Energize Missouri Appliance Program helps homeowners upgrade, lower utility bills

The new rebate incentive replaces inefficient appliances with those that use less energy and water.

With spring coming along nicely, all kinds of government programs to help both homebuyers and sellers, and the variety of green options available, here’s one more reason to increase your home’s market value and practice conservation. Beginning April 19, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy begins the Energize Missouri Appliance Program, offering consumers rebates on a selected variety of ENERGY STAR® new appliances.

To receive the rebate, consumers must buy ENERGY STAR® appliances at participating retail locations or through contractors and provide proof of recycling or haul away of the older, less energy efficient appliances. Appliances eligible for rebates include dishwashers, $75; clothes washers, $75; gas condensing water heaters, $150; Gas storage water heaters, $100; gas tankless water heaters, $100; electric pump water heaters, $150; solar water heaters, $500; gas furnaces, $125; central air conditioners, $100; and air source heat pumps, $250.

These rebates can be combined with federal energy tax credits and any manufacturers’ rebates.

Not only do the rebates help consumers reduce energy consumption and cost, but the program is designed to help create jobs for appliance manufacturers and retail stores.

The state of Missouri received $5.67 million from Recovery Act funds for program participation, which will continue as long as the state has money to support the program, or until the February 2012 expiration date.

Written by Myra Vandersall

St. Louis region ranked in top 10 best housing markets

Our area is also a “best-bang-for-the-buck” and home prices edge up.

It seems as though St. Louis has a lock on the good news department lately. Our region was selected for two Forbes.com lists and home prices are moving up. If you’re shopping for a house, St. Louis is one of the best markets, according to Forbes.com. The magazine recently released their list of Top 10 Best Housing Markets and St. Louis landed in the number eight slot. The list is based on the stability of each metro area as measured by affordability rankings and foreclosure rates as an indicator of a lack of excess inventory, making the top cities what they call the best opportunities for home shoppers. The top 10 housing markets include: Pittsburgh, PA, Louisville, KY, Houston, TX, Minneapolis, MN, Indianapolis, IN, Memphis, TN, Columbus, OH, St. Louis, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX and Austin, TX.

In another Forbes list, St. Louis made the “Best-Bang-For-The-Buck Cities” analysis. This top 100 list is based on solid housing markets, relatively stable employment, a low cost of living and quick commutes.

Home prices are on the way up too, growing for the second straight month in January–up 0.6%, according to real estate data firm First American Core Logic’s Home Price Index. In December the year-over-year increase was 1.54 percent, the first positive number after at least nine months of declines. Nationwide, prices are still falling, down 0.7 percent in January, according to First American.

All good news as we look forward to a spring surge in home sales.


Written by Myra Vandersall

Calendar of Events - January

Friday, January 1
21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride
11 a.m.
Defiance, MO
Sponsored by Trailnet. An enthusiastic group of bicyclists have started each New Year with a bike ride on the KATY Trail. Join them this year for the 21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride. The group will leave from the KATY Trailhead in Defiance at 11:00 am and ride to Augusta (7 miles). They will stop for lunch upon their return to Defiance, depending on restaurant availability. Please dress in layers and wear a helmet.

Sunday, January 3
St. Louis’ Best Bridal Show
St. Charles Convention Center
Noon-4 p.m.
The bridal fashion show features elegant and popular wedding dresses, gifts, appetizers, drinks, music and wedding planners.
$5
For more information, go to http://shows.stlouisbestbridal.com/ or call 314-744-5777

Saturday, January 9-Sunday, January 31
Eagle Days
Various locations
Events include live eagle programs, activities, exhibits, video, guides with spotting scopes and refreshments.
For details go to the Missouri Department of Conservation and download the Eagle Days brochure, or call 573/751-4115 ext. 3289

Saturday, January 9-10
Snowflake Making
The Magic House, Kirkwood, MO
Saturday, 10:00-5:00 Workshop
Sunday, 11:30-5:00 Workshop
Let it snow with artist Marion Nichols as she shares the unique art of cutting paper into intricate snowflakes. Join the blizzard of activity in the museum’s Expericenter to discover how to snip fantastic flakes of your own designs. A former preschool art teacher, Marion Nichols is renowned for transforming ordinary sheets of paper into delicate snowflake patterns, and is the author of several books on the subject.
Info at the Magic House or call 314-822-8900

Friday, January 15-Sunday, January 17
St. Charles Boat Show, Sale and Fisherman’s Expo
St. Charles Convention Center
Friday, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Boat dealers showcase their new, non-current and pre-owned boats, plus all things fishing, including tackle, rods, reels, boating accessories. Family fun for young anglers, seminars and speakers, and boating safety by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Regular Admission - $6.00 / Ages 6-15 $3.00. 5 & Under Free
On Friday, seniors age 60 and above admitted for $3.50
Info at http://www.letsgoshows.com/

Saturday January 23
Winter Wildlife Tracking-Learn from the experts
St. Charles Park District
Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave.
9 a.m.-noon
You’ll never look at “bare” ground again after this tracking class taught by top experts in the field. Learn how to interpret tracks, tail patterns and scat to identify wildlife. Begin with an interactive indoor class with overview of local fauna and tracking techniques, the outdoors to practice what you’ve learned.
Ages 18 and over. To register, call 630-513-6200.
$10

Saturday, January 30
Fete De Glace (Festival of Ice)
100-200 block of North Main
Watch professional ice carvers bring the art to life in a competition using chain saws, power grinders, sanders, cold chisels, hand saws, and irons from 10am-3pm. This competition is judged and juried by the crowd. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available and nearby fire pits to warm up.
Free

January 31-February 28
The Big Read National Endowment for the Arts
The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of reading in American public culture.
Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Street
The book chosen for participation is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. The Foundry Art Centre and the St. Charles Community College Library sponsor the Big Read in St. Charles City/County and bring the community the power of literature.
For more info call 636-255-0270

$35 million economic development package passed at MHDC

As Chair of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, I am very excited to announce that moments ago we passed a $35 million economic development initiative. This initiative, first unveiled by Governor Jay Nixon and myself on November 24, will provide property tax relief to thousands of qualified middle- and low-income Missouri homebuyers, create and protect potentially thousands of good-paying jobs and help improve energy-efficiency in Missouri housing.

The $35 million package was approved at today's MHDC meeting, which was webcast live for the first time ever in an effort to bring increased transparency to the housing agency. The package provides:

1. $15 million to pay the first year of property taxes for qualified homebuyers who purchase a new or existing home after January 1, 2010. This has the opportunity to help between 9,000 and 11,000 Missouri families making less than $100,000 a year.
2. $15 million to finance and begin construction on affordable multi-family housing. This will create and save thousands of jobs at a time when Missouri unemployment is over 9% and allow us to continue to make quality affordable housing available to all Missourians.
3. $5 million in assistance to qualified homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. This helps potential homebuyers overcome the obstacle of coming up with enough cash for a down payment and closing costs. MHDC has been a national leader on this front.
4. Additional assistance to homebuyers who purchase an energy-efficient home or purchase energy-saving appliances. This is an opportunity to raise energy-efficiency standards in Missouri, making a positive impact on both the economy and the environment. It's a win-win.
   

This economic development package provides property tax relief to thousands of Missourians at a crucial time in our economy without spending Missouri tax dollars. This will be paid for entirely out of MHDC's reserve fund and federal recovery funds already in our possession. This comes in addition to more than $100 million in recovery funds and more than $19 million in reserves already allocated to boost Missouri's economy and put Missourians back to work.
My goal as Chair is to ensure MHDC is playing a pivotal role in Missouri's economic recovery and I believe we are doing that. The agency already offers competitive interest rates on home loans for qualified borrowers and a cash assistance loan plan for first-time homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. MHDC has also been a national leader in allowing Missourians to use the $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer tax credit up front for a down payment or closing costs. This program has been a success and will continue until at least April of 2010.

At a time when economic resources are scarce, it is important for you to know that I am constantly looking for new and innovative ways to get our economy moving again as well as ways to better marshal the tools and resources that are available.

One of those tools is the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, which provides low-interest loans to qualified small businesses and family farms. On November 23, I announced the largest-ever small business loan issued through the program. A small agricultural company in Marshall qualified for a $3.4 million loan, which will save the business more than $300,000 over five years compared to the cost of a regular loan. In addition, the loan will allow the company to add jobs and expand its customer base.

Thanks to changes made earlier this year to the Missouri Linked Deposit Program through my Invest in Missouri legislation, I am able to issue these kinds of loans to more small businesses with less turnaround time, allowing them to receive much-needed capital quickly.
Again, this costs Missouri taxpayers nothing. The Missouri Linked Deposit Program allows us to invest right here in Missouri to help small businesses that need it the most and who are playing a pivotal role in our economic recovery.

We have about $200 million in loans already out to small business throughout Missouri and we still have another $520 million available. To find out more about the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, click here.

Regards,

Clint Zweifel
Missouri State Treasurer

Property tax credit will help stimulate more home sales in 2010

A proposal before the Missouri Housing Development Commission would credit up to $1,250 in property taxes for qualified buyers.

Buying a home in Missouri in 2010 looks to include even more incentives for people to enter the housing market. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) is considering a proposal to provide up to $1,250 in property tax breaks for qualified buyers. This, on top of the extended first-time buyer $8,000 tax credit and $6,500 for repeat buyers, sets up next year as one of economic stimulation for Missouri.

The property tax break is supported by Gov. Jay Nixon and State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, the MHDC chairperson. This $15 million proposal would be funded from the Commission’s reserve fund. An estimated 9,000-11,000 households could benefit. Show your environmentally friendly side and the commission will provide an extra $500 if the house is energy-efficient or if the buyer can begin energy efficient steps within 60 days of closing. This perk includes improvements like insulation, energy star rated appliances, efficient water heaters and windows.

Income limits do apply, ranging from $58,300 to $98,560.

The big day is Friday, December 18, when commission members vote on the proposal. Because of all these incentives, those thinking about buying a home next year need to set up a planning schedule and begin sprucing up your house for sale. The first step is to analyze your finances, work on getting as big a down payment as possible, and check that credit score. There may be reports on your score that are wrong or fraudulent, reducing your score and the size of loan. By checking now you’ll avoid problems when you are ready to buy.

And, investigate the MHDC to see if you qualify for more assistance. The Commission administers any number of housing programs, from purchasing a home with a First Place loan, assistance for veterans, buying property in disaster areas and home repair grants. Help is out there for homebuyers to realize property ownership.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Holiday Light Display

Holiday light displays make the season bright and glitzy
St. Charles County is one of the most lighted up communities during the holidays. Add the traditional lights in St. Louis, and families can see stars every evening. Here are a few to enjoy.

O’Fallon
Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt Park
Through December 30 (closed December 24 and 25)
This drive-through holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 8,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals on walk-through night.
Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
$9/ vehicle - $15/large (15 passenger) van - $1 per person/ bus ($25 min.)
Tuesdays - $7 for cars, vans and non-commercial vehicles
$1 off any regular admission with canned food or toy donation (not valid on Tuesdays)
Closed to vehicle traffic on Mondays for train rides by advance reservation only To make a train reservation, call 636-379-5502.

Carriage rides are available too with advanced reservations. Call Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at 636-390-4403.

Sleigh rides are another way of seeing the lights. Reservations are a must. Call 636-379-5502.

After enjoying the Celebration of Lights, save your program! Presenting your program at participating O'Fallon businesses qualifies you for great discounts. For detailed information, go the Celebration of Lights website.

Wentzville
Holiday Night Lights
Rotary Park, Foristell
Through December 27
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Price: $8 per car or $1 per person per bus or van over 7 people
The City of Wentzville Parks & Recreation Department will present the 13th Annual Holiday Night Lights at Rotary Park. This one-mile drive-through display features more that 36 themed lighted displays and 500,000 lights. For detailed information go to the City of Wentzville’s website or call 636-332-9236.

Alton
Christmas Wonderland
Rock Spring Park on College Avenue, off Washington Avenue
Through December 27
Monday-Friday, 6-9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
Price-$7 for cars and small vans
$1 per person for 10+ passenger vehicles
Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see three million lights twinkle amongst a beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park's Christmas Wonderland. Visitors can turn off their headlights and let the holiday displays carry them through the magical scene. Or, make the night even more memorable with a horse drawn carriage ride through the park. Carriage rides are first-come, first-served on Saturdays and Sundays. Other evenings may be possible upon request. For carriage ride reservations, call Greatting Horse Farm at 618-458-6986.
For more information about the event, call 866-465-7890 or go to visitalton.com.

St. Louis County
Winter Wonderland
Tilles Park
9551 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis
Price-$9.00 Family vehicle; $10.00 Limousine; $30.00 Commercial transport van; $75.00 tour bus
Through January 3 (Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
5:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturdays are closed to vehicular traffic and reserved for carriage rides.
St. Louis County Parks is celebrating our 24th year of Winter Wonderland! Winter Wonderland is created and designed by St. Louis County Parks employees. We hope you enjoy your drive through Winter Wonderland.

Horse drawn carriage rides are available every night except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Advanced reservations are required for all carriage rides and ticket prices vary depending on type of carriage and number in party.
Purchase tickets online at MetroTix.

St. Louis
Wild Lights: St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park
December 11-13, 18-23, 26-30
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Price-$4 for Zoo Friends members (no passes)
$5 for general public
Free for children under two
Stroll through the Saint Louis Zoo's enchanting holiday wonderland and enjoy hundreds of thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds, including penguins in paradise, flamingo lagoon and butterfly garden, shooting stars and a gingerbread village. For more information, go to stlzoo.org or call 314-781-0900.



St. Louis City
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Christmas Lights Display

Through January 2
Location: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
After sunset
Free
The display features over 800,000 lights that adorn a magnificent tree, the Bevo Plant, Pestalozzi Street and surrounding landscape of the nation's largest brewery. Light-tour lovers can drive or stroll on Broadway, Lynch, Arsenal, and 12th to admire the spectacular sparkle of the Christmas spirit.
For more information call: 314-577-2000

Do you know of a Light Display in the area? Please share in our comment box!

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010!
Plus...A New Tax Credit for Certain Existing Home Owners!

It's official. President Obama has signed a bill that extends the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010. This program had been scheduled to expire on November 30, 2009.

In addition to extending the tax credit of up to $8,000 through June 30, 2010, the extension measure also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.

So Who Gets What?
The program that has existed for FTHBs remains intact with the one exception that more people are now eligible based on an increase in the amount of income someone may now earn.

Additionally, the program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Deadlines
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Higher Income Caps in Effect
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the tax credit.

What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed by an individual to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the event no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit an individual is owed. Unlike the tax credit that existed in 2008, this credit does not require repayment unless the home, at any time in the first 36 months of ownership, is no longer an individual's primary residence.

What is the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs)?
An eligible homebuyer may request from the IRS a tax credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price for a home. If the amount of the home purchased is $75,000, the maximum amount the credit can be is $7,500. If the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the amount of the credit may not exceed $8,000.

Who is eligible for the FTHB tax credit?
Anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the previous 36 months, prior to closing and the transfer of title, is eligible. This applies both to single taxpayers and married couples. In the case where there is a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify. In the case where an individual has owned property that has not been a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, that individual would be eligible.

As mentioned above, the tax credit has been expanded so that existing homeowners who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years are now eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500.

How do I claim the credit?
For those taking advantage of the tax credit in 2009, you may choose to either apply for the credit with your 2009 tax return or you may apply for the credit sooner by filing an amended 2008 tax return with Form 5405 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf).

Can you claim the tax credit in advance of purchasing a property?
No. The IRS has recently begun prosecuting people who have claimed credits where a purchase had not taken place.

Can a taxpayer claim a credit if the property is purchased from a seller with seller financing and the seller retains title to the property?
Yes. In situations where the buyer purchases the property, even though the seller retains legal title, the taxpayer may file for the credit. Examples of this would include a land contract, contract for deed, etc. According to the IRS, factors that would demonstrate the ownership of the property would include: 1. the right of possession, 2. the right to obtain legal title upon full payment of the purchase price, 3. the right to construct improvements, 4. the obligation to pay property taxes, 5. the risk of loss, 6. the responsibility to insure the property and 7. the duty to maintain the property.

Are there other restrictions to taking the credit?
Yes. According to the IRS, if any of the following describe your situation, a credit would not be due.

• You buy your home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.
• You do not use the home as your principal residence.
• You sell your home before the end of the year.
• You are a nonresident alien.
• You are, or were, eligible to claim the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit for any taxable year. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• Your home financing comes from tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds. (This does not apply for a home purchased in 2009.)
• You owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase of your new home. For example, if you bought a home on July 1, 2009, you cannot take the credit for that home if you owned, or had an ownership interest in, another principal residence at any time from July 2, 2006, through July 1, 2009.

Can you buy a home from a step-relative and be eligible for the credit?
Yes. Provided the person you are buying a home from is not a direct blood relative, the purchase would be allowed.

Can parent(s) who will not live in the property cosign for a mortgage for their child and the child that is a qualifying FTHB still be eligible for the credit?
Yes.

Can a separated spouse who has not owned a home for four years qualify for the FTHB tax credit if the spouse has owned a property anytime in the last three years?
No. However, the spouse may be eligible for the repeat buyer credit. The best path to take in any situation regarding income taxes is to speak with a professional tax preparer or CPA.

If you have any questions that fall outside the situations here, give me a call and if you do not have an accountant to speak with, I can refer you to one.

Your Real Estate Expert,

Grant M. Hickman GRI, ABR, e-Pro

#1 SCHNEIDER Home Buying & Selling Team

Direct: (314) 265-1531

Stop Missouri Double Taxation on real estate and say Yes to a new constitutional amendment and log on to YesToSaveHomes.com.

Let’s stop Missouri politicians from penalizing homeowners and buyers

Missouri is one of 13 states that does not levy a transfer tax on home sales, and a coalition of property owners, businesses and the Missouri Association of REALTORS™ want to keep it that way.

The group sees transfer taxes as double taxation because Missourians already pay property taxes on real estate. A petition drive and a website have been created to help homeowners and potential buyers reach lawmakers who have the power to levy such a tax.

To place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot to prohibit Missouri lawmakers from passing the tax initiative, the group needs more than 157,000 valid signatures. To make voters more aware of this issue, a new website, www.YesToSaveHomes.com is now online to help consumers learn more about the tax, calculate the tax based on the home’s sale price, and get involved.

Here’s the simple and straightforward proposal: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?”

As an example, here’s a calculation on a St. Charles County home sale. The home sold for $150,000 and at the St. Charles County taxation rate of 7.0750%, the amount would be an additional $10,612.50.* Jane Mendenhall, president-elect of the Missouri Association of Realtors, believes the transfer tax places undue stress on low-income Missourians who typically spend a larger percentage of income on their home.

Add the mix of Missourians who have lost their jobs, had pay cuts and have been forced to sell their homes or experienced a drop in property values, and the transfer tax just isn’t good for the recovering Missouri economy.

Legislators are looking around to fine new sources of revenue. The transfer tax is one of those sources politicians are eyeing. With the help of voters and homebuyers, the transfer tax will not be an additional burden on Missouri residents.

* This number is based on area percentages.

Written by Myra Vandersall

Amend your taxes to get HOUSING TAX CREDIT NOW

Amending the tax return is to the home buyers benefit. It is better to get it down now before everyone else. Also, the IRS is constantly changing the rules. If you closed on your home after Nov. 6th, you must use the new form. Buyers need to use someone who is aware of the forever changing rules.

Call The Grant Hickman Team @ (314) 558-9225 for Expert Advice!

Holiday Traditions in St. Charles

St. Charles is in the news again, this time in the AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine. Our holiday festivities, Christmas Traditions, is prominently featured in the November/December issue. To read the feature story, go to http://www.ouraaa.com/traveler/mid/2009/11/tank.html
This joyous season kicks off with opening ceremonies on Friday, November 27, at 11 a.m. at Kister Park. Santa and Mrs. Santa arrive in a horse drawn carriage, escorted by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps and the Legends of Christmas.

To learn more about our premier event, go to www.stcharleschristmas.com
SCHNEIDER Real Estate and our agents are so very proud of our volunteers, the South Main Preservation Society, the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and the St. Charles Special Business District for showcasing St. Charles as a great place to visit and live.

Written by Myra Vandersall

October planting for spring sale

October is the time to garden for now and for a spring sale
Look to the future when planning your fall garden. Putting in some extra work and planning now will pay off in ready–made spring blooms

By Jeanne Baker, MLA, Landscape Designer

Fall is officially here. The nights are cool and the trees are starting to change. There are beautiful flowers that wait to bloom until the temperature drops and the days shorten. Take advantage of this opportunity to add color by planting fall blooming perennials in containers, flower boxes or perennial beds. Containers are the perfect way to extend the growing season and bring color to your entrance. Remember to plant a mix of different species in your container and play with color. Choosing plants with contrasting color and form will stand out from a distance inviting a closer look.

Excellent container plants are chrysanthemums, asters (‘Purple Dome’), pansies, ornamental kale, purple fountain grass and Japanese blood grass. To plant, partially fill your container with potting soil or Styrofoam and insert plants still in their nursery pots. Protect your containers from an early frost by covering or moving them to an unheated garage. This will typically allow you to have beautiful plantings through Thanksgiving. Once the weather turns and an extended period of freezing temperatures is predicted, remove potted plants from their container and place pots in holes in the garden, water well and mulch heavily. Plants can over winter and be planted in a permanent home in the spring or repotted in containers.

Work now to insure a vibrant spring sale
If you want to sell your home next spring, now is the time to get a head start by planting spring flowering bulbs. The more planning you do now, the less work you’ll have come March and April. Pairing bulbs with compatible perennials will keep your beds looking neat even when after your bulbs have bloomed and their foliage have started to droop and yellow. The key is picking bulbs and perennials that require similar growing conditions, such as sunny/dry, moist or shady. Plant the bulbs with their companion perennials so that spreading plants will grow in over the spent bulbs. Suggested combinations:

• Sunny/dry locations – pair daffodils, tulip and/or hyacinth with peony, cranesbill or lamb’s ear to cover. You can plant dianthus in front of bulbs/perennial companions.
• Moist locations – pair Spanish bluebell, fritillaria and/or quamash with astilbe, cardinal flower or brunnera to cover. Can plant mazus and/or coral bells in front of bulbs/perennial companions.
• Shady locations – pair wood hyacinth, windflower or toad lily with hostas, celandine poppy or ferns to cover. Can plant sweet woodruff in front of bulbs/perennial companions.

Don’t have the time or the budget to plant everything at once? Plant the bulbs this fall and fill in with the perennials in the spring. Bulbs need the cold weather in order to bloom so be sure to get them before winter.
For more on bulb/perennial companions go to: http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/extras/083/bulb_companions.php

Fall is the perfect time to plant new trees and shrubs
Give the new plants time to start acclimating to their new environment during their dormant period before spring and the demands of new growth. Be sure to follow planting instructions carefully. The top of the root ball of a B&B plant should never be below ground level. Water thoroughly and apply 3 inch layer mulch. If you haven’t yet selected a tree/shrub the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) has excellent online references to help you decide.
Try using Plants of Merit if you are looking for something different that you aren’t likely to see in everyone’s garden. Plants of Merit have all been tested by MOBOT and local horticulturalists and have proven to be reliable performers with excellent plant characteristics but are underutilized in our region.

Want to browse and look at all the trees there are to choose from that like a wet and shady location? Use Plant Finder Search. Plant Search is the garden’s most extensive plant database search engine. It allows you to search by plant type; cultural requirements, such as sun, water, and planting zone; plant characteristics, like height, width, bloom color and time; uses for plant; features of flowers, leaves and fruit.

With a bit of planning, some imagination and digging power, you can enjoy your fall garden now and potential buyers will enjoy your efforts next spring.

Lake Saint Louis is one of the BEST places to live in America!

Congratulations to the residents of Lake St. Louis! The community placed ninth in the top 10 places to live in Money magazine’s annual listing of the best 100 places. SCHNEIDER Realtors’ own Jane Nicoletti can testify first hand–she’s lived there for more than 20 years and loves Lake Saint Louis.

“Now my grandchildren can enjoy the pool, the parks and walk along the boulevard,” she says. “and there’s shopping galore. How great is it that we made it in the top 10 cities to live list!”

Money magazine’s criteria for the top 100 list is based on school ratings, home prices, employment levels and crime statistics. The magazine judges communities between 8,500 and 50,000 residents.

With it’s five parks, two lakes, three golf courses and a 650-horse equestrian center, Lake Saint Louis has evolved from a resort town to a thriving family-centered community that is projected to have a strong job growth over the next five years.

Last year St. Peters, O’Fallon and St. Charles made the list. Seems like our little corner of the world is doing just fine!

Check out homes in these great places to live!

Spotlight on Continental Title Company

Q: Please introduce yourself?
A: Missy Palitzsch

Q: What is the name of your business?
A: Continental Title Company

Q: Where is your business located?
A: 2159 Bluestone Plaza, Saint Charles, MO 63304

Q: Briefly describe what you/ your business does.
A: Title and escrow services

Q: How many years have you been in business?
A: 8

Q: What is your burning desire?
A: To have a second home in Montana

Q: What’s something not many people know about you?
A: I grow and can my own fruits and vegetables

Q: Do you have a Website Address?
A: www.ctitle.com

Q: What’s the best way for someone to get a hold of you if they have further questions?
A: 314-374-9608

Around St. Charles County

Thursday, July 2-Saturday, July 4
Riverfest, Frontier Park. Games, food, crafts, carnival rides, parade, fireworks and fun for the entire family.
Thursday, Bluegrass Festival
4:30-9:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
Music at 2 stages. Parade at 10:00 AM on July 4th. Fireworks at 9:20 PM. On Friday and Saturday www.stcharlesriverfest.com

Friday, July 3-Saturday, July 4
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest
Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-11 p.m.
Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.
National bands, fireworks, carnival rides, family-friendly shows, kids’ activities, festival food and beverages, Independence Day parade. Info, www.heritagandfreedomfest.com. Or (636) 379-5614.
Free

Saturday, July 4
1 p.m. Parade
4-8 p.m. music
New Town St. Charles

Friday, July 10
Bicentennial Historical Trolley Tours
1-4:45 p.m.
Tour of Old Cemeteries
Historical Trolley Tours developed in conjunction with the Greater St. Charles CVB, the Bicentennial Committee & Steve Wiechens of the First Capitol Lions Club. Trolley Transportation will be provided by the CVB. Participation is limited to 20-22 people per tour and is by reservation only on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Info, 636-255-6154
Free

Saturday, July 11
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
MoCHIP - Child Identification and Protection Program: Keeping MO Kids Safe!
Little Guppy Child Development Center, 3151 Elm Point Industrial Drive.
MO Masonic Family will be on hand to further ensure the safety of area children free of charge. Representatives from the police department and fire department to discuss child safety. Car seat and helmet safety checks, games, ice cream social.
Info, 636-530-6069.
Free

Friday, July 17-Saturday, July 18
Friday, July 24-Satuday, July 25
7:30 p.m.
Lindenwood Center for Fine & Performing Arts Events
Production of Pulitzer Prize Broadway play Harvey
Tickets available at Lindenwood Box Office, www.telecharge.com or 800-447-7400.
General Admission $10.
Info, 636-949-4433

Thursday, July 23
1:30 p.m.
Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles Library District
How To Find Medical Information
Consumer health librarian Denise Ulett helps patrons research understandable, reliable sources for healthcare consumers. Navigate print and electronic information.
Free

Sunday, July 26
1-4 p.m.
Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton
Hummingbird Festival
See hummingbirds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will band birds. Adopt a hummingbird for a small fee.
Info, 618-786-2331, ext. 338
Free

Friday, July 31
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Corporate Parkway Branch, St. Charles Library District
Teen 80s End of Summer Party
Games, trivia, snacks, prizes for best dressed.
Register online or call 332-9966
Free

O’Fallon Is Weathering Recession and is a “Great Place to Raise Children”

While not recession-proof, the Midwest and more specifically the St. Charles County region, has escaped the recent economic woes and mortgage crisis better than most. O’Fallon is a case in point. The St. Charles County Association of Realtors notes that in May, 102 single-family properties in O’Fallon were sold. That’s a 21 percent increase over the 84 houses sold in April. At the national level, home sales rose 2.4 percent from April to May (National Association of Realtors). On the flip side, the average sale price was down 7 percent from a year ago.

Even considering the lower sale price, the movement of homes with a SOLD sign in the front lawn indicates a slow but steady return to housing normality. The total transformation is a long way away, no doubt about it, but the economic news is more positive.

Yet all of the statistics, projections and analysis really don’t tell the story of why O’Fallon has remained a stable community. Recently the St. Louis Beacon, an online newspaper, featured O’Fallon in a series of community profiles. One mantra, repeated over and over, is that O’Fallon is a great place to raise children. This attitude attracts middle class families who want suburban living, good schools and close proximity to metropolitan St. Louis’ features, such as the Art Museum, the Zoo, theater, baseball and restaurants.

The current median household income is $74,426, while 67 percent of the population have household incomes between $50,000 and $150,000. Home prices are affordable, with 39.3 percent of the population living in homes that cost between $200,000 and $299,999, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

During the past 20 years, O’Fallon was part of the westward surge to build more homes and attract businesses across the Missouri River. Now that expansion has slowed, giving the community a breather and time to assess future growth.

With a business and industry mix that includes large corporations such as Citigroup, MasterCard and MEMC Electrical Materials, balanced with smaller employers, restaurants and retail, O’Fallon just might be a model for emerging in good shape from a weak economy.

Interested in buying a foreclosure??

In today’s real estate market every buyer is looking for a deal, and in many cases the best deal can be found by buying a foreclosure.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has now made that opportunity that much more enticing by releasing their Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which will provide borrowers with down-payment assistance when they buy foreclosed properties.
Specifically, MHDC will provide the borrower with 20% of the purchase price up to $14,999. This will be in the form of a second mortgage that will be at 0% interest and will be forgiven after 5 years.

As with any loan programs, there are specific rules and for NSP; some of them are as follows:

• The home that is being purchased must be a foreclosed home. (HUD home, FNMA home, or a bank owned home, etc.) No short sales.
• There are specific income limits by County
• There are specific purchase price limits
• The borrower(s) must have 8 hours of homeownership counseling, which can be provided by any certified HUD counselor.
• The home purchase price must be at a discount of at least 5% from current market appraised value.
• The property must have been without tenants for the past 12 months.

In addition to potentially qualifying for $14,999 free money, the borrowers that are first-time homebuyers will then still be able to file for their $8,000 tax credit on their federal income tax return if they purchase before December 1, 2009. (You do however not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for the NSP!

If you know of anybody thinking of buying a home, I can’t imagine it getting much better than the program MHDC is providing with their Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Call your Realtor today and tell them to get out there and find you a foreclosure!!!

Spotlight on Law Offices of Kristoffer M. Boevingloh, LLC

Q: Please introduce yourself?
A: Kris Boevingloh

Q: What is the name of your business?
A: Law Offices of Kristoffer M. Boevingloh, LLC

Q: Where is your business located?
A: 7717 Natural Bridge Rd., Ste. 203 STL MO 63121

Q: Briefly describe what you/ your business does.
A: Law Firm
Kris Boevingloh founded the Law Offices of Kristoffer M. Boevingloh, LLC to better serve the people of the Greater St. Louis Area. Mr. Boevingloh's clients appreciate his personal touch when working with cases, a direct result of his experience with many kinds of legal work. Mr. Boevingloh is skilled in transactional law and offers services such as estate and business planning. He is also experienced in litigation, successfully representing clients in circuit court jury trials and before the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Mr. Boevingloh, a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia - School of Law, has worked with the Missouri Supreme Court, the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's office, small firms, and finally a firm headquartered in down-town St. Louis.

From simple planning to complex estate administration, working with Mr. Boevingloh means that you can expect skill and diligence as he helps you face the complexities of starting a new business or planning for your children's future. When faced with personal injury or workers' compensation issues, you can trust Mr. Boevingloh to treat your case with the respect it deserves. In the courtroom Mr. Boevingloh is a committed advocate for his clients, respected by attorneys and judges alike; you can expect Mr. Boevingloh to use the utmost diligence and skill to assure the best outcome for your case.

The firm is dedicated to supporting clients by finding the best solution for their legal problems. This is a commitment to keep both time and costs to a minimum. The firm is devoted to find real solutions for real people with real budgets. Whatever your legal needs, the Law Offices of Kristoffer M. Boevingloh, LLC is here to serve you.

Q: How many years have you been in business?
A: 5

Q: What is your burning desire?
A: To sail around the world

Q: What’s something not many people know about you?
A: I am an Eagle Scout

Q: Do you have a Website Address?
A: www.Boevingloh.com

Around St. Charles County

June 2009 Calendar of Events

Thursday, June 4-Thursday, August 27
St. Charles Municipal Band Concerts
8 p.m.
Jaycee Stage, Frontier Park, downtown St. Charles
Free

Monday, June 8
I Need a Job!-Surviving a Job Loss presented by the Missouri Career Center
6:30-8 p.m.
Linnemann Branch, St. Charles City-County Library District
Free

Wednesday, June 10
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, 200-216 S. Main St.
4-6 p.m.
History Series-Extreme Fire Starting-learn to start a fire for scratch.
Adults
Free

Friday, June 12- Friday, July 24, 2009
Foundry Art Centre
New Exhibitions
Reception Friday, June 12, 6-9 p.m.
Gallery I and II-Photography Unlimited 4
Gallery III-Group 4 Award-Paperworks 3
Ameristar Gallery-Emerging Artist Xiaobing Liu and her daughter Snow Yunxue Fu
Free

Thursday, June 18
Savor The Flavor Sponsored by the St. Peters Chamber of Commerce
St. Peters City Hall
5:30-8:30 p.m
Wine and food tasting of local restaurant cuisine, live music and dancing
$20

Wednesday, June 24
St. Jean Baptiste Day Celebration
5-10 p.m. with live music from 6-8 p.m.
1800 Block of North Second St., Frenchtown
Food, music, games bonfire celebrating the summer solstice and St. Jean Baptist Day
Free

Friday, June 26
Friday Night Flicks In Frenchtown
Charlotte’s Web
8 a.m.
Bring a chair or blanket for movies under the stars
Free


Friday, June 19-Sunday, June 28
Shakespeare In The Park
6-10 p.m. except Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
The Tempest-Set in the golden age if piracy, The Tempest provides suspense, fantasy, comedy and romance for audiences of all ages.
Entertainment precedes performance. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Food and craft vendors at site.
South End of Frontier Park
Free

Spotlight on The Grant Hickman Team

Q: Please introduce yourself?
A: Grant Hickman! Team members include Cary Knobbe and Lori Linhoff

Q: What is the name of your business?
A: The Grant Hickman Team

Q: Where is your business located?
A: 1 Point West Blvd., Saint Charles, MO 63301

Q: Briefly describe what you/ your business does.
A: Buying a home, selling your home, avoiding foreclosure, or just looking into the market? Local St Charles and Saint Louis, Missouri real estate experts at The Grant Hickman Team will assist you to find or sell your home. Expert real estate services and systems and award-winning customer service are just a few reasons why The Grant Hickman Team is trusted by so many for foreclosure avoidance, relocation, home buying, investment property, home lease-up and new construction home building. Whether you are a first time or experienced homebuyer or seller, call The Grant Hickman Team for your real estate needs.

The Grant Hickman Team has a proven approach to buying and selling real estate which has resulted in their skyrocket to success and continuous achievement.
Ranked in the Top 3% of Agents –St. Charles County Agents
#1 in Sales Volume
#1 in Number of Homes Sold
#1 in Customer Service 2003 - 2008
Agent of the Year- 2002, 2003, 2006, & 2007 & 2008
Top "40 Professional Under 40" -St. Charles Magazine
"5 Star Customer Service" -St. Louis Magazine

Q: How many years have you been in business?
A: 7 Awesome Years!!!

Q: What is your burning desire?
A: To continue to grow into the best Grant that I can be….it sure can be tough sometimes

Q: What’s something not many people know about you?
A: I played Classical Violin from grade school through college!

Q: Do you have a Website Address?
A: Yep, www.GrantHickman.com and www.GrantHickman.BlogSpot.com

Q: What’s the best way for someone to get a hold of you if they have further questions?
A: Direct: (314) 265-1531 / www.GrantHickman.com / RealEstate@GrantHickman.com

Expert Real Estate Services and Systems in St. Charles and St. Louis Missouri

Are You On The Fence? Now’s The Time to Jump Off

Intrepid first-time homebuyers jumped off the fence and made an important impact on the housing market this week. Pending home sales rose 3.2 percent in March, according to the National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index. Closer to home the news is even better–pending home sales in St. Charles County rose 26 percent in March, says Karen Vennard, president of the St. Charles County Association of Realtors.

Investors liked the news too. Infused with a sense of optimism about the economy, the stock market responded with the Dow Jones Industrial gaining 214 points and the Nasdaq 44 points in one day.

First-timers evaluated the housing situation and decided that now is the time to buy. Interest rates are at an all time low, there is plenty of housing available, prices are affordable, and then there’s the 8 percent tax credit incentive for first-time buyers.

That tax credit expires December 1, 2009. The credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to $8,000. This has really moved people into the market instead of waiting to see what might happen down the line.

Because of the time limit on the tax credit, if you are a first-time buyer even remotely considering a home purchase this year, now is the time to get organized. This is excellent advice even if you don’t qualify for the tax credit.

Potential buyers should:

• Keep saving! Cash is king and the bigger the down payment, the better mortgage terms you’ll get.
• Investigate financing now and get pre-qualified for a loan.
• Be very honest with yourself and determine how much house you can really afford. Do research on how much your monthly payment would be and consider expenses like utilities and taxes.
• Check your credit report. You don’t want any surprises there.
• Work with a SCHNEIDER Real Estate Realtor who knows the neighborhoods, schools, social amenities and has your interest as a buyer as first priority.
  

Sellers should:

• Communicate with your Realtor. Pass along improvements you’ve made that would make a good selling point. Open communication is absolutely necessary for your Realtor to bring you the best qualified buyers and avoid misunderstandings.
• Speaking of communication, make sure everyone knows your home is for sale. Word-of-mouth is one of the best marketing tools. Welcome neighbors at your open house. They in turn may very well bring your buyer to you Realtor and clinch the sale.
• Keep your property neat, clean and inviting. Mow the grass, trim the shrubs, water those annuals and perennials. Nothing says you’re not welcome like dead flowers and overgrown grass. Potential buyers will find your listing on the Internet or in the newspaper and drive by to preview the property. You have about 45 seconds of curb appeal to convince a buyer that your home is well cared for and the right purchase.
• Green, green, green is the way to go. The current movement toward energy savings and sustainable resources is not a fad. Buyers are looking for ecological solutions in their purchases and sellers need to incorporate these features into the home’s selling points.
  

While things are looking up right now, we still don’t know if the market has bottomed out and is on the way up to more robust times. Both buyers and sellers must make their own personal decisions about the housing market. Returning to a growing economy and housing market won’t be easy. But if we all get off the fence and show some confidence, we’ll get there sooner rather than later.