It’s the end of the year and your house hasn’t sold - 12/31/10 09:14 PM
This is a great post by Myrl that all home sellers should read.  It really summarizes what the options are for sellers whose homes are still on the market despite marketing efforts that can't be beat.  This is the reality check that is hard to read but is so true.

Via Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate):

Real Living Great West Real Estate(916) 635-0420http://www.myrljeffcoat.com
 
 
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As this year comes to a close, we are thankful... Happy New Year and Off to 2011 - 12/31/10 08:49 PM
We have so much to be thankful for this year.  It has been the most successful in our career together.  Despite all of the challenges that the real estate market has thrown at us, we have persevered. 
While we have worked hard, we have had the opportunity to play hard too!  We have been lucky to be able to travel to Florida four times.  We also got to travel to see my brother in Ohio, the first time Jim has been to Ohio.




We also had a few personal challenges also.  Jim had to have major … (0 comments)

What do each of the statuses mean in the St. Louis MLS? - 12/31/10 05:26 PM
MLS status definitions
It is easy for real estate agents to get caught speaking real estate speak to a client who doesn’t have a clue what you are talking about.  In the St. Louis MLS, we have 11 different statuses that a listing can have.  Here is a glossary of each of the terms.
ACTIVE   This status means that the listing is available and unencumbered by any contract.  The days on market count continues during this period.
CONTINGENT W/KICKOUT   This status means that the listing has an accepted contract but it is contingent upon the buyer getting a contract and … (2 comments)

Tornado damage in the St. Louis area - 12/31/10 05:20 PM
Several hours ago, strong storms, probably tornados, ripped through the St. Louis area.  Especially hard hit was the Sunset Hills area in South County.  Damage is severe in pocketed areas.  Other areas are effected as well.  Power is out in many areas.  The following is video of the storm damage in the Sunset Hills area.
 

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Consider moving to St. Louis, MO - 12/30/10 08:37 PM
Dear Potential St. Louis area Home Buyer,                  
 
St. Louis, MO is a gorgeous city with such character--historic yet brimming with future opportunities.   We can certainly understand why you would consider moving to St. Louis and living here with us.  We have lived here for many years (in fact, Jim is a native) and would love to share our home city with you.If you are considering relocating to the St. Louis Metro area, we would love the opportunity to help you locate your dream home.   We are relocation specialists and are very experienced in assisting families with the transition … (2 comments)

Yahoo! Video Going Bye-Bye, Hello Flickr Video - 12/29/10 10:32 PM
If you have videos that you have posted or hosted on Yahoo, be sure you check out the following announcement about the service being discontinued in 2011.  It might be the time to migrate over to Flickr Video.  Thanks for the word Brad.
Via Brad Andersohn (Industry Outreach Manager - Zillow.com):
If you're into video like me and you've posted or hosted videos on Yahoo! Video, you might want to read the following message.  This was sent to me earlier since I have content on their site, I just wanted to give everyone a heads-up.  If you know anyone esle who might have … (0 comments)

What is the best way for us to bump off another contract on a short sale? - 12/29/10 09:55 PM
There is no magic answer to this question Mr. and Mrs. Buyer.  Short sales are the most difficult deals to predict.  With another already on the table for consideration, it is even more complicated.  There are so many variables that are unpredictable and out of the buyer’s agent’s control.  We know that you have decided that this is the house you want.  We know that you want a response to your contract sooner rather than later (like yesterday would be nice) so that you won’t miss out on other homes that you liked but didn’t love.  You don’t want those to … (4 comments)

What's the worst Christmas present you have received? Bra purse, nose hair trimmer??? - 12/26/10 05:58 PM
There was a story on our news this evening about viewers who had written in to share the worst Christmas gift they had ever received.  I heard about a purse shaped like a bra, nose hair trimmer, and a big bottle of Jack Daniels given to a woman who was 4 months pregnant at the time.  What is the worst Christmas gift that you have received?  I have to say I have been pretty lucky so we want to hear your stories.
                                        
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Merry Snow White Christmas! - 12/25/10 11:19 PM
Merry Christmas to everyone!  St. Louis was lucky enough to have a beautiful white Christmas. Our chances of having a white Christmas runs only about 13% in any year.  Two weeks ago, the forecast was FOR a white Christmas.  Then a week ago, it was deemed that the weather would be too warm.  Jjust a few days ago, a weather system came in off the west coast and headed our way.  Not only did we get an absolutely beautiful white Christmas with about 3-4 inches of snow, streets and driveways stayed clear for the most part.  I did shovel a few … (20 comments)

Deer Rescued by Helicopter-Must See Video! - 12/17/10 09:07 PM
The following story has had the St. Louis area riveted for the past 24 hours or so.  2 deer were found trapped on the ice on a river near St. Louis.  It was heartbreaking to watch the deer.  No one knew what to do.  They had been stranded for at least 24 hours or so before a hero finally came to their rescue.  St. Louisans were so happy to see the following video!
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How To Qualify For HAFA Short Sale - 12/17/10 03:42 PM
Dave does a great job discussing what a HAFA short sale is.  Since there are 43 pages of guidelines associated with this government program, we appreciate the bullet points that Dave provides. He cuts to the chase and makes it easy to understand.  All agents need to be aware of this program and it's guidelines.
Via Dave Gubler - Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest, Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo (Orange County California Short Sale Specialist-IMLShortSale):
How To Qualify For HAFA Short Sale
First let's start by defining exactly what HAFA is:
The government's Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program, or HAFA as it is commonly known … (2 comments)

Pricing Realistically - Understanding Absorption Rate in Real Estate - 12/15/10 10:30 PM
Absorption rate is something we discuss with our sellers at each listing appointment.  I think it is something all new agents need to know how to calculate and even more importantly, be able to explain.  Thanks Petra for a great explanation.
Via Petra Norris - Lakeland Florida Realtor® Lakeland Florida Homes, and more.... (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.):

Pricing Realistically - Understanding Absorption Rate in Real Estate
Housing economists and experts use the absorption rate in real estate to predict the housing market, while sellers may heard the phrase through the media but really don’t know what absorption rate represents. Since April 2009, appraisers are … (1 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas pansies - 12/15/10 08:44 PM

OK, so it isn't exactly wordless.  I couldn't resist taking this photo of the beautiful pansies on our front porch that continued to thrive despite the cold weather here in Missouri.  Even though the Christmas decorations are out, the pansies continued to bloom.  I couldn't just pull and dump them just because it was Christmas and the decorations were going up.  So I thought I would share!
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The Energizer Bunny and I are now Best Friends!! - 12/14/10 11:49 PM
We have a wonderful yellow Lab named Taylor.   
She is more than a member of the family but she is aging.  She is getting more anxious about things like certain noises around the house. 
Our first indication that there was a problem was when we left her loose in our kitchen like we always did when we left.  When we got home, she had chewed the trim around the door frame.  Lots of teeth marks.  We were shocked!  She had never done such a thing before – ever.  We just thought it was something odd and blew it off.  … (8 comments)

Santa came to Greystone Subdivision- Chesterfield, MO tonite - 12/14/10 10:07 PM
Tonite, was a magical evening for the children of Greystone subdivision in Chesterfield, MO.  The Monarch Fire Protection District brought Santa Claus to see all the children on his magical sleigh.  Despite the cold temperatures (one might say festive) there was a good crowd on hand to meet Santa on the Greystone Manor Parkway culdesac.   
Santa was accompanied by the Monarch Fire District ambulance and fire truck. The kids had an opportunity to sit on Santa's lap, ask for all of their favorite presents and have their pictures taken.
                                           

                                                                  

Little hands were kept warm with handwarmers … (4 comments)

St. Louis Holiday Light Display at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - 12/13/10 03:43 PM
Santa's Magical Kingdom, a drive-through holiday light display with animated scenes, special effects and millions of shimmering lights is now open.  It is located at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort in Eureka from now until January 2.  It is open from 5:30 PM to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM Sunday -Thursday.  For more information regarding details and admission fees, call 636-938-5925
                                                                  
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31 Days of December Challenge - Day 9 - 12/09/10 11:06 PM
Day 9

Today, Day 9 of the 31 Days of December Challenge was Localism Day.  Actually, a Localism push started last night after my last 31 Days of December Challenge blog post.  I posted 2 Localism blog posts last night and another one today.  While they don't draw many fellow 'Rainer comments, it has help raise awareness of us in our city.  We enjoy posting about news and activities in our area and will continue to do so.   
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Chesterfield, Missouri Chamber of Commerce Meeting - December 13, 2010 - 12/09/10 10:22 PM
                                                                              
The general membership meeting and Holiday Luncheon for the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce will be held at 11:30 on Wednesday, December 15 at Forest Hills Country Club.  Canned goods and new, unwrapped toys will be collected for the Circle of Concern.  There will be door prizes and music.  Registration is required.  Admission is $18 for members and $25 for non-members.  To register, call 636-532-3399 or visit chesterfieldmochamber.com by December 13.
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e-Women Networking Holiday Shopping & Networking Extravaganza - Chesterfield, MO - 12/08/10 11:02 PM
                                                                           
The e-Women Networking Holiday Shopping & Networking Extravaganza will be held on Friday, December 10 at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Chesterfield. 
The event will run from 11 AM (networking begins) to 2:30 PM.  The event is free to the public from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.  The full event registration fee is $35 for members and $45 for non-members registering before December 7.  Registration after December 7 will be $55 for everyone.  Display tables are $65 for members and $95 for non-members.  For more information or to register, call 314-968-9664.  
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Anheuser-Busch Holiday Lights Display - Twinkling Now in St. Louis - 12/08/10 10:49 PM

The annual Anheuser-Busch holiday light display is available now until January 2.  It runs from 6 PM until midnight at the brewery.  To see the display on Busch Place,  take Arsenal and turn on Pestalozzi street.  Visitors view the display from their cars.  Free brewery tours are from 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday December 10th and 17th.  For details, visit anheuserbusch.com.
                                                                                                         
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West County Chamber of Commerce Meeting - December 9 - 12/07/10 10:03 PM
The West County Chamber of Commerce will be holding it's Business After Hours meeting at 5:30 PM on December 9 at Kreiger's Sports Grill at 1356 Big Bend Square in Twin Oaks.  Registration is required.  To register, call 636-230-9900 or visit westcountychamber.com by Dec 7.  Admission is free for members and $15 for non-members.
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Bailey the Unknown Reindeer - 12/07/10 11:31 AM
This video is hilarious.  It made us laugh out loud.  We have a Doberman we call "Crazy Dog" but I have never seen her do this.  If we ever have snow this deep, we will let her loose - but I doubt she will do this. 
Via Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© (RE/MAX Suburban):
The Blog Dog and I were out today and we've had our first sprinkling of snow here. Dogs love the snow and we met up with our neighbors Zoey & Molly (Springers) who sent this to us.  This dog is great!  He's like a freight train going thru the … (0 comments)

A backhoe is working in my neighbor's yard tonite - Yikes! - 12/04/10 11:19 PM
On the way home this evening, we saw a water utility truck and a backhoe parked on our street.  They were spray painting water and utility lines in the yard and I saw water where there shouldn't be water ( it is below 32 degrees).  The technician in the backhoe says there is a water leak somewhere - they are waiting for a water line schematic before they dig.  I sure hope the problem doesn't migrate across the street.
                                                     
This actually reminds me to remind all of our sellers about properly closing down a sprinkler system for the winter.  … (4 comments)

What Exactly Is The Song? - 12/04/10 10:01 PM
We are always looking for ways to spread holiday cheer.  This is a fun rendition of a Christmas classic that gets a bit tangled up but that makes it all the more fun.  Enjoy like we did! 
Via Colleen Lane (www.TheLaneRealEstateTeam.com):

The video is a lot like our real estate day, isn't it? We can wake up on any given morning and look at what's in store for the day and by day's end there is no resemblance of the routine we pictured just hours earlier. For instance, haven't we had those kinds of days where we are looking at writing up 2-3 … (1 comments)

Chesterfield Missouri Chamber of Commerce First Thursday Coffee - 12/04/10 09:41 PM

The Chesterfield Missouri Chamber of Commerce will be holding it's First Thursday Coffee at 7:30 AM on Thursday, December 9.  The meeting will be held at the Midwest BankCentre at 17050 Baxter Road.  Registration is required.  Call 636-532-3399 or visit chesterfieldmochamber.com by December 5.  Admission is free for members and $15 for non-members.  This is a great opportunity to network with other Chesterfield business people.
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How the system works and working the system, or ActiveRain point values that I'm aware of - 12/04/10 08:36 PM
Although this post by Russel Ray was written a few years and MANY points ago, it remains the best resource to understand the mystery of point awards in the Active Rain system.  He certainly got many well deserved comments on it and continues to do so.  :> Bookmark this post as he updates it when updates or changes are made. 
Via Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer (Russel Ray):
As a Marketing & Business Consultant, I love to deconstruct things to see what they are made of (there's that pesky preposition ending again, so I'm adding this parenthetical text). … (6 comments)

Chesterfield MO Chamber of Commerce Business over Breakfast meeting - Dec 7 - 12/04/10 12:08 PM
The Chesterfield MO Chamber of Commerce Business over Breakfast meeting will be held on December 7 at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Chesterfield.  The meeting, starting at 7:30 AM will feature Ellen Moran of Leadership Dialogues who will be discussing "Motivating your Customers and Employees: Secrets of Business Communication."  Registration is required.  Call 636-532-3399 or visit chesterfieldmochamber.com by Dec 5th.  The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
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31 Days of December Challenge-The first 4 days! - 12/04/10 01:34 AM
Well our spirit is in it.  We saw the challenge late.  But here we go.  It is just after midnight central time on 12/4 but we are going for it because we can't let a challenge go unchallenged.
Dec 1 - We enlisted the help of a relative to convert our database from machine based Microsoft Outlook to web based Microsoft SharePoint.  BIG DECISION but we really think it will make a big difference in our ability to manage our contacts and our business.
Dec 2- Set up logins and other details to make SharePoint work.  Exported contacts out of Outlook … (5 comments)

Bad Framing - 12/03/10 07:51 PM
This post just illustrates that when purchasing a property, never assume anything.  It underscores just how important it is to hire a professional building inspector.  Thanks to Closer Look Property Inspections for this fascinating post.
Via Eric Middleton (Closer Look Property Inspections Inc.):
Any time I do an inspection I always ask my clients if they have any concerns in and around the property, that way I could pay special attention to their particular concern and explain its condition carefully and clearly.  On this commercial property, the buyer stated his most urgent concern is the sagging floors on the west side of the building.  … (0 comments)

Top 8 Reasons for using a professional real estate agent - 12/03/10 07:42 PM
Working with a real estate professional can save a buyer time and stress.  It is of upmost importance that a buyer feel comfortable with their real estate professional and that they can communicate effectively with them.  A relationship that is built on open and honest communication can assist the real estate professional to find the buyer just the right home.
Here are some of the services that a real estate professional will provide:
Work with you to find properties that meet your specific requirements such as location, price and amenities Arrange for appointments and show you the properties selected Provide you … (2 comments)

17 aspects an appraiser considers on an appraisal - 12/03/10 07:21 PM
These days, the appraisal has become a step to a real estate closing that has been proving problematic.  To understand the components of an appraisal, we have assembled a list of considerations an appraiser uses when completing an appraisal. 
The market conditions on the date of the sale Location, location, location The site/view both looking at the property and looking from the property out The design and appeal of the dwelling The quality of the construction The age of the property The condition of the property Total number of rooms Number and types of rooms ( bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.) Square footage (gross … (0 comments)

Wildwood Missouri Holiday Hot Air Balloon Glow - 12/02/10 06:45 PM
Join the Wildwood Business Association in supporting the Wildwood YMCA's "Strong Community" campaign on Friday, December 3 from 6-8 PM at the Wildwood Town Center.  There will be several 4-story glowing hot air balloons and a community holiday tree.  Santa will be available for pictures for a small fee.  Kids can decorate an ornament for the tree and music will be provided by Living Word Church. All proceeds raised will go to the YMCA's "Strong Community" Campaign.  For more information on the Balloon Glow, visit www.wildwoodba.org 
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Zillow’s New Agent Rating and Endorsement Tool - 12/02/10 06:28 PM
We are reposting Active Brad's Z blog regarding a new Zillow agent rating system.  What do you think about this??  As long as the system stays true to purpose, it should benefit consumers.
Via Brad Andersohn (Industry Outreach Manager - Zillow.com):
Zillow’s New Agent Rating and Endorsement Tool
Today, Zillow launched the ability for consumers to review real estate agents they’ve worked with in the past. Millions of home shoppers visit Zillow every month, and many of them have not yet found a real estate agent to help them buy or sell their home. 
Access to reviews and endorsements of local agents … (1 comments)

Chesterfield Missouri city budget meeting - December 6 - 12/02/10 06:11 PM
The city of Chesterfield, Missouri is having a public hearing on the proposed budget for the 2011 fiscal year on Monday, December 6.  The meeting will be held at 6:30 PM in the Chesterfield Council Chambers at 690 Chesterfield Parkway West.  A copy of the proposed budget can be viewed at City Hall during the hours of 8:30 Am to 5 Pm Monday - Friday prior to the meeting
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The House at work - a middle class tax relief bill has passed today. - 12/02/10 05:07 PM
The House has passed a bill to extend tax cuts for Americans earning between $200,000 and $250,000 but not for individuals and families making more.
The 234-188 vote comes as negotiations continue to extend Bush-era tax cuts, which expire this month, for all income levels. The bill, however, will not clear the Senate, where Democrats need Republican support.  After the vote, House Republicans were furious that the current House leadership did not show more acknowledgement of the will of the people as reflected in the recent November elections.  Senator John Boehner was especially critical of the bill today.
In today's House … (0 comments)

Chesterfield, MO Real Estate Sales Data - November 2010 - 12/01/10 05:14 PM
The following is the current market activity in Chesterfield, MO from November 1 - November 30, 2010
Chesterfield currently has 305 listings on the market.  The average days on market for these 305 listings is 149.  The lowest priced home is $189,900.  The highest priced home is $3,995,000.  The average listing price is $538,697 and the  median price is $399,000
There are currently 28 homes under contingent contract.  The average days on market for these listings is 118.  The lowest priced home is $215,000.  The highest priced home is $2,750,000.  The average listing price is $569,854 and the  median price is $387,000
There are currently 49 homes under … (0 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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