Mike and Pat's Blog

Live/Work Moscow Mills - What are the 5 Things You Want to COME HOME TO?

2008-08-13T21:54:04Z

After a long day at the office, in the field, on a construction project or whatever your job may be, what are the 5 things you want to come home to? Our first thought is that we want to pull up in the driveway and immediately say aaahhh! we are home. Just the thought of pulling up to a home with great curb appeal (1) gives you that feeling of accomplishment and ready to relax.

Next you walk in the door and you want to be greeted by an open great room with cozy fireplace (2) for those chilly fall nights, or keeping jack frost at bay while you gaze outside sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

Then of course you need a kitchen large enough for the family to participate in cooking (3)

The yard has to be big enough to play in, entertain in, and just plain relax (4)

(5) When you lay your head down at night . . . . . . . . . zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Open Sunday, August 17 1 - 3 P.M. See if this home has the 5 things you want to come home to.

For additional information and pictures visit our website at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com

Live/Work Warren County - Looking for a Rural Building Lot - 3.4 Acres Near Warrenton

2008-07-30T21:12:46Z

Looking to build in the country but be near the a city? Check out this 3.4 acres on Black Top road frontage. Level in the front. Sloping to the pond just perfect for a walk out. Backs to Trees and Woods. Great for building your outdoor living space. Lot 5 Palmyra Run - a place for your new home.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis on your home go to www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home. Just call or e-mail.

Live/work Near Katy Trail - Home for Outdoor Lovers

2008-07-30T20:34:46Z

If you are an Outdoor lover you will want to stop by and check out this home. Yes, it needs updating but it is just a short jog to the Katy Trail. Check out the gorgeous trees lining the walk to the front door.

This deck is just perfect for outdoor entertaining or having your morning coffee before starting a busy day at work.

Inside you'll find a work room in the lower level for all your hunting gear or reloading equipment. Blinds, deer, turkey, duck decoys, archery equipment, etc. She will love the fact that there are two fireplaces. One in the upstairs family room and one in the downstairs recreation room. Oh did we mention the formal enterntainment comes indoors too. Formal living and dining for her along with a wet bar in hallway to family room.

Bring him/her to this front door . . . . .

view our virtual tour of this home at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com. Click on Homes for Sale Then featured properties. Register to search similar homes 24 x 7 in St. Charles, Warren, Lincoln and St. Louis County at www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com.

Live/Work Katy Trail - Outdoor Living near Katy Trail - Open Sunday 1 - 3

2008-07-19T10:50:00Z

Are you an Outdoorsman or a family who enjoys the great outdoors. Check out the setting on this gorgeous 3 bed 2.5 bath brick ranch near the Katy Trail. Open Sunday 1 - 3 you will want to see the potential in this great home. Motivated Seller.

Great Outdoor entertaining -

Offerred at $325,000. Want to see and know more? Visit our website at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com. Click on Homes for sale then Featured Homes. Register for Total Access to see the virtual tour. Don't forget to stop by this Sunday 1 - 3.

Live/Work Midtown - New Price Offering on this Bridgeton Home - Open Sunday 1 - 3

2008-07-19T10:37:04Z

We've just lowered the price on this 4 bed 1.5 bath all brick home located in Bridgeton on nearly 1/2 acre. Offered at $128,650 you will want to stop by this Sunday and take a look during the Open House. Located in Pattonville school district and just a short block to the pool and community center you will want to see this opportunity to make this home your own. The home is being sold "As Is" and does need updating and TLC. The seller is motivated.

Want to know and see more? Check out the virtual tour and other information at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com - Homes for Sale then click on Featured Homes. Register for Total Access to see the virtual tour. Don't forget to stop by this Sunday and take a look.

Live/Work Dardenne Prairie - Looking for a Deal? - Open Sunday 1-3

2008-07-19T10:19:06Z

Living in luxury in Dardenne Prairie at this price? Drop by this Sunday 1-3 and take a look at what this home has to offer. This is a short sale. Offer subjest to bank approval. The home is being sold as is.

Elegant Living upstairs -

Fun and games downstairs

Room for Entertainment Outside

Want to see and know more? Visit the virtual tour at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com under Properties for Sale - Featured Homes.

Live/Work Moscow Mills - Lots of Updates in Lincoln County Home

2008-07-18T21:15:06Z

This is our newest listing located in Moscow Mills - adorable 3 bed 2 bath ranch

Lovely living room with fireplace

Large Country Kitchen

Place to work

Place to Play - Relax on the weekend

A place to rest

Want to see more? Check out the virtual tour at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com Featured Homes

Live/Work St. Charles County - Summer Time Summer Time - Near Katy Trail - Open Sunday 1 - 3

2008-07-11T17:45:55Z

Summer Time it is but what a beautiful setting at this 3 bed 2.5 bath brick home to enjoy the cool breezes of summer sitting on the deck under a shade tree drinking ice cold lemonade with your favorit book. The stillness of this neighborhood is truly relaxing but this home was also made for fun and etnertainment.

Think of a grand party on the deck or a great late afternoon barbecue.

Located on a lot that is just incredible, and just a short jog to the Katy Trail for hiking, jogging, or bike riding. You'll want to join us on Sunday 1-3 to take a look as this property.

Where will your new front door be?

This one could be yours.

Live/Work St. Charles County - Oak Forest Home Near Katy Trail - Huge Price Reduction

2008-07-01T16:29:05Z

Come take a look at this all brick 3 bed 2.5 bath home just a short jog from the Katy Trail. Gorgeous area and think about taking a hike or bike ride down the trail to your favorite winery over the weekend or on a sunny weekday off in the fall with the smell of crisp fresh air. Plenty of room for entertainment on the huge deck or in the rec room. Can set up elegant living upstairs in separte living/dining. Kitchen opens to family room and overlooks deck. What a view. Check out the new lower price and stop by for a visit.

Pat Simms | Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304 | mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com | 314.749.9862/636.720.1100

36 Oak Forest, St. Charles, MO

Gorgeous all brick 3 bed 2.5 Bath just minutes from the Katy Trail

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $325,000

Year Built	1968
Sq Footage	2,020
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	27,442 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Do you love to walk or jog? Enjoy the peace of the morning sun across the fields. Come see this home just a short walk from the Katy Trail on a large corner lot nestled in the woods and over looking a pond. You will just love this subdivision. Very mature trees, all brick 3 bed 2.5 bath home with large finished basement. Two fire places, large, oversized deck, lots of possibiities with this property in a sought after neighborhood.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Hardwood floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Stove/Oven	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Backs to Common ground, Trees/Woods.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Pat Simms

Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304

mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com

314.749.9862/636.720.1100

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 1, 2008, 12:14pm PDT

Live Work St. Charles County - 621 Green Tree Meadows - Isn't Great When the Sign Says Sold!

2008-07-01T15:42:06Z

And this one does. A gorgeous home in the Lake St. Louis area located in Green Tree Meadows subdivision near schools, shopping, entertainment, parks and other recreation, and great access to highways. If you missed out on this one, there are a number of other homes we would be happy to assist you with.

Mike and Pat Simms | Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304 | mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com | 314.749.0921/636.720.1100

621 Green Tree Meadows, Lake St. Louis, MO

Gorgeous 3 bed 2.5 Bath Ranch Near Shopping, and Entertainment

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $239,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	1,808
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	10,018 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Conveniently located just minutes from shopping and entertainment this spectacular ranch is a must see. Elegant but comfortable living upstairs with pottery barn style. Family fun and relaxing downstairs in the finished lower level with new carpet and fresh paint. A great place to play this huge area has a place to watch T.V., a sleeping room, half bath, room for a pool table and bar, and a large play room for the kids, or it could be a theatre room, or nice office. Vaulted ceilings and plant shelves in kitchen and master bedroom complete with walk-in closet. Main floor laundry and large walk in pantry. Kitchen has center island and large eat in area. Separate dining room. Great room with woodburning fireplace and sunburst windows with custom blinds. Plenty of room for play outdoors too. Barbecue on the custom semi-circle patio or just take a nap in the summer sun. Pets stay in the yard with the invisible fence both front and back. Offered at $244,870.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Sunburst Windows with Custom Blinds

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Mike and Pat Simms

Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304

mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com

314.749.0921/636.720.1100

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 23, 2008, 10:07am PDT

Live/Work Lake St. Louis - Too Late - This One's Gone

2008-07-01T15:24:06Z

Going, Going, Gone! If you missed out on this great home in Green Tree Meadows subdivision located in Lake St. Louis you may search our website 24 x 7 by logging into www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com to request a search. This home is located near schools, shopping, parks, entertainment, and highway 70/40 access. Just minutes from the Quail Ridge dog park your favorit Pal would have a great time visiting.

Mike and Pat Simms | Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304 | mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com | 314.749.0921/636.720.1100

621 Green Tree Meadows, Lake St. Louis, MO

Gorgeous 3 bed 2.5 Bath Ranch Near Shopping, and Entertainment

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $239,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	1,808
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	10,018 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Sunburst Windows with Custom Blinds

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Mike and Pat Simms

Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304

mikeandpat@trails2openspaces.com

314.749.0921/636.720.1100

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 23, 2008, 10:07am PDT

Live/Work St. Charles County Buyer’s Agent – With These Gas Prices?

2008-06-26T10:58:54Z

To Drive or not to Drive? That is the question. Certainly with today's technology you can save time and gas by reviewing homes on line. However, with access to so many homes to choose from we are finding buyers want to check out more and more homes. Some buyers have the mind set they should check out every home before making a decision. Even when they don't make sense.

Some agents have started charging buyers a "gas fee" each time they take them out. Others have refused to take out a buyer unless they are at higher price range levels. This week I had one agent tell me they obtained their buyer because the listing agent told the buyer to find a buyers agent who would work with them in their price range. The agent gladly agreed to work with the buyer given in a few years the career path of the individual looks quite promising. The agent is looking for repeat business.

We have continued to take out buyers regardless of the price range of the home they are looking for. We do not charge a gas fee. We do however, put structure around the search. When we first meet a buyer we like to conduct a buyer interview and needs analysis. During this interview we will:

Explain the home purchase process
Develop a timeline in which they want to be in a home & how to get there
Establish ground rules for going on tour
View homes online with the buyer and discuss what the buyer does or does not like about the homes and the locations they are interested in to establish a baseline criteria.

Once we have established a starting point we set up several on-line searches for the buyer to automatically notify them when properties matching their criteria become available. We schedule our first tour and ask the buyer to start forwarding properties they would like to see. As the buyer develops this "favorites" folder we review the homes against the criteria we originally discussed. If a home doesn't meet the criteria we may take a home off the list after discussing it with the buyer. By sticking to the plan the buyer doesn't get exhausted and results are achieved more quickly allowing for a happy camper. We have also found that having a process and insisting we stick to it saves time and gas. Don't get us wrong we are flexible however, providing stucture makes for clearer communication and less frustration.

Are you a Buyer's Agent. What is your plan for dealing with today's environment? We'd love to hear your suggestions and what processes you have.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home.

If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com

To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com.

Live/Work St. Louis - Potential Sale of Anheuser Busch

2008-06-12T13:50:55Z

A St. Louis tradition has the possibility of being taken over by another company. If you are a true St.Louisan whether relocated here or not I think I can speak for many that once you've been to St. Louis most people just love it here and they want to stay. Part of that is because of the traditions, first there is baseball, and with that there is beer and there has always been Anheuser Busch. Not that we are a fan of over indulging but 1 very cold beer on a very hot day can be just delicious. If you are a coniseur of beers Anheuser has always been able to come through with a beer for everyone. Then we have The Hill, and Dog Town, and the list just goes on. It is disheartening to hear that a long time tradition in St. Louis has the potential to disappear some day. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these kinds of happenings in St. Louis. Not that we don't like change - but we want it for the betterment.

Live/Work St. Charles County – Does Your Home Say Sold? - This One Does!

2008-06-11T22:57:21Z

Due to life circumstances not every seller has the luxury of sufficient preparation time when selling their home but when you do it can be a pay off in time and dollars. Last October we visited this home at the request of the seller to discuss putting the home on the market and to review what needed to be done to the house for it to be ready to list.

The outside of the home had curb appeal and we suggested some additional landscaping, as well as a new light and to paint the front door. Inside the Kitchen had been updated - great job

The owners taste of decorating on the main floor was done well, and just personal items needed to be removed.

(Pictures after personal items removed)

Upstairs was another story, one room was red, another deep blue, and another medium blue. The flooring had not been updated and the hall had vinyl brick tile. Room by room we discussed what we thought needed to be done. Down stairs was another affair as well. Bright lime green walls, a large hockey table and painted chalk board. Great if you have kids but in this market we needed to appeal to a wide range of buyers. As we talked we watched the sellers shoulders start to slump. Worried that not enough funds would be available we headed for the table and started putting a pencil to the items listed and began prioritizing. We wanted to make sure we did the things that made the most impact. The seller needed assistance obtaining bids and we were on it!

In January we were invited back and noticed the seller had taken our advice and added some landscaping and a new light. There was also a new stone wall on the side of the house. Work had not yet started on the inside but we needed to look at the market again to see how much we should do. With a list price in mind, the seller went to work.

The bedrooms were neutralized and carpet was laid upstairs and down.

The downstairs rooms were neutralized. Look how they sparkled.

The house went on the market February 15. We secured a professional photographer to take lots of pictures. The listing was posted on our company website, our two personal websites, on Craig's List, Realtor.com, the Photographers website StLouisShowCase.com, and several other sites including Trulia, Zillow, Fiji and so on. We printed our marketing materials (always in color), obtained mortgage information from our Mortgage Partner, and Home Owners Insurance information from our Insurance Partner. In the first week we had six showings! But we ran into a snag - the seller had sold her previous homes in 1 - 2 days. This one wasn't sold yet! Despite the education about the market, the seller was fretting.

We remained calm and sat down several times to go over the marketing we were conducting in addition to all of the internet communications. Take one flyers, our mortgage team partner had provided an 800 Call Capture number to ensure we didn't loose any prospects. There were also blogs on Active Rain, open house, agent tours, newspaper advertising, post-cards mailed to subdivision, invitations to neighbors for open houses, featured home on Realtor.com, and listing the sellers home on the flyers of our other listings. That was all in the first two weeks and we hadn't pulled out the additional armor yet! We sent daily reports of internet activity, and any new homes coming available on the market that were competition. Weekly we sent summary reports of all of the activity that had occurred to show the seller we were making headway!

Week by week the showings were steady but still no contract. Everyone loved the house, but either decided they didn't want a two story, it was too big, it was too small. We marched on, keeping vigil on notifying neighbors of open houses, putting out open house signs as early as possible, listing open house dates on web sites, and more blogs looking for just the right buyers who wanted this home. Then, 1 day short of eight weeks later we had a contract! The inspection process went through like a breeze due to the pre-list preparation and we closed the end of May. This was a team effort and the team pulled through. Teaming with the seller early in the game allowed ample preparation so the house was in tip top shape. The frantic seller? Busy looking for a new home with cash in hand giving extra buying power in a market that's a buyer's market. When planning your next move, it's never to early to prepare your home for sale. Remember annual maintenance on your home will also save time and dollars when it come's time to get your home ready for sale.

Want more information on what to do in preparing your home for sale, e-mail us at MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com.

Contact Mike or Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 (Mike Direct) or 314.749.9862 (Pat Direct) to list your property located in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln County's.

Live/Work St. Charles - Clients for Life - Treat Your Clients Like Family

2008-06-10T13:55:34Z

When we started in real-estate there was one goal we set for ourselves very important to us above all others. Our main goal is clients for life. Not an easy task in a market where the internet places hundreds of agent's information in front of buyers and they can choose a different one each day to show them a home if they haven't signed a buyer's agreement. We asked ourselves what would set us apart to be the agent of choice. Overtime we noticed that we repeatedly told our clients - we treat you like family. This evolved into we treat you like family because we want you to be clients for life.

One such client were first time home buyers we were newly introduced to with limited funds needing to live in an area where homes were slightly higher. We didn't give up. Just like we would for our brother or sister we put our hard hats on and went to work looking for homes near their price range. Mom, Dad, and other family members were included on the final selection approval. It was their choice, not the home we wanted them to buy, our job was the negotiation. This is where we put on the gloves and pushed hard to reach a successful negotiation. We were there at the moving party with Pizza working hand in hand with other friends and relatives. When asked why we were there "because we are family. We want to make sure the move is a success."

Several months later and a newly decorated home, an invitation came in the mail. Puling out the heart lined card t was a wedding invitation for the first time home buyers. At the reception we were asked how we were related to the Bride or Groom. We proudly announced "We're their Realtors!". "We're here because they are family." That night our cards were requested more than a couple of times. However, the best reward we had for this occassion is that we achieved our goal.

Relocating? Live/Work Dardenne Prairie - Heart of the Golden Triangle

2008-05-31T14:09:02Z

Relocating to Missouri? You may want to check out the homes available in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. An area convenient to Highway 40 and the Page Extension this can be a great location. Once the starting point for Lewis and Clark the townspeople of this area have worked hard to keep that home town feel in the city. You can read all about the history at the cities' website at http://www.dardenneprairie.org/cityhistory.php. A home we have listed in the area is shown below. Additional information can be found at our website at Trails2OpenSpaces.com. Searching for another type of home? Search homes 24x7 no hassle, no obligation at StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you will be in town call Mike 314.749.0921 or Pat 314.749.9862 to schedule a personal tour. <

Pat Simms | Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304 | 314.749.9862/636.720.1100

29 Salvador Court, Dardenne Prarie, MO

Gorgeous Atrium Ranch

5BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $430,000

Year Built	2005
Sq Footage	2,618
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	14,374 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Walk into elegant living upstairs with plenty of room to play in the finished lower level. Entertain on the large deck, or just enjoy the yard. This home is relaxing upstairs and down yet has the feel of luxury starting with the kitchen and moving to the great room with plenty of room for your entertainment electronics. Unwind in the luxury master bath you are home!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Refrigerator	Microwave
Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances	Basement
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Lots of extras in this gorgeous luxury home

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Pat Simms

Prudential Select Properties 6149 Midrivers Mall Drive St. Charles, Mo 63304

314.749.9862/636.720.1100

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 31, 2008, 10:16am PDT