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)?
• Are they versed in the recent compensation changes in the industry and how affected builders are reacting to the changes?
  
  

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!

 

 

How To Support Local Businesses in St. Charles County Over the Holidays

The holiday gift-giving season is upon us. There’s nowhere better to find gifts and spend money this season than somewhere local to St. Charles County, Missouri. Buy shopping local, you support business owners in your area. Here are some ways you can support local over the holidays.

 

Shop there

One of the best ways to support a small business during the holidays is to shop there often, for items you use yourself or items you plan to give away as gifts.

 

Buy Gift Cards

Gift cards are a great thing for small businesses because they're a source of instant revenue. If you have picky people on your holiday shopping list, it pays to purchase gift cards from local businesses, provided your loved ones have access to those stores.

One of the many great shops in Old St. Charles.

Meet Friends There

Next time your friends ask to meet to dine at a well-known chain restaurant, suggest visiting a local option instead. You'll likely enjoy a more unique menu and comparable or even more competitive prices.
One of our favorite places to meet friends and shop is old St. Charles. There you’ll find shops like October Moon Trading Co. They always have fun and unique gifts at prices for all budgets

 

Host Events There

Need a place for your holiday event or large family gathering? Check your local options. Rather than cram people into your home, a small business may be open to holding your holiday event. Cork & Rind in St. Charles is a great local option to drink, eat, shop or host a gathering

Private event space at Cork & Rind

Tip a Little Extra

The hosts and servers at your local establishments need holiday spending money to spread around the community too.  I’m sure the staff at one of our favorites, O’Kanes Kitchen in Cottleville, would appreciate a bigger tip. Oh, they offer gift cards too.

 

Keep Them in Mind for the Future

Since it can be easy to forget local businesses that don’t have giant ad budgets, keep a list of local business you like to refer to in the future.

Show Some Social Media Love

Write rave reviews, share posts from your favorite local business, and/or tag friends in posts about local businesses. We’re doing our part by mentioning some our favorites here in this article.

 

Linda & Kelly with another Realtor and Broker, Deb at O'Kanes Kitchen

Sign Up for Newsletters

Newsletters are a great way to keep tabs on your favorite local businesses. Sign up for their newsletter to hear about their latest sales, events and new products.

 

Refer Your Family and Friends

Spread the word and multiply your influence for a great local business by referring your friends and family.

 

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Smaller, local businesses are important to St. Charles County. These businesses create jobs locally, contributing to better property values. So it really does pay to do what you can to support local businesses in your area during the holidays and all year round. Speaking of local, did you know The Boehmer Team members are all local to the St. Charles County area? When you need an expert in the area for real estate, contact The Boehmer Team.

 

 

 

October Events in St. Charles County 2022

The many parties, events and festivals in October for residents of St. Charles County, Missouri makes for a exciting month. While some of these events are new and improved, others are long-time family favorites for folks in the area. Whenever we aren’t serving our wonderful real estate clients, we’re trying to fit in as many of these fun events as possible. Just check out this list!

 

PUMPKINS GALORE IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

 

 

Pumpkin Fantasyland and Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Location: 199 Jackson Street. Augusta, Missouri
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays in October
Link: http://centennialfarms.biz
Decorated with full size pumpkin and gourd figures representing farm folks, storybook characters and some of your favorite movie characters. Hundreds of large and small pumpkins.

 

Daniel's Farm & Greenhouse October Harvest
Location: 352 Jungermann Rd., St Peters, Mo
Dates: October 1 – October 31st, 2022
Link: https://fun4stlkids.com/Whats-Happening/Corn-Mazes-and-Farm-Fun/Daniels-Farm-Greenhouse-October-Harvest/View-details
Pumpkins available for purchase without admission to straw maze and much more.

 

Pumpkin Glow in Historic St. Charles
Location: 230 S. Main St.
Dates: October 28, 2022 - October 29, 2022
Link: https://www.discoverstcharles.com/event/pumpkin-glow-in-historic-st-charles/1336/
The street will be illuminated with hundreds of eerily glowing pumpkins. Not a trick-or-treating event.

 

Autumn Harvest at Streets of St. Charles
Location: 1650 Beale Street Saint Charles, MO
Dates October 15, 2022, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autumn-harvest-at-streets-of-st-charles-tickets-422920575827
2nd annual Autumn Harvest event at Streets of St. Charles! Celebrate fall with pumpkin carving, drinks, live music & more!

 

SPOOKY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Legends & Lanterns
Location: 230 S. Main St. Saint Charles, MO
Dates: 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
Link: https://primary-stcharles.simpleviewcms.com/events/legends-lanterns/
Legends & Lanterns, a "spirited" journey through Halloween History is an annual event that finds its inspiration from the past. From the vintage charm of Halloween in the 1910s-1930s, to the historical rituals and customs brought to the holiday by the Druids and Victorians, to the ethereal atmosphere depicted in American ghost stories and Brothers Grimm fairy tales; this event will offer treats and tricks for guests of all ages. A little bit silly. A little bit macabre. But all in fun.

Ghoul House and Haunted Trail
Location: 5546 Chestnut St, St Charles, MO 63304
Dates: October 26th-29th
Link: https://www.publicschoolhouse.com/event-details-registration/ghoul-house-and-haunted-trail
Join us for an evening of fun and frights at The Public School House in Cottleville, Missouri! ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT COTTLEVILLE FIREFIGHTERS OUTREACH!

 

City of Flint Hill Halloween Carnival
Location: 2061 Grothe Rd,Wentzville,MO
Dates: October 30th from Noon to 3 p.m.
Link: https://allevents.in/wentzville/city-of-flint-hill-halloween-carnival/200023288424848
They will have Carnival Games, Prizes, Trick-or-Treating, Music, Vendors, and More!

Halloween Party in the Park
Location: Founders Park (7 Freymuth Road, Lake St. Louis, MO)
Dates: Friday, October 21,2022
Link: https://www.lakesaintlouis.com/2355/Halloween-Party-in-the-Park
FREE family-friendly event. Activities will include inflatables, DJ, balloon sculptures, face painters, pony rides, and many more hauntingly good treats!

OTHER OCTOBER EVENTS IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

St. Louis Renaissance Festival
Location: 2577 West Meyer Rd. Wentzville, MO
Dates: September 17th – October 23rd
Link: https://www.stlrenfest.com/
The St. Louis Renaissance Festival is a long-standing event that brings you the adventure, excitement, and spirit of the Renaissance! Travel back in time as you step into the beautifully wooded, 16th century French village we call Petit Lyon. Thrill to the exploits of Jousting Knights on thundering steeds. Roam the shops for unique crafts by artisans like blacksmithing and woodworking. Nine stages of entertainment will delight with comedy, music, magic, and more. Enjoy delicious food and drink from the far reaches of the globe, and interact with the colorful villagers, nobles, peasants and characters of ages past. Weekends September 17-October 23, 2022 plus Monday October 10, 2022.  Free Parking.

 

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Did you see any events on this list that you absolutely can’t miss? Maybe one of us on The Boehmer Team will see you there. Meanwhile, October can also be a busy month in real estate. It’s still a great time to sell. And someone on The Boehmer Team can always make time for your real estate needs. Contact us if you have any real estate questions or if we missed any events on this article.