Note Well:This St. Louis home is a short sale — We are Certified Distressed Property Experts.  We help people with distressed properties.

Super opportunity for the handyman! Located at the back of a peaceful cul-de-sac, this spacious all brick 4 bed/3 bath ranch residence has everything you’ve been searching for. The living room & dining room share a tall cathedral ceiling lending a huge space to welcome & entertain your guests. The family room has a full masonry fireplace & sliding glass doors to the private aggregate patio. You’ll be very impressed with the extra-large kitchen & breakfast room. The master suite includes a second set of sliding glass doors to the back patio, a full bath with whirlpool tub & His&Hers closets. The functional space is tremendously expanded with the huge lower level. There is a large recreation room with brick fireplace & built-in brick bar, plus 2 additional rooms & the third bathroom. The privacy… fenced backyard features a large aggregate patio surrounding an in-ground pool. Don’t miss out on this one. $203,000.

This is not listed by Nolting Real Estate.  We include it here because it is a good buy in a subdivision that we love — Westbury Manor.  We’ve sold a number of homes in Westbury Manor in the last year.  Properly remodeled, this home should command about $300,000.  It’s a good investment.  Call us to schedule a tour of 162 Saddleford — 314.267.2636.

Search for other short sales at our St. Louis MLS search website.

Last month, we discussed which home improvement projects have the most "bang for your buck."  Kitchens are a place where most homeowners are willing to spend some money.  But, what if the budget's tight?  Most kitchens can benefit from even just one or two small changes, simply to make it look fresh again. Here are some ways that you can do this in a very cost-effective manner:

• Update Small Appliances - Keep all of your counter top appliances such as your coffeemaker, toaster and blender all in the same finish. Coordinating these very visible things really makes a big difference in the orderliness of your kitchen’s look.
• Window treatments - Don’t forget to add or update the treatments on your kitchen’s windows as they really can pull the whole design of your kitchen together, as well as add shade or privacy when needed.
• Lighting Fixtures - Get rid of that tired old 1980’s ceiling fixture in exchange for a pretty chandelier or a row of chic pendants, and try not to smile every time you enter your “new” kitchen!
• New Counter tops - Instead of an entire renovation, consider replacing just one thing. Your counter tops. You will be amazed at the variety of what is available now and at the incredible range of prices too. Counter tops remain one of the few things that will actually help sell a home.
• Paint - Whether you really need to or not, who doesn’t love the look of freshly painted walls in a new color?
• Under-Cabinet Lights - Easy to install puck lights are the way to go on this one.
• Sink Faucet - So many beautiful models to choose from and most of the new models can save you money on water and energy costs to boot.
• Cabinet Hardware - Changing cabinet hardware just so happens to be the easiest way to update your kitchen. Imagine simple nickel cabinet pulls in place of the dated ceramic ones you currently have. See what I mean? 

Home improvement projects are important for our quality of life in St. Louis.  But many homeowners today are concerned about the quality of air in their homes, since we spend so much time indoors. Here are some ways that you can achieve superior air quality while improving your family’s respiratory health. This is what you can do, moving from room to room.

• Basement: Since the furnace is in this space, you must have it inspected and cleaned yearly to avoid leakage of dangerous gases. Also, many basements can be damp and therefore may grow mold. You must make sure your gutters are doing their job of keeping water runoff away from your home. Installing a dehumidifier or air conditioner can keep even the most moist basement dry.
• Garage: Install a weatherproof door between this room and the rest of your home. It will keep gasoline odors where they belong. Your lungs will thank you.
• Kitchen: If you have a gas range, you must have a hood fan that exhausts outdoor air. Turning on that fan, or simply opening a window while cooking will remove gas fumes. All fuel burning appliances must be professionally inspected yearly to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Family/Living Room: Dust accumulation can be simply eliminated with the reduction of clutter. Keeping toys, books and other items nicely stored away in closets is the way to go.
• Bedrooms: Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Dust mites and allergens are also greatly reduced by washing bedding in hot water. Choose area rugs that are easy to wash.
• Bathrooms: Ventilation is so important in this well-used room. Exhaust fans work to remove moisture and chemicals that you clean with. Change your cleaning products to ones that have no pesticides or toxic ingredients. See www.grist.org for a list of green bathroom cleaners.
• Attic: Have your duct work inspected if it runs through an uninsulated attic. Why? Because humid air condenses and can cause mold and rust. Consider having your attic insulated.

Throughout your home always leave doors between rooms open for better air circulation.  Opening windows from time to time is a no-brainer, but some forget to do it.  For St. Louis Real Estate information, visit http://www.HomeGuideStLouis.com.

Remodeling magazine’s annual report shows that maintenance-related projects and moderately priced upgrades are providing stable paybacks, even in a slower market.

 

Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. Click this link for previous Cost vs. Value surveys.  When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

 

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)

2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)

3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)

4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)

5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%) 

6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)

7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)

8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)

9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%

10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)

 

If you would like to know how your home value has been affected by remodeling, let me perform a Comparative Market Analysis for you.  A CMA compares your home to similar properties in the area in order to produce a market value.  I’d be happy to take the time to put together this complimentary report.  You can provide your information by visiting my St. Louis Real Estate Resource page.  

 

Russell Nolting
NoltingRealEstate.com