral decor.

View the Virtual Tour for 13023 Walnutway Manor, St Louis, MO

Gorgeous Home for Ugly Home Price! Virtual Tour 13023 Walnutway Manor

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:49:13 -0700

Dirt Cheap Price for Gorgeous Home

Priced well below market prices in the neighborhood. Gorgeous home on private cul-de-sac. The home has a 2 story entry, hardwood floors in entry, kitchen/breakfast room. Vaulted great room with gas fireplace, wetbar, and open to the kitchen. Great for Entertaining. Home needs some work, but there is a lot of potential if you are willing to do some sweat equity. The bank has countered other offers above the current list price. Please submit only best and final offers. They will not accept anything lower than the current list price.

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

View the Virtual Tour for 157 Tennessee Walker Way, Saint Peters, MO

Ideal Home for the Growing or Relocating Family! Virtual Tour

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:39:49 -0700

157 Tennessee Walker Way

Nestled on a picturesque lot this home is charming, warm, and elegant! The amazing view out the entire back of the house will make you want to call this one home! The 2 story entry way opens up to a stunning family room where the full brick fireplace flanked by decorative windows offers a gorgeous focal point. The kitchen and breakfast room feature beautiful hardwood flooring with loads of 42`` cabinets, stainless appliances, track lighting, plant shelves, and an awesome planning desk area. Be sure and check out the main floor laundry, you will love the organizing cubbies``. The spacious, master bedroom suite is a getaway in itself with a huge soaking tub, double sinks and seated vanity. Head downstairs and be prepared to be dazzled with this great space for the whole family that includes possible exercise room, possible 5th bedroom or home office, rec room, and full bath! The back yard is truly park like and private with both deck and patio. Hurry and Call today!

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Click here to see more pictures and detailed information.

Short Sales? Sometimes not very short. Buyers should enter the process with lots of patience and an agent trained in short sale negotiations.

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:36:55 -0700

The term short sale has woven its way into the homebuyer lexicon during the past year. While not a foreclosure property, short sale homes have their own special financial issues that require a real estate agent who is trained in this type of sale.

What is a short sale? When a homeowner is in financial difficulty, can’t keep current on mortgage payments and may see a foreclosure in the near future, the owner and the lending institution decide to sell the home for less than owed on the mortgage.

Buyers are attracted to short sales hoping to score a property at rock bottom price. That could be a misconception, because short sales are much more complicated than price. While the seller and her agent may set the listing price, the lender has final say to approve the sale or not. Dealing with two entities to buy a home can be a long process suited for buyers with patience and an experienced agent. There’s nothing short about a short sale. Here are some tips when you decide on a short sale:

Price. Submitting a low-ball offer most likely won’t get you anywhere. Your agent will show you comparable prices in the neighborhood, which should set the tone for your offer. The lending institution has the final say in approving the sale price. If the lender feels your offer is way out of line, they may not even respond.
Repairs. Short sales are sold as is. The home may have any number of repairs to be done, so be in the fixer-upper state of mind. Whether you’ll be issued a credit is up to the lender. Another way of thinking is that you are buying a home below market value and that gives you the financial leeway to make repairs.
Financials. You and your agent can perform a search on the property to see if the owner has more loans than the mortgage. The more debt, like a line of credit, the more complicated the process becomes.
How long? Short sales take a long time. If you don’t have the patience for that, continue looking for properties with your agent that may be easier to purchase and offer what you want in a home.

Short sales can result in amazing properties and a commitment to a very special home. With a generous dose of patience and attention to detail, plus a trained short sale agent, you very well may purchase your dream home.

O Fallon for under $120,000. Can your rent for less??? Virtual Tour

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:21:10 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Gorgeous St Peters Home with All The Extras! but not the extra price....

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:39:12 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.

462 Timberidge Dr

Saint Peters, MO

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Spectacular! Lots of extras here! Beautiful

3 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS (2 full, 1 half)

2326 Square Feet

Click here to see more pictures and detailed information.

Super Low Price Homes in St. Louis

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:39:51 -0700

St Louis MO Homes for Sale - ATTN: Property Buyers


123 Becker Dr $53,000 \| 3 BEDROOMS \| 2 BATHROOMS (2 full) \| 864 Square Feet	9518 Miriam Ave $91,900 \| 2 BEDROOMS \| 2 BATHROOMS (2 full) \| 782 Square Feet
The Grant Hickman Team can tell you more about these properties - call 314-265-1531 NOW!
For more information - visit St Louis MO Homes for Sale
Try our NEW service that let's you search properties, see comparable values for your home, just like a Realtor - visit MY MLS Service.

Putting your yard “to bed” in the fall means less work next spring

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:20:56 -0700

Taking good care of your lawn at the end of the season makes good sense

Our lawns and landscaping have taken a beating this summer. Extended high temperatures and no rain have done us no favors. Landscape designer Jeanne Baker has some tips for you to look ahead to next spring’s renewal.

While it may not be as rewarding up front as planting new spring flowers, getting your lawn and gardens ready for winter will be a real time saver come next year. Here are some tips to help you organize a fall cleanup.

Dead-head perennials. Remove spent annuals after the first frost, but resist the urge to prune perennials to the ground as this can invite insects and fungal infections. Always wait until spring when the first new growth appears before cutting perennials back.
Dig tender plants such as canna lily, dahlia and annual geraniums right after the first frost. Air dry plants and store in a cool dry location for the winter.
Don’t forget to water trees and shrubs, especially evergreens. The general rule is one inch of water per week. So check your rain gauge.
Collect soil samples from several locations in your lawn and around your trees. Have both samples tested. If lawn samples indicate a low pH apply lime now. Fertilize trees if soil samples indicate a deficiency.
If you are planning on reseeding or over seeding your lawn be sure to do it by mid-October.
Cool season grasses benefit from fall applications of fertilizer. Nurserymen recommend three applications during the fall months. Cool season grasses include bluegrass, fescue and rye grass. Warm season grasses include zoysia, buffalo and Bermuda grass.
Broadleaf herbicides can be applied now to control cool season weeds.
For those who garden organically and shy away from herbicides and petroleum based fertilizers, a lush lawn is attainable. Organic fertilizers are available. Bradfield Organics, a local company, produces organic fertilizers specifically designed for lawns. If you choose an organic use a 3-1-5 fertilizer in the fall.
Rake your lawn to help keep it healthy. Your grass can actually be smothered when covered by a deep layer of leaves.

Both you and your landscaping will feel much better next year.

Gorgeous St Charles Home! Check out the virtual tour! 1478 Brittany Cove

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:10:59 -0700

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531

View the Virtual Tour for 123 Becker Dr, St Louis, MO

Great Deal on STL Home! Low Price! Virtual Tour of 123 Becker

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:20:42 -0700

Perfect Little Home for the Perfect Little Price

Very awesome home for the price! Tidy inside and out. The living room is cozy with a convenient cut-out pass-through to the kitchen and large picture window. The charming eat-in kitchen offers lots of cabinets, counter space, neutral paint and decorative chair rail, and plenty of room for a table and chairs. Both bedrooms are nicely sized with ceiling fans. The basement is very clean with painted floor and walls. A second full bathroom is finished in the basement offering convenience and value to this home! There is also an abundance of storage space in a sectioned off area in the basement. The back yard is fenced with a patio and huge shade tree. Some additional highlights of this home include; newer water heater, newer electrical panel, and newer plumbing stack. Hurry and call today to schedule your own private viewing!

Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale

Grant Hickman

The Grant Hickman Team

314-265-1531