Why Buy New Construction

Buying a new construction home in the St. Louis and St. Charles County areas of brings benefits and advantages that resale properties just cannot offer. Here are a few reasons numerous Missouri real estate buyers have opted for a newly constructed home:

Know What You Are Getting

When building a home, you have the opportunity to witness the construction, ensuring transparency and eliminating surprises upon moving in. Understanding how your home was built and what lies behind the walls is invaluable. You will also be familiar with operating and maintaining your home's equipment, with your builder available for any assistance you may need. Moreover, the builder should offer a warranty, in addition to any manufacturers' warranties that might need to be activated by the buyer.

Get What You Want

When buying new construction, you don’t have to settle for outdated designs or eccentric decorations left behind by others, nor do you have to invest in revamping the previous owner's upgrades. New-home builders provide a variety of designs, floor plans, and premium features from the layout to the cabinets and flooring. With new construction you have the opportunity to personalize your new home to match your style and preferences.

• New homes often include advanced appliances with updated features.
• They are equipped with more electrical outlets and can be wired for internet and other technology needs, including charging stations and streaming capabilities.
• New homes tend to be larger than older ones, with the average size increasing from around 1200 square feet to 1900 square feet.
• Typically, new homes come with 2-3 bathrooms, whereas older homes averaged 1-2 bathrooms.
• Bathrooms and kitchens in new homes feature luxurious amenities such as expansive islands, storage solutions, stylish vanity mirrors, linen towers, walk-in showers, and oversized tubs.
• Some new homes offer advanced technology options like programmed lighting, security systems, and intercoms.
• Many homebuilders provide assistance to help potential buyers secure affordable financing for a new home.

 

Less Maintenance Than Older Homes

With a new home, everything is brand new, minimizing concerns and repair needs. Today's new homes often feature siding, window, and trim materials that seldom require painting. Many exterior elements of modern homes demand far less maintenance compared to older properties. Materials like vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, 30 to 50-year shingles, fascia/soffit materials, and vinyl trim pieces are exceptionally low maintenance. Builders typically offer walk-throughs and warranties that cover the initial year of ownership (varies by builder).

Built Better Than Ever

There have been remarkable advancements in building technology. Building codes have become significantly more stringent, while the design and inspection processes are now much more detailed than in the past. New homes are not only safer but also highly energy-efficient, leading to savings on energy bills. Improved indoor air quality is achieved by using healthier products with fewer allergens. Modern building products perform better, have longer lifespans (depending on the product), and often boast enhanced aesthetics. Some government-regulated products may have shorter lifespans due to specific regulations and limitations. Appliances serve as a prime example of products with reduced lifespans.

 

More Safety Features

If safety at home is important to you, know that today's new construction homes are much safer than older homes for many reasons.

• Residents of modern new construction homes are nearly six times less likely to succumb to fire compared to those in older homes.
• The majority of new homes are equipped with hard-wired smoke detectors on the main level, often interconnected with those on the upper floor. Note: specific smoke detector regulations and placements are mandated by the municipality or county.
• New homes are equipped with central heating systems, reducing fire risks associated with space heaters or wood stoves common in older homes.
• Circuit breakers are standard in new homes, replacing fuse boxes that may overload with the wrong fuse size.
• Ground fault interrupters are installed in key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors to mitigate fire and electrocution hazards.
• Contemporary homes feature tempered glass that crumbles instead of shattering into sharp fragments, reducing injury risks.
• New home communities offer safer surroundings with amenities like sidewalks, cul-de-sacs, open spaces, playgrounds, pools, and clubhouses to enrich your lifestyle.
• Purchasing a new home allows you to enjoy customizable features tailored to your preferences.
• The abundance of safety measures in new homes may lead to lower insurance rates.

It's important to have the assistance of a REALTOR experienced in new construction to navigate the St. Louis and St. Charles County area new construction market. Click Here to find out why.

More Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is greatly improved in new homes. Energy efficiency codes, including regulations for ceiling, wall, and floor standards, have become more stringent in recent years compared to the past. Also, modern heating and cooling systems now use half the energy they did in previous years.

Warranty

When purchasing a resale home, you won't receive the extensive warranty provided by new-home builders. Professional homebuilders go beyond by providing a 1-year comprehensive warranty, a 2-year assurance on electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems, and a 10-year structural guarantee (specific terms may vary by builder). Investing in a new home now more than ever ensures peace of mind.

Maintenance

When purchasing a new home, you can expect many years without the need to re-roof, replace the furnace, address plumbing issues, or renovate the kitchen. Acquiring a new home provides the advantage of predictable housing costs for the foreseeable future, enabling you to plan your budget with ease. Thanks to modern home construction methods, your time will be less consumed by maintenance tasks, giving you the opportunity to fully appreciate your new neighborhood and lifestyle.

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Want to enjoy a fresh start with a brand-new home? The Boehmer Team consists of top performing Realtors and specializes in new construction sales. Contact us today to learn more about how we help homebuyers buy new construction homes.

 

 

 

 

Full-Service Realtors – At Your Service for Life

While some real estate agents may come and go, others are determined and committed to being full-service REALTORS for life. In the St. Charles County, Missouri area The Boehmer Team is leading by example in what they offer as a full-service real estate team. There are many ways in which our team goes above and beyond simply helping you buy or sell a home. Here are just a few of the ways in which full-service REALTORs can provide added value to your real estate experience and to your life:

 

Availability and Consistency

Often times, primarily with discount brokerages and agents or very large teams, clients feel passed on once the listing agreement is signed. The team leaders often move on securing new business and let existing clients be maintained by a variety of team members. There are often questions about scheduled showings, no-shows, inspection concerns, financing issues that unexpectedly arise, survey concerns, troubleshooting homes that are not selling and more. Your primary agent should be available to assist you and be available for you. Your REALTOR should discuss with you up front as to who and how your concerns will be addressed and they should be an active part of the solutions.

 

Negotiation Experience

A quality REALTOR is extremely valuable in the process of negotiating.  Not only your contract terms but your inspection process and a variety of other things that may come up along the way. Negotiating is a skill that comes with experience and training. Is your REALTOR an experienced negotiator?  Have they earned the RENE Real Estate Negotiation Expert designation?  Both Linda and Kelly hold this designation. Feel free to ask any agent you consider for their history of negotiating expertise. 

Referrals to Contractors

Whether you're looking to do some minor repairs or a major renovation, a good contractor can be hard to find. As a full-service REALTOR, we have relationships with a variety of contractors in our area and can help connect you with someone who can get the job done right.

 

Referrals to Insurance Agents

Homeowners insurance is an important part of protecting your investment, but finding the right policy can be overwhelming. We can help connect you with a reputable insurance agent who can provide guidance on the best coverage options for your needs.

 

Storage, Recycling and Disposal Information

In homes there is often lots of “stuff” from furniture to bedding, clothes and shoes, dishes and cookware, toys and electronics, old flags, and of course clutter and trash. There are different ways to store, donate, recycle or dispose of all this stuff. The Boehmer Team offers information on local establishments where items can be stored, recycled, donated or disposed of. 

 

Documents Related to Tax Time

When it comes time to file your taxes, having the right documents in hand can save you time and headache. As your full-service REALTOR, we can provide you with all of the necessary paperwork related to your home sale or purchase, making tax time a breeze.

Evaluations on Home Improvements

If you're considering making improvements to your home, it's important to know how much value those improvements are likely to add. We can provide you with an evaluation of how much equity a particular improvement (such as a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation) is likely to add to your home's value, helping you make informed decisions about where to invest your money.

 

Annual Home Equity Review

Just as you might meet with a financial planner to review your investment portfolio; we can also offer an Annual Home Equity Review. This is an opportunity to sit down and review your current home value, as well as any changes or improvements you've made over the past year. We can also discuss your long-term real estate goals and provide guidance on how to achieve them.

 

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By working with a full-service REALTOR, you're not just getting help with buying or selling a home - you're gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can help you make informed decisions about your real estate investments. And with our network of trusted contractors, insurance agents, and other professionals, you can rest assured that you're in good hands with The Boehmer Team every step of the way. Contact us if we can provide full-service REALTOR benefits to you.

 

How to Know If Your Insurance Covers Sump Pump Failure

Spring weather in the St. Charles County area of Missouri often brings heavy rain, which can lead to flooding and potential damage to your home. If you have a sump pump, it can help prevent water damage, but what happens if your sump pump fails? Does your insurance policy cover it? Here's what you need to know to make sure your home is protected.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure?

The answer to this question depends on your insurance policy. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover sump pump failure. However, some policies may offer an endorsement or rider that provides coverage for sump pump failure. It's important to review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent to understand if you have this coverage.

What is Sump Pump Failure Coverage?

Sump pump failure coverage is an add-on to your homeowners insurance policy that covers damage caused by a malfunctioning sump pump. This coverage typically includes repairs to the pump, as well as damage caused by water that enters your home as a result of the failure.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding or heavy rain, sump pump failure coverage may be a wise investment. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected against potential water damage.

What to Do If Your Sump Pump Fails

If your sump pump fails, it's important to act quickly to prevent water damage to your home. Here's what you should do:

• Turn off the power. Before doing anything else, turn off the power to your sump pump to prevent electrical shock.
• Remove the water. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a pump to remove any standing water from your basement or crawl space.
• Call a professional. Contact a plumber or sump pump repair specialist to inspect and repair your pump.
• Contact your insurance company. If you have sump pump failure coverage, contact your insurance company to file a claim.
  
  

What Else to Consider

In addition to sump pump failure coverage, consider doing the following to protect your home from potential water damage:

• Seal cracks and leaks. Make sure your basement or crawl space is properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in.
• Elevate your belongings. Consider elevating your belongings off the ground in case of flooding.
• Install a backup sump pump. A backup sump pump can help prevent water damage in the event that your primary pump fails.
• Clean your gutters on a regular basis.
• Purchase a water sensor for early detection.
• Create an emergency plan. Have a plan in place in case of flooding, including a list of emergency contacts and an evacuation plan.

Remember to beware of flooding around or in your home as water damage can be costly to clean up. If you have a sump pump, it's important to understand if your insurance policy covers sump pump failure. Review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent to understand if you have this coverage. If not, consider adding sump pump failure coverage to your policy for added protection. And remember to act quickly if your sump pump fails to prevent water damage and protect your home.

What An Insurance Agent Says About Sump Pump Coverage

Stephen Willet, local St Charles County insurance agent with State Farm says:

“With the rainy season upon us, it is important that you review your homeowners coverage with your insurance agent and keep up with the general maintenance on your home. We always recommend taking a look at the endorsements (optional coverages) that are available on your homeowners policy. My State Farm agency always recommends that our customers carry an endorsement called: Back-Up of Sewer Or Drain. This endorsement provides coverage in the event that the sewer pipe or sump pump in your home backs up and leaks out into the basement. This coverage is extremely important for those that have a finished basements or use their basement for storage. These types of claims can cost thousands of dollars just to clean up the water and sewage, so make sure you take out the maximum amount your company offers.”

Willet also notes that aside from making sure your coverage is where it needs to be, make sure that you try to mitigate the chance for water loss to your home. When water that enters your home from the outside is considered flood and is only covered through a FEMA flood policy and not your homeowners insurance.

If you have other questions about home ownership, repair or remodel options you are considering to improve your home’s value, or if you’re considering buying or selling real estate, contact The Boehmer Team. We are here to support the homeowners in our St. Charles County communities.

 

 

Most Desired Features of New Construction Homebuyers

When it comes to building a new home in the St. Louis or St. Charles County area, everyone has their own unique set of preferences and priorities. However, there are certain features that are currently desirable among new construction homebuyers. With our experience assisting local new construction homebuyers and some great input from some quality local homebuilders, we’ve put together a list of the most sought-after features that buyers want in newly built homes.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Windows

With the increasing awareness of climate change and the need to save money on utility bills, energy efficiency is a top priority for homebuyers. Energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation are all highly sought-after features.

Open Floor Plans

Many homebuyers are looking for open floor plans that provide a spacious and welcoming environment. This includes interconnected living spaces, high ceilings, and large windows that allow natural light to flood the home.

Smart Home Technology

The rise of home automation has made smart home technology a highly desirable feature. Homebuyers are looking for homes with automated lighting and heating systems, smart locks, and integrated home security systems.

“One of the most desired features in today’s new home is smart home technology and security,” says Chris Reatini of homebuilder Genesis Development Company. “Just about everything now and even more in the future can be controlled by your phone. Homeowners like having the convenience to control their new home with their fingertips.  We wire the home for the technology of today and the future. A few of the most popular items include smart thermostats, garage doors, lights, locks, cameras, and security systems. With our smart home app, the possibilities are endless.”

Outdoor Living Spaces

As more people look to spend time outdoors, outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular. This includes patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens that provide a perfect setting for entertaining guests.

Walk-In Closets

Homebuyers are looking for ample storage space, and walk-in closets are a highly desirable feature. Walk-in closets provide space for storing clothes, shoes, and accessories, while also providing a sense of luxury and convenience.

High-End Kitchen Features

With the growing popularity of cooking shows and gourmet cuisine, high-end kitchen features have become a must-have for potential homebuyers. This includes features such as granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinetry.

Mark Murphy from homebuilder Bridgewater Communities told us, “As the metro areas only home builder dedicated exclusively to the villa lifestyle, most of our customers are downsizing from a larger home. While they are looking for less space, most don’t want to feel as if they have “given up” the spacious feel from their previous home. So, this means high ceilings with wider and taller doorways to create the sense of volume, as well as large kitchens, entertaining spaces, bathrooms, and primary bedrooms. Additionally, outdoor entertaining spaces and flexible spaces inside their new villa are important.”

Home Office

With more people working from home, having a dedicated home office has become an essential feature. Homebuyers are looking for spaces that are quiet and comfortable, providing a productive environment for work.

Multiple Bathrooms

Having multiple bathrooms is a highly desirable feature for homebuyers. This includes en suite bathrooms for the master bedroom, as well as half-baths or full-baths for guests.

After years of working with new construction clients, Linda Boehmer says, “We see our new construction clients looking for taller ceilings, transom windows for natural light, low maintenance LVP flooring and high functioning kitchens. Other hot features include laundry rooms that offer more space for laundry needs and storage, oversized kitchen islands with added storage and large seating bars, home offices, screened porches and electrical preparation for electric car chargers. It benefits consumers to research the options. You are only limited by your budget, your imagination and your builder’s menu of options.”

Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems

Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are a top priority for homebuyers. This includes HVAC systems that use less energy and provide better temperature control.

Green Building Materials

Homebuyers are looking for homes that use environmentally friendly building materials. This includes materials such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paint.

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By incorporating these features into new construction homes, builders create homes that are more attractive to today’s buyers. If you’re thinking of building a home, or buying a newly built or inventory home, contact The Boehmer Team. We are uniquely qualified to serve new construction homebuyers in the St. Louis and St. Charles County areas of Missouri.

 

 

How Important is the Direction of Your Home?

While helping homebuyers with St. Louis and St. Charles County real estate, we’ve learned of many specific needs people have for their homes. Did you know that the direction of a home can be an important requirement? It might seem like an insignificant detail, but depending on one’s beliefs and lifestyle choices, the direction your home faces can bring a variety of benefits. Here, we’ll explore why it’s beneficial for your home to face a certain direction based on different religions, gardening, and other reasons.

When it comes to religion, many traditions believe that the direction of your home can bring you luck and protection. For example, in Hinduism, the entrance of your home should be facing east, as this is believed to bring prosperity. In Buddhism, many believe that the entrance of your home should be facing south, as this is the direction of the sun and is associated with light and warmth. Meanwhile, in Christianity, some believe that the entrance should be facing east, as this is the direction the sun rises and symbolizes new beginnings.

 

Gardening can also be a factor in determining the best direction for your home. If your home faces south, it will receive the most daylight and warmth. This is beneficial for growing plants, as it increases the amount of sunlight they receive. Additionally, if your home faces north, it will stop any cold winds from coming in, which can help protect your plants.

Other factors to consider when determining the best direction for your home include the direction of the prevailing winds and the direction of the prevailing rains. In areas with strong winds, the best direction for your home to face is usually south-east, as this will protect it from the strongest winds. Meanwhile, in areas with strong rains, the best direction for your home to face is usually north, as this will help protect it from the rain. Additionally, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, the best direction for your home to face is usually east, as this will help it get the most sunlight and the least direct sunlight.

 

Some buyers consider the driveway and how quickly the ice and snow will melt. Homes with in ground pools may want to have sun in the pool area as long as possible and homes with patios and outdoor living areas may want to ensure they have afternoon and evening shade. The needs vary depending on the buyer.

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why it can be beneficial to face your home in a certain direction. Whether it’s based on your religion, gardening, or the local climate, the direction your home faces can have a big effect on your well being and on the health of your plants. If you are looking for a home that faces a particular direction, contact The Boehmer Team. We are experts in working with specific home buying needs in the St. Charles County area.

Here’s a few links with more info and benefits of facing your home in a certain direction:

Feng Shui: https://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/Feng_Shui_Basics/Feng_Shui_and_Home_Direction

Gardening: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/style/south-facing-garden-ideas/

Vastu: https://housing.com/news/how-to-determine-house-facing-direction-as-per-vastu/

 

The Truth About New Construction “Specialists”

It seems that more and more Realtors are marketing themselves as a “New Construction Specialist”.  We see a lot of real estate agents in St. Louis and St. Charles County, Missouri use this term every day, and it brings about a fair question in our opinion.  What exactly is it that makes them a “Specialist” in the area of New Construction?  

 

It appears that most of these Realtors are branding themselves as “New Construction Specialists” because they have represented an undisclosed number of buyers that have purchased new construction.  However, having sold 2, 3, 5 or more new construction homes does not make you a specialist by any measure.  Even ten or more sales merely make you better versed in new construction, certainly not a “Specialist”.

We are fortunate in our profession that we can brand ourselves any way we choose.  Often times, it can be a misleading claim that consumers fail to question or confirm.  There are several things to consider when hiring a Realtor with claims of being a New Construction Specialist”. 

• How many buyers have they represented purchasing New Home Construction?
• How many different builders have they worked with when representing a buyer?
• How many different neighborhoods have they represented a buyer in when purchasing new construction?
• Do you accompany your clients on the contract, structural meetings, walk throughs, color selections, etc.?
• Have they ever worked on the builder side of the business?
• If so, in what capacity?
• Have they ever represented a builder in new construction sales?
• If so, how many homes did they sell and how long did they sell?
• What price range of homes did they sell for the builder?
• Are they familiar with the builder side of the business regarding land costs, development costs, building and material costs, supply and demand challenges, customer service policies and material specifications? Working on the “builder side” also means representing the builder as a community sales representative, construction manager, service representative or any position where you work directly for the builder.
• How do they feel they add value as your buyer representative for new construction?
• Do they have any professional designations that they have earned regarding New Construction?
• Are they a certified New Construction Specialist as recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR)?
  
  

Truth be told, in order to be branding yourself as a “New Construction Specialist”, at a minimum you should have a designation from NAR or your brokerage.  The course should be detailed and include 40 or more hours of training by a qualified professional.  An agent should also have sold a variety of new construction homes, in a variety of municipalities, by a variety of builders in varying price ranges.  

 

The most experienced Realtors are those that have served 10 plus years on both sides of the transaction, both the builder side and the brokerage side.  An added bonus is a Realtor that has had the opportunity to spend time not only selling new construction as a builder representative, but serve time at a management level understanding the challenges that builders face every day.  

 

If you are looking for assistance with your new home construction purchase, contact The Boehmer Team.  We meet the criteria and will put our knowledge and expertise to work for you. 

 

 

Year-End Giving for Altruism, Gifts, and Taxes

Year-end giving usually refers to the time between Giving Tuesday in the end of November and New Year’s Eve at the end of December. This narrow time frame has a big impact, as it’s when charitable organizations often raise the most compared to other times of year. 

 

Charitable giving during the holiday season is essential for not-for-profits because it is the time of year when they receive most of the donations that make their services possible.

 

According to DonorBox.org:  “Approximately 31% of all annual giving occurs in December and approximately 12% of all annual giving occurs in the last three days of December. 28% of nonprofits report raising between 26% – 50% of their annual funds at year’s end.”

 

Reasons for End-of-Year Giving

There are so many positive reasons to donate to charitable organizations at year’s end that benefit the charity, you, and your friends.

• Holiday Spirit
• Gifts for Those Who Have Everything and Love a Particular Charity
• Feeling Good About Supporting a Worthy Cause 
• Increase in Life Satisfaction
• Financial Incentives via Tax Breaks
  
  

Click on this image, then right-click on it and Save, to print for your own donation gifts.

Did you know that 50% of U.S. households give annually, and 81% of more affluent households give? (According to CCS Fundraising's Philanthropic Landscape Report) Keep these stats in mind the next time you’re feeling down about the world. We don’t see all the good individual acts of giving that happen every single day.

 

Suggested National and Local Charities: 

For The Boehmer Team, a top real estate team in St. Charles County, Missouri, end-of-year giving is a tradition. Some of our favorite local and national charities include:

 

Sunshine Kids: A national organization that has benefited St. Louis and St. Charles County area children recovering from or in treatment for cancer through trips and events where they can interact with children in similar situations.

 

Serve St. Charles: An organization that serves St. Charles families via a Christmas store, their Neighbor Helping Neighbor program and their Serve North County Food Pantry.

The Boehmer Team working with Serve St. Charles.

 

St. Charles Lions Club (The First Capitol Lions): This is our local chapter of Lions Club International, the largest non-profit service organization in the world. Their motto is, "We Serve".  They are always working on projects to help the community.

 

Five Acres Animal Shelter: A no-kill animal shelter in St. Charles County with a mission to end pet homelessness, promote responsible pet ownership, and advocate for animal welfare

 

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Is there a charity that you are passionate about? Leave a link to the charity in the comments section. Is there a real estate question you have, or are you ready to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis or St. Charles County area? Contact The Boehmer Team!