AVM? RVM? What does it all mean?

by Chuck Roper 9. August 2021 07:13

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General | Real Estate Market | Selling Your Home

Is A Laundry Room Top on Your Wish List?

by Chuck Roper 6. August 2021 10:22
 
 
 
 
 

Most Wanted Home Feature: In a home buying survey by the National Association of Home Builders, a laundry room was the most desired feature by 87% of home buyers.  And the majority of those surveyed wanted the laundry room to be on the first floor.

Exterior Design: What about the exterior design of your home?  More home buyers prefer traditional.  Here’s the breakdown:

 

·         32% Traditional

 

·         24% Contemporary

 

·         16% Transitional

 

·         14% Modern

 

Floorplan Preference?: No surprise, the open floor plan was preferred between the kitchen and dining room, the kitchen and family room or the dining and family room.

 

  

The entire report can be found at What Home Buyers Really Want, 2021 Edition 

 

Should you buy a Fixer Upper or a New Home?

by Chuck Roper 14. July 2021 11:57

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Real Estate Market

June Housing Report

by Chuck Roper 9. July 2021 11:09

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Real Estate Market | Selling Your Home

February Real Estate Round Up for St. Louis Central Corridor

by Chuck Roper 3. March 2021 04:48

February home sales

This was a February like no other.  Our temperatures were frigid.  And yet, the real estate market in St. Louis was HOT.  Our company sales were more than double last year.  Tight inventory, multiple offers, escalation clauses, fast closings and cash contracts are dominating the mid and lower price ranges.  Luxury home buyers are looking for more space, outdoor fireplaces, pools, top of the line finishes and all the creature comforts.  Since we’re spending more time at home, we want to make it count - rooms for work and rooms for workout

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Real Estate Market

2020 Annual Housing Report

by Chuck Roper 4. February 2021 05:44

To My Valued Friends and Clients,

I am delighted to furnish our 2020 Housing Report comprised of local market data with insights on how the COVID pandemic has shaped St. Louis buying and selling patterns. 

Most of us experienced price appreciation this past year.   St. Louis City and County median home prices rose more than 10% over 2019.  Inventory continues to be sparse especially in the lower price ranges, where we find intense competition for few homes.  Multiple offer situations plague first time home buyers who are forced to compete against all cash, no inspection, quick close offers.  Some of our first timers have written on 10 different homes before getting an acceptance.  

2020 was a roller coaster year – ending on a high, but dicey in the middle.  A strong tail wind ushered in the year pushing January and February sales 8% higher than last year.    Then the pandemic struck, and St. Louis County issued “Stay at Home” orders just when our traditional “Spring” market would have ramped up.  Sellers pulled the plug, either delaying or pulling their home off the market completely.  Postponed job transfers led to canceled contracts. 

I am thankful our associates “dug in,” loaded up PPE, quickly implemented safe showing protocol, pivoted to virtual showings using tools like Facebook Live and adopted Zoom for client consultations if in-person meetings were not feasible.  After a rocky couple of months, Q3 and Q4 sales rose +28% and +36%, respectively.  Our company ended the year on record sales, and I know many other brokerages experienced the same.

Home buying trends either emerged or accelerated in 2020.  I have not heard the term “Zoom towns” widely used here but it refers to housing markets that are growing in popularity due to remote working.  In our market, the desire for more space and suburban migration eclipsed the need for short commute times.  Buyers searched properties with separate spaces for home schooling and home offices.  Workouts moved home with virtual trainers, meaning buyers wanted exercise rooms.  And above all, outdoor amenities (pools, outdoor kitchens, TVs, fireplaces, verandas) dominated home searches this year.  The market for secondary residences exploded as people could now work from either St. Louis or a vacation home.  Moving to be closer to family” is now a primary motivation for relocation among all age groups, not just grandparents. 

Our 2021 outlook is positive.  Vaccinations, low interest rates, last year’s market gains, and the Millennial generation moving into their home buying years all bode well for our future.  

Be well and stay safe,

Janet

2020 Annual Housing Report

 

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Real Estate Market

How Home Kitchens are Changing in 2020

by Chuck Roper 10. February 2020 11:17

 

What does your dream kitchen look like? Colorful cabinets, farmhouse sink, island? Kitchen trends come and go, and we’re excited about what 2020 has in store for one of the most popular rooms in the house. Houzz recently released its 2020 Kitchen Trends Study; read on to learn more about what’s in and out for the coming year!

The Island Life

Islands continue to be popular fixtures in kitchen remodels. According to Houzz, half of all homeowners choose to add an island when renovating their kitchens, giving them added storage space, the opportunity for overhead lighting (both recessed and pendant), and a home for appliances like dishwashers and microwaves. L-shaped islands are most popular, coming in at 40 percent of all upgrades, followed by U-shaped at 30 percent.

Mixing Blues and Grays

Blue walls, hardwood floors and engineered quartz countertops are growing in popularity. But far more popular are white cabinets, which account for 45 percent of remodeled kitchens, Houzz reports. Two in five homeowners choose colorful island cabinets to complement the rest of the room, with gray and blue being the two most popular colors for island cabinetry.

Farmhouse Style Fades

Transitional and contemporary style kitchens account for 21 percent and 16 percent of upgrades, respectively. Farmhouse style has dropped to fourth place, with only 11 percent of remodelers opting for a rustic look. Neutral color palettes are still king, with many homeowners opting for gray, white and beige walls; hardwood and vinyl, wood-toned flooring; and stainless-steel appliances (why stop a good thing?). But risk-takers are adding a little personality to their kitchens with blue walls, beige floors and black appliances.

Upgraded Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets account for 94 percent of all kitchen upgrades, with Shaker-style reigning supreme. Though most people choose to completely replace old cabinetry, one in four homeowners opts for a partial upgrade, like refinishing or repainting existing cabinets. While they’re at it, many homeowners are putting in a full-wall backsplash from countertop to ceiling. Ceramic and porcelain continue to dominate for backsplash materials, with marble following in third.

Resources Drive Decisions

Spending on kitchen remodels continues to increase, with most homeowners reporting their primary reason for undertaking a remodel is that they finally have the means to do so. That said, remodels themselves are smaller in scope, with homeowners scaling back the breadth of their upgrades, according to Houzz, and opting against full gut-jobs. Instead, kitchens are being made more open with views to other rooms, with current layouts and sizes staying relatively the same.

Bestselling Kitchen Accents

Houzz reports that the top five categories for kitchen finishes are:


    • Kitchen faucets

    • Range hoods

    • Pendant lights

    • Kitchen sinks

    • Barstools

 

Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just sprucing up your space, we recommend keeping Houzz’s study in mind. The good news is that clean, classic looks with a touch of personality are in, which means your kitchen remodel is sure to stand the test of time.

Top 10 Design Trends for 2020

by Chuck Roper 19. December 2019 11:52

Whether you’re reimagining your current space or searching for a new home, it’s important to understand current design and decor trends. Here are our top 10 design trends for 2020.

In Trends


IN: Grandmillennial Style



Image Source: The Glam Pad


If you’ve been looking for a better way to say “traditional with a twist,” grandmillennial style is it. According to Elle Decor, grandmillennial involves incorporating classical design elements like chinoiserie, scalloped edges, natural-fiber rugs and topiaries (pieces your grandma loved) with contemporary elements, like modern art and clean-lined furniture (favorites of the millennial set). That leads us to…


IN: Layering Old and New



Image Source: Lauren Buxbaum Gordon on ElleDecor.com


Don’t worry about your space looking overly put-together or too precious. These days, it’s in style to mix and match your pieces. Don’t be afraid to incorporate antique furniture with travel souvenirs, contemporary art pieces and other accents.


IN: Bold Monochromatics



Image Source: Douglas Friedman on ElleDecor.com


Muted neutrals are out (more on that later) and monochromatically painted rooms in standout colors like kelly green, cobalt blue and aubergine are in. Add accent pieces like gold-and silver-framed mirrors, unique art and chandeliers for a colorful room that suits your personality.


IN: Classic Interiors



Image Source: Old House Online


“Classic” doesn’t have to mean your grandmother’s style circa 1952. These days, it means comfortable furniture with clean lines; elegant materials like crystal, acrylics and interesting woods; and reinterpretations of traditional patterns.


IN: Real Plants and Greenery


Image Source: HGTV


In addition to being visually pleasing, plants are also good for your health. In fact, NBC News reports that studies have proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. Whether you opt for an easy pothos plant in a terra cotta pot or an elaborate biomontage wall full of greenery, plants are an easy way to spruce up your space.

Out Trends


OUT: Decorating in Pale Monochromatics




Rooms with all taupe, all gray or all white interiors—from walls and flooring to furniture and textiles—are both too safe and too dull. Add some visual interest, personality and excitement with colorful walls, patterned furniture and accent pieces like art, vases and mirrors.









OUT: White Doors



Image Source: Tria Giovan on ElleDecor.com


Not long ago, designers recommended that you paint your interior doors and trim white. Research suggests white doors, in particular, are out. Instead, consider dark wood doors, either painted or stained.


OUT: All-White Kitchens




Kitchens should be full of sweet and savory tastes and smells, but sterile, all-white kitchens don't exactly lend themselves to that aesthetic. Southern Living reports that though white cabinets are still popular with remodelers, colorful kitchens are becoming more commonplace. But don’t worry—we think the avocado-green appliances are permanently a thing of the past.


OUT: Open Shelving





Image Source: HGTV


It’s a great idea in theory—glass cabinets or open shelves that show off your beautiful dishes and vases. But the reality is that open shelving means having to keep everything perfectly organized and spotlessly clean. Practicality is back.


OUT: Subway Tile



Image Source: Real Simple

 

Though it’s been a favorite on many home renovation shows, subway tile is overused and, on its way out. In 2020, embrace tiling and backsplash in new patterns, textures and colors.

Janet McAfee: The Top 5 Luxury Real Estate Sales of 2019

by Chuck Roper 26. November 2019 10:40

As 2020 rapidly approaches, we took a look back at the top luxury real estate sales at Janet McAfee over the last year. With so many immaculate options, we narrowed it down to the top five listed below — totaling over $17 million in combined sales. 

The Top 5 Luxury Real Estate Sales of 2019

1. 9847 Litzsinger Road, Ladue

Listed By: Wayne Norwood and Ben Patton


Sale Price: $5,150,000

Square Footage: 11,208 

Acres: 3.4

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 5 beds, 9 baths


This splendorous estate was created to mirror the alluring 18th-century castles of France’s Loire Valley. Selected by KDSK TV-5 for its exceptional design, the tree-lined property offers extreme privacy at 3.4 acres of land. Just a few of its affluent selling features include a vented cigar lounge, gaming room, wine cellar, gym and a soundproof main-level theater.

2. 564 Barnes Road, Ladue

Listed By: The Kirk Holton Team


Sale Price: $3,700,000

Square Footage:  8,850

Acres: 1.95

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 7 beds, 9 baths 

 

Decor by Marshall Watson NYC, this charming Georgian Colonial is a two-story masterpiece located in St. Louis Country Club Grounds. Welcomed by a sweeping entry staircase, the home features painted murals, vaulted ceilings, detailed millwork and archways, a custom bar and more. Not to mention the resplendent outdoor patio and a pool perfect for those Missouri summer nights. It’s the definition of true elegance! . 7. Carter's Grove Court, Ladue

Listed By: Julie Lane


Sale Price: $2,900,000

Square Footage:  9,378

Acres: 3

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 7 beds, 9 baths

 

The previous owners of this opulent two-story home invested over $2.5 million in renovations, leaving no detail behind. It has an updated pool, pool house, outdoor patio with a fireplace and fire features, new luxury baths and more. The seamless layout makes it perfect for both family time and entertaining — and with three acres of luscious land, it provides ultimate privacy. 

4. 5 Rutherford Lane, Town & Country

Listed By: Wayne Norwood and Ben Patton


Sale Price: $2,790,000

Square Footage:  6,900

Acres: 1.02

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 5 beds, 8 baths 


Selected by Architectural Digest as one of Saint Louis' most distinctive properties, this 1.5 story custom English Country Manor was designed by the nationally acclaimed McAlpine architects. The bedrooms are en-suite, with heated, wide plank ash floors and walk-in closets. Not to mention a chef’s kitchen with two walk-in pantries for food prep, a full gym and office, and a Baker free form pool with natural-looking waterfalls. It truly is a world-class home!  

5. 9450 Ladue Road, Ladue

Listed by: May Reay, Katherine D Driscoll


Sale Price: $2,463,590

Square footage: 7,895

Acres: 2.77

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: 4 beds, 7 baths 

 

After an extensive remodel, this historic Ladue property was transformed into a spacious and elegant New England-inspired home with modern, energy-efficient features. It also has a geothermal heating and cooling system, an artist's studio with skylights, a library with cherry wood bookcases and paneling, and ample natural light. The lower level features a media room, a dedicated workout room, and a recreation room with a wet bar. Talk about modern style and grace! 

 

Each of these homes boast top-notch features and finishes, rich architectural detail and loving new owners. We can’t wait to see what next year’s top sales will be! 

 

Janet McAfee is a recognized luxury real estate leader in the St. Louis area. For more details about careers at our boutique firm or the luxury market, visit our website!

Attention Luxury Realtors: Perseverance Pays Off

by Chuck Roper 30. November 2018 09:23

Every day, I read an article about the duality in our real estate market and the uncertainty of luxury home sales.  Yes, it’s been true for some time that mid and lower priced homes are selling fast and furiously, while million dollar listings take longer to sell and require more marketing support.  

Just because the market may be slowing, doesn’t mean that we are slowing.  We sell homes every day of the year.  In fact, Janet McAfee sales are up significantly this year.  Perseverance is paying off.  Discipline, consistency and executing proven strategies will deliver results.  If the market gets tough, I’m up for the challenge … are you?

-Janet Horlacher

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