Purchasing a Home from a Qualified Agent and an Accomplished Home Builder

Posted by Elizabeth on March 3, 2010

For more than 100 years, real estate agents have been assisting people in buying their dream home.  Throughout the last century, this profession has employed some of the most talented, and passionate professionals in the industry.
The vast growth lead to the creation of companies where the nation’s most talented real estate agents could work together to ensure home buyers are able to live in a safe and comfortable home for many years.

Coldwell Banker and Gundaker Realtors have a combined history of 113 years in real estate services.  The two merged to create the St. Louis area’s number one residential real estate services firm.
Fischer and Frichtel has been working with CBG for more than 10 years. 

Fischer and Frichtel is an integral part of the Coldwell Banker Gundaker Town and Country office – the Number One office in the state of Missouri.  This partnership has been extremely beneficial to both companies.
Through the relationship, F&F has the opportunity to educate the team at Coldwell Banker Gundaker through seminars on new construction projects and green building, and luncheons to showcase Fischer and Frichtel’s beautiful new communities.

The agent/builder relationship is based firmly on respect and constant communication; it is vital in each other’s businesses.  It’s imperative for builders to respect the job of agents and look forward to working with them – the main goal is to make their clients as happy as possible.  Without agents, Fischer and Frichtel would be without one of the largest and most important parts of its business.
It’s essential to home buyers that they work with qualified and professional agents that work with the area’s premier home builder.

Buying a home is the largest purchase in someone’s life.  It is Fischer & Frichtel’s paramount goal to ensure homes are designed for lasting value and built to the highest standards.  Homes built by Fischer and Frichtel will retain their beauty and desirability for many years to come.

Small Community, Big Lifestyle

Posted by Elizabeth on February 24, 2010

Imagine waking up each morning in an estate atop a wooded bluff overlooking the Missouri River Valley. 

Wild Horse Canyon has 12 magnificent estate sites on 25 acres of rugged, unspoiled beauty.  These luxury homes are set in a masterpiece of nature shielded on the east by a spectacular ravine.  The rolling hills, the gentle cliffs, and the elegant lifestyle all set Wild Horse Canyon apart from other communities.  Truly prestigious and timeless – these homes adorn the bluffs above the Missouri River Valley.

With its gentle slopes from the adjacent upland to the valley floor, the Missouri River Valley is beyond doubt, a gem nestled in the heart of Chesterfield.

Discover the great food and wines Missouri has to offer.
Life in Chesterfield gives you the opportunity to experience fine dining at its best.  

Set right in the river valley, Annie Guns is one of Chesterfield’s oldest and most exclusive dining experiences.  Just minutes away from Wild Horse Canyon, you’ll be able to spend an elegant night out and stay close to home.

If you’re in the mood for a fun night with your friends or family, consider an evening at The Melting Pot.  Fondue is a fun and interactive dining experience, and for decades, The Melting Pot has made fondue a staple across the American dining scene.

Elegant Italian cuisine isn’t out of reach; just visit Chesterfield Valley – a stone’s throw away-  where you’ll find upscale restaurants like Villa Farotto, a multi-concept Tuscan style Italian restaurant.

Just minutes passed the Boone Bridge lies one of Missouri’s premier wine countries; spend a Saturday exploring the First United States Wine District.  From Port wine to Norton, from Riesling to Champagne, your taste buds will flutter as you experience the variety of fine Missouri Wines.

Wild Horse Canyon’s Luxury Home Features
Fischer & Frichtel’s paramount goal is to ensure that our luxury homes are built to the highest standards in exclusive, desirable neighborhoods.

Home sites in this community range from over one care to over six acres with seven luxury home models to choose from.  Exquisitely crafted, these homes offer spacious layouts, picturesque views, luxury kitchens, and top-of-the-line stone, siding, and windows.
Indulge yourself in our Home Center where you and a dedicated consultant will bring your design vision to reality.  Innumerable fine design options are available at your fingertips that give you an opportunity express your individuality and exquisite taste. 

Wild Horse Canyon has taken luxury living to a new level, and has set a new standard for custom homes in Missouri.

Life in Lake St. Louis

Posted by Elizabeth on February 17, 2010

Shopping and Dining
Lake St. Louis is one of the area’s premier shopping and dining communities.  With a plethora of cafes and boutiques, you’ll never be far from a relaxing night on the town. 

Scenery
The advantages of living in St. Lake Louis extend beyond the shopping and dining you’ll experience.  Everywhere you look there is a reminder of how fortunate you are to be a part of this exquisite community.

• Lakes
  Picture this, glistening lakes with waves quietly hitting the docks, boats gently rocking in marinas, and birds flying over the trees as the morning sun rises.  Lake St. Louis’ two lakes and beautiful scenery allow you to live in an atmosphere that seems more reminiscent of a vacation.
• Parks
  Lake St. Louis is home to five beautiful parks.  Its newest,  Hawk Ridge Park, is family friendly and equipped with an all-inclusive playground, pavilion and grills perfect for picnics, and a Spray Area for those who want to stay cool during those hot summer days.
  

Living in Lake St. Louis
The epitome of “new urban” living, Saratoga Terrace Condominium Homes are affordably priced and masterfully designed.

Set in its own walking community, these condominiums offer a beautiful view with acres of green space in a cozy small-town atmosphere.
Adjacent to Hawk Ride Park and The Meadows shopping mall, you’re never too far from exactly what you need – be it to unwind at the park or relax with some retail therapy.

The city of Lake St. Louis is simply one of the best places to call home.   It offers some of the finest residential amenities available.  With two lakes (550 acres and 75 acres), beautiful beaches, luxury condominiums, swimming pools, horse stables and parks, Lake St. Louis is truly unlike any other community.  

Living in a Villa Community

Posted by Elizabeth on February 10, 2010

At one point in your life, keeping up the exterior of your home was a top priority.  You wanted to have the best looking yard in the neighborhood and you’d pull each dandelion out by hand if you had to. 

Now, having a great looking yard is important to you, but you’d rather focus on spending time with your friends and family and let someone else take care of you exterior maintenance.  You can still have the best looking yard in the neighborhood, and you don’t even have to work at it.

Life in a Villa Community
Think back to the 1960’s.  If you weren’t around then, just picture and episode of “The Wonder Years.”
Close-knit friendships with your neighbors, privacy from busy streets and highways, and peace of mind knowing you’re extremely safe. 

Privacy
Relax in the atmosphere around you without loud highway noise.  Sit on your porch and enjoy the sunset with lemonade or take a stroll around a lakeside walking trail. 

Peace of Mind
Though villas are typically smaller than other homes, they’re still equipped with basements you can retreat to in case of bad weather.  A tight community ensures you can trust your neighbors, and you’ll be looking out for each other.  Villa communities are private but not secluded; many businesses are just blocks away if you need anything.

Luxury
Don’t leave out luxury when searching for a villa, you’ve worked hard- you deserve it.  If you want vaulted ceilings, you’ve got it; if you want a luxury kitchen with double ovens, it’s yours.  With a plethora of affordable options, you’ll be able to customize your villa exactly the way you want it.

Exterior Maintenance
You’ll never have to worry about keeping up with the exterior of your house again.

• Forget about mowing your lawn.
• Don’t lose sleep over landscaping.
• No more shoveling the snow off your driveway or sidewalk.

You need a cozy place to treasure the memories of a lifetime.  Fischer & Frichtel’s goal is to ensure that your villa is designed for lasting value and built to the highest standards.

Getting All Your Ducks In A Row Before Buying Your New Home

Posted by Elizabeth on February 4, 2010

Whether it’s your first house or your 5^th house, its imperative that you get everything in order.
Building a home is a big step, but before you can start thinking about paint colors and what kind of couch will look great in the living room, you need to take a step back and make sure to get everything in order.


Make a Budget.
How much can you afford?
Purchasing a home at a price you can afford is key to maintaining homeownership.
Several factors go into deciding how much you can afford on a new home:
1) First, get prequalified for a loan.
2) See how much you can afford for a house payment.
3) How much can you afford for the down payment?
4) Don’t purchase a house that’s over 2 ½ times your actual salary.

Don’t Buy Cheap.
If the price is that low, will the quality be high?
As we’ve mentioned before, though foreclosures come at unbeatable prices, they also come with endless repairs and headaches.
-Keep an eye out for affordable homes in established neighborhoods. 
Not only will your resale value be much higher, you’ll be able to have a home around people who have the same standards of living as you.
Fischer & Frichtel in St. Louis has lowered the prices on their luxury custom homes.
-You want to be happy with your home for years to come – don’t settle.

Choose the Right Builder.
With the plethora of builders the St. Louis area has to offer, how do you choose which one is the best for you?
-Reputation
The best way to learn about a builder is to visit homes they’ve built and talk with the owners. Ask if they’re happy with their home.  Ask how flexible the builder was.  Ask how timely their house was completed.  Would you purchase another home from this builder? �
-Quality of Work
When looking for a home, inspect the quality of the finishes, such as cabinetry, trim work, and paint that they offer.
Ask the builder to review the list of custom features that are standard in each house as well as the safety features and product lines that are used. (Some custom builders do not let you choose the amenities you’d like in your home which can increase the price.  Fischer and Frichtel in St. Louis allows their buyers to pick what works best for them.)
-Does the company offer a Home Center to help you design?
Building a new home is stressful enough.  Be sure your builder offers design help.
Designing a new home is one of the building process’s most enjoyable rewards.  Choose a builder that offers this custom service.

Decide What Area Suits Your Needs The Best.
Deciding which area you’d like to live in will help you to better understand your housing needs.
-Proximity
How close or far away would you like to be from your neighbors?
Do you want to live close to highways, grocery stores, and shopping malls?
-Property
Do you own land that you’d like to build a custom home on?
Do you want to maintain your yard or would you prefer to live in a maintenance-free residence?
-Community
Would you enjoy living in a quaint walking community or a luxury gated sanctuary?
Would you like to live lakeside or in rolling hills?

Once you’ve determined your needs and the type of home you can build within your means, you’re ready to go.
Good luck!

Luxury Neighborhoods Become More Affordable

Posted by Elizabeth on January 27, 2010

There’s something to be said for living in a custom home – whether it’s prestige, class, or a sign that your hard work has paid off and you’ve finally made it.  Sometimes, because of price, these homes are hard to obtain; but living in a luxury community is no longer out of reach.  Fischer and Frichtel has significantly lowered the prices of homes in these communities and others in the area.

Missouri’s Extraordinary Luxury Neighborhoods
1. Talbridge – St. Charles, Missouri
Set on 187 acres of gently rolling terrain, ringed by naturally wooded areas, this community has direct access to local highways while still remaining luxurious.
St. Charles lies at one end of the Katy Trail, a state park enjoyed by bikers and walkers.   Since the late 1970’s, there has been healthy new home construction, commercial expansion, and population growth.

2. Grandview – Sunset Hills, Missouri
On 75 lush acres, Grandview offers 120 foot frontages on beautiful rolling terrain.  18 acres of common ground ensures you will always have a place to reflect and relax.
Sunset Hills is home to Thomas Jefferson School, a private boarding school for grades 7-12 which holds the #1 ranking SAT scores for private boarding school students.  Sunset Hills also hosts a unique outdoor sculpture garden, Laumeier Sculpture Park, which has rotating indoor exhibitions and numerous large sculptures on the park grounds.

This home is move-in ready in our Grandview community.

3. Leighton Hollow – Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
With new luxury home designs, this community includes lakeside home sites, multiple car garages, and a convenient location.
Dardenne Prairie maintains a rural flavor in a suburban setting.  If you are considering moving your family or business to the St. Charles County area, Dardenne Prairie is a great place to live with  acres and acres of natural parks, beautiful residences, several thriving business plazas, a new downtown area, and private high school.

4. Spring Mill – St. Charles, Missouri
This gated community with winding avenues is home to a 4 acre lake and relaxing atmosphere.
The city of St. Charles is also home to a Riverfront area and Main Street that are a central gathering place and focal point for the community. The primary features of the riverfront and Historic Main Street are residences and businesses open year-round. Each block features shops, many trendy restaurants and offices that visitors and locals frequent.

Life in a luxury community
Luxury homes on full-size home sites ensure you have privacy, enough space to install a pool, plant a garden, or enjoy a summer night on your patio.  A sense of community still remains, while giving you the freedom to have your own tranquil space.

Fischer & Frichtel Launches Plans to Revitalize Local Housing Market

Posted by Elizabeth on January 21, 2010

The nationwide economic downturn has produced a shift in home buyers’ approach to purchasing new homes.

Do you really need it?
Purchasing a new home should be an exciting experience, but the economic downturn has caused many home buyers to rethink if what they “want” is really what they “need.”
Now, a buyer’s primary concern is acquiring the most affordable home possible- price is now paramount on their mind. Some items that were desirable to buyers aren’t as important now, and customers aren’t willing to pay for them.

The option to choose
In previous years, we’ve been making the decisions about what customers needed, rather than giving them the option to choose what they’d like and wouldn’t like in their home.
Fischer and Frichtel wants to make all of our communities affordable to the largest possible number of buyers – and to leave the definition of “affordable” up to the customer. In other words, we’ve taken customization to a new level – the buyer now has greater freedom to customize their home.
Base prices on these new plans have been pared down to rock bottom, and cost-conscious buyers have far more latitude in choosing their interior features – which translates to greater control over the final contract price.
Structurally, the new product lines are designed with virtually all of the same high-quality components previously included, but customers now have almost unlimited freedom to select their preferred amenities.

Affording your dream home
Now buyers can get a luxury, custom home at a price they can afford. Prices and interest rates are at historic lows and have nowhere to go but up. The federal stimulus plan expires this spring, and Missouri tax credit funds are limited and only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Now is definitely the time to maximize the value of their investments.
*Tremendous savings are also available to purchasers in the company’s entry-level communities, where pricing was reduced last fall in conjunction with the federal first-time buyer stimulus program. Some of these neighborhoods offer additional incentives, and the remaining inventory homes in various close-out communities have been dramatically reduced for quick sale.

Pricing

New Homes vs Foreclosures

Posted by Elizabeth on January 13, 2010

Purchasing a foreclosed home can save you up to 25% towards the price of a home, but there are several things you must think about before making that decision.

You are purchasing the home as is.

• If you’ve noticed in foreclosed home ads, they usually read:
  “This home is being sold as is…., Seller will not pay for inspection…, No repairs will be made…”

• Homes go into foreclosure when an owner is unable to meet the financial obligations of a mortgage. Their inability to pay their mortgage may also mean they weren’t financially able to maintain the property.

• When you’re buying a new home, the builder is responsible for some repairs-often times more than a month after the sale.

• The buyer is 100% liable for all repairs after purchasing a foreclosed home (even cracks in foundation and leaky roofs.)

  New homes are made from the latest materials and newest technologies that require little to no maintenance.
  

The home does Not come with a warranty.

• As mentioned above, you have to arrange your own inspection and the homes come with no warranty. You may end up with substantial maintenance bills and unexpected investments.

  New homes are protected by warranties protecting you from unexpected repair bills after your purchase.

Disgruntled Owners

• Often times, these owners are upset that they’ve lost their house, and can leave the home [that you've just purchased] in bad shape.

• Since they aren’t liable for repairs, you’re putting yourself at risk of coming “home” to damages that weren’t there before.

  Why repair what someone else has damaged? New homes give you an opportunity to build your dream home.

Eviction Responsibilities

• When purchasing a home, the last thing you want to do is evict the current owner, but if the bank has not begun the formal foreclosure proceedings, it may be your responsibility to evict the owner.

• In most cases, the home needs to be inspected before you can get a mortgage. If you are dealing with a situation where the tenants are still living in the home, an inspection could be near impossible.

  New homes are available whenever it is conducive to your moving schedule.

Just because it’s a foreclosure doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.

• Sometimes, mortgages have run so steep that the asking price from the bank is actually more than what the house is worth.

• Do your research and make sure you’re not paying too much for a home.

• If you choose to purchase a home at an auction, you’ll most likely need to pay the down payment or entire balance on the spot with cash or check.

  New homes are available for incentive programs, making it more affordable for you to own a new home.

Are the risks really work saving a few bucks in the beginning?

A New Tax Credit for Missouri Home Buyers

Posted by Elizabeth on January 6, 2010

On December 18^th, the Missouri Housing Development Commission approved a first year property tax credit for qualified home buyers up to $1250. Along with the tax credit, a $500 incentive is being offered for purchasing energy-efficient homes or appliances.
This new tax incentive is one of many reasons that Missouri buyers who are considering buying a home should do it now rather than waiting until spring or summer.

This home is available in Montecito, in St. Charles

Who is Eligible?
Given on a first-come, first-serve basis , this tax credit is available to buyers who meet the MHDC’s income limit guidelines. Visit Missouri Housing Development Commission for household income limits by county.
Luxury homes are available within the income guidelines. Lake St. Louis and St. Charles are home to three affordable luxury communities; Charlestowne, Saratoga, and Montecito.
Houses must be under contract after January 1, 2010.
(The tax credit and energy incentive program has a limited amount of money and will eventually run out.)

Where is the Funding Coming From?
Contrary to popular belief, the funding comes from a reserve fund held by MHDC earned through successful management of mortgage loans made to low and medium-income individuals and families, not from general revenue.

What Energy Efficient Upgrades are Covered Under the Incentive?

• Installing high-performance windows

• House wraps

• Programmable thermostat controls

• Water-efficient toilets and faucets

• Energy-efficient water heaters

• Lighting and appliances

• Sealing heating and air conditioning ductwork

• Caulking

• Insulating water heater pipe

• Increasing the R-value of insulation in crawl spaces and attics

• Conducting on-site energy efficiency inspections and tests
  *Blower door test (tests the overall energy efficiency of the house)
  *Duct blaster test (tests how much the air ductwork leaks)

These improvements must be made prior to closing or within 60 days.

How Do I Apply?
The tax credit application will be part of the documents executed at closing. In order to apply for the energy efficiency incentive, you must have all receipts and documentation for proof of energy-efficient improvements.

Why Buy Now?
Interest rates are at historically low levels, but at some point they start rising again. Currently, the housing market offers prices on homes that are much lower than they were just a few years ago. Due to the fact that [if funds are still available] houses must be in contract by the end of April 2010 for the federal tax credits, more sellers will be coming on the market in the winter rather than spring. Buyers in the market right now will have more homes to choose from.

Home Selling Tips

Posted by Elizabeth on January 4, 2010

Marketing your home
If you’ve decided to sell your home on your own, there’s a few things you must first keep in mind:

These days, just putting a sign in your yard wont get you very far at all. This market has caused people to modify the way they reach potential buyers, and one sure-fire way to advertise your home is on the internet.
There are several websites you can place an ad on like FSBO.com and Owners.com.
It’s also important that you put your home on a multiple listing site (MLS.com).
This gives your home exposure to more Realtors who are representing buyers.
Feel free to use other sales websites like Craigslist.org and Yahoo Real Estate.

Remember:
Potential buyers are scouring the internet daily so make sure your pictures are up to date. Change them every 20-30 days. If possible, upload a virtual tour of your home – you can do it yourself or hire a professional.

Online advertising has become increasingly popular, but you cannot forget about print advertising. Purchase a classified ad though a newspaper, and when you do, check and see if they also offer online marketing as well. Most times, you can purchase a classified ad that includes an Internet Home Sales section.

*Before placing your ad, proofread it.
Make sure the price is listed correctly, the address is right, and all the features are listed. The smallest error can turn away a buyer. You don’t want to miss out on any opportunities!

*It’s the little things that count
Focus on the detail that potential buyers might pick up on. You never know what could turn them off. Put yourself in their shoes – if you were looking at a home you’d most likely scrutinize every nook and crannie, so be sure you’re re-touching all the little nicks on the walls, baseboards, and any other imperfections you would pick up on if you were walking through a house.

*After you’ve listed your home online, and purchased a classified ad, have an open house for
buyer’s agents and the public.
Don’t forget that first impressions are everything. Make sure your landscaping is clean, you house is spotless and free of excess clutter. Clutter makes any room appear smaller. Having clean lines and neutral colors gives buyers an opportunity to visualize their belongings in your home.

*We know you love your dog, but who knows if they will?
Remove all of your pets from your home while it’s showing. Vacuum all hair, deodorize, and clean any stains they may have left.

*Make a portfolio of your home’s information and facts about the community.
Make the buyers feel like this community is where they belong. Compile information about parks, events, and schools. Also include warranty information about the appliances, pictures of the home during the holidays, during summer, in the fall – help them feel comfortable.

*Remove the fixtures and window treatments you’re taking with you.
You’re selling the house as a package, you don’t want the buyers to think they’re getting Grandma’s chandelier and your custom drapery. Take them down and replace with fixtures that can be sold with the home.

*Take a look at the competition.
Go to other open houses to see what those owners are doing to appeal to buyers. This will give you a better idea of what to “re-do” and what to “re-touch.”

and finally…
*Get out of the house!
Buyers feel uncomfortable touring a home with the owner in it. Let them be alone with their Realtor and really get a feel for living in the house.

If you’ve chosen to use an agent to sell your home…
You’re probably really anxious to sell your house but, don’t just work with the first broker you find; do your research. Find a few agents in your area that have been recommended by your family and friends. Set up a day to interview these potential agents and be sure to have a solid list of questions to ask.

1) Ask if they have a resume and how many homes they’ve sold in the last year.

2) Don’t be afraid to ask for references.
Have them give you a list of past clients that you can contact.

3) Ask them how they’re going to market your house.
Will they list it on the internet? How many sites will they list it on? Will they list your home in the paper?

4) How often will you hear from them?

5) Will the agent be representing you exclusively, or the buyer as well?

6) What are the commission fees?

7) What did they think of your home (curb appeal, inside)?

8 ) How will they determine the price of your home?
Your home should be priced relative to what other homes that are under contract are selling for. Consider pricing your home lower than other houses in the area to generate interest in your property. A high demand will drive the price up.

Selling your home safely
Selling your home can in some cases, make your home a target for theft.

*Be sure the potential buyer is an actual buyer.

*Have people come with pre-approval letters.

*Lock up your valuables and items you treasure.

*Don’t allow your children to allow in buyers who just saw the home driving by.

*Know who they are. Ask for identification.