New Lake St. Louis Waterfront Listing #1 Lakeview Court Lake St. Louis MO 63367 4 Bedroom 2.5 bath atrium ranch home $599,000 - 09/28/10 03:32 PM
This rustic setting features an end of the street private cul-de-sac wooded lot overlooking beautiful Lake Saint Louis.  The large atrium ranch is framed by large trees and provides for those quiet serene moments away from traffic and the hustle of everyday stresses.   This unique home is located on one of the most stunning waterfront points in Lake Saint Louis with 180 degree panoramic views.   Brazilian tigerwood floors and wide open views of the atrium, great room, dining room, bar and lake are yours upon entering the bright foyer.  The large great room features a full wall floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, wood … (1 comments)

Chesterfield, MO Turkey Trot - 09/28/10 02:58 PM
                                        
 
The 11th annual Turkey Trot is being planned for Thanksgiving morning, November 25, 2010.  The 5K run starts promptly at 8:30 AM.  The Fun Run starts promptly at 9:15 AM.  The
5K route is a 3.1 mile loop course along Chesterfield Parkway and around Chesterfield Mall.  The Fun Run is for ages 9 and under and is a special 1K race on a loop course that starts at Burkhardt Place and runs along Veterans Place Drive.  Both courses will remain closed until the end of the race. 
Parking is available at West County YMCA or at Chesterfield Mall.  … (0 comments)

Does having my picture on my sign make me vain? - 09/27/10 10:49 PM
 
This morning I was listening to a local radio show and they were talking about how one of the DJ's had recently purchased a home.  When the DJ pulled up with the realtor in front of the house she asked the realtor why her picture wasn't on the sign.  The realtor replied she didn't want her picture on the sign because she felt the realtors who did this are vain.  
 
I don't think having your photo on your sign makes you vain, it’s more marketing than anything.
 
When people have a face with the name, they tend … (6 comments)

Chesterfield, MO tree trimming program - 09/27/10 10:33 AM

 
 
Tree trimming is an ongoing activity as the City's street tree population matures.  The Chesterfield, MO Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Planning and Public Works systematically trims trees along City streets to provide adequate clearance for vehicles and pedestrians.  Trimming is also necessary to maintain the health of the trees.  Please note that the City's responsibility is limited to those trees located within a public right of way.  Trees located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. 
Trees are trimmed on a 5 year cycle and are also trimmed ahead of scheduled street … (0 comments)

St Louis Arch Grounds Redesign Project - 09/25/10 05:51 PM
This past week the winner of the Arch project redesign was announced.  Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc, a landscape architecture firm based in New York was chosen over 4 other finalists. MVVA's plans will better connect the Arch grounds to downtown, expands the park's reach across the river into IL and add attractions.  
The plan is to build a sort of landscaped "iid" over I-70, expand the underground museum, rid of the current parking garage and build 3 smaller ones, add an amphitheater, playground and beer garden that could also be used as an ice rink and also create a … (2 comments)

Don’t stay in the dark – How to report a non functioning street light in Chesterfield, MO - 09/24/10 03:49 PM
                                            
Every night, we should be thankful that our streets are so well lit.  A partnership between subdivision trustees and AmerenUE provides that light.  Each residential subdivision is responsible for the streetlights within the subdivision.  The trustees of the subdivisions lease the lights from AmerenUE. 
You can either notify your trustees or report the light directly to AmerenUE  at 314-342-1000.  Note the pole number before calling and give AmerenUE this number along with the address of the light.  The pole number is on a tag which is typically located at the top of the pole, just under the fixture. 
If … (0 comments)

Kaldi's Coffee... yum! - 09/23/10 11:09 PM
In 1994, a quaint coffeehouse was opened.  They had sampled coffees from local roasters, but didn’t enjoy the taste, so what’s one to do?  Buy their own roaster and produce their own coffee.  Local people and grocery stores agree that it’s some of the best coffee they’ve ever tasted.  Their goal: they wanted “to offer our customers the best coffee and espresso possible”.
 
Since that day almost 15 years later, they still hand roast all their coffees and blends in small batches.  If you’re not a coffee drinker, they also have devine teas as well.  Either way, you’ll leave on … (1 comments)

Your listing expired and you've got some decisions to make - 09/23/10 03:59 PM
We love Tish's great insight about the choices that a seller has when a listing expires.  I think we have said all of these things many time but not as succinctly.  Thanks for a great summary Tish!
Via Tish Lloyd (Prudential Laney Real Estate):
Mr. & Mrs. Seller;  Your listing expired and you've got some decisions to make.
1. Do you re-list with the same agent?
2. Do you lower the price?
3. Do you just hold off and see if the market improves?
4. Do you meet with any of the Agents who are calling and sending cards and letters telling you that they can … (0 comments)

Strassenfest in Chesterfield, MO - 09/23/10 03:29 PM
                                          
The first weekend in October is the time when Chesterfield, MO will host the popular St. Louis Strassenfest.  This event celebrates German hospitality with German music, beer, children's rides and bratwurst.  The Strassenfest will be located on the Chesterfield Parkway in Downtown Chesterfield, just west of  Chesterfield Mall. 
Opening ceremonies will be Friday evening followed by bands playing a variety of German music.  A great aspect of the celebration is that non-profit organizations that participate can raise money for their causes.  Last year, participants raised almost $100,000.  
Traditional German dancers are a highlight of the Strassenfest.  For more details about the … (1 comments)

Chesterfield, MO Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run – October 23, 2010 - 09/21/10 01:56 PM
The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce plans the 9th annual Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run/Walk  on October 23, 2010   There will be both 5K and 10K courses that are going to be located in the Chesterield Valley.  There will also be a half-mile Children's Fun Run for ages 8 and under.  Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.
Registration is $20 if received before October 8.  Register at the Chesterfield, MO Chamber of Commerce website at www.Chesterfieldmochamber.com.
… (0 comments)

Chesterfield, MO Kemp Auto Museum - 09/20/10 11:25 PM
We attended a wedding last night at the Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield, MO.  It was a lovely venue and a great time was had by all.  The Kemp Auto Museum displays historically significant and artistically inspired automobiles from the earliest to the contemporary for public enjoyment and educational enrichment.  The Kemp collection includes rare and vintage European automobiles from the turn of the century to modern day.  Information about the museum is available on the museum's website at www.kempautomuseum.org.
An upcoming event at the Kemp Auto Museum is a Porsche Auto Show.  It will be held on the Sachs Plaza … (1 comments)

Home Sellers: Play a Game of Scrabble with Your Potential Buyers - 09/19/10 11:30 PM
What a cute idea!  Seems these homeowners and agents have the staging down to an art and even then some.  Are there any other ideas that are outside the box that anyone would like to share with the masses?  Thanks again for sharing!
Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI, SFR (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):
House hunting is one of the part of my job I love best.  Two weeks ago, some Buyer clients and I were in a particular neighborhood where it seemed every home was staged.  No detail was overlooked.  Pillows arranged on sofas and beds, just so.  Towels immaculate in their alignment … (2 comments)

Realtor Alert: Don't Assume That All Decks Are Safe - 09/19/10 10:53 PM
This is such great information for everyone to know... whether they're in real estate or not.  I heard through a friend a sad story that a high school friend of theirs was on one of these high decks and the railing gave way.  The girl fell a couple of stories to the ground and is now paralyzed.  It can happen to anyone at anytime, so be careful and check out the deck before you walk on it.  With lots of determination, a tremendous support system, physical therapy, she is learning how to walk again, but is still in a wheelchair.  Please … (3 comments)

Trends in Kitchen Design - 09/19/10 10:24 AM
We are currently in the midst of a kitchen/bar remodel project. Before contemplating making some changes, we researched what some of the hottest trends are in kitchen design.  While we already had good bones in our kitchen (42" maple cabinets, granite counters, wood floors and stainless appliances) we wanted to add some additional flair to our current look. 
While the cabinets are moderate quality maple, I never really liked the color of them (too yellow for me).  We thought of painting them but after a discussion with an interior designer, we decided to have the cabinets colored, glazed, and lacquered.  This will accomplish a furniture … (5 comments)

Syncing calendars... - 09/18/10 11:09 PM
I stumbled across the coolest thing today.  Its cool to me because I need my calendars synced automatically.  Its called mobile me. So If I put an event on my iPhone, it’s automatically pushed to my calendar on my laptop.  There is no more remembering to sync or writing things down in different places.  It also works the other way, if I put an event on my laptop, it automatically pushes it to my iPhone.  Pretty cool huh?
Another cool thing I like about it is the ‘find my iPhone’… I downloaded the app ‘find iPhone’… and voila… if I lose … (0 comments)

How Can I Connect with Others on ActiveRain? - 09/17/10 08:49 PM
Awesome post - - Connecting with others on ActiveRain is definitely a question for newbies and even if you've been blogging for awhile... you might be thinking how can I gain more attention? what else is there to do?  Jeff did a fantastic job of pulling all the information together!  Thanks Jeff!
Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 (RE/MAX Moonlight Beach (CA DRE Lic. # 01490977)):
How Can I Connect on ActiveRain?  
CONNECTING - READING - SUBSCRIBING  - COMMENTING - ASSOCIATING 
 
If you are newer to blogging on AR, you may be wondering "How can I connect on … (3 comments)

Highway 40 Daniel Boone Bridge closes in Chesterfield, Missouri - AGAIN! - 09/14/10 02:32 PM
The Missouri Department of Transportation will close westbound Route 40 at the Missouri River (Daniel Boone Bridge) for more repair work the weekend of Sept. 17-20, 2010.
MoDot officials say the closure will impact all drivers heading from Chesterfield to St. Charles County as well as fans heading to the Mizzou home game.  Crews will close affected lanes starting at 8 p.m. on Friday and will reopen them by 5 a.m. the following Monday.  During this closure, crews will continue to reset bearings, replace expansion joints and repair splice plates on the bridge. Access to St. Charles County using I-70, Route … (0 comments)

Grandma at 30? - 09/12/10 04:37 PM
Completely agree with Jon on this one!  Its one thing when your drivers license doesn't look like you 6-8 years later - those pictures aren't usually that good anyway.  But this is your business card and the sign you put in the ground!  Yes you might have looked better 10, 20, 30 years ago, but you don't look like that NOW!!  Live in the now, not the past!  Let your clients, your future clients be able to recognize you when they walk in the door!!
Via Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL. FunCoast Realty, 386-405-4408:
I was reading a blog today. Good blog, well … (1 comments)

Personal reflections on 9/11 - 09/11/10 05:36 PM
Another anniversary passes as we remember the horror of September 11, 2001.  I think many of us remember exactly where we were when we heard about the plane crashes into the Twin Towers.  I was filling my car with gas at the gas station and listening to my car radio when the announcement was made.  I quickly finished the task and headed to my office for our Tuesday morning meeting.  By the time I arrived at the office, the second plane had hit and terrorism was rapidly being identified as the cause of the crashes.  Our office meeting never really got … (2 comments)

Supra eKey available for iPhone!! - 09/11/10 10:50 AM
 
Many realtors have replaced the tradition lock box with
 an electronic version that utilizes IR technology to update codes and 
allow them access to properties.

This technology has finally become available for the iPhone!  What does this 
mean?  You can use your iPhone as your "Supra
key" to open properties instead of carrying around a separate device,
eKEY Basic for iPhone is available now 
eKEY Professional for iPhone will be available Dec of 2010
 
The basic features are as follows:
-Wireless updates & alerts
-Obtain listing keys
-Keep track of all your keyboxes right from your iPhone
-Manage & program your keyboxes
-Easily … (2 comments)

The Final Walk-Thru - 09/10/10 04:49 PM
Thanks to Ten Peaks for discussing an important part of a home purchase - the final walk through.  We encourage all of our buyers to do a walk through as well. 
Via Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty - Luxury Homes:
The Final Walk-Thru
Shortly before your closing you will typically make an inspection of the house called a final walk-through. Your agent will probably be with you and help you examine the house. The final walk-through is to verify that all items you have contracted to buy are there, and items you have not contracted to buy have been removed and that the … (1 comments)

Real Estate Conferences are a great way to recharge your batteries! -The Coldwell Banker Gundaker 2010 Top Associates Retreat - 09/10/10 04:36 PM
We just returned home from a 2 ½ day company real estate retreat.  It was a gathering of the top 100 producers in Coldwell Banker Gundaker - St. Louis.  There are multiple purposes for this retreat.  One is to provide a forum for networking within our own company.  Our company's associates are very generous in sharing best practices and great ideas.  Secondly, we get to hear market and real estate updates from the president of our company as well as from a representative of our parent company NRT.  It's important to stay in the know in this rapidly changing industry.  And … (0 comments)

Blogging... does it really work? - 09/09/10 10:51 PM
I met a former real estate agent today that I didn't know.  He has been in the real estate world twice and has gracefully bowed out the 2nd time saying he wasn't coming back.  We were talking about social media/ blogging/ active rain and he was telling me how a realtor in his *former* office believes in blogging a phenomenal amount.  He said that's how she has landed an incredible amount of her business.  I believe in it, but hearing a success story from a former realtor just completely seals the deal.  He said she is a dedicated blogger and has … (12 comments)

Vote Yes on Amendment 3 on November 2 in Missouri to Save Our Homes! - 09/09/10 02:59 PM

On November 2, Missourians will have a very important issue to vote on.  By voting Yes on Amendment 3, voters are telling our Missouri government that we don't want transfer taxes imposed when selling our homes. 
Transfer taxes on home sales are double taxation because Missourians already pay annual property taxes on real estate, often over many decades of ownership. Missouri is among just 13 states that do not impose a transfer tax on real estate sales, including all of Missouri's neighboring states. As state, county and city revenues decline, politicians may be tempted to impose new transfer taxes - just as Missouri … (2 comments)

The Case for Homeownership - 09/08/10 06:14 PM
We certainly have enough challenges selling homes in this market.  The last thing we need is a national magazine questioning an American's most important means to accumulate wealth.  Mark Crain does a great job rebutting the Time Magazine article questioning homeownership.
Via Mark A. Crain (Keller Williams Mountain Brook):
Barbara Kiviat wrote an article in the September 6th issue of Time Magazine titled "The Case Against Home Ownership" which suggests that the benefits of home ownership are really mythical; it goes on to suggest that homeownership (single family detached) is something the government has "coaxed" Americans to do and concludes that the benefits … (1 comments)

I know you don't work here, but can you help me? - 09/08/10 05:37 PM
I was at the store today picking up a few items and this sweet older woman stopped me.  She said, "Honey, I know you don't work here, but can you help me?"  I said, "Sure"  She had been purchasing this particular brand of make up her whole life, but it had been discontinued because they started making it overseas.  She wanted my opinion if I thought the new shade she picked out matched her current one. I thought it did and told her.  I also told her to have a great day and we parted ways.
 
Its encounters like these … (6 comments)

"24 Hours Notice To Show Preferred" - 09/07/10 01:31 PM
Great advice Chris and we commend you for essentially cleaning your house every morning before you start your work day!  Now, if we could only get all clients to think the same way... we know the routine that you have implemented takes great discipline.  Great job!
Via Chris Dugger (Real Estate Marketplace, Louisville KY):
My own home is currently on the market and what a grounding experience this has been so far. Every morning before I sit down at my computer I sweep up dog hair, vacuum the hardwoods (yes, vacuum), clear off what's accumulated on the kitchen counters since yesterday's showing, have … (0 comments)

Over priced listings. Should we consider them? - 09/05/10 10:58 PM
A great example of needing the right buyer at the right time.  Do you consider over priced listings?  Thanks for sharing your stories Tere- there are those who will consider over priced listings and those that won't... its great that you are one that will, it helps you earn the green! 
Via Tere Rottink (Zip Realty):
Over priced listings.  Should we consider them?
There are a lot of blogs on over priced listings,  we all (real estate agents) agree that we should never take them, but I would like to share another point of view.  I know that many agents are going to … (5 comments)

Google Launches BlogSearch- SEO Benefits To Blogging! - 09/05/10 09:59 PM
This is great information on Google's new Blogsearch.  We can all benefit from this and utilizing SEO on our blogs with Google!  Thanks for posting for all of us!
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
Google Launches Google Blogsearch- SEO Benefits Of Blogging! 
Have you ever wanted to do a search for a topic and want just the blog stream of that topic to come up?  Or if you are a blogger, how would you like to have your newsworthy posts show up in a search an editor does when he or she … (2 comments)

Active Rain, Oprah, and the Emmys? - 09/05/10 01:02 AM
Even if you're not a regular Oprah watcher or fan... she has made an impact on so many people's lives, its hard not to admire all the great things she has done.  Looking at where she came from and where she is today... its truly an amazing story.  She takes great care of her staff and they seem (from news stories) to have great admiration and respect for her.  Although her show will be winding down soon, hopefully the next ventures she will be taking will lead her to even greater success so she can save the world (that's what she's … (2 comments)

What's your pricing strategy when writing an offer for your buyer? - 09/05/10 12:47 AM
There are many different variables that go into writing an offer for the buyer... letting the buyer help in the decision making process is definitely necessary and worth it in the long run.  Thanks for the great post!
Via Anna Glebova (RE/MAX HomeFinders):
What's your pricing startegy, when you are writing an offer to purchase for your buyer? 
Well, there are comps, and market trends, and overall condition of the house, but there's wiggle room as well.
Now, I'm not talking about "how low will they go - inquiring minds want to know" scenario.
Say, the house in question is priced reasonably, and … (3 comments)

 
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Jim & Linda Arnold-St. Louis Real Estate Pros 314-422-2762 Referrals welcome!!

Chesterfield, MO

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Coldwell Banker Gundaker-St. Louis, MO

Address: 285 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO, 63017

Office Phone: (636) 391-1122

Cell Phone: (314) 422-2762

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