Answers to Homebuyers’ Most Asked Questions

Every homebuyer is going to have questions when going through the process of buying a home. Knowing what questions to ask and taking into account the answers will empower buyers to make the right decisions for their situation. The Boehmer Team has years of experience helping buyers with answers to the important questions that arise during the home buying process. 

What is the best way to begin the home buying process?

The best way to begin the home buying process is to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan by a reputable local lender. Getting pre-approved before shopping for a home will help you determine how much you can afford and will show sellers you are serious and capable of purchasing their property when you make an offer. The Boehmer Team feels it is important that the lender you choose can be reached easily and is readily available with answers to questions based on your individual needs.

What is this property really worth?

Real estate agents cannot ethically tell a client what to offer for a home. However The Boehmer Team can look at dozens of comparable properties for sale, along with recently sold properties to help determine value. They will look at updates, custom features, lot size, location and more. They can also tell you how long homes in the area are staying on the market and the percentage of asking price that sellers are getting. 

What is the best way to begin the home buying process?

Not all sellers are willing to negotiate asking price or assist with any closing costs. If your strategy is to make low offers, be prepared to make several offers on properties before finding a seller willing to bargain.  Ultimately it is more important to pay market value than a price with an emotional tie to it or unrealistic price based on what a seller still owes on the property. If you are simply looking for a great deal you can always look at foreclosures and fixer-uppers. 

What’s wrong with this house?

The seller says everything is perfect, but unless it is new construction that is rarely the case. The Sellers Disclosure document should contain information on the age of the roof, the age of the appliances, the type of foundation and more. Any other issues most often will appear on a home inspection. The Boehmer Team highly recommends getting a home inspection for any home purchase. Buyers also can also get radon, termite and other building inspections. If a buyer still has a question about a home that is not disclosed, ask the seller directly.

Is this home on a floodplain?

FEMA provides free online maps that show if a home falls within a flood plain. There are different types of floodplains that require different types of insurance. The Boehmer Team can recommend companies that offer flood insurance for different situations. 

Do you have the receipts and warranties for the home’s mechanical systems?

This is not something that buyers have much control over. If a seller purchased a new furnace before putting the home on the market and doesn’t leave any information on where the furnace was purchased, the buyers won’t have many options if the furnace malfunctions. However a home warranty can be purchased at a reasonable yearly fee to cover these types of situations and offer peace of mind.

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When you are ready to buy a home talk to The Boehmer Team. Experience and knowledge have made The Boehmer Team one of the top real estate teams in Missouri. They can help get the answers you need to make the best decision for 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!

 

 

We often find people needing a place to donate used furniture and household items while working in real estate in St. Charles County. The Boehmer Team members always give our clients some options for what to do with these items. What we’ve realized is that to keep our St. Charles County communities and households clean, EVERYONE needs to know of these great options for donating and disposing of household items in the area. Here’s a list of places to donate, sell or recycle your things in St. Charles County, Missouri.

 

DONATE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Goodwill Retail Stores

There are six Goodwill locations where you can donate furniture and household items in the St. Charles County area. For more information about Goodwill check out their website at: https://mersgoodwill.org/stores/.  Here’s a list of St. Charles County, Missouri Goodwill locations:

• Goodwill Retail Store of St. Charles
  2420 West Clay Street
  636-724-0804

• Goodwill Retail Store of St. Peters – Harvester Rd.
  3551 Harvester Rd.
  636-685-0712

• Goodwill Retail Store of St. Peters, MO – Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
  620 Midrivers Mall Drive
  636-278-2916

• Goodwill Donation X-Press
  635 Salt Lick Rd.

• Goodwill Retail Store of O’Fallon
  1210 Highway K
  636-294-9526

• Goodwill Retail Store of Lake St. Louis
  913 Robert Raymond Drive
  636-625-4256

 

OASIS Thrift Store

The O.A.S.I.S Food Pantry organization has been serving hungry families in the St. Charles County area for years. But did you know that have a thrift store? They even take donations. Learn more about OASIS, what they do and about items you can donate at: https://oasisfoodpantry.com/thrift-store-2/

1812 Boone’s Lick Rd.
636-233-8924
oasisthriftstorestcharles@gmail.com

 

The Sharing Shed

The Sharing Shed was started in 2001 by Vicki Unser, who first ran The Shed out of her garage. She was inspired to help provide items to families in need. Now they have a great location in O’Fallon to donate and purchase items.  Learn more abut The Sharing Shed and the donation items they accept and don’t accept on their website: https://www.thesharingshed.org/

923 East Terra Lane. O'Fallon, MO 63366
636-439-6889
info@thesharingshed.org

The Salvation Army

After a Christian mission was described as a “volunteer army” in their annual report in 1878, they decide to take the name Salvation Army. Since then the organization has been a force to serve in over 100 countries.  At the Salvation Army one can donate many types of items from clothing to furniture to vehicles.  You can even schedule a free pickup.  Visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ for more information. Here are the two St. Charles County Salvation Army locations.

• Salvation Army O'Fallon Corps (MO) Donation Drop Box
  William Booth Dr, O'Fallon, MO, 63366
  636-240-4969
  satruck_stlouis@usc.salvationarmy.org
  
  
• Saint Peters (MO) Family Store & Donation Drop Off
  30 Harvester Square, Saint Peters, MO, 63303
  1-800-SA-TRUCK
  satruck_stlouis@usc.salvationarmy.org

 

Renewed Treasures

In the city of St. Charles you can find Renewed Treasures. They accept all types of household item donations (no mattresses, TV’s or computers). They also accepted items for recycling, repurposing, or revenue including: used printer ink cartridges, broken jewelry, aluminum can tabs and old keys (partner with Ronald McDonald House), damaged books, shoes, purses, and clothing.  Visit their website at http://www.renewedtreasures.org/ to learn more about them.

2215 Droste Road, St. Charles, MO, United States
314-378-2865

 

FISH of St Charles Food Pantry and Thrift Store

F.I.S.H. or Friends In Serving Him was founded in 1969 and is a volunteer organization to the less fortunate in St Charles County providing food, clothing, linens, housewares and care. Donations are accepted on Saturday only. Be sure to reach out to them to see if they have room for your type of donation. Learn more about FISH at https://fishofstcharles.com/

1150 Cave Springs Estates Drive
St Peters MO 63376
636-447-5482​

 

Mary Martha Thrift Shop

Brought to you by St. Patrick Catholic Church is Mary Martha Thrift Shop.  Here you are allowed to bring your donations freely and place them in either of the drop-off sheds as space allows.  If a shed is full it will be locked. Donations left on the ground will be discarded, so please either place them in one of the drop sheds or bring them back when space allows. Note: they tend to accept smaller household items and clothes. For more information on what can and can’t be donated visit: https://www.stpatrickwentzville.org/marymartha

9 W Koenig St, Wentzville, MO 63385
636-327-7848

 

USA Resale

With three locations in the St. Charles County area, USA Resale is a great option if you want to sell your items via consignment. The furniture or household items to be dropped off must be pre-approved by sending a photo to the individual store you wish to consign with.  The money you make at USA Resale can be in the form of store credit or via a check (if your balance is $25.00 or more). Learn more about USA Resale at their website: https://www.usaresale.com/

• 10 Town & Country Market Place, Warrenton, MO 63383
  Phone: (636) 456-8188
  Email: usaresale01@gmail.com
  
  
• 1251 Wentzville Pkwy, Wentzville, MO 63385
  Phone: (636) 327-7666
  Email: usaresale@outlook.com
  
  
• 4109 Old Highway 94 South, St. Charles, MO 63304
  Phone: (636) 366-6100
  Email: usaresale3@gmail.com

Recycle Works Central

If you need to dispose of something that a thrift or resale store won’t take, check out Recycle Works Central. They accept things like old computers, nonworking appliances, car batteries, cooking oil, scrap metal and more. They are currently only open Monday through Friday. For a full list of things that can be recycled at their location in St. Charles County, visit https://www.sccmo.org/892/Recycle-Works---Central

60 Triad South Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304
Ph: 636-949-7900, ext. 4273

 

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We hope this list helps you clear your home of items that no longer have a good place in it. Please do not dump unwanted furniture and household items in our lovely community.  Contact The Boehmer Team If you’re looking for a bigger home with more space for your items or a smaller home to worry about less stuff in. We strive to help area buyers and sellers get the best deal and have the best real estate experience in our area.