Unlocking the Potential of Newly Built Homes

In the current real estate landscape, purchasing a home in St. Louis or St. Charles County comes with its share of challenges. Higher mortgage rates may create affordability issues and there is a limited inventory of available homes compared to years past. However, what if there was a game-changing solution that could address both concerns?

Inventory Bright Spot: New Home Construction

Home seekers can opt for either existing homes or newly constructed properties. While the inventory of existing homes for sale has seen some growth this year, there are still fewer options compared to previous years like in 2018 or 2019.

Embracing newly built homes can expand your choices further. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com explains,

“The shortage of existing homes For Sale has opened up the possibility of new-home construction to more buyers who may not have once considered it.”

At The Boehmer Team we know what recent data from the Census shows - new home construction is ramping up in two key areas: starts and completions. (See most recent spike on chart below in pink.)

Starts, or homes where builders just broke ground, have seen a big increase lately. And completions, homes that builders just finished, are also up significantly. So, if you want a new, move-in ready home or you want to get in early and customize your build along the way, you have more options right now.

See Our List of Preferred Builders

Affordability Incentives from Builders

Builders are currently providing incentives such as mortgage rate buy-downs to ease affordability challenges and help buyers achieve their dream home. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains why you may find builders have more wiggle room to offer than the typical homeowner:

“Builders aren't rate locked-in. They would love to sell you the home because they're not living in it. It costs money not to sell the home. And many of the public home builders have said in their earnings calls that they are not going to be pulling back on incentives, especially the mortgage rate buydown, so that will help the new-home market continue to perform well in the spring home-buying season.”

Expert Guidance from New Construction REALTORs

Purchasing a newly built home involves a different process than buying from a homeowner. It is essential to work closely with local REALTORs like The Boehmer Team. We have many years of experience working with home builders as well as special training and certifications to help the new construction home buyer. We offer expert guidance through intricate builder contracts, the build process and more.

In Summary

If you're facing difficulties in finding a suitable home or navigating affordability issues, considering exploring the potential of newly built homes as a viable solution. Connect with The Boehmer Team to explore if this option aligns with your home-buying needs. Or visit New Home Central on our website to search for new construction homes, see preferred builders, learn about the process and more.

 

 

 

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.

 

You Don’t Need Luck to Snag a Great Home

With more buyers than sellers in the St. Louis and St. Charles County real estate market, finding a great home for sale can feel like competing in an episode of The Amazing Race. One can scour the national real estate websites and many local sources and find a great home only to learn that it is already under contract or that several other people have already submitted offers. Some folks even write letters to owners selling a home to prove they’re the best buyer, but to no avail. Don’t give up, you're not out of luck – you just haven’t found the right help.

We would like to introduce you to our impressive team of Buyers' Agents. These fastidious Realtors are a combination of Lewis and Clark, Sherlock Holmes and Bill Gates in their abilities to search and discover real estate listings on the internet and in the real world that match their clients wants and needs. These agents are the "luck" you're looking for.

SHANNON KOHNEN

“As Realtors we are not salespeople - we are matchmakers. We introduce people to homes until they fall in love with one. And that is what makes our job so amazing. We find a LOT of homes; new homes, old homes, and coming soon homes to introduce to our clients.“

Shannon is an experienced Realtor and a Buyer Specialist for The Boehmer Team. She brings 17 years of real estate industry knowledge and outstanding customer care to The Boehmer Team's clients. Shannon specializes in finding homes that meet the specific needs of clients in a competitive residential market.  A St. Louis area native, Shannon currently resides in St. Peters with her husband, daughter, two sons and black lab. When she isn't creating great real estate experiences you can find Shannon cheering on her daughter at competitive cheerleading and her oldest son at soccer games and taekwondo.

STEPHANIE PUSZKAR

“Nothing is more satisfying than helping each and every home buyer find and win the right home.  That is what we strive to do every day using our team’s experience, expertise, and relationships with other agents, in addition to applying successful strategies to win in multiple offer situations. Above all else, our clients’ best interests are our top priority.”

Stephanie works as a Buyer Specialist for The Boehmer Team. Her reputation for great customer care and vast industry knowledge has endeared her to many of The Boehmer Team's home buying clients. Stephanie is a St. Louis area native who lives in St. Charles with her fiancé, two kids and her cat, Mr. Kitty. When not serving her real estate clients she enjoys anything outdoors, especially boating and watching football.

KRISTIN TEMPLETON

“In this current market, we are often in multiple offer situations but the collective years of experience our team has enables us to be privy to and share with each other strategies to “win” those homes that other agents just don’t have.”

Kristin is a Buyer Specialist for The Boehmer Team that has over 16 years of real estate experience. She has been the proud recipient of the 5 Star Service Award eleven times for excellence in customer service. Her past experience helping new construction homebuyers has earned her awards from the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri. She currently lives in St. Charles County with her husband, Phil, her Big Dog Bell, and her tiny cat, Ninja. She has three grown children: Connor, 26, Anna, 24 and Michael, 22. When not serving real estate clients you can find Kristin reading, hiking, traveling, at yoga, playing tennis or at Bible study.

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Our goal and focus, as Real Estate professionals, is to provide unparalleled service and complete dedication when assisting our clients in achieving their Real Estate goals.  Each member of our team utilizes their specialized skills to provide our clients the personalized service they deserve when making the important decisions involved in buying or selling a home.  We are proud of the steady stream of testimonials, repeat clients and referrals that have allowed our business to grow. Contact The Boehmer Team to see how we can assist you.

The House That Built Me

You may or may not be country music fans.  Maybe you are like us, and love several types of music from Hip-Hop to Country to Classic Rock to 80’s hits.  Our Prudential Select Properties office has a steady stream of a wide variety of music playing at all times.  It motivates us.  Even if you are not a country fan, you should take a minute to listen to the Grammy Award winning song “The House That Built Me” recorded by Miranda Lambert. 

We have heard it before, numerous times without really giving it much thought, but it wasn’t until we ran across an article in Realtor Magazine that drew our attention and we really listened. Until then, we didn’t pay much attention to what this song was about.

http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/articles/2011/1102_lastword_douglas

More so than music, we love houses and homes.  "The House That Built Me" is a beautifully sung country ballad. The song was written by Tom Douglas and Alllen Schamblin.   Allen Schamblin based the song of his experience of going back to the house in Huffman, TX that he grew up in at least once a year.  The singer describes returning, as an adult, to the house that she grew up in, and asking the person who now lives in the house if she can come inside and take a look around. She refers to it as "the house that built [her]," because of all the memories that she had of growing up within its walls.

In a day where we see the “deals” and “low offers” being the focus of today’s buyers and the source of more bragging rights than a great sports rivalry, it is very refreshing to reflect on the true value that lies within a “Home”.  “Deals” are great, “steals” are nice, but “memories” are invaluable.  This is the reason we see many sellers struggle with the mindset of today’s buyer.  In many cases, they are selling the house that their family and memories were built in.  It certainly does not add value to a buyer, but in many cases it’s parting with precious memories for the sellers that makes it so very difficult. 

Do yourself a favor, listen to the words closely.  It is sure to put a smile on your face. We hope you are fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones that have beautiful memories of your own childhood home.

It is a pleasure and a thrill to be in a business so rewarding that the decisions we assist our clients in making can have such a profound impact on their lives.   As Real Estate agents with a combined 25 years experience, we anxiously await the return of the day when we see more buyers look at a home and buy the dream as they visualize their life in that home.  We have had the pleasure to sell in those times not so long ago and that my friends, is extremely rewarding!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!