Nancy Milton's Illinois Real Estate Blog

The Top Five Things "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Can Teach Us About Real Estate

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:32:36 -0600

As I was re-watching"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (ACBC) this season, it struck me that the terrific life lessons contained in this beloved holiday special could easily apply to those of us who work in real estate -- especially during a year of recession.

1.) MAYBE SMALLER IS BETTER. Charlie Brown's sad little Christmas tree was reviled and then revived with love, faith and a warm, blue blanket. The Peanuts gang understood that -- like a home -- its size didn't matter. In real estate, I am noticing more of my clients embracing smaller homes -- both existing homes and new construction. Maybe its the financial lessons of this recession or the lack of time in their lives to care for an oversized residence, but the drive for bigger and bigger McMansions seems to have lessened. Nationally, according to census data, the average size of a new home fell in 2008 for the first time since 1990 and that trend is expected to continue when figures come out for 2009.

2.) SET IT TO MUSIC. ACBC is set to one of the all-time best soundtracks ever created thanks to the genius of Vince Guaraldi. His trio -- playing piano, bass and drums -- created a jazzy, atmospheric groove that almost didn't make it to air when CBS thought a jazz soundtrack wasn't appropriate for children. (Remember, this was 1965.) If you're selling your home this season, think about leaving this soundtrack on softly for showings or open houses. It's guaranteed to create a warm feeling in potential buyers who are taking a look at your place. Music that will appeal to a wide range of people is always a great idea in the background in any season. Select the Smooth Jazz or Singers & Standards channel from the cable or satellite sytem for example.

3.) EVERYONE WANTS SOME REAL ESTATE. Feeling blue over the commercialization of Christmas and his inability to get into the spirit, Charlie Brown visits Lucy in her lemonade stand psychiatry office. She agrees that it's hard to celebrate the season when she just gets a bunch of dumb toys for presents. What does she really want? Real estate. It's true. The buying and selling of real estate will always be with us. However, the market downturn has shown us that it's the market-priced homes in good condition (like Snoopy's decorated dog house) that will sell. Sellers, if your home has sat on the market for longer than the average time it takes to sell a comparable property, have your agent examine the price against the last three months of comp sales. You may be overpriced for your market, your home's condition or your location. If you're in-between agents or selling by yourself and need a professional, impartial price opinion, give me a call. Buyers, keep in mind that a "Buyer's Market" doesn't mean that you can aquire any home at any time for a penny on the dollar or a lowball offer. It does mean that you can get a good home at a good price based on recent comparable sales. (And right now you also can get it at near-record low interest rates and with a federal tax credit.) The market dictates what a house is worth and every market is different.

4.) TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAITHFUL PET. In various Charlie Brown cartoons, Snoopy and his bird pal Woodstock play hockey on a frozen water bowl. Don't let your furry friend's water turn into a skating pond. Please make sure your pets are brought into a warm and safe place during the chill of winter or the heat of next summer. If your house is on the market, please leave instructions regarding your pets for agents who will be showing your home. Kennel dogs prior to a showing, make sure cat litter boxes are clean and pick up pet toys. Sellers, if you can take the animals and their things with you during a showing, it may help your home appeal to a broader ranger of potential buyers who might not love Fido and Fluffy as much as you do.

5.) EXAMINE THE TRUE MEANING OF HAPPINESS. In ACBC, Linus reminds the kids about the true meaning of Christmas by simply and beautifully quoting scripture from the Book of Luke. In real estate we can take these messages to heart as well. Buyers: Don't expect a new house to make you happy. A new house will give you a warm place that meets your location and structural needs. Then you get to put friends, family, faith, pets and love inside to create a home that will bring true happiness. Sellers, your family home may have given you years of service, but it is just a shell without you and your family and friends inside. Your real home will be wherever you are moving next, so let go of the anxiety and embrace the change whether you're faced with downsizing, rightsizing, upsizing or moving across the country.

Have a wonderful, merry season and don't forget to pop in the DVD or Blue Ray of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to enhance your holidays.

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About the Author: Nancy Milton, GRI, is a REALTOR with the GoshenRealtyGroup at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Kristina Pratt help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs with special emphasis on homes for sale in Madison County and the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Bethalto and surrounding areas.

Goshen Realty Group takes its name from the earliest nickname for Madison County, Illinois -- the Land of Goshen -- coined when the region's first settlers compared their new home east of the Mississippi River to the biblical land of peace and plenty.

For more information, visit GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Nancy at Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com. Text or call Nancy at 618-791-8007. REMAX Preferred Partners is located at One 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Nancy for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

Goshen Getaway: Gardenland Express at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:38:26 -0600

The weather outside might be frightful here in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs (I saw 19 degrees as the exterior temperature today), but inside at the Missouri Botanical Garden the annual Gardenland Express is chugging along quite warmly.

Train buffs and holiday decor lovers alike wait all year for this popular holiday flower and train show inside the Orthwein Floral Display Hall at Garden's Ridgeway Center.

This year, the staff have outdone themselves in celebration of the Garden's 150th anniversary year. Eight G-scale trains and streetcars run on 800 feet of track in front of replicas of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most recognizable buildings.

Miniature versions of the Linnean House, the geodesic-domed Climatron greenhouse, Tower Grove House, the Chinese Garden Pagoda and many other familiar icons are tucked amongst vivid orangy poinsettias (called Orange Spice) and other seasonal flowers and plants.

The Garden has been the site of annual holiday flower shows since 1915.

Gardenland Express is open from now through November 3, 2010, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. The Garden closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and is closed on Christmas Day.

Adult admission is $13 and includes access to the rest of the 80-acre garden. Children's admission (up to 12 years) is $5. Admission to Garden members is always free. Tickets may be purchased online.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd., in south St. Louis. Getting there from the Land of Goshen -- Madison County, IL -- is easy. Just take the Poplar Street Bridge west across the Mississippi River to I-44. Exit I-44 at Vandeventer and follow the signs to the Garden.

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Four-Bedroom Craftsman Home on 1.5 Acres in Dorsey, IL (Prairietown)

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:22:31 -0600

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt | Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners | 618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

7227 Renken Road, Edwardsville, IL

Craftsman Home on 1.5 Acres

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $154,000

Year Built	1926
Sq Footage	1,860
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	1.5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Charming four-bedroom bungalow with original woodwork and great built-in details located on the main street in Prairietown. Enjoy life in the country without being too far away on 1.5 acres in the Edwardsville School District. A barn and detached garage add to the country setting. Some hardwood floors under carpet on the main level.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Living room	- Dining room	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Basement	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt

Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners

618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 9, 2009, 7:08pm PST

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All-Brick Three-Bedroom Ranch in Glen Carbon, IL

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:12:19 -0600

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt | Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners | 618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

102 Appletree, Glen Carbon, IL

All Brick Ranch on Corner Lot

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $139,900

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	1,640
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	None
Lot Size	9,560 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Cute and conveniently located all-brick, three-bedroom ranch on a big corner lot with fenced back yard. Inside, hardwood floors in the living room, hall and bedrooms and a large lower level family room are highlights. Solid surface countertops and undermount sink in kitchen. Windows replaced in 2003 and roof replaced with 30-year architectural shingles in 2004. New hot water heater in 2009. The 10 x 12 back yard shed stays.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Basement	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt

Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners

618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 9, 2009, 7:02pm PST

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Three Acres. Three Bedroom Home. Three Times the Fun in Edwardsville, IL

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:57:40 -0600

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt | Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners | 618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

2914151, Edwardsville, IL

Country Living Close to Town

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $209,900

Year Built	1993
Sq Footage	1,528
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	3 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Three acres of land surround this beautifully remodeled home less than a mile outside city limits. Extensive 2007/2008 remodel added new kitchen with custom cabinets & all-stainless appliances; new living room with fireplace; hardwood floors in kitchen, dining room & hall; carpet in bedrooms; tile floor & shower in upstairs bath; decks & 27-foot above-ground pool; siding, roof; & furnace, AC and water heater. 30x20 two-door pole barn/garage. 1 acre elec. dog fence. Near I-55,SIUE & bike trail

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Family room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Stainless steel appliances	- Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Remodeled Inside!	Just Outside City Limits
Living Room Addition	Stainless Appliances
Three acres to call home	2-Car Garage/Outbuildin

Contact info:

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt

Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners

618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 9, 2009, 6:38pm PST

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Home for the Holidays: 228 S. Chestnut, Collinsville, IL 62234

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:37:50 -0600

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt | RE/MAX Preferred Partners | 618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

228 S. Chestnut, Collinsville, IL

Cute Three-Bedroom Home Near the Heart of Collinsville

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $109,900

Year Built	1900
Sq Footage	1,465
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	2,918,520 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

A warm, neutral color palette creates a tasteful and inviting interior in this conveniently located home in Collinsville.

The spacious family room opens to a formal dining room, large eat-in kitchen features ample cabinets and counter space.

Upstairs, you'll enjoy the privacy of 3 bedrooms tucked away from the common living areas.

Outside the backyard is fenced and a covered patio is perfect for entertaining. One-car detached garage. All you have to do is move-in.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Living room
- Dining room	- Stove/Oven	- Basement
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt

RE/MAX Preferred Partners

618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 9, 2009, 6:33pm PST

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JUST LISTED: 407 Sanner, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:25:19 -0600

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt | RE/MAX Preferred Partners | nancy@goshenrealtygroup.com | 618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

407 Sanner, Edwardsville, IL

2BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $99,900

Year Built	1940
Sq Footage	980
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	9,997 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This charming two-bedroom cottage is conveniently located near downtown Edwardsville, SIUE, Hoppe Park, the Watershed Nature Center and the area’s bike trails.

Featuring great hardwood floors in the living room, hall and both big bedrooms, plenty of windows and a neutral color pallet, 407 Sanner is move-in ready. A two-car detached garage and a full basement offer plenty of possibilities.

This home is perfect for the first-time buyer who would like to take advantage of the federal tax credit.

Call today for your own personal showing.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Basement	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Edwardsville Under $100K	Hardwood Floors
Eat-In Kitchen	Hardwood in Bedrooms
Two-Car Garage

Contact info:

Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt

RE/MAX Preferred Partners

nancy@goshenrealtygroup.com

618-791-8007 or 618-917-0775

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 9, 2009, 6:15pm PST

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Goshen Gourmet: The Red Bar in Collinsville IL

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:45:41 -0600

Remember the classic musical, Gypsy? In it, the young Gypsy Rose Lee is confronted by three flamboyant strippers who tell her if she's going to succeed in their business she's "got to get a gimmick."

Well, someone at the new joint called The Red Bar in Collinsville, Illinois was listening. They've got a great big gimmick and it's called "Giant Joe."

Giant Joe is a massive Sloppy Joe served on a 14-ounce, 10-inch bun and topped with anything you like (within reason, I am sure). If one person can eat the Giant Joe in 30 minutes or less, it's free. All that fun costs just $11.95 and possibly a trip to the gastroenterologist. (That's Misty -- one of The Red Bar's friendly servers -- hoisting a Giant Joe bun to the right.)

Gourmet Sloppy Joe's are the featured item at this restaurant/bar located at 416 Belt Line Road in Collinsville, just west of IL-159. They come naked (plain) or with a variety of toppings including: Nacho Joe (nacho cheese and jalapenos), Sloppy Rob (topped with beer-battered onion rings and American cheese), Polish Joe (sauerkraut and onions), Club Joe (lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing and bacon) and many others. You get the idea. The mix is more savory than sweet with just the right amount of heat. The Sloppy Joe's cost $5.95.

Sharing top billing on the menu are The Red Bar's Deep Fried Franks. These pure beef, half-pound, 10-inch hot dogs can be dressed in a wide range of offerings: Buffalo Dog (Buffalo wing sauce and bleu cheese crumbles), Sloppy Dog (sloppy joe mix and shredded cheddar), Chicago Dog (tomatoes, dill spears, onions, relish and garlic salt), and -- among others -- Chihuahua Dog (refried beans, shredded cheddar, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa).

If you manage to devour the big sloppies and doggies, you'll find that some of the real treats are the bar's side items. Onion rings, french fries (coated with garlic salt) and sweet potato fries are outstanding. Other appetizers include Deep Fried Pickles, Deep Fried Pizza Rolls, Chili and wings. The chili, which sports tomato chunks, ground beef and beans, has a minor kick, but can't be considered spicy hot. Three salads grace the menu, but I'll wager they are rarely at the top of diners' lists.

Open just two months, the establishment seems to have developed a loyal following. Strategically placed flat screen TVs make The Red Bar a great place to watch the games of your choice. The kitchen's hours are from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday, the kitchen is open from noon until 10 p.m. Bar hours are longer.

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Goshen Gift Guide: Maggie's Primitive Cottage in Edwardsville

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:18:37 -0600

From the moment you enter the door at Maggie's Primitive Cottage in Edwardsville, you know you're in a special place. The soft lights, beautiful fragrances and warm greeting are all part of the experience at this one-of-a-kind retailer here in the Land of Goshen.

Not that there's anything wrong with shopping at the mall or in a big box store, but his time of year I like to talk about some local retailers who offer merchandise that can't be found everywhere. When you shop with local merchants, you'll find unique gifts and you'll be supporting the economy in Madison County.

Maggie's is located in a charming house-turned-shop at 441 East Vandalia in Edwardsville. Regular business hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 to 5 and Saturdays from 10 to 3. During the holiday season, the store also opens Sundays and Mondays. Maggie's phone number is 618-659-9002.

Browse the decorative items on and around the front porch on the way into Maggie's. Everything is for sale. Inside, you'll be greeted by Sadie, the store Schnauzer, and by Ron or Maggie, the proprietors.(Sadie is posing here on one of Maggie's beautiful hooked rugs which are available in a wide range of colors selected to enhance a primitive home.)

Sadie looks for a little love from customers. She's a gentle soul who will show you around her home and will gladly accept a pet or two.

Six rooms, hallways and a back porch are filled with creatively crafted and displayed decorative items, most of which follow the "primative" genre sometimes also referred to as rustic, Americana, folk or country.

Right now Maggie's is dressed up for Christmas with trees, garland, wreathes and ornaments on display. If you're looking for ornaments to fill your tree, you can shop directly from Maggie's trees while getting some wonderful ideas for your own home's holiday decor.

Candles are a mainstay at Maggie's. Ron explained that the styles they stock have frangrances infused throughout the wax, so the wonderful scents last from the first lighting all the way to the bottom of the jar. Today the shop was filled with a whiff of mistletoe and evergreen coming from the candle on the counter.

The store's walls are covered with an assortment of folk art featuring farm houses, animals and American motifs. Large signs sport wise sayings that would enhance anyone's home.

Don't miss the Mitten Tree located next to the candle cabinet. The handcrafted mittens are created by a woman in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan -- where they should be familiar with fighting the cold. Put your hands into the patterned handwarmers and you'll be sold. They're lined with the softest fleece imaginable. The Mitten Tree also contains fleeced hats and other toasty items.

If you're planning a party this holiday season, the kitchen at Maggie's Primitive Cottage could be a lifesaver.It's stocked with mixes for soups, appetizers, cheesecakes and foodstuff that will look and taste homemade when you serve them or prepare them for a soiree at a friend's house.

If you fall in love with the display furniture in the shop just ask about it. Many of the pieces are for sale.

Hope to see you at Maggie's!

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Southwestern Illinois Regional MLS Residential Sales

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:43:03 -0600

From time to time I post detailed home sales information for cities and villages within Goshen Realty Group's market area. Those posts allow us to zero in on Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Granite City, Bethalto and other areas of interest to both buyers and sellers.

This post takes a look -- via the graphic below -- at the entire Southwestern Illinois Regional MLS service area in the counties of Madison, St. Clair, Macoupin, Jersey, Monroe, etc.

These figures remind us that sellers must price their homes competitively from the beginning of their time on the market and must be realistic about the number of days their property is likely to remain on the market before attracting a buyer.

If you have questions about your Southwestern Illinois home, send an email or text or call me at 618-791-8007.

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Goshen Getaway: Gifts and Goodies at Soulard Market

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:40:10 -0600

Looking for a flavorful day out with friends or family this season? Just a short drive from St. Louis' Illinois suburbs, there's a place that is the very definition of authentic St. Louis -- Soulard Farmers Market.

Located at the corner of 7th and Lafayette, just south of downtown St. Louis, it's the oldest continously operating market west of the Mississippi River. Vendors have been selling their wares on this site since 1779.

The land was originally owned by Antoine Soulard, a French citizen who was employed as a surveyor for the King of Spain, soverign of the territory we now call St. Louis. When Soulard died, his land passed to his wife, who donated it to the city of St. Louis with the stipulation that it remain a public market in perpetuity.

Many of the produce vendors who staff the stands in each of the market's four outdoor wings have had family businesses at the market for generations. During the growing season, many of their offerings are locally sourced. In the winter, the vendors stock up with exotic delights and sell them at terrific prices.

Tradtition is important at the market, governing the placement of a vendor's stand to the way he displays the items he sells. Many of the vendor families have been there for generations. Today one said to me, "This stand is the only job my dad ever had, and he just turned 90."

Don't miss the stores inside the main hall of Soulard Market They range from butcher shops with meat specialties that defy description to a bakery and my personal favorite, the Soulard Spice Shop.

Inside the shop, a pungent melange of spices, coffees and teas greets visitors as soon as they enter the door to the tiny-but-powerful space.

Course-ground black pepper, cumin, garlic, rubs and special blends can be purchased in small amounts or larger, bulk containers.

Beyond its bulk items, the shop sells coffees and teas (an homage, perhaps, to the fact that St. Louis was the coffee-roasting capital of American in the mid-1800s?).

A variety of mixes with the Soulard Spice Shop Brand can be found on the shelves along with shop-branded salad dressings, pasta sauces, jellies, canned items and other delights.

The market is filled with foods that would make fun and easy holiday hostess gifts or interesting Christmas stocking stuffers. If you have a gourmet on your gift list, ask the shopkeepers to create a selection that can be used to fill a basket. Your present will be the highlight of someone's holiday season.

Today's Soulard shopping expedition also yielded hand-crafted pastas in flavors such as Lime Cilantro Linguine and Sundried Tomato Fettucine; fresh flowers along with holly and winterberry sprigs; elephant ear pastries; gigantic seedless grapes; and spices for hummus.

Soulard Farmers Market is open Wednesday through Saturday throughout the year. You'll have the best experience if you visit on a Friday or Saturday early in the day while the selection is best and the largest number of vendors are open. The market opens at 8 a.m. weekdays and at 6 a.m. on Saturdays.

Here's a link to coupons for the market.

For more information, visit the Soulard Farmers Market web site. The formal address is 730 Carroll Street, St. Louis, MO 63104. The phone is 314-622-4180.

There's plenty of street and lot parking surrounding the market. Just don't forget to put quarters in the meters to avoid getting a ticket.

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2009 Glen Carbon Illinois Home Sales Through November 2009

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:37:19 -0600

Year-to-date at the end of November 2009, 145 total homes have been sold in Glen Carbon, Illinois. (Source: SIRMLS closings.) Seventy-one homes are currently listed as actively for sale in Glen Carbon.

Existing home sales accounted for 122 of the total homes sold in Glen Carbon to date in 2009 and 23 new construction homes were sold.

Existing homes were on the market an average of 123 days before selling; new construction sold on average after 183 days on the market.

For existing homes in Glen Carbon, the highest sale price was $592,500 and the lowest was $9,000 through November. New construction sales ranged from a high of $389,000 to a low of $85,500. The average selling price in Glen Carbon for an existing home this year is $188,442; new construction is averaging out to $221,287.

Glen Carbon was recently named one of the Best Places to Live in America by Money Magazine. It remains to be seen if this prestigious designation will have an impact on future home sales and prices.

If you have questions about the Glen Carbon housing market or the value of your Glen Carbon home, call me at 618-791-8007 or send an email to Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com.

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2009 Edwardsville Illinois Home Sales Through November

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:32:53 -0600

Year-to-date at the end of November 2009, 301 total homes have been sold in Edwardsville, Illinois. (Source: SIRMLS closings.)

Existing home sales accounted for 280 of the total homes sold in Edwardsville in 2009 and 21 new construction homes were sold.

Existing homes were on the market an average of 132 days before selling; new construction sold on average after 315 days on the market.

For existing homes, the highest sale price was $592,000 and the lowest was $9,000 through November. New construction sales ranged from a high of $655,000 to a low of $181,000. The average selling price in Edwardsville for an existing home this year is $182,041; new construction is averaging out to $384,795.

The unusual and dramatic spike in fall existing home sales as shown on the on the bar graph above can be attributed to the federal tax credit for first-time buyers which had been due to expire at the end of November 2009. For comparison, in October 2008, only 13 homes were sold in Edwardsville versus 44 sales in October 2009.

If you have questions about the Edwardsville market or the value of your home, call me at 618-791-8007 or send an email to Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com.

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2009 Holiday Events in Madison County, Illinois

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:13:12 -0600

Now that Thanksgiving 2009 is just a fond memory, it's time to think about special events planned for the Christmas and holiday season in Madison County, Illinois.

Here's a calendar of events you can refer to throughout the next month when the spirit moves you to enjoy celebrations with others in Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, Alton, Collinsville, Bethalto, Godfrey and other parts of The Land of Goshen:

ONGOING

Visit with Santa, Edwardsville City Park next to the public library, Wednesdays, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m; Saturdays 1 - 4 p.m. through December 23.

Christmas Wonderland, Rock Spring Park on College Avenue, off Washington Avenue, Alton, 866-465-7890

DECEMBER 3

SIUE Renaissance Madrigal Dinner, GC Cuisine, Edwardsville, 7 p.m. A feast featuring music and a variety of entertainment to benefit the university's music scholarship fund.

Glen Beck's The Christmas Sweater: A Return to Redemption Live, Kerasotes Showplace 12, Edwardsville, 7 p.m.

DECEMBER 4

Snowflake Festival, Glazebrook Park, Godfrey, 6 - 8 p.m. An old-fashioned festival with music, carriage rides, lights and Santa. 618-466-1483.

Tree Lighting, Collinsville Township Building, 305 E. Main, Collinsville. 5:15 p.m.

Christmas with the Chorale, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 413 S. Seminary St. Collinsville. 7 p.m. Chorale, featuring Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah.

DECEMBER 5

Holiday Marketplace, St. John's United Methodist Church, Edwardsville, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Crafts, flea market, cookie walk, holiday cookies and fudge.

Santa and Mrs. Claus, Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Noon - 3 p.m. Crafts, cookie decorating and other family activities at the Kiwanis Holiday Program. Pre-registration required.

Father Christmas, 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, 409 S. Buchanan, Edwardsville, 1 - 3 p.m. Father Christmas tells tales for St. Nicholas Day. 618-692-1818.

Collinsville Holiday House Tour, Blum House 414 West Main St., Downtown Collinsville, 2 - 8 p.m. Self-guided tour of nine homes and businesses. 618-558-1372

Carol with the Bells, Cornerstone Church, 196 Moreland Road, Bethalto, 7:30 p.m. The Great Rivers Choral Society and the Hand Bell Choir of Upper Alton's Christian Ringers welcome the season. 618-465-2315.

DECEMBER 5 & 6

Olde Alton Arts and Crafts Fair, Alton High School. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hundreds of craft vendors sell holiday items.618-259-5660.

Holiday Arts Festival, Blum House, 414 W. Main St., and Collinsville Memorial Public Library, 408 W. Main St. Local, original art with demonstrations and book signings by local authors. Noon - 8 p.m.

Holidays at the Homestead, Louis Latzer Homestead, 1464 Old Trenton Road, Highland. Step back in time for an old-style Victorian Christmas with cookies, carols and wassail. 618-651-8271

DECEMBER 6

Pride Inc. Christmas Home Tour, Alton & Godfrey, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Homes and gardens are glowing with holiday decorations. Optional trolley transportation available. 618-467-2375.

DECEMBER 11

Winter Concert, N.O. Nelson Complex, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville, 7 p.m. A concert by the Great Rivers Choral Society and the Upper Alton Handbell Choir. 618-692-7538.

DECEMBER 12

Bah! Humbug!, SIUE Dunham Hall, Edwardsville. The SIUE Friends of Theater and Dance holiday show staged by the Imaginary Theatre Company.

DECEMBER 12 & 13

Holidays at the Homestead, Louis Latzer Homestead, 1464 Old Trenton Road, Highland. Step back in time for an old-style Victorian Christmas with cookies, carols and wassail. 618-651-8271

DECEMBER 12 - 22

Santa's Village, Tri-Township Park, Troy. Santa will be available for pictures during a variety of times this season with live reindeer. Call for hours: 618-667-8769

DECEMBER 13

Christmas Sing-a-Long, Yanda Log Cabin, Glen Carbon. 2 - 4 p.m.

Bethalto Spirit Victorian Christmas Walk, Prairie and Central streets, Bethalto, 4 - 7 p.m. A festival afternoon with music and a festive Victorian atmosphere. 618-377-0767.

DECEMBER 17

RiffTrax: Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza! Encore, Kerasotes Showplace 12, Edwardsville. The stars of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 are back on the big screen with their wisecracking commentary and special guest Weird Al Yankovic. 618-659-7469

DECEMBER 20

Winter Solstice. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville. Meet at 7 a.m. at the reconstructed Woodhenge solar calendar to hear about the ancient sun circle. 618-346-5160.

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Happiness is a New Home for Thanksgiving

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:19:08 -0600

This is a picture of our client --and now friend -- Laura in front of her new home.

Her smile really says it all, doesn't it? She closed this week on the first place that will truly be a home of her own.

Both my teammate Kristina and I are thankful for clients like Laura who remind us why we began careers in real estate in the first place: to help people find their piece of the American dream of home ownership.

Women going through a life transition are a special group of clients. Whether it is divorce, the death of a spouse, a sudden empty nest or relocation to a new community, they often are setting out on their own for the first time and finding that life can be both exciting and a little scary.

So it's especially heartwarming at this time of year to know how to help someone navigate the process of loan pre-approval, home search, contract negotiations, inspections and closing with no bumps or glitches.

As Laura said, "You guys made it painless!"

Laura's goal was to close on a home by November 30, 2009 to take advantage of the federal tax credit for first-time buyers. Now that the deadline has been extended to contracts accepted by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30, 2010, we hope more buyers will take the same leap that Laura has taken. She's now building equity in a home instead of paying her landlord's mortgage. (And, as a bonus, buyers often find that their house payment -- with principle, interest, taxes and insurance included -- is equal to or less than their former monthly rent payment.)

I know we'll be thinking of Laura and her new home when we give thanks at this year's celebration with family and friends. Pass the turkey and raise a glass to all the Lauras you've helped this year.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, friends.

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The Best Real Estate Movies Ever

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:10:01 -0600

Keeping with the real estate theme here on the blog, I've been thinking about some favorite movies in which property plays a role.

My husband and I started talking about this when we stopped productive behavior one day to sit in front of the TV to watch, for the zillionth time, the Tom Hanks/Shelley Long vehicle, "The Money Pit." I suppose that movie never gets old for us because it came out in the mid-80s about the same time we were buying our first house. No matter what painful repair we were dealing with in our mid-century ranch, it was far worse at The Money Pit.

So grab some popcorn, check out my list and weigh in with your own favorite real estate flicks in the comments section:

The Money Pit -- Who hasn't had a listing like this and roofers who looked like the Shirk Brothers?

Poltergeist -- Scary things happen when a subdivision is built over a cemetery.

The Shining -- Even scarier things can happen in abandoned commercial real estate.

Blazing Saddles -- The town of Rock Ridge is in jeopardy from the evil railroad developer.

Field of Dreams -- "If you build it, they will come." But remember, not everyone will appreciate a ballpark in their cornfield. It's murder on your yield.

Shrek -- The loveable ogre fights to save his swamp from cartoon eminent domain.

Glengarry Glen Ross -- "Put that coffee down. Coffee's for closers only." And, "We're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody want to see second prize? Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired."

Ferris Bueller's Day Off -- Ferris' mom is a real estate agent. Not much of a connection, but I love the movie.

The Brady Bunch Movie -- The Evil broker next door needs the innocent Bradys to sign away their beloved home.

Animal House -- OK, it's a stretch, but this is what can heppen when you have bad renters.

Pacific Heights -- Another lousy tenant.

The War of the Roses -- Worst divorce fight over property ever.

Gone with the Wind -- "Do you mean to tell me, Katie Scarlett O'Hara, that Tara, that land doesn't mean anything to you? Why, land is the only thing in the world worth workin' for, worth fightin' for, worth dyin' for, because it's the only thing that lasts."

We'll let feisty Mr. O'Hara have the last word on this topic. See you at the movies!

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First-time Sellers - You Are Ignored No More

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:02:51 -0600

Via Kristina Pratt, REALTOR® - GoshenRealtyGroup.com (St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs - RE/MAX Preferred Partners):

First-time buyers get all of the attention, don't they? They get tax credits, have special programs designed especially for them and they have agents market directly to them. That doesn't seem fair, does it?

Well, first-time sellers rejoice! You are no longer being ignored. I get it. First-time buyers eventually turn into first-time sellers. What happens when you're ready to move-up or you outgrow your current digs?

An agent was there to help you through the buying process, but what now? Do you stick a For Sale By Owner sign in the yard? Do you call the agent that helped you buy the house? Maybe you'll check out Zillow to get an idea about what your house is worth. Should you talk to more than one agent? How on Earth do you manage the details in getting your house sold while at the same time finding a new one?

It's confusing, overwhelming and frustrating, isn't it? That's why hiring an agent is your first step. But not just any agent... an agent that understands the specific needs of first-time sellers.

Agents that have experience with your particular situation are an invaluable ally to have on your side. When helping first-time sellers, I realize that you have lots of questions and need me to devote more of my time to you. I won't just list your house, stick a sign in the yard and never speak to you again. I'll return your e-mails, texts and calls. I love connecting with you on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. And when your house goes under contract, I'll be there with you step by step through financing, inspections, appraisals and closing.

By the way, I didn't mention that you might be eligible for the expanded home buyers tax credit. You could qualify for a $6,500 tax credit to purchase your next home. Cool, huh? Want details? Text, e-mail or call me anytime.

About the Author: Kristina Pratt is a REALTOR® with Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Nancy Milton help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs of Madison and St. Clair counties with special emphasis on the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville and Troy. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Kristina@GoshenRealtyGroup.com

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Whooooo Are You? Who-Who-Who-Who...? I Really Wanna Know

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:32:35 -0600

As we zoom toward the end of the year, my Goshen Realty Group partner, Kristina, and I have been looking over our closed transactions to spot our business patterns and figure out how to build on successes for even better years in 2010 and 2011.

We want to know who are buyers are and where our next buyers are coming from.

In recent months, we've seen a surge of buyers in our territory -- St. Louis' southwestern Illinois suburbs -- coming from a specific group: young, single men buying their first homes.

These savvy buyers with good jobs were under 30 years of age and all of them understood that -- given their incomes -- throwing money away on monthly rent for any longer than necessary was foolish. They have made up 25 percent of our buyer business.

Married couples have made up 33 percent of our buyer business. They've been a mix of first-time and move-up buyers, with first-timers taking the lead. Another 33 percent of our buyer business has come from non-traditional households. Those transactions included parents buying homes for their college students attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, unmarried couples sharing a household, and adult children buying homes for their aging parents' use.

Surprising us was the fact that only eight percent of our business has come from single women. (Come on, ladies! We'll talk to you about this issue in a separate post. We might have to channel Beyonce's "Single Ladies" tune to get you revved up about home ownership!) The numbers of single women buyers are much higher nationally.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) surveys home buyers every year to help us thnderstand the big picture in American homebuying. The latest report was released this week.

According to NAR, "One of the most important changes in this year's survey was shaped by record home affordability and the availability of the first-time home buyer tax credit-the share of first-time buyers."

In 2009, NAR's survey found that 47 percent of all home purchases between July 2008 and June 2009 were first timers. (Compare that to 40-41 percent in an average prior year). This is the biggest number of first-time buyers in more than 18 years.

Nationally, the figures continued -- mostly -- to mirror our local findings. NAR says the typical first-time home buyer was 30 years old with a median income just over $60,000. NAR also found that repeat buyers were 48 years old with a median income of just over $88,000.

Here's where our Goshen Realty Group figures veered off from NAR. The NAR survey found that 25 percent of first-time buyers are single females, and 12 percent are single males. Married couples were 49 percent of first-timers. The rest of the national pie is made up of buyers in a variety of living and joint ownership arrangements.

Two-thirds of first-time buyers told NAR that they purchased simply because of their desire to own a home of their own. Repeat buyers said they purchased their home for a large variety of reasons, including a job-related relocation or a personal move, desire for bigger home, or a change in their family needs.

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What's in a Room? That Which We Call a Room By Any Other Name Would Count as Much

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:15:24 -0600

OK, I apologize to Wm. Shakespeare for twisting his lovely words -- "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by another other name would smell as sweet." from Romeo and Juliet for the headline on this post, but I couldn't resist a little literary fun this morning.

What did Shakespeare mean? Scholars will tell you that he may have been poking fun at the rival Rose Theatre, but his point in the context of the play was that it mattered what something IS, not what it is CALLED.

So what is a room? Often my sellers will ask me why one portion of their home "counts" as living space on the MLS listing for their property and another does not. After all, they live in the whole house, don't they?

The vagueries of room count notwithstanding, there is an accepted method to the madness. A room, according to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard, is a finished and enclosed space that is suitable for year-round use. It will have walls, floors and a ceiling similar to the rest of the house.

These common rooms ARE included in a home's room count:

Living Room
Dining Room
Great Room
Media Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Sitting Room
Breakfast Nook (if separate from the kitchen)
Game Room
Sun Room (if it is heated)
Finished Basement Rooms

These common rooms ARE NOT included in a home's room count:

Bathroom
Laundry Room
Mud Room
Utility Room
Foyers
Hallways
Unfinished Basement Rooms
Unheated Sun Rooms
Garage
Walk-in Closets (even if it is bigger than my college apartment)

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of the possible rooms in any home. I've been in Victorian homes that have Card Rooms and Parlors and in new homes that have Craft Rooms and other redefined and renamed living spaces.

Realtor readers: I'd love it if you would weigh in on whether your association uses a different standard or has interesting issues with room counts.

And now, "a thousand time, good night!"

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How to Turn a Bad Fridge into Cold Cash

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:17:55 -0600

I find a lot of our buyers are excited about seeing an older refrigerator in a house they're considering purchasing. Their first reaction is, "Let's get the appliance we want for the kitchen after we move in and move this bad boy to the garage/laundry room/wherever as the "Beer Fridge!"

Maybe it's because we're from the metro area where "The King of Beers" has been brewed since the 1800s, but the feeling about a secondary refrigerator is almost universal here in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs. Even people who don't, uh, "indulge," see the appeal of an ugly duckling fridge in an unseen part of the house for party trays, soda, the Thanksgiving turkey, etc.

But, from time to time there is a refrigeration unit so unsavory or unneeded in a newly acquired home that there is no place of refuge, no corner dark enough to hide it from sight. That's when you're faced with a new question, "What do I do with this old fridge?"

Believe it or not, Ameren, the Illinois utility company, has a solution. Their Act On Energy Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program will haul it away for FREE and will pay you $35 for getting rid of it. This works for old freezers too.

Who doesn't want something back from Ameren? Call 866-899-9088 or click on the Act On Energy web site to schedule your free pick up.

Why are they doing this? It seems for every old appliance you turn off in your household, Ameren figures you can save up to $100 in annual energy costs. This could be the gift that keeps on giving.

What are the rules? You have to be an Ameren Illinois Utilities residential electric customer and the refrigerator or freezer must be in working (cooling) condition. The unit has to have been made before 1993 and be from 10 to 27 cubic feet in size.

So if that Harvest Gold, Avocado or Coppertone appliance has no place in your new stainless-steel kitchen, call Ameren and turn a bad fridge into cold cash.

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Goshen Gourmet Welcomes Dippin' Dots to Edwardsville

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:42:59 -0600

Yes, I know little flash-frozen ice cream pellets might not be everyone's idea of a gourmet food experience, but I found the idea of a free-standing Dippin' Dots store that just recently opened in Edwardsville too interesting to resist.

Dippin' Dots is typically found served from a cart at stadium events. Here in the St. Louis region, the Edward Jones Dome, Busch Stadium and Scottrade Center (or as my husband -- who has refused to follow its many name changes -- calls it, "that place they play hockey") all have a DD vendor cart. It also is ubiquitous at attractions such as Six Flags theme parks, zoos (including our own Saint Louis Zoo) and any place you see families gathered for a day of fun.

For those of you who haven't experienced a Dippin' Dot, here's a litle background on the company and its claim to fame:

Back in 1988, a microbiologist named Curt Jones used his scientific knowhow to create these teensy, round bits of ice cream, sherbet and yogurt. (We have to assume it was a slow day at the lab.)

Jones' "high-tech, cryogenic freezing process" takes place at the company's Paducah, KY facilities not too many hours from our home in Southweestern Illinois. (He actually started the company in his parents' Grand Chain, Illinois garage in Pulaski County.)

The ice cream flavors are flash frozen with liquid nitrogen, then packaged and shipped to retail locations.

Dippin' Dots is a privately owned company, so -- sadly -- there is no opportunity for dot lovers to buy stock in the operation.That's probably for the best, as the company can grow while keeping quality and customers in mind, not just stockholders.

Which leads us back to the franchised DD store that opened recently in Edwardsville. In addition to getting a clear, plastic cup filled with dots in the traditional manner, customers can enjoy the following types of treats: dot cakes, dotwiches (ice cream sandwiches), milkshakes, floats, sundaes and a big variety of toppings. You also can get Dots 'n Cream which is traditional ice cream blended with DD.

Dot flavors vary by location and by visit, but some of the favorites include Banana Split, Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cookies n Cream, Birthday Cake, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Rainbow Ice, Strawberry Cheesecake, Orange Sherbet, S'mores and Peanut Butter Chip. Fudge and Vanilla also come in no-sugar-added versions. If someone in your family has allergy issues, just ask the staff. They have information on the treats' contents. Note that DD is also Kosher-Dairy.

I had a cup of S'mores -- chocolate with graham cracker pieces and marshmallows -- and my Goshen Realty Group partner, Kristina, had Strawberry Cheesecake yogurt. As we finished our treats, we watched a group of moms and kids who had just gotten out of school come in and press their faces against the glass cases. Most of the younger customers ended up with Bubble Gum or Cotton Candy. A couple dove into Birthday Cake. The kids seemed to enjoy eating blue food.

What does it taste like? Your first spoonful of Dippin' Dots is going to present your mouth with a crunchy-yet-smooth texture and a tingly burst of fresh flavor. They do melt as time passes so be sure to actually eat the little beads while you're playing with them in the cup.

Here's a link to a $1 off coupon to try Dippin' Dots for yourself. When you visit the Edwardsville store, tell them the Goshen Gourmet sent you.

PS --With Christmas, Hanukah and other gift-giving holidays approaching, you also might want to consider getting your little gourmet his or her own dot maker. Here's a link to the Dippin' Dots machine available at Toys R Us.

The Edwardsville Dippin' Dots is located in Edwardsville Crossing at 215 Harvard Drive. (That's the new plaza behind Dierberg's.)

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Affordable Homes for Sale in Edwardsville IL

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:25:03 -0600

As the seat of Madison County, the home of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and the site of an acclaimed school district, Edwardsville can give the impression of being out of reach to some home buyers.

Not so! There are a number of affordable homes on the market right now in Edwardsville.

Click here to see a list of homes currently for sale in Edwardsville, Illinois priced at under $100,000.

Click here to see a list of homes for sale in Edwardsville priced between $100,000 and $150,000.

Some homes in the very lowest price ranges in any community may be listed as needing some "TLC," or "tender loving care." That's generally a kindly shorthand for "fixer-upper home." Many will require mostly cosmetic changes and some need more extensive repairs. Only you can decide how much effort you are able to afford -- in both time and cash -- to put into making an ugly ducking home look like a swan.

If one of these homes touches your buying button, we also can discuss a HUD 203K loan with your good, local lender. The 203K will allow you to rehabilitate the property and roll the money you need to restore the home right in to your home loan. Hud provides this extra money -- up to a $35,000 cap -- to help with neighborhood revitalization. Or, if you go outside of Edwardsville just a bit, you may qualify for a Rual Development Loan which allows 100 percent financing.

Don't forget that right now you also have an opportunity to take advantage of the up to $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers if you are in contract on your first home by April 30, 2010. And if you're an existing owner, you may be able to claim a $6,500 tax credit if you make a move. Always ask your tax advisor for information specific to your circumstances.

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Connect with the Mississippi River in Madison County, Illinois

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:43:22 -0600

The poet T.S Eliot, who was born in St. Louis, called the Mississippi River, "a strong, brown god." The river, he said, had a more profound influence on his life and his work than anything else in his past.

Here in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs we don't always embrace the "strong brown god," which is the overwhelming geographic feature of our region, as closely as we should.

Sure we drive across the bridges to and from the neighboring state of Missouri, but aside from remarking that the river looks high or low, we don't pay much attention to the amazing big river that has inspired poets like Eliot, writers like Mark Twain, musicians like W.C. Handy and artists like John James Audubon down through the centuries.

Let's change that, shall we? Next beautiful day this fall, take a drive out to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and the Low Water Dam.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has created a terrific parking area at the Low Water Dam on the Illinois banks. To get there, just take I-270 west to the Route 3 exit. Head south on Route 3 and turn west on Old Chain of Rocks Road. You'll cross over a canal onto Chouteau Island and from there will enter the Low Water Dam site. (My husband's family once owned farms on the river island before it was federalized for construction of the canal, so the spot is very special to us.)

You'll see people enjoying themselves fishing or --as I did -- just watching the swirls and ebbs of the swift currents passing by. This portion of the Mississippi is closed to navigation. Barges and boats bypass the area in the Chain of Rocks Canal.

We saw large fish jumping around the shore and a red fox dashing off through the woods. The Mississippi hosts resident and migrating birds all through the year and the bird watching is great here and at the conservation areas near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers just a bit north.

Looming over the Low Water Dam is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. This structure was the original Old Route 66 span across the Mississippi River. It opened in 1929 as a toll bridge and became part of Route 66 in 1936 to carry cars traveling the Mother Road from its origin in Chicago to the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California.

Today the National Historic Landmark bridge is open as one of the largest pedestrian and biking bridges in the world. It is owned by the city of Madison and operated by Trailnet, the non-profit organization that promotes active living, maintains and develops trails and anchors projects along the confluence of America's great rivers. You can learn more on Trailnet's site at www.trailnet.org.

Annual events on the bridge include the St. Louis Route 66 Festival on the first Saturday in October, Eagle days in January and a wide variety of bike rides that make use of the bridge. Individuals are welcome to use the bridge for recreation.

Park at the entrance to the bridge on the Illinois side for easiest access. Parking is open on the Missouri side for special events.

You can spot two of St. Louis' most interesting architectural features from the brige deck or from the parking lot at the Low Water Dam -- castles in the middle of the Mississippi.

Built to look like Roman fortress and a Roman villa, the "castles" are actually water intake towers for the City of St. Louis' municipal water system which is located on the Missouri side of the river.

The green-roofed tower was built in 1894 and the other followed in 1915. Originally crews lived in the quarters inside the towers and reached them via a dyke from the shore.Today the unstaffed towers provide water to the waterworks via a pipe system.

(A couple of years ago, St. Louis was voted as having the best tasting municipal water in the nation, so the river castles must be doing something right!)

Enjoy our natural heritage along the Mississippi River. And come back to the blog to let me know what you find along the shores and trails.

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Mark Twain's Wisdom for First-Time Home Buyers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:16:39 -0600

He might not have been thinking about real estate when he said it, but Mark Twain gave a wonderful piece of advice to first-time homebuyers.The great American writer said:

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

I can't think of a better way to explain the process of buying a home for the first time.

JUST GET STARTED

How? First, find a Realtor who will take the time to guide you step-by-step through, as Twain calls them, "the complex and overwhelming tasks" at hand. One task finished.

Your Realtor will help you find a lender who has successfully closed loans with them recently. Another task complete.

The lender will then work to pre-approve you so you can begin your home search understanding exactly how much home you can comfortably afford. Check that task off the list.

Your Realtor will consult with you to help you determine your wants and needs in your first home and will explain the difference between the two. As a good partner, your Realtor knows what questions to ask to help you to think clearly about your housing goals. Task done.

Next, you and your Realtor will search for homes that meet the criteria for your "needs" and offer as many of your "wants" as possible in your particular market. You'll see the best matches in person and narrow your top choices for a second look. Mark that task as done.

Once you find the home that works best for you, your Realtor will help you structure your offer and act on your behalf in negotiations with the seller through the seller's agent. Another finished task.

After you're successfully in contract, your Realtor will help you manage inspections, understand your title work and will keep in touch with your lender about your loan commitment. Your Realtor will make sure you meet your contract deadlines and will guide the transaction to closing as smoothly as possible. Task over. Goal achieved.

There are indeed many, many tasks involved in finding, negotiating for and closing on your first home. Taking the first step by just getting started will ease the journey from potential buyer to happy home owner.

Mr. Twain -- whose 175th birthday will be celebrated throughout 2010 in nearby Hannibal, Missouri -- also left us with a gem of advice about temptation. So, if you're tempted to buy a house, remember:

"There are several good protections against temptation, but the surest is cowardice."

If you're reading this, you're not a coward. You're just one phone call or e-mail away from starting on your home buying tasks. Talk to you soon.

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Homes for Sale in the Historic Leclaire Area of Edwardsville Illinois

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:26:12 -0600

What started as an innovative company town is now one of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Edwardsville, Illinois.

The Leclaire neighborhood exemplifies the "look" of Edwardsville with its frame or brick homes, many of which were built in the Craftsman style.

The area is always on the radar of potential buyers who ask us to let them know as soon as the neighborhood's properties hit the market.

Here is a list of homes for sale in the historic Leclaire area of Edwardsville.

Founded in 1890 by industrialist N.O. Nelson, the Leclaire area was named for the Frenchman who developed profit sharing and inspired Nelson to create a place where his workers could experience the best possible living and working conditions.

The model town he built provided easy-to-afford housing, a park for recreation and schools for the workers at Nelson's plant which manufactured plumbing materials. Nelson's vision also encompassed his factory's architecture which was designed to provide natural light and fresh air for the workers -- amenities unheard of at a time when sweatshops were more the norm.

The streets in Leclaire were named for the presidents, writers, social reformers and other famous people who had inspired Nelson's new village. The streets maintain their names and their historic homes today.

Leclaire was incorporated into the city of Edwardsville in the 1930s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

If you would like to know about Edwardsville's Leclaire homes as they come on the market, just sign up for a property manager account on our web site at www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com.

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