Unusual Fall 2020 Real Estate Activity

St. Louis and St. Charles County area real estate in fall 2020 has been as unusual as, well most of 2020. Real estate this autumn has been unusually active. In fact some real estate agents are referring to this fall as second spring. Herein we’ll discuss some of the reasons why real estate this fall has been so unusual.

The Pandemic

The Covid-19 virus has kept many people closer to home for longer and more often than previously. Folks are now working from home, going to school at home and moving many in-person events online. This has created more time to look closely at one’s living situation and decide if it is the best fit. Also, some people are moving from more concentrated, populous cities to our area. 

 

Demand Versus Inventory

After a slow spring of quarantines, the busy summer market barely slowed down for fall. With so many buyers wanting to move to better home situations and some sellers unsure about making any changes at all, there has been a higher demand for homes for sale than there have been homeowners listing their homes. This is causing a lower inventory of homes for sale along with rising home values as multiple offers are being made on well-maintained, market-value homes. This doesn’t mean there aren’t homes for sale, it just means that homebuyers may have to look a little longer or at different options to buy a home.  It also means that buyers need to be prepared and ready to move quickly if the perfect home comes on the market.

 

Low Mortgage Rates

At time of writing this, the 30 year conventional mortgage rate sits around 2.5% and the 15 year conventional mortgage rate sits around 2%. These low rates mean that you can get a lot more home for you money than you could a few years ago. And for those who aren’t moving, it’s a great time to refinance.  These rates are historically low and when they are gone it is hard to imagine when they will return.  

 

Increased New Construction Activity is Helping

We help several quality local home builders market their homes and we know the new construction home market very well. We’ve been able to find solutions in the new construction market for many homebuyers. While builders have been doing a great job constructing quality new homes, they are feeling the pressure to keep up with the demand.  New construction should always be considered when searching for a new home.  It affords buyers to be the first owner, select finishes specific to their tastes, select options specific to their needs and to enjoy the benefits of an environmentally friendly and energy efficient home.

- Options for Buying New Construction -

Despite the unusual fall 2020 real estate market we continue to assist homebuyers and sellers to face, understand and prepare for these unusual times every single day.  Despite the challenges, business for The Boehmer Team is up 28% from 2019 and going strong.  If you are thinking of buying a home, building a home, or selling your current home, contact The Boehmer Team. Let us implement decades of combined experience to answer your questions, find solutions for your needs and provide full service as we do to all of our dedicated clients.

 

St. Charles County Real Estate 2020 Mid-Year Review

We’re half way into 2020 and boy, has it been a roller coaster ride! A pandemic, a recession, an election year and more have made it a VERY memorable and life changing year. But despite our ever-changing external environment, one thing has stayed constant – the need for a home. The pandemic has caused us to spend more time at home than ever and made housing that meets our needs more important than ever. So despite everything, the housing market has remained strong and a good investment in 2020.

Signs of a strong real estate market are backed up with hard data. Take a look at the below charts showing how the 2020 St. Charles County, Missouri real estate market is performing so far. We hope this information will be valuable for you to make the best real estate decisions for you and your family.

Number of Homes for Sale

This first chart showing active real estate listings by month over the past three years ends on a down trajectory. This means that there are not as many homes available for sale as there have been mid-year in the past three years. The low availability of listings and continued demand from homebuyers point to a continued sellers market.

Median Sales Price

This chart shows that home prices are still growing. If you’ve been thinking about listing a residential property for sale, now is a great time to get a lot of value from the sale. If you’re thinking of buying a home, now is also a great time to take advantage of still low historic rates and purchase a home before housing prices increase even more.

Original Listing Price Versus Sales Price

While sellers like to get the most money they can for their property, buyers want to pay the least they can for a home. Through the negotiation process the final price received for a home is often a little less than the original price the property was listed. The first half of 2020 shows that buyers are negotiating better deals for themselves than the previous three years as the gap of list price to sale price has widened a little.

Days On Market

This chart shows that the number of days a home is on the market tend to be shorter in the warm months than in the cold months. Currently we are seeing shorter days on the market that are similar to the same time last year. A smaller number of days on market is another indicator of a sellers market.

- - -

In summary, this data points to continued gains in home prices and continued competition among homebuyers for the real estate listings that are available. Our friends in the home building industry say they are ramping up home building to help offer more new home options for buyers. If you have a home to sell, now is a great time. If you are buying a home, be prepared to act quickly when you find “the one” as you may face a lot of competition.

Working with a great buyers agent, like the buyers agents on The Boehmer Team, will also increase homebuyers’ chances of procuring the perfect home. Contact The Boehmer Team for expert home selling and buying assistance. We know the St. Charles County, Missouri real estate market and even have information on homes that are not yet listed for sale.

15 Simple Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

St. Louis and St. Charles County homeowners are spending more time in and around the home than ever before due to the coronavirus. Not wanting to be stuck inside, many are taking advantage of their time at home by going outside to make improvements to the exterior of their home. These exterior improvements can really boost a home’s curb appeal. So if you are thinking of spending some time improving your home’s exterior and landscaping, here are some simple ways to do it.

Maintain Your Lawn

You don’t have to spend a lot of money for a good looking lawn. Make sure it is kept trimmed, attend to any bald spots and keep it watered. For more advanced tips on lawn maintenance, click here. 

Trim Your Shrubs

It’s spring and plants are growing fast, so it is a great time to trim shrubs and pull any weeds around them.

Freshen Your Mulch

Mulch is a natural material that breaks down with time. Freshen it up by adding more mulch around the base of your landscaping to keep weeds at bay and give the landscaping a well-kept look.

Use Colorful Planters

Colorful planters can be found at local hardware stores on online. You could even paint some old planters to transform them and add color to the exterior of your home.

Add Pops of Color 

In additions to colorful planters, colorful accents can be implemented throughout the exterior areas of your home with flowers, a freshly painted front door, or pillows on benches.

Power Wash Your Home, Deck, Patio, and Concrete

It’s amazing the difference power washing can make to blast old dirt and debris from multiple areas of your home’s exterior. If you don’t own one, you can buy one, borrow one, or even hire a contractor to power wash for you.

Replace Old Porch and Coach Lights

Check your home’s exterior lighting. Does it need to be cleaned, fixed or replaced? There are great options for buying lighting at local hardware stores or online.

Add Porch Seating if Possible

Wanting to spend more time outside your home creates the need for outdoor seating. There are many ways to get creative with outdoor seating. Choose something that compliments your home that will withstand the elements.

Make the Entry Welcoming

What is the vibe of the area in front of your front door? Is it welcoming? A thorough cleaning of the area and a few accents like a wreath or welcome sign can make a big difference.

Update Shutters

We rarely seem to think about shutters, but their appearance affects the overall look of your home. Check the condition of your shutters and make any repairs. If the paint is worn, give them a fresh coat. Or, you can even buy and install new shutters.

Freshly Paint or Replace the Front Door

The front door is a focal point for your home. Check it for dents, scratches or anything that can be repaired. Give it a fresh coat of paint or consider replacing.

Freshen up the Mailbox 

The mailbox is often exposed to the elements and thus can age quickly. Check it for any needed maintenance, give it a fresh coat of paint or new numbers or consider a new mailbox.

Wash Your Windows

You’ll be surprised the difference that washing windows can make. Years of dirt and grime build up slowly that it is hardly noticeable. Washing your windows will make the house sparkle outside and a little brighter inside.

Add Style to You Address Numbers

Unique address numbers are a fun way to add style to your home’s exterior. You can find them at local hardware stores or shop for great options online.

Get a Great Doormat

The last step someone takes before they enter your home is on the doormat. Why not make it a good one? There are lots of fun options to be found at local stores and online. Pick one that is both good looking and functional.

---

Improving your home’s curb appeal actually adds value to your home. If you are thinking of listing the home for sale in the near future, you are doing yourself a great service by upgrading it’s curb appeal. Or if your time in quarantine has shown you all the reasons you would like to be in a different home, contact The Boehmer Team to help you sell your current one and find a new one.

 

Supporting St. Charles County Small Businesses During Quarantine

As a real estate team, The Boehmer Team members are very involved with many small businesses in St. Charles County. We work with inspectors, plumbers, electricians, home maintenance technicians, photographers, cleaning companies, title companies and local mortgage lenders. We even have relationships with local bakeries and restaurants that supply our open houses and other events.

The current stay-at-home order for Missouri that runs through the end of the April is aimed to keep us safe and healthy. But meanwhile some of our favorite local small businesses are feeling the deepest effects of a clientele in quarantine. So how can we support our local businesses during this time?

1. Order Delivery or Curbside Pickup

With a few precautions people can still patronage their favorite local businesses via delivery or take out. If one doesn’t want to leave the house there are services like GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, Shipt, Instacart and more that can shop and deliver groceries and carryout to you. This will even help those laid off from other industries who have picked up driving jobs. Curious about the safety of delivered items? Read about grocery and delivery safety here.

2. Buy a Gift Card

A great way to show that you care about a local business and want to help see it through coronavirus quarantines is by buying a gift card or gift certificate from them.  It will help inject cash into their business when they desperately need it. Also, it gives you something to look forward to for when quarantine is over.

3. Shop Local Online

Your favorite local business may have moved more of their product and services online during this time. (Heck, we can perform an entire real estate transaction online these days.) Check your favorite businesses website and social media pages to see if they have any special offers or items online.

4. Tip Well

Some local businesses are using tips to pay staff that has been recently furloughed. So tip your restaurant workers and delivery drivers well. They don’t have the luxury of working from home during the Covid-19 quarantine.

5. Say Thanks

Nothing beats a sincere “thank you for what you do” to essential workers during this time. The Boehmer Team would like to express our deepest gratitude for the small business workers still keeping our communities running.

Excellent St. Charles County Small Businesses to Support

Since we’re here discussing helping local small businesses, we'd like to give a shout out to some we think are extra great. We’re surely going to miss some good ones, so help us by leaving a comment with your favorite St. Charles County small business.

• Cork and Rind
• O'Kanes Kitchen
• Sarah Wagner (Fit Rx with Dudas Fitness)
• Extreme Electric
• Survant Heating and Cooling (It’s a good time for a spring HVAC Check up)
• 6th & Market Online Boutique
• Grandma’s Cookies
• Abby Eich Photography

Have a real estate question? Contact The Boehmer Team to for expert advice.

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.

---

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.

Year-End Deals on New Construction

The competitive real estate market in St. Louis and St. Charles County, Missouri has created a more active end-of-year real estate season. Homebuyers wanting the best deal on the perfect home are willing to make offers even in the midst of the holiday season. And these smart homebuyers are finding some of the best deals of the year.

In a blog we wrote last year, we pointed out how December 26th is one of the best days of the year to get a good deal on a home, whether it’s a new or pre-existing home. Since historically winter months are a little slower in real estate, some of the best deals come out during this time. If you are dreaming of a newly constructed home, December is an especially good month for getting the most value for your dollar.

Home builders work year round. Many have homes for sale that are in the process of being built and homes for sale that have recently been completed. So you won’t have to wait long to get into a brand new home. 

Are you ready to move into a brand new home?

If you are ready right now for a brand new home, you’ll want to visit BuyNewAndNow.com.  Here you can find a list of homes around the St. Louis and St. Charles County area that are newly built and available for sale.

Want a new home with your preferred paint and finishes?

If you are willing to wait a few weeks for your newly constructed home, you could get in on the end of the construction process and choose some of the paint colors and finishes. Visit our New And Almost Ready for You page to see an updated list of homes for sale that are currently in the construction process around the St. Louis and St. Charles County area. (Link to page also available on BuyNewAndNow.com)

Quality St. Louis & St. Charles County Home Builders

Some of the esteemed home builders that often have new construction home inventory at the end of the year include: Fischer & Frichtel, Bridgewater Communities, Renaissance Living and GenesisDevelopment Company. These home builders each have unique offers and products.

Fischer & Frichtel: This long-time company designs and builds to the highest standards for superior, enduring value. They offer a wide variety of floor plans and several great communities to build in.

Renaissance Living: 

Renaissance Living offers the efficiencies of high production building with the flexibility and personal touch of custom building to give you a new home that is affordable, customized and personal.

Bridgewater Communities: This great home building company specializes in villas. If you are looking for privacy and spaciousness in a home without the time consuming restraints of exterior maintenance, this builder is a perfect option for you.

Genesis Development Company: Committed to providing premier customer service throughout your new home building experience, this company strives to deliver unparalleled workmanship on every new home.​ 

- - -  

The end of year may be busy, but savvy homebuyers will find some of the best deals during this time. Don’t forget to check out and/or bookmark BuyNewAndNow.com to keep tabs on the latest deals on brand new homes. You deserve the best quality new home and our goal is to help you get it. If you have questions about buying a new home, contact The Boehmer Team. We are here to help.

St. Charles County Hiking and Outdoor Fun

Spring in St. Charles County is the perfect time of year to spend some time outdoors. Since most of us are usually in a car, home or office, when the weather turns springy, it’s hard to resist getting out in it. So we looked for all the best hiking and outdoor spots in St. Charles County to grab a few minutes or hours on your own or with some friends while the weather is at its springtime best. 

Bangert Island

Bangert Island

1704 S. River Road, St. Charles, MO 63303

That’s right, we have an island. Bangert Island is along the Missouri River just south of the Blanchette Bridge. This 160-acre park includes 4 miles of natural surface trail for hiking or mountain biking, guests may encounter white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoons, opossums, and a variety of songbirds. It is a typical wooded Missouri River island, featuring cottonwood, sycamore, box elder, silver maple, and black willow trees. State fishing regulations apply and hunting is prohibited.

Broemmelsiek Park

Broemmelsiek Park

1795 Highway DD, Defiance, MO 63341

Named in honor of the family of Jack Broemmelsiek, this park is rich in St. Charles County history. Find 494 acres of natural beauty and several large lakes at Broemmelsiek Park. Enjoy more than 7 miles of multiuse trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. It also has a 4.7-acre off-leash dog area with large pond that was voted "Best Dog Park" in the region. Join the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) at dusk on Fridays at the park’s Astronomy Viewing Area (weather permitting). 

College Meadows Park

College Meadows Park

4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., Cottleville, MO 63376

College Meadows Park is designed to accommodate citizens of all ages and abilities. This 80-acre park can be found near the west entrance of the St. Charles Community College campus at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. The park features a ¾ mile fitness trail with 10 exercise stations and a fitness machine that’s accessible for wheelchairs. Disc golfers can enjoy a nine-hole disc golf course with concrete tee pads and professional Mach V Disc Golf Baskets that weave through park’s scenic meadows.

Indian Camp Creek Park

Indian Camp Creek Park

2679 Dietrich Road, Foristell, MO 63348
The largest of St. Charles County’s parks is the 603-acre Indian Camp Creek Park. This park has it all. Hikers, bikers and equestrians can enjoy more than 10 miles of multi-use trails. Climb to the top of the restored silo, which serves as an observation tower, and discover beautiful prairies, vast acres of wooded hills, and protected habitat. The park also features a unique eco playground, an exclusive group camping area that is open year around, and an 18-hole state-of-the-art disc golf course. Visit the historical Cannon family cemetery, preserved to honor the region's history. (Some headstones date back to the early 19th Century.) And your fishing buddies probably already know about the large stocked lake in the park situated at the confluence of Big Creek and Indian Camp Creek.

Klondike Park

Klondike Park

4600 Highway 94 S., Augusta, MO 63332
With 250 acres of scenic property, Klondike Park has more than 4 miles of natural and paved trails for hiking and biking. Once the site of a silica sand quarry, the area has been turned into beautiful parkland. Find the lookout bluff to see picturesque views of the Missouri River Valley and Katy Trail. This park, nestled in Missouri's wine country, also includes camping with tons of amenities and a modern meeting facility. Fishermen will enjoy the fully stocked large fishing lake and free boat ramps to access the Missouri River. Watch birds, have a picnic and/or let you children enjoy the playgrounds at Klondike Park.

Matson Hill Park

Matson Hill Park

670 Matson Hill Road, Defiance, MO 63341
Enjoy 475 acres of rugged heavily forested parkland at Matson Hill Park. This park has become the area's Number One hiking and biking destination. This historical property is situated in the "Daniel Boone Region" and is perfect for any outdoor getaway or retreat featuring over 6 miles of natural surface trails. Designed with limited outside development, the park reflects the natural surroundings found in the area during the time of Boone's life.

The Park at New Melle Lakes

The Park at New Melle Lakes

400 Foristell Rd., New Melle, MO 63365

One of St. Charles County’s newest parks is The Park at New Melle Lakes. It is a former golf course property connecting to other adjacent properties owned by the County forming a 400-acre park. Hikers and cyclists will enjoy almost four miles of paved trails. Meanwhile the adjacent property (off Highway Z) has 1 mile of natural surface trails. A premier 18-hole “champion” disc golf course is available for both beginner and expert disc golfers. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed at a 25-acre lake and multiple smaller lakes and ponds. Or, enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic tables located throughout the park. 

Quail Ridge Park

Quail Ridge Park

560 Interstate Drive, Wentzville, MO 63385

Quail Ridge Park includes 250 acres of pastures, wooded hillsides, and rich bottom land near Peruque Creek. Take advantage of the more than 7 miles of natural surface and paved trails that wind throughout the park. Dog lovers will enjoy the 2.5-acre off-leash dog area. The park is also the home of National Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame and an 18-hole disc golf course. Bring your friends to the large group picnic area or fish in the stocked 3-acre lake and small fishing pond.

Towne Park

Towne Park

100 Towne Park Drive, Foristell, MO 63348
Donated by the late Mrs. Betty Towne, Towne Park is rich in St. Charles County history. The 109-acre park features paved and natural surface trails, a large fishing pond, picnic areas, a forest-themed playground and a series of interlinked scenic rain gardens to enjoy. Check out the reconstructed 1800s historical homestead. Experience history, nature and education all coming together at the only Certified Nature Explore classroom in St. Charles County.  

Partial Map of Veterans Tribute Park

Veterans Tribute Park

1031 Kisker Rd., St. Charles, MO 63304
Veterans Tribute Park is a newer park in St. Charles County. The park is an oasis surrounded by residential development in a suburban setting. The park’s walking and biking trail system wraps around and through the park for 1.6 miles. For beautiful views of the lakes through a canopy of trees, take the raised boardwalk extending from the historic 1916 silo past the playground. The playground is divided into zones for children of all abilities including those needing social/emotional, physical, sensory, cognitive, and communication development. Bring you dog to the 3-acre off-leash dog park. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing at the two stocked lakes. Or take advantage of the three open-play fields that make perfect locations for pick-up games and activities.

The question is? Where are you going to go first?

Did you think of a great hiking spot in St. Charles County that we missed? Let us know. Leave a comment below.

The Boehmer Team pride ourselves in knowing the St. Charles County area. If you are thinking of making a move in St. Charles County or have a question about a particular neighborhood or community, contact us.