Pat's Blog

Swine Flu Hotline for Missourians

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:09:11 -0500

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services has a 24-hour hotline available in Missouri for those who have questions regarding H1N1 symptoms. It will also have advice for when the vaccines will be available and when it is advisable to seek medical attention or see your physician or urgent care provider.

The telephone number is 1-877-FLU-4141 or 1-877-358-4141.

Check out this hotline for the latest information on H1N1. Swine Flu Information

Crash Course on $8000 TAX CREDIT!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:23:58 -0500

First Time Home Buyers!!! Don't Let Your $8000 Tax Credit Get Away!

$8000 & ONE time only opportunity to buy your DREAM HOME

The early bird (that's YOU) will get the worm.

Crash Course!

Get your $8000 TAX CREDIT!

Commit ONE hour on any of these dates.

July 25, 2009

August 22, 2009

September 12, 2009

WALK IN... anytime between 9 & 11 a.m.

15 Minute sessions on 4 topics

WALK OUT...ready to HOUSE HUNT!!

RSVP YOUR PREFERRED DATE:

Pat Moore

Prudential Select Properties

16442 Village Plaza View Dr.

Wildwood, MO 63011

314-799-1946 MOBILE

636-779-1100

Additional Information at www.PatMooreSells.com

Under $400,000 in Wildwood, MO. WOW! Vacation at Home with Your Own Pool!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:13:14 -0500

With new construction prices exceeding $600,000 in most of Wildwood, MO., resale homes are a bargain with many having more square footage and larger lot sizes than new construction. I am pleased to offer this home for sale. It is currently listed with Prudential Select Properties for $370,000. Phone 636-779-1100 or 314-799-1946 MOBILE.

Enjoy summer in this park like backyard with a 20x40 in-ground pool with extensive decking. Original owner home - garage lengthened 5.5 feet (at build time) to accommodate pool equipment and supplies, partial finish in lower level (grandchildren's playroom), 9 foot ceilings, two full ovens in the spacious kitchen, expanded center island to accommodate bar stools, newer roof, siding, carpet, paint, HVAC and hot water heater, sunburst windows, all season SUNROOM currently used as a main floor office, full masonry raised hearth fireplace, wet bar with custom wine rack. This is one of the largest homes in the subdivision with 3 bay windows, Anderson full clad windows, baths with ceramic tiled flooring, newer hardwood entry flooring, 3 pantries, original floor plan extended to accommodate 3 full baths in upper level. Two bedrooms share a Jack & Jill bath, 4^th bedroom en suite. Hundreds of perennials will appeal to the gardeners and enjoy 3 season color in the fenced yard.

View the virtual tour for additional photo and information.

http://www.showcase-photography.com/tour/90030520/

Help - I Haven't Done My Taxes! - First TIme Homebuyer Credit

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:16:11 -0500

Many of us out there haven't done our taxes so be sure to file the form for an extension. Also, rather than try to explain all the intricacies of the First Time Home-buyer credit, refer your clients to Form 5405 - the first time home-buyer credit information which determines the eligibility for the $8000 tax credit. Here's a quick link for you to find the forms www.forms.gov, or if you want to join the tax day tea party, here's the link to find out where they are for you to join, www.TaxDayTeaParty.com. Be sure to remind First-Time Home Buyers that they can revise their return through December 2009 if they have already filed.

Have you noticed that more first time home buyers are out there and I'm sure that it's because of the tax credit and great interest rates?

Let's Make a Deal on This Great Home in Ballwin - 701 Wild Walnut - $204,900

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:49:48 -0500

WOW - this home is move-in ready with lots of amenities. There is an updated kitchen with newly refaced cabinets and newer vinyl window plus newer gas range. Four bedrooms (the seller is currently using the lower level bedroom as the master), 2 full baths and vaulted family room make this home and floor plan open and inviting. The home is freshly painted, the doors have been replaced with 6 panel doors, many of the windows have been replaced and there are two fireplaces. The home has an above ground pool with newer Trek decking and there is a bonus sunroom (party room) complete with kitchenette and fireplace with grates for indoor grilling. The furnace and air conditioner were replaced in January 2008. The finished lower level is complete with a full bath, bedroom and family room. This is a great home in a convenient location - kids can walk to school or to Schroeder Park complete with Water Park.

This home is listed for $204,900 by Prudential Select Properties.

View all details at www.PatMooreSells.com/80053962 or call the office at 636-779-1100 and ask for Pat Moore

Make an appointment to view this home today with your clients!

There is an online tour at: http://www.stlouisshowcase.com/tour/80053962

View this home at: www.PatMooreSells.com/80053962

New Listing Under $200,000 in West County! - $194,900

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:21:46 -0500

This charmer has amenities you won't find in higher priced homes such as stone patio and stone retaining walls ideal for plantings, a brick and stone fireplace in the family room and the soothing sounds of the pond. The home is just one block from the grade school and high school plus children can walk to nearby Schroeder Park. The home has a fenced level yard, newer roof, electric smoke alarms, newer vinyl siding and a great updated kitchen. Gleaming hardwood floors are featured on the main level and the finished lower level is complete with family room with plenty of space for a home office and walk-out to the lower level patio. The downstairs has newer carpet and the kitchen has updated flooring. What a great price for a home in Parkway School District!

View all the great details of this property listed by Prudential Select Properties at www.patmooresells.com/80053915 or call our office at 636-779-1100 and ask to speak to Pat Moore

Make an appointment to view this home today with your clients!

There is an online tour at: http://www.stlouisshowcase.com/tour/80053915

Our Real Estate Friends in the South Affected by the Hurricanes

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:18:13 -0500

Just want all of our real estate neighbors to the south to know that we are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Such devastation touches all of us and we in Missouri are bracing for torrential rains from the hurricanes - I have had several people cancel open houses for tomorrow for fear of water in their basements and know that the increase in gas prices will affect many of us in the next couple of weeks. We are thinking about you and hope that you and your families are safe and that your business doesn't suffer too much. Blessing and sunshine to all of you!

Free Home Buyers Seminar

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:35:40 -0500

Join Us for A Free Home Buyers Seminar - We Can Help your Move into a Home!

Thursday, October 2, 2008 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Prudential Select Properties

16442 Village Plaza View Dr.

Wildwood, MO 63011

Learn About the Home Buying Process Including the Tax credit for 1st Time Home Buyers

Mortgage Rates are still the besst they have been in years.

Call Pat at 314-799-1946 for reservations or call our Office at 636-779-1100 to reserve your spot.

Free Handouts

Octoberfest Kids Safety Day - Free and Open to the Public

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:20:48 -0500

Come Join our Octoberfest Kid Safety Day

Saturday, October 18th

11:00 until 2:00 p.m.

Kids Moonwalk, Hotdogs, Popcorn and Snacks

Free Pumpkin - 1 per Child

Fire Truck and Ambulance to Explore

16442 Village Plaza View Dr.

(Manchester and Westglen Frams Dr.)

Wildwood, MO. 63011

It's a great family outing and fun day for the kids.

Free and Open to the Public

Stop and say Hi to Pat Moore - Your Area Realtor

I Want My Tax Credit Too! - Highlights of 1st Time Home Buyers Credit - Where is My Credit?

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:13:31 -0500

I think that it is wonderful that 1st time home buyers can receive a $7500 Tax Credit but I want one too. I want to be rewarded for owning a home (homes) for over 30 years and taking the time to maintain them and upholding the American Dream of home ownership. No one gave me a tax credit when I bought my first home and I have never missed a house payment or been late in making my mortgage payment.

I have changed the siding, put on a new roof, re-landscaped when it looks straggly, put in new furnaces and air conditioners, trimmed the hedge, pruned the trees and updated when it needs it - now I want someone to reward me for all my hard work! Don't you think we deserve it? Instead of sending me a tax credit, I get a higher tax bill because I improved the property and as a result property values went up. Does this seem fair?

Well, is it?

It feels so good to vent and I am happy for 1st time home buyers because I've sold lots of them houses this year and the Tax Credit is a great way to provide them with information and make contact with them.

So here are the highlights of the Tax Credit:

1. The credit amount is a maximum of $7500 and is available to first time home buyers only for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. (So there is plenty of time to get those buyers out there to qualify). Buyer's cannot have owned a principle residence for the past 3 years before buying. If one spouse owned a primary residence - then the couple doesn't qualify.

2. Income requirements are $75,000 for single tax payers and $150,000 for couples using the property as their primary residence.

3. The credit is really an interest free loan and needs to be repaid over a 15-year period starting in the second year after the purchase and continuing for up to 15 years.

4. To claim the credit, you can request it on your tax return for 2008 or 2009. If you sell the house before the 15 year repayment period and haven't received a gain on the property, you don't have to pay the remainder of the credit.

For additional information go to: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Does anyone think that I am going to get a tax credit anytime soon?

Come Enjoy an Early Fall Outing at Wildwood Celebration 2008 - September 13, 2008

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:36:50 -0500

With the anticipation of cooler days, turning leaves and apple picking, now is the time to enjoy a great day of family fun at this years Wildwood Celebration 2008 on September 13, 2008 at Babler State Park. Vendor booths, the Kid's Village, concerts and food, food, food make this a great day to share an outing with your family and friends. Wildwood Celebration offers activities for everyone or just bring a lawn chair and watch one of the activities on center stage and tap your foot to the music. The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. - lots of time to do everything!

You'll want to be sure to bring the children to our Prudential Select Properties booth to sign up to win the wonderful doll house pictured below. After all, homes for families are our specialty! For Real Estate information on homes in Wildwood and the surrounding area, be sure to visit my website at www.PatMooreSells.com. As a resident of Wildwood for 20 years, I've seen a lot of Wildwood being built so I know this area and the housing market here!

I've included the link below for your convenience. It provides a list of activities and vendors for Wildwood Celebration 2008. http://www.cityofwildwood.com/egov/docs/121190543186.htm

Wildwood living offers AAA-rated schools, lots of green space and family friendly activities. Contact Pat Moore to make your home here!

Hot New Condo in a Secure Building - 15631 Hedgeford Ct. #14, Chestrfield, Mo

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:11:13 -0500

Coming Soon!

This great 2 bedroom 2 full bath condo is spacious with over 1500 square feet and all the living on one level! Located in Chesterfield, Mo it is convenient to highways, area shopping and is in the heart of Chesterfield with all the conveniences of living in a secure building. Beautiful grounds to view for the walkers in the family, swimming and clubhouse.

2 spacious bedrooms and two full baths, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room and divided floor plan.

Listed for $169,900 and visit my website at www.PatMooreSells.com for all the details. Currently MLS exempt until 9-3-2008.

Relief for Hot, Hot Summer! Fun with the Kids!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:37:25 -0500

Well, the temperature is hot and the real estate market is not so now is a great time to spend more time with the kids. Oh no you say - I can't wait for school to start. Well I'm a grandma and my grand-kids are at my house everyday (my husband babysits them). I just remember when my girls were little how when the summer was over and it was time for them to head back to school that I viewed it with mixed feelings; ready for them to be out of the house but always giving myself a little kick and wishing that I had taken more time to just do fun things with them (and they don't have to cost lots of money). So I have resolved to do something fun each day until school starts with the grand-kids. (They are only 1.5 and 4 and I already miss them being babies - they are growing up so fast). I would show their picture but I don't think putting kids pictures on the web is a great thing these days. Am I too conservative?

Today I went to the drugstore because they have all the summer stuff 1/2 price. Tomorrow we are going to run through a wiggle worm sprinkler with all our clothes on - it's more fun if you don't have to take the time for a swimming suit. It was $2.00. I also got lots of little prizes for under $1.00 for animal bingo. You can print cards out on www.kaboose.com.

The next day we are going to make ice cream and have that for lunch. Do it the old fashioned girl scout way with the ice cream mix in a one pound coffee can and a 3 lb. can around it with ice and roll it back and forth to each other. It takes a while but there is so much pride in making it themselves. There is a recipe for ice cream in a bag on Kaboose.

We are also going to put up a tent in the living room and read stories by flashlight. One day we are going to make greeting cards (free online) and go visit friends and take slice and bake cookies. A really fun website for moms is www.kaboose.com. They have a great idea about the Olympics and we will be having our own running, jumping and somersaulting competition. They also have lots of printable pictures and great ideas. There are obviously tons of great websites with ideas.

We have gathered several stuffed animals and a large box to do a puppet show for Mom and Dad. One of my kids favorite things when they were little was the cloths game where you have a timer and lots of different clothes and whoever puts on the most clothes wins a prize - that competition will be between gramps and the four year old.

One of my girls favorite things when they were little was to have a picnic in the living room complete with blanket and everyone siting on the floor having salami and cheese and crackers, apples and grapes. We worked on making things and when Dad got home they were so excited to tell him that we were having a picnic.

So if you real estate parents are tired of the kids (I keep hearing that in the office), just remember that they grow up really fast and you'll want that time back with them someday!

Great Home, Great Price and Great Location! AAA Rated Schools! 619 Running Creek, Ballwin, MO

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:16:06 -0500

This delightful home is an ideal setting for someone wanting a main floor master bedroom. Gorgeous decorator colors invite you enjoy a quiet evening in the very chic living room, dine in elegance in the lovely formal dining room or kick off your shoes and relax with a cozy fire in the family room. Updates in the kitchen include newer ceramic flooring, gas range and dishwasher. There are newer casement windows in the kitchen with built-in shades & a newer slider out to the perfect patio. An enormous master bedroom has his & her closets & enough space for an in-home office/sitting room. Upstairs bedrooms have dormer windows & plenty of floor space to accommodate your largest furniture. Other great features are a wonderful fenced yard, newer hot water heater, newer carpet in the living room, dining room & on the stairs plus ceramic tiled entry flooring. The homeowner's are providing the buyers with an HSA Home Protection Plan. All this plus AAA rated Parkway schools!

View all details about this home at www.patmooresells.com/80034819

I'm Proud of America Everyday! Happy Birthday America!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:57:02 -0500

If I had to, I could go back and name a hundred reasons for each day (I'm 64) that I am proud of America, not just once in awhile:

I'm proud of the young men and women who defend freedom for us everyday - away from their families and friends and away from the comfort and safety of their homes. A nation that instills responsibility in our men and women in the Armed Forces is a nation to be proud of everyday.

Pat In the Hat!

Giant Allium Firecracker

I'm proud of a land where we can work as independent agents - laying back when we need to and working hard when we don't - doing a job that makes us proud to be called Realtor.

I'm proud of all of us who get up everyday and go to a job to keep America moving. We sometimes don't like the job yet something in our makeup makes us proud to do our jobs and do them well.

I'm proud of the men and women at the World Trade Center who carried quadriplegic, John Abrusso down 69 flights of stairs to safety. All over America, there are neighbors helping neighbors - it's the American Way!

I'm proud of the hundreds of men and women in Missouri and other states who have sandbagged millions of bags to help someone they don't even know protect their home from the floods. I am proud of the American spirit that helps those go on who have lost homes and memories because of the floods.

I'm proud of the teachers who spend more time with our children and grandchildren than we do sometimes. Yet theses same teachers have to spend as much time disciplining as they do teaching. They shouldn't have to do the parent's job. Thanks to the parents who do teach respect for teachers and school personnel, for the property of others and for themselves. (I'm so proud of children with manners)!

I'm proud of my children, now grown who still check on Mom and Dad and help with the hard stuff.

I'm proud that I can go to church when I want and where I want. Say a prayer for our troops.

I'm proud that America is a nation that values freedom and is willing to fight for it. Freedom isn't free as someone said - it is earned in the battles of the ages by men and women who valued it enough to ensure it for future generations.

You have to name the capital before you can eat the state (jello USA) My friend Marna makes it and is always the school teacher.

I celebrate freedom each and every day but I love the 4th of July and anyone who knows me gets the hint. If you come to my house for the 36th annual 4th of July party, you might (will) have to wear a funny hat and have your picture taken, you will have to listen to patriotic music and be plied with patriotic sentiments. You might have to applaud a giant firework that fizzles and tell my husband or my nephew Jerry or my neice Amber that it was great. You will have to see the flag that Amber (as a 6 year old) made for me by sawing a tree branch and coloring the stars and stipes on paper (I'm really proud of it). You will also get to view the beautiful needlepoint picture that her Mom made too. And my brother was a Marine so we're always proud of his service.

Guess what - it's a party with a theme and that theme is "God Bless America".

So I celebrate freedom and America's birthday everyday. You should too - enjoy the holiday with family and friends, stay safe if traveling the roads and remember that it is America's birthday.

Happy Birthday America!

Frustrated Sellers and Low-Ball Buyers!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:54:16 -0600

Like most areas of the country where the Real Estate market is declining, the Wildwood, Mo area is no different! However, homes are still selling and decline in St. Louis for the next year is fore-casted to be about 1.8% - much less than other areas of the country. The days on market is increasing slightly and buyers are low-balling everything in site! While this is frustrating to sellers who have great homes, it happens to be what is happening in the market. Since there is more of a selection to choose from, if buyers don't get the price they want (often below what the seller's paid in the past couple of years) - then guess what - the buyer's just move on to something else. What a frustration also to agents who can't get the buyer and seller to come to terms and who often write several offers because the buyer's are looking for the greatest deal. This is what our current market looks like for the past 6 months: (Rockwood School District - Wildwood, Grover, Glencoe)

Active Listings - on the market with no offer: 259 ranging in price form $157,00 to $2,595,000

Contingent - an offer but contingent on some other factor: 14 ranging in price from $150,000 to $634,000

Option: in the building inspection phase: 3 ranging in price from $300,000 to $789,900

Pending- waiting to close - inspections complete: 29 ranging in price from $154,900 to $1588,437

Sold - Closed and Funded - 163 ranging in price from $90,000 to $2,000,000

Based on the stats and considering the active, contingent, option and pending listings as still available, we currently have a 12 month inventory of homes (11.25) assuming no other homes come on the market.

What can seller's do? Make sure your home is in tip top condition - no carpet that needs to be cleaned, no junk around (a streamlined house), no odors to contend with - pets, etc., and make sure above all that you are priced for this market and not the market you think that you should get or need.

Creative marketing can get your house sold if you and your agent are working in a partnership and both are working to accomplish your common goals. If you can't afford to do things to your house then make sure you have done everything else possible to have your home in the best condition - clean closets, put away all the small appliances on the counter, confine the kids toys to a specific area. There is a long list and consider asking your agent to have a marketing team of 3-4 agents make suggestions on what you can do. Our company, Prudential Select Properties has a Five Star Program to help sellers make sure that all the bases are covered to get their home sold. It's a tougher market and everyone needs to work together and communicate on a regular basis.

What Real Estate Agents Run On - GAS! Ahem, That Would Be Petro!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:24:53 -0600

With the price of a barrel of oil hitting an all time high, the effect of this rising commodity will affect the bottom line for all of us. As a benefit to your clients and customers, you may want to share the website for local gas prices and provide quick tips on green driving. Each evening MSN.auto (Check out: Gas Prices) updates gas prices and you can search by zip code and also find articles relating to your auto. Some quick tips for green driving provided include:

Air in your tires: I am so guilty of this one - something I always forget to check (must be a girl thing). But it's important and can improve your gas mileage by as much as 6%.
Regular Servicing: whatever they do when they check it- plugs, air filter, and fuel filter. I'm going to add this as a calendar item for myself.
Get rid of the junk in the trunk: While it may be great to add weight to the car in bad weather, it also adds to fuel consumption.
Don't Speed: Very hard for lead-footed Realtors, but it too eats up the gas.
Don't Be Idle: It's much cheaper to turn off the engine, than letting it idle.
Consolidate: Don't drive alone on tour, plan trips when there is less traffic and combine what errands you can.

Plus besides saving money for you and you clients, you'll be green!

Relocating to St. Louis County and Wildwood? Here's the School Scoop!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:27:12 -0600

Wildwood receives an A+ on its report card for the our wonderful AAA rated Rockwood School District. Eleven areas including Wildwood, MO are served by this district also including some areas of Jefferson County. These include but are not limited to some bordering areas of Ballwin, Clarkson Valley, Chesterfield, Fenton, Eureka, Manchester and Ellisville.

The Missouri State Department of Education has recognized the Rockwood School District for Distinction in Performance. Not only does the district have Rockwood Pre-School as part of Early Childhood Education but the district is also part of the Special School District of St. Louis County providing special education to students with disabilities.

Two technical area high schools are also part of the district and provide technical and career choices for students. In all, there are eleven elementary schools in the district, four high schools, the Early Childhood Education Center, an Individualized Learning Center and a Creative Learning Center. Our schools are as diverse as our citizens. There are lots of scholarship opportunities for students and these and additional information can be found on: Links to the Rockwood School District.

Rockwood's motto is "Growing Together - Learning for Life". Wildwood, Mo is a great place to raise a family and educate a child for tomorrow's challenges.

Relocating? Here's a Moving Timeline for You!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:26:08 -0600

Relocation Moving Timeline

Six Weeks Before You Move

Check your relocation package with your coordinator. Verify commissions, timelines and contact information.
Make an inventory of everything to be moved. (Don't forget the kids) Decide what goes with you, what to sell at a garage sale or give away for a charitable tax deduction! Don't forget your office inventory too.
Contact the moving companies for estimates. (Don't forget about Van Line Express if you are part of the Prudential Relocation Network)
If your employer helps pay moving expenses, confirm what preparations, you must make, what the commission is allowed, how many days you have for pre-marketing etc.
If you make your own moving arrangements, select a mover and get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW.
Go to school and get a copy of your children's records and also get them from your doctors, dentists and other service providers to your family.
Contact your insurance agent for transfer coverage, especially for out-of-town moves. If you are going to have your home vacant for any period of time, be sure to check on the insurance requirements because homes vacant for more than 30 days may fall into a different insurance category.

Four Weeks Before You Move

Notify individuals, companies, and institutions of your change of address. Don't forget your accountant, your church, children's school, Alumni association, appliance service contractors (especially if you lease security services), attorney, banks, dentist, doctors, employer, insurance companies, lending institutions, subscriptions, Financial Planner and veterinarian. Also don't forget that if you automatically pay your bills from accounts to make new arrangements in both locations.
Contact the utility companies for refunds or deposits and establish turn-off dates. Usually a good idea to transfer names several days in advance of closing
Don't forget dry cleaning that you may still have at the cleaners.
Make sure to check with the moving company about moving things such as boats, lawn movers and equipment that may need to be serviced before moving.
Don't forget about moving the contents of your safe deposit box.
Notify friends and relatives of your move. Your realtor may be happy to send an announcement out for you.
Give away your house plants or arrange transportation. (Most moving companies will NOT move plants.)
Contact the utility companies in your destination city to establish service.
Have any last minute checkups with doctors, dentists that may be needed - it may take time to establish in the new location

Two Weeks Before You Move

Transfer or close the checking and saving accounts. Arrange for payment of the moving company upon arrival at your new home if this is not handled by your Relocation Company.
Call your local telephone company to establish a date for phone service to begin and check on drivers license requirements, etc.
Pack items you to take in the car. Pack a separate carton of cleaning products and utensils - guess what - the moving company won't move most chemicals or paint.
Have your car service and make arrangements for your pet to travel. (They might need a tranquilizer!
Inventory all furniture for dents and scratches; notify the moving company of your inventory and compare on the final day. This is a good time to confirm all the arrangements with the mover.
Order checks with your new address.
Make arrangements to transfer keys, garage door openers, warranty papers, etc. to the new owners.
Moving Day
Go to your closing as early as possible and make arrangements for someone to spend the entire day at the house for any last-minute decisions. Don't leave until the movers have all gone. Make arrangements in advance for lunch and feeding children if you will be the only one at the house
Stay with the moving van's driver to oversee the inventory and tell the packers and driver about fragile or precious items. You may have a tendency to pack this yourself, but if you do, they may not be insured.
Verify with the driver to insure that the moving company record shows the correct delivery address and date of delivery at your new location.
Confirm arrival time with the moving company.
Leave keys with your Realtor® and make a final check of the entire house before leaving. (Don't forget to check behind doors, in drawers and the basement rafters).

Arriving at Your New Home

Check all appliances when you arrive - especially pilot lights on the range, hot water heater and furnace.
Install new batteries in smoke detectors and test them or make arrangements for any security system.
Notify the post office to begin your mail delivery and obtain any mail that has been held for your arrival.
Register your car and make arrangements for a new driver's license.
Go to the grocery store, register to vote, visit your local city hall and get any new resident information.

We Hope You Are Relocating to West County and Wildwood, MO!

Housing Decline and Help for the Consumer!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:19:18 -0600

While economic news on the housing front is doom and gloom nationally, the news isn't as bad in St. Louis. Certainly new home sales are down and resale has taken a hit too but many of the national reports are skewed by the statistics of the East and West coasts and Florida. While experts are predicting a slow growth for our economy, at the recent annual Economic and Housing Price Outlook held at St. Louis University. economists predicted that they expect house prices to decline 1.8% - a better forecast than in other areas of the country. Surprisingly, this rate parallels a present 1.8 job growth rate of about 25,000 jobs added to the local economy.

This report was published by Stltoday.com, the on-line site for the St. Louis Post Dispatch. For the complete article, see Experts Predict Slow Growth for Local Economy. An additional article at Stltoday.com titled, Housing Sales, Prices Take Another Dip while reiterating a downward slide, also points out a silver lining - that lenders are starting to work with troubled borrowers so if a foreclosure is avoided, the house may not come on the market to compete with other homes. This could hopefully help stabilize the market.

Realtors let's not add to the gloom - help our seller's understand that it's not just their home. encourage them to do all things possible to make their home stand out in the marketplace because some homes are selling! My next blog will include useful information about what my company, Prudential Select Properties is doing to help homeowner's stand out in the marketplace!

President Bush signed Tax Relief into Law - the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act which has been largely supported by the National Association of Realtors since the 1990's. This bill states that "any debt forgiven on a mortgage secured for a principal residence will not be taxed." Also, the U.S. House and Senate also passed two other bills aimed at helping consumers - The Mortgage Insurance Tax Deductibility and the Terrorist Risk Insurance Act.

The Mortgage Insurance Tax Deductibility is just what it says - mortgage insurance premiums are tax deductible for ALL mortgages originating in the next 3 years. For those who put less than 20% down, this could be worth about $350 to the average taxpayer.

The Terrorist Risk Insurance Act is an extension of the bill passed after Sept. 11 and extends the act for another 7 years and now also includes domestic terrorism. It is felt by the real estate industry that this extension of a federal guarantee to help cover catastrophic losses will encourage investment and stimulate the economy.

On a state level, the Missouri State Senate passed into legislation a bill to protect homeowners from unexpected tax increases as a result of reassessment. Many St. Louis Countian's received a substantial increase at the last reassessment. This bill will increase state tax breaks for low income senior citizens, require local governments to roll back the tax rate so that homeowner's tax bills can rise by no more than the rate of inflation and it also requires that homeowner's receive notice in the spring of an increase rather than the "Hello, Merry Christmas - your tax bill just increased 30%"! Stltoday.com

So my mantra will be - let's find the good in the bad, help the bad get better (oh - that really ugly paint color can change) and all try to keep a positive attitude!

Relocating to The Good Life in Wildwood, MO

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:01:37 -0600

Geographically, Wildwood, Mo is the third largest city in the State of Missouri. http://www.mo.gov/ Encompassing about 68 square miles, there are many ZIP codes included in Wildwood, MO: 63005, 63011, 63021, 63025, 63038, 63040, 63069. However the U.S. Postal Service prefers that the Zip Code 63040 be called Grover, MO, but physically, it is within the 68 square miles of Wildwood.

Incorporated on September 1, 1995, Wildwood is considered one of the greenbelt areas and was once an unincorporated area of St. Louis County that was formed with the idea that planning and development would preserve the unique community.

With close to 11,000 residents per the 2000 census, Wildwood is a distant and more rural suburb of St. Louis County and the residents enjoy much more green space than other areas of St. Louis County, (478 residents per square mile as compared to 1,896 residents per square mile in St. Louis County).

Recreational facilities are abundant in Wildwood and Babler State Park http://www.mostteparks.com/babler.htm, Rockwoods Reservation (an area for conservation education and recreation) http://www.mdc.online/, and Greensfelder Park www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/greensfelder.html all offer numerous activities for residents.

One of the nicer concepts about Wildwood is that we have a town square, reminiscent of earlier communities where the town square was the gathering place. Residents can visit the square in the summer, enjoy dining outdoors at many of the restaurants and enjoy musical concerts as diverse as County Western, Zydeco and Cajun.

Wildwood is a great hometown, the schools are AAA rated Rockwood Schools, there is diversity in its residents, wildlife and panoramic views are abundant and beautiful scenery is just around the bend. Make your home here - we enjoy the good life in our work and leisure space! View Wildwood online at www.cityofwildwood.com

Great Tool for Realtors or Those Needing to Send Large Files.

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:54:22 -0600

I often have the need to send large files that have lots of graphics and photos and of course encounter many problems with the server when trying to do this. So searching the web for an easy and inexpensive way to send larger files, I found the answer that suits my purposes and might be of use to agents in their Real Estate business or for their personal use! The Answer...You Send It! http://www.yousendit.com.

Not only are you able to send multiple files up to 2 GB each but you can send folders, create Zip Files and download a plug-in for Outlook. I believe there is also a plug-in for Photoshop. While there are charges for some of the things that you may want to do such as tracking of files or controlling the file expiration, the basic service that is free allows you a maximum file size of 100 MB, a monthly download bandwidth limit of 1 GB and allows a maximum of 100 downloads per file. This is more than enough to meet my needs. It is great when having to send large files of photos etc. to Relocation companies and I have also been using it to transmit a monthly Historical Society newsletter to the printer. It meets my needs and if they change, the rates are very reasonable! I'm a big fan!

Gracious Home with Fabulous Updates and In Community with Pool & Tennis-429 Nantucket Pointe, Wildwood, MO 63040

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:23:21 -0600

429 Nantucket Pointe Drive, Wildwood, MO 63040 $340,900

Presented By Pat Moore, Prudential Select Properties - 636-779-1100

Gleaming hardwood flooring on the main level, updated kitchen lwith granite counter tops, updated master suite, finished lower level, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths....AAA rated Rockwood Schools

Click Here for More Details: www.patmooresells.com/772766

Spring is Just Around the Corner!

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:31:03 -0600

January doesn't seem like spring is just around the corner (especially when the temperature dropped here over 50 degrees yesterday) but if you are waiting to put your home on the market this spring, then the time to get ready is right now!

So use these tips to help you get ahead of others who also may be putting their home on the market in the Spring:

Get rid of all that junk! I look at stuff and wonder where it came from - is it growing in the basement?
Get rid of that wallpaper! Wallpaper is taste specific. And most people don't have the same taste as you do - add color with paint. Look at a Pottery Barn catalog...it gives you a great perspective on what is popular now (Boy do I need to get to work on my own house).
Have a garage sale - someone else will love your junk. (Once treasured memories you no longer want or need).
Add fresh paint! It's the cheapest thing you can do to add value to your home. Email me for a discount coupon from Lowe's for paint. Realtor's - this is another great tool for staying in touch with your clients: www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com
Consider having your home staged! While this may cost you some money, in this very competitive market with increased inventory, it may be just the advantage that you need.
Clean your closets: It adds the feeling of enough room for even the most compulsive shopper! Put away seasonal clothing. Remember you can have a nice tax deduction by donating things you no longer wear!
Pack Up and Put Away: If you are moving, you are going to have to pack it away so why not do it now to make your home look more spacious.
Get rid of any smells in your home: If you smoke, buyers will smell it. If you have pets, don't get rid of them but consider having your home sanitized by changing or cleaning carpets. I can give you the names of companies that will let you pay for carpet at closing (within 6 months) so you don't have an up- front out of pocket expense.
Do a fun thing and visit display homes - it's fun and it really inspires you to go home and clean up! It also gives you a good idea of what buyers are looking to find in homes.
Call Me - I'll bring out a 3 person Marketing team to give you tips on things to do NOW to get your home ready for the Spring Market. Now isn't that easy?

What Am I Doing Here?

Pat Moore, CSN, E-Pro (Prudential Select Properties) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 21:33:23 -0600

Yesterday, I went to a company meeting and during a panel discussion on how to get the most from the internet for your Real Estate business, it was discussed that you have to have a BLOG. So here I am. Now what do I do? Being an older agent and a granny, I make a real effort to keep up with technology so the "young 'uns" don't get ahead of me. So my goal will be to find interesting and pertinent articles to share with you and your family, to answer your Real Estate questions if I can (even though I'm old doesn't mean I know everything there is to know about Real Estate - I learn something new everyday). So maybe this is what we can do together...learn something new everyday. So let me hear from you about something you'd like to know. I'll try to find an answer or direct you to someone who does know the answer!