What a week!!!

What a Week of Previews!!!

This has been a great week in real estate around town. I've seen some absolutely breathtaking new listings, particularly, these two neew listings in Webster Groves and Ladue.

#3 Daniel was a real treat - a total renovation with several additions over the years. I loved the house, which wasn't over-the-top in any way, but was still extremely comfortable in every way. It's a home for "living in", which, while it should seem obvious, isn't always the case.

The other show stopper was 16 Algonquin Lane in Webster Groves. This might be the premier lane in 63119 and the house is smashing. Listed as over 3,500 sq. ft., this one is has just the right amount of everything. I'm not convinced that the price is right, but for the right buyer, it's a wonderfully stately home with an incredible view over Algonquin Country Club.

Click on the address links to see more photos of these properties. They're worth it!

What's MY Style???

I get to see loads and loads of houses. Living in Glendale myself and being so involved with older homes in established neighborhoods, my personal preferences clearly rest there.

This home in Clayton just came on the market this morning and the style really struck me (even before I saw the price and interior!). I love the charm of Tudor, particularly when the gables and trim are gray or light colors. I also like the steep pitches, narrow window openings and central chimney. When I think of "Curb Appeal", this is what comes to mind.

While my Webster Groves, Kirkwood, and Glendale friends may argue, you just can't beat Clayton. Scenic, central, great schools, and vibrant.

7015 Stanford - University City

University City is one of St. Louis' oldest and most historic near-suburb. It's also a dream location for anyone who works downtown, in midtown, in north or west county, or Clayton.

This home is an ideal fit for first-time buyers or folks transitioning to the area. For one thing, it has been maintained to top degree, so you are not likely to walk into a bunch of "surprises". Also, friendly neighbors, block parties and a strong community feel make the neighborhood a 'no-brainer'.

U. City has come a long way in the last decade. The Loop, about 1/2 mile east, is widely considered one of the coolest districts in the country - not just the city.

Here are the vitals and a link to more photos:
7015 Stanford, 63130
Updated Kitchen with granite tops
2bed/1 bath
2-Car Garage
Fenced Yard
$209,900

An "Almost New" Classic

I like a lot about this house. For starters, if you like "all things Kirkwood", it's about two or three blocks from your entire world. I hear from buyer after buyer how great it would be to be able to walk to school, little shops and restaurants.

Kirkwood Park is a genuine treasure. Isn't there something very cool about the kids being able to wander up to the community center, ice rink, pool, tennis courts? It's just not something you can do everywhere.

It's also clean, fresh and only 4 years old. The rooms are super comfortable and everything is right where you'd hope it would be. These owners have maintained it impeccably. Take a look for yourself in this video tour.

This one is set to come on the market right after the weekend. Here are the details:

342 W. Washington Ave, 63122

4+bedrooms, 4.5 baths
3,802 sq. ft
Finished 3rd floor
9ft Basement Pour
$675,000

"Father of the Bride"

I think there is a reason everybody seems to love this style of home. It's warm, inviting and so comfortable you just want to stay. I had the privilege of helping this family move into this great neighborhood back in 2005. They have only grown more attached to their Webster roots during their time on Planthurst Rd.

Center hall Colonials never seem to go out of style. I remember learning about how desirable they were one day when I called home to say hello to mywife around lunch time. I mentioned the new listing on the market right around the corner from the home we'd only just bought..."that Colonial you like."

She didn't say anything for about 10 seconds. Then she said, "We have to buy it." I thought she was joking, but this March will make 7 years. I guess she wasn't.

Moral of the story: Calling home to say hi around lunch time is ALWAYS a good idea.

Our Move

As many of you know, my team (Colleen, Susan and myself) recently moved to a new office. Our new company is RE/MAX Results, the fourth largest real estate brokerage in St. Louis. Fourth may not seem all that flashy, but this place is a pocket dynamo. Our 100 agents outsell companies way more than twice its size. In the first week I've been here, it's been a great fit and I am very happy to be here.

Thanks to Susan and Colleen, the actual move wasn't so bad for me. I spent the previous day tending to some "baby stuff" and came to the new office on Friday to find things pretty well under control. In fact, by the time I got to the office at 1pm, my computer was up and running and our "down time" was exactly zero minutes. We had two contracts come in on Saturday and have sold three houses in the five days we've been here.

It's been interesting to notice some things that come with moving, though. I now pull out the driveway and head north instead of south. New adjustments for drive time to the dry cleaners and pharmacy will need a little more time to complete. We have to find some new favorite lunch spots, one of the things I'll miss most about being right in downtown Kirkwood. And the boxes!!! Just like all of you, we're pulling things out of boxes everyday as we need them. And it's surprising to see how much stuff in those boxes we don't need.

Thank you all for your continued support of our company, which is stronger and more efficient than ever before. Everything we do is geared towards improving our process and making the "work of moving" smoother for our clients. It's a new year and a new beginning for this team and we are more excited than ever to help you get moving, too!

Making the Most of it

I wanted to post a link here to my friend Toby Tanser's blog. He is a super-cool human being, making the most of his love for people, running and the value of each human life. I always enjoy reading about his friendships and adventures in Kenya, the center of the distance running world.

Toby decided a while back to build a hospital for the people in Kenya who lack many of the basics in daily life, from shoes to healthcare. He has undertaken the goal of raising $15 million, although he'd never tell you that he's doing is almost single-handedly from his apartment in NYC.

I have loads of respect for people who do good things for others, without much fanfare or personal gain -even if it's not $15 million at a time.

http://www.tanser.org/