About Saint Louis County, MO

St Louis Pic of the Day by Realtor Tim Tanz - February 9, 2010

02-09-10

Tim Tanz, St Louis Real Estate

view my blog
Office: (314) 771-5951

Secondary: (314) 966-4700

Winter Pics. Hope everyone a fun, productive and safe Tuesday!

I have been representing home buyers and home sellers in the St Louis Metropolitan Area since 1997.

I am a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), and GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute).

Affiliations: Member St Louis Association of Realtors (SLAR), Member Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR), Member National Association of Realtors (NAR), Member Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC), Member Council of Residential Specialists (CRS).

**All personal pictures are the property of and copyrighted by Tim Tanz, and may not be reproduced or used without his permission.**

St Louis Real Estate, St Louis Real Estate Agent, St Louis Realtor, St Louis Realty.

St. Louis City and St. Louis County Residential Real Estate, Homes, Condos, Lofts & Townhomes. St. Louis City Neighborhoods: Benton Park, Benton Park West, Bevo Mill, Botanical Heights, St. Vincent Park, Carondelet, Central West End, Clifton Heights, Columbus Square, Compton Heights, Downtown, Dutchtown, Forest Park Southeast, Fox Park, The Gate District, Gravois Park, The Hill, Holly Hills, Lafayette Park, Lasalle, Lindenwood Park, Northampton, Shaw, Skinker/DeBaliviere, Soulard, Southwest Garden, St. Louis Hills, Tower Grove South, Tower Grove East, South City, Wyndown/Skinker. St. Louis County Communities: Affton, Shrewsbury, Webster Groves, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Brentwood, Clayton, University City, Bayless, Hancock Place, Lindbergh, Mehlville, Kirkwood, Ladue, Ritenour, Parkway North, Parkway Central, Parkway West, Parkway South, Valley Park, Rockwood Summit, Marquette, Eureka, Lafayette, Crestwood, Sunset Hills, Fenton, Des Peres, Town & Country, Manchester, Ballwin, Ellisville, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Creve Couer, Olivette, Maryland Heights.

http://www.timtanzhomes.com

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Questioning Buying in St Louis?

02-08-10

Chris Grus

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Office: (314) 772-4868

Mobile: (314) 518-9003

Many wonder why buy? I mean is it really worth it?? I can relate. The first time we ventured to purchase we were terrified! What if we bought and couldn’t afford it or something broke….what would we do?? My thoughts were very emotional and not at all in the direction of investment. Today my experiences tell me that the perks of buying far out weigh any hesitation I once had. I developed a top 6 list of why to not just buy in St. Louis, but also RIGHT NOW in this Buyer’s Market! 1. DEALS- there are some amazing deals out there. Most sellers know this is a tough market and are trying to price to sell. Not to mention all the foreclosures and short sales available. 2. Interest Rates are at a all time low! 5% and less sometimes which they are predicting these rates will not stay this low and that these rates won’t be seen again for a very long time. 3. $8000 Tax Credit from the government which will be up May 1st and I don’t think they will extend it again. This is great because whatever you get your property for just take an additional $8000 off as you would not be getting that cash if you did not purchase! 4. It’s an Investment & Builds equity. If you are already paying rent why not put that money into something that is yours and will appreciate over time. If done correctly it is a great way to create money as when you sell your investment will have grown. If you are paying $1000/ month in rent that is $60,000 you have thrown out the window in a 5 year period. 5. Reduces taxable income. Not only do you have your own home but the government allows you to write off the interest which is another great annual savings! 6. Ownership & Independence! It is yours! You can personalize it and create a living space that is completely molded to your ideals. Some may view that as work, but actually it is a very empowering and enjoyable experience. My perks for buying list could actually go on, but space is limited. If you seek experienced professionals that have your best interest in mind- Buyers Agent, Lender, Inspectors, & more you will find that you are well guided in your purchase. The overwhelming thought of buying will diminish as you are guided through the process. Often a good Buyer’s Agent will have many contacts for the key players needed in a purchase, so the key is to connect with a good buyers agent. Our service is free to the buyer and we really minimize the work needed to attain a property! Happy Buying to all! Republished from StLBuyerGuide.com St Louis real estate is our specialty! If you’re looking for real estate anywhere in the St Louis, MO area, including St Louis City, St Louis County, St Charles, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, or one of the other areas we serve, simply click the “Search St Louis Real Estate” link at the top or bottom of this page to begin your home search

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Wake Up Missouri..Stop the Transfer Tax

02-08-10

Ann Hayden Wildwood St. Louis MO Agent SelectAnn.com for your real estate

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Office: (636) 779-1100

Mobile: (636) 399-7544
Secondary: (636) 399-7544

Wake Up Missouri..Stop the Transfer Tax

Missouri residents, agents...etc, act NOW to stop the transfer tax.

What is the transfer tax?

A real estate transfer tax is a tax paid when you close on a property. The tax would be a percentage of the total sales price charged/paid and paid by every seller, buyer or both at closing.

The taxes are often paid by people who have lived in their home for years and have already paid thousands of dollars in annual property taxes so transfer taxes are nothing more than double taxation.

Although transfer taxes are not currently imposed in the state of Missouri, the Missouri Constitution does allow state and local government to impose transfer taxes at any time. That being said with the current state of the economy and tax revenues falling,politicians are looking for ways to increase revenues from alternative sources. Real estate transfer taxes are charged in other states, including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Arkansas.

Stop Double Taxation and Protect Our Homes

Here is a link to a page with things we can do in Missouri to stop the transfer tax:

Yes to Save Homes

Real estate needs: www.SelectAnn.com .

For all your real estate needs in the St. Louis area. Updated daily. Sign on for FREE! Whether you are buying or selling, let me help you!

All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Ann Hayden, real estate agent with Prudential Select Properties Chesterfield, Ballwin, Wildwood Office. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

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St Louis Pic of the Day by Realtor Tim Tanz - February 8, 2010

02-08-10

Tim Tanz, St Louis Real Estate

view my blog
Office: (314) 771-5951

Secondary: (314) 966-4700

Winter Pics. Hope everyone a fun, productive and safe week!

I have been representing home buyers and home sellers in the St Louis Metropolitan Area since 1997.

I am a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), and GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute).

**All personal pictures are the property of and copyrighted by Tim Tanz, and may not be reproduced or used without his permission.**

St Louis Real Estate, St Louis Real Estate Agent, St Louis Realtor, St Louis Realty.

http://www.timtanzhomes.com

1 Comment

Borrowers will assume more costs as a result of FHA changes

02-08-10

Grant Hickman

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Office: (314) 558-9225

Mobile: (314) 265-1531
Secondary: (636) 946-5000

The move is designed to generate additional income to ensure FHA solvency.

Borrowers who choose Federal Housing Authority (FHA) programs will see increased costs involved with that agency’s mortgage insurance and will have to have higher FICO scores. The move provides more financial stability for the FHA as rising defaults dipped below required reserves. Right now one in six FHA borrowers is behind on payments.

David Stevens, FHA commissioner, says “the FHA has a responsibility to be fiscally sound and to protect homeowners who trust the FHA to give them financing that will allow them to live in their homes for the long term.”

Up-front Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) will be 2.25 percent, an increase from 1.75 percent. With FDA mortgage insurance, buyers can put as little as 3.5 percent down in comparison to the traditional 20 percent most lenders expect. However, to qualify for the 3.5 percent, borrowers must have a credit score of 580; prospective buyers whose credit scores are lower will have to put down 10 percent.

Another change is the amount of seller concessions from six to three percent. This change brings the FHA more in line with traditional industry standards and gives the borrower a greater stake in their home purchase.

Created by Congress in 1934 during the Great Depression and in economic times very similar to what we are experiencing today, the FHA provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders, but does not issue the loans. The agency currently insures 5.5 million mortgages.

St. Louis Real Estate Expert

Written by Myra Vandersall

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