We are delighted to share our 2019 Midyear Market Report for the Saint Louis community.

The report provides a comprehensive summary of residential housing activity and price levels for the first six months of the year.
The analysis is presented by geography and property type.  We also drill down to look at select school districts within in the St. Louis
central corridor and the luxury market.

Relatively speaking, midyear 2019 results showed lower sales and listing activity compared to last year.  Inventory levels remain low.  Residential prices were higher and the luxury market was excellent.  New listings continue to drive residential sales.  Based upon the midyear results, we are forecasting flat to slightly lower full year resuts.  We will report again at year end.

The 2019 St. Louis luxury home market is on pace to become the decades best year. In fact, the most recent Luxury Real Estate Report by Luxury Portfolio International (LPI) on what matters most to luxury buyers reveals that residential buying interest among North America’s elite remains high—with 30 percent of affluent buyers considering a purchase in the next three years. When it comes to price, 44 percent say they plan on spending up to $1.49 million.

What is it that takes affluent buyers from consideration to an actual luxury home purchase? We combined our expert knowledge of the luxury real estate market and findings from the LPI report to narrow down the top six features that make the sale. 

1. The Physical Space

When it comes to the most important thing affluent buyers look at when making an investment, it all boils down to the physical space. More specifically, the location (ranked at 53 percent), the community (ranked at 51 percent) and the layout (ranked at 50 percent) of the home. 

[Ellen Kurtz Interiors]

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

2. Traditional and Contemporary Architecture and Style

Traditional and contemporary homes were ranked as the top two styles. Timeless, European-inspired structures bring a classic elegance that buyers can’t resist. Yet soft, neutral elements mesh the new with the old in a contemporary style that also attracts affluent buyers. 

Traditional

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

Contemporary

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

         

[Marcia Moore Design, Suzy Gorman Photography]                [Marcia Moore Design]

3. Health and Wellness Rooms  

Luxury buyers are increasingly looking for amenities that allow them to incorporate their health and wellness lifestyles into the home—be it in-home gyms for a quick workout, saunas to sweat out the day’s toxins or biophilic designs for tranquility. The Miami-based Global Wellness Institute found that the number of wellness-oriented properties has grown by 6.4 percent annually since 2015; it’s projected to be a $180 billion industry by 2022. 

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

[S&K Interiors]

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

4. Privacy and Security 

The higher the price, the more privacy the buyers expect. They want to feel safe, comfortable, and secure in their homes without distractions from neighbors. Tree-lined yards, aesthetically pleasing gates and integrated smart security systems are all of value. 

[Luxury Portfolio International Listing by Hilton & Hyland]

[Janet McAfee Luxury Listing]

5. Eco-Friendly Installations 

Green is the new black! Recent innovations have shown that homes can not only be eco-friendly, but also opulent, sleek and desirable. Solar panels to increase passive energy, LED lighting for improved efficiency and sustainably sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint are all top installations affluent buyers desire. 

[Luxury Portfolio International Listing by Bahamas Realty Limited]

[S&K Interiors]

6. Smart Home Tech 

Smart home tech has seen a tremendous rise over the last few years. According to Business Insider, Millennial buyers especially love being able to control home features like thermostats, lighting and appliances at the touch of their mobile devices. 

Keeping a pulse on market trends and elite buyers’ must-haves allows you to make informed recommendations to the seller on features that will deliver a quick sale. 

What luxury features do your affluent buyers always look for? Comment below!

The allure of the Gateway City can be attributed to nationally recognized restaurants, world-class museums and zoo, top-ranked public and private schools, and numerous clubs and civic organizations. Luckily, the same vitality can be found in many fine suburbs of Greater St. Louis. According to the MLS, 256 luxury residential homes priced at $1 million and above were purchased within key St. Louis central corridor communities in 2018.

Four of these top affluent areas are Huntleigh, Ladue, Frontenac and Clayton. Together they comprise 38 percent of the total St. Louis luxury market. Below you can explore each further to aid in your luxury home-buying search.

1. Huntleigh

With 300 homes, Huntleigh is one of the most exclusive communities in the St. Louis area. Homes are rarely offered for sale. Prestigious subdivisions include Bridle Ridge and Huntleigh Woods. 

A purely residential suburb, most homes reside on at least three acres creating extreme privacy. It’s also not uncommon to find homes with delightful amenities such as pools, outdoor kitchens, and in-home movie theaters.  Architectural facades often feature limestone or imposing brick. Even today, a few Huntleigh residents maintain stables on their expansive properties. 

Fine restaurants, high-end boutiques and private clubs in surrounding communities allow residents the occasional soiree with friends and family. Students in this area attend either Kirkwood or Ladue public schools or nearby private and faith-based schools.

Current Luxury Listings

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2Ibbka3]

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2XaKmr6]

2. Ladue

Comfort and grandeur are just two adjectives that describe the affluent community of Ladue. Many homes are Georgian Colonial or spacious Mediterranean compounds, featuring gorgeous curb appeal and extensive landscaping. Residents in this community have combined household incomes well above the national average. 

With its proximity to downtown Clayton together with exclusive clubs, local boutiques and top-rated public schools, Ladue is home to many of St. Louis’s top executives and professionals. Three of St. Louis’ finest private schools have Ladue campuses.

Current Luxury Listings

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2WwHVel]

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2MJ44WW]

3. Frontenac 

By design, Frontenac is a spacious and picturesque community characterized by sweeping lawns and private wooded lots. Home styles include Georgian Colonial, French Provincial, Transitional and even Contemporary.

The community is rich in history with agricultural roots pre-dating its incorporation as a city in 1947.  Today, Frontenac residents have access to a wide array of upscale retail opportunities including the prestigious Plaza Frontenac and La Chateau shopping centers. Kirkwood and Ladue public schools together with other faith based options serve Frontenac residents.

Current Luxury Listings

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2Wxqj1T]

4. Clayton

Clayton is a highly sought-after luxury community with significant buyer appeal. The St. Louis County government is headquartered within the community and the municipality also enjoys numerous private employment centers together with upscale retail conveniences. Clayton is the only community of the previous three listed offering luxury condominiums and villas.  In fact, about 26 percent of the Clayton’s luxury unit sales last year priced at $1 million and above were condos/villas. Low inventory levels and short property marketing times evidence strong buyer demand. 

The community is an epicenter for higher education—Washington University, Fontbonne University and Concordia Seminary are all in the area. The Clayton School District is also one of the highest-achieving districts in the state of Missouri.

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the gorgeous community. Shaw Park includes a pool, skating rink, ball fields, playgrounds, gardens, sculptures, gorgeous pavilions and ample open space.  Fine dining is available throughout the downtown area. Numerous Fortune 500 companies have also chosen to call Clayton home. 

Current Luxury Listings

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2ZgHYMW]

[View Luxury Listing: https://bit.ly/2Rxafwf]

At Janet McAfee, our agents are well connected and have extensive knowledge of the finest St. Louis communities, school districts, and luxury homes for the lifestyle you have earned. We pride ourselves on honesty, integrity and providing the utmost customer service. Let us help you find your dream home. 

For more information, give us a call at (314) 997-4800 or visit our website.

The question I’m asked most often this time of year is “What’s the market going to do this year?”  Will home prices rise, will it be a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, should I sell now or wait until Spring?

My answer is always prefaced with “there is no crystal ball.”  We do know that some trends will continue into 2019.  Mortgage rates most likely will rise, inventory is also on the rise and home price appreciation will continue to slow.  That’s the national rhetoric we read.  But, the forecasters leave out one overriding truth - REAL ESTATE IS INTENSELY LOCAL.  What happens in San Jose doesn’t translate to St. Louis.   For example, St. Louis County is fairly tight with 2.8 months of inventory.  If we look at luxury homes over $1 million, St. Louis County has a 9 month supply.   My best advice is to ask your Realtor for a market update that is specific to your location and your price category.

 

Janet Horlacher  

House hunting in the Clayton area, why not look to Larry Levy’s professional experience. We sat down with him to discuss his expertise in this sought-after neighborhood.

Why choose Clayton?

Amenities play an important role in a buyer’s decision. Clayton provides a central location, a top school district, community center, dining, retail, and entertainment options, and traditional homes with tree-lined streets and sidewalks.

What types of homes are in the Clayton area?

Homes that were built starting at the turn of the 20th century through the 1960s and ‘70s. And in the 1980s, homes were built in the northern part of Clayton (Old Town Clayton) as well as the Clayton Gardens area. And then there are some intermittent buildings in the central part of Clayton—the White Elms, Clayton Hanley Corridor, etc.

What kind of updates are buyers looking for in the Clayton area when they are looking to buy?

Updated kitchen and baths are the most popular, and then having regular maintenance on the air conditioning, heating and roofing are essential.

Is there anything you suggest that sellers do before they list?

What’s most important is getting the house “show-ready.” That involves de-cluttering all the items that aren’t needed to be shown. It’s also taking care of maintenance items, repairs and painting (where possible) in neutral tones. The buyers want to come in and see the space, not the seller’s personal items.

Is staging something you recommend for sellers to do in the Clayton area?

Yes, I believe that staging is an integral part for sellers who have moved out. The staging needs to tell a story, and the story needs to blend and relate to the style of the home. For example, if it’s a traditional, Tudor-style home, you don’t want to have a lot of contemporary furniture and pictures. You might do more traditional styling with a blend of contemporary accessories to keep it modern.

Can you talk about a recent sale you’ve made and how it sold?

They’ve mostly been townhome-style residences in the Clayton Garden area. And what makes those so popular is that they are newer (less than 20 years old) and have a central location. The spaces themselves were open and big, not narrow and tight. The buyers wanted to get rid of heavy maintenance costs that they’ve had in the past, so the purchases worked out perfectly.

How do your clients typically find you or hear about you?

I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years, so a lot of my clients come from word-of-mouth. Then there’s the combination of my marketing efforts and my own databases of people I’ve previously worked with. I was born and raised in Clayton, and my family still lives in Clayton. So it’s just been a strong commitment to relationships and creating trust.

You said you have been doing real estate for nearly 20 years. Can you talk about how long you’ve been with Janet McAfee?

I have been with Janet McAfee for a little over ten years. Before that, I worked for a luxury new home builder for a couple of years, and early in my career, I was with a web of large brokers. So it’s been in the last 11 years that I’ve learned the nuances of working with luxury clients. They are clients that are more educated, lead a sophisticated lifestyle and need for a larger home.

What is it like working at Janet McAfee?

Janet McAfee has provided me with tons of support. The management and staff are very professional, and they have the experience in luxury sales in Saint Louis. The marketing tools they offer really maximize the exposure and creates continuity in my brand, Larry Levy Luxury Homes.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? At Janet McAfee, our real estate agents, like Larry Levy, are seasoned experts ready to assist you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re thinking of selling your home this season, here are some suggestions about selling in the winter to help guide you through the decision-making process.

1.       Inventory is Low = List Now.  Residential real estate is driven by supply and demand.  When supply is low, as it is now, Sellers have less competition for buyers.  When two or more buyers are competing for the same property, the price is going up.

2.    Inventory of Comparable Properties = Need More Data.  While inventory is low across the entire market, we must look at specifics.  What are inventory levels in your price range and in your neighborhood?  Your Realtor will drill down to only the areas and  price ranges, which are considered comparable.  We do have excess inventory in some categories, so you should be well informed before making the final call.

3.       Pool or outdoor amenity is an essential selling feature = Wait until Spring.   If your swimming pool or outdoor living feature is an essential reason for anyone to buy your home, you should wait until it is looking its best.   If waiting is not an option, I highly recommend providing photos which show just how lovely it looks.

4.       High lot value/possible tear down = List Now.   New home inventory is low and builders are anxiously scouring the market for good lots in good locations.  If your home could be a tear down, take advantage of current conditions and list now.

5.       Condo or Villa = List Now.  Currently, demand is strong for condos, villas and lifestyle communities.

6.       People buy homes every season of the year = List Now.  Remember, people will buy homes in every season.  Job transfers, promotions, marriages, changes in family situation happen all year.  A desirable, well priced home will sell any and every day of the year.

At Janet McAfee, our experienced real estate agents are available and ready to help you year-round. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your house or simply in search of some more information, our agents know that real estate can involve life-changing decisions, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to intensive personal service, with your needs as our top priority.

 

For more information, you can call us at (314) 997-4800 or visit our website!

It may surprise you to learn that the holidays are a good time to sell a home.  Holiday buyers are enthusiastic and emotional; they are serious buyers, less distracted by busy work schedules.  We find that buyers are motivated by the prospect of beginning a new year in a new home.  Consider these reasons:

 

#1. Year-end corporate transfers 

Corporate transferees schedule home buying trips over the holidays.  

 

#2   Buyers have time off work  

The reality is that when work commitments slow down around the holidays, buyers look online.  Holiday buyers have a sense of urgency to write an acceptable offer before the end of the year.    

 

#3   Homes look their best 

There is nothing like an abundance of lights, a fire in the hearth, the smell of fresh pine and a festive atmosphere to make a home look its best.  As long as it’s not overdone, holiday décor makes a house warm and inviting, which appeals to buyer emotions.

 

#4   Less Competition

Inventory is lower over the holidays; sellers face less competition; and serious buyers are quicker to make a strong offer.   

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

For some unique luxury buyers and sellers, the history of a house or property plays an important role in their home search. But, finding a real estate agent who knows how to navigate the historic housing market can be equally as important—if not more. Experienced Janet McAfee luxury real estate agent, Kevin Hurley, shares his advice about how best to sell an historic luxury home.

Is there anything luxury sellers should do before deciding to list?

I think the key for anyone selling a home, and especially an historic home, is to make sure the house is in great condition. Luxury buyers are critical buyers and expect a certain level of condition and presentation.

In the end, luxury homes are significantly different from most listings in that you must make a significant time investment to document the heritage, detail amenities and updates, and address lifestyle considerations.

What are luxury buyers looking for in historic homes?

I mostly list historic homes in the Central West End near Forest Park. There, buyers looking at one-hundred-year-old homes or older are generally looking for architectural integrity. They're looking for homes that have been well-maintained, updated to a certain degree and also enjoy a good location.

The West End that has a limited amount of these unique homes which are impossible to replicate. So, it's a very special buyer—one who likes history but enjoys today’s modern amenities.

What kind of updates are luxury buyers looking for in the Central West End?

Kitchens and bathrooms. More specifically, an updated master bath is typically the first thing on the list. But for the most part, they just want a home that’s in good condition because they’re buying these homes for the historic details and often have the resources to customize the updates.

Tell us about a recent luxury sale that you have made. How did it sell?

First of all, you have to have professional photography because that's how a home is first presented to a potential buyer. Then, it’s important to have good marketing materials, brochures, etc., especially because these are very complicated, extensive listings.

Luckily, I've lived in an historic house in the West End. I’m well-aware of both what people's concerns are and what attracts people in the area. It’s important to counsel potential buyers about those considerations.

Is there anything unique about the way homes in your area sell? How do your clients find you?

I've lived in the West End for 40 years.  I have a network of agents who regularly call to ask questions about my listed homes and see if there is anything else coming up. I place print advertising in the West End Word, I promote my listings on social media and I send out postcards of newly-listed and just sold properties. This helps solidify my reputation in an area.

I have former neighbors who refer me to clients with interests in the area. I am lucky because I've been in that specific area for quite some time which helps because I can keep my eye out and reach out to people when I know something’s coming up.

Are you looking to buy or sell a luxury home? At, Janet McAfee our real estate agents are seasoned experts in selling luxury homes. From how to research the value and market your home to helping stage for specific buyers, our luxury clients truly reap the rewards of working with a Janet McAfee agent—and you can, too!

With Thanksgiving feast fast approaching, which kitchen appliances are you

most thankful for? Here are a few luxuries which would make any cook

happy.

1. Warming Drawer – With oven space at a premium, what better solution

for keeping our favorite recipes deliciously fresh and warm?

2. Wine Refrigerator – This saves me from running down to the basement

every time we need to open a new bottle.

3. Task Lighting – When guests arrive and naturally want to congregate

in the kitchen, I can dim overhead fixtures and pendants while still having

light to work.

4. Glass Washer Drawer – A true convenience eliminating long nights spent

hand washing delicate stemware.

5. Recycle Cabinets – The easiest way to separate waste from recyclables.

What’s on your wish list for best kitchen appliance?

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

-Janet