Kimberly Cameron, CRS, Cyberstar

In the ever changing market, now (more than ever) it is necessary to be the true expert in our respective markets. Buyers want a deal, so we need to define what a "deal" is to determine the true Value they want to find in a home vs. the media reports that the real estate world is on proverbial life support and the housing market has collapsed.

On the seller side, home owners are looking for a realtor to come in and truly guide them through the process from start to finish in way that wasn't as dire as recently as even 6 months ago.

Somewhere in the middle, we are doing our best to keep clients abreast of the changing conditions in the market along the way.

Here's where Altos Market Research comes into play.

www.altoseresearch.com

Altos statistics allow you to track week-over-week changes in the market by zip code or county for Single Family Residences and Condos. Their market reports show the changes in inventory, days on market, $/SqFt, and overall trends in the market. This allows you, as the expert, and your clients to have more information and 7 day updates on market changes.

We set up automatic updates by zip code to go to our sellers each week. Not only is the report professional and the statistics are relevant, but it is AUTOMATIC!

Even "cooler", the site allows you to create custom graphs to prepare for clients, put in print advertising (like The Real Estate Book) reports like this one http://www.altosresearch.com/altos/xplorer/MyXplorer.page

I created a report to track Current vs. Absorbed listing inventory (homes that have gone under contract, sold or withdrawn). You'll see a steady pattern in the market over the past 60 days.

This chart is consistent with the market. The past 6 months, homes have sold, on average, in 89 days in St. Louis County. That is taking into consideration all price ranges, shapes and sizes...looking at the county as a whole. Homes that are Active Listings are, on average, 133 days on the market as of yesterday.

What this data tells us is the following:

Homes that ARE selling are exceeding the market trends. As a seller, you have a choice. You can be AHEAD of the market or CHASING it. If you are ahead of the market, your home will sell QUICKLY, ahead of the market averages and closer to your asking price.

When you hear the media, watch the news and read stories about our challenging economy, remember stats and real data tell the story.

It's a great time to be a first time homebuyer. Take advantage of an $8,000 homebuyer tax credit in 2009.

If you'd like to see a sample report, contact scott@altosresearch.com He can tell you more about their reports, the markets they cover as they are national and growing rapidly.

As you look at places to visit without an admission fee and things to do with your family, here's little mix of culture and cocktails

Laumeier is free and open to the public year round, there are no admission charges to the Park or Museum Galleries with the exception of special events. You will enjoy over 80 contemporary scupltures on an 100 acre park setting. Admission is free except for special events. A MUST SEE is the Art Fair each year over Mother's Day Weekend.

Park Hours:
Open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset with the exception of Christmas Day.

Museum Galleries and Museum Shop Hours:
Closed on Mondays and legal holidays.
Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00PM

The Museum will be closed for the holidays December 24-26 and January 1.

Library Hours:
Tuesday-Thursdays: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
And by appointment

Directions:

Laumeier Sculpture Park is located near I-270 and I-44, 16 miles and 20 minutes from the Gateway Arch. From I-44 Eastbound or Westbound, exit at Lindbergh Blvd. (Exit 277B), drive .5 mile south to Rott Road (turn right), proceed .5 mile west to the park entrance (on the left).

Laumeier Sculpture Park collects, commissions, and exhibits monumental, contemporary sculpture. They also collect additional works by related artists in other mediums such as photography, prints, drawings, maquettes and book arts.

We are so fortunate to have several wonderful (even historic) Farmers Markets throughout the metropolitan area. What a terrific way to purchase produce on a budget and support your local farmers.

Soulard Farmer's Market (St. Louis City): After 230 years, this Farmer's Market is like few you've ever seen. Robust with history, produce, flowers, meats and spices, this is a MUST VISIT.

Wednesday-Friday 8am-5p, Saturday 6a-5p

http://www.soulardmarket.com/

Kirkwood Farmer's Market: This market is seasonal. Here are their house:

Hours of Operation April 4 - September 26

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday hours vary by vendor.

October Hours of Operation

Pumpkin Patch open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information contact Summit Farms 314-984-9496.

November-December Hours of Operation

Christmas Market open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information contact Summit Farms 314-984-9496.

Here are 3 other Farmer's Markets that are seasonal with web sites for more inquiries and details.

Ferguson Farmer's Market www.fergusonfarmersmarket.com

Saturdays, April - November 8am - Noon 20 S. Florissant, 63135
at the Victorian Plaza
just south of the train trestle

St. Charles Lions Club Farmer's Market (No web site available) Riverfront, downtown St. Charles.

Farmington Farmer's Market (No web site available) VFW Parking Lot on Barsch Blvd.

Near Valley Park, Missouri, you will find the World Bird Sactuary. A tremendous facility to learn about these amazing creatures and get up close with eagles, hawks, owls and other birds exhibited in a natural setting.

The park also features picnic areas, hiking trails and bird watching. Free Admission!

visit: www.worldbirdsanctuary.org

In today's market and economy, we are all doing what we can to cut back, be thrifty, cut coupons, whatever you want to call it. The reality is there are many things to do on a shoe string budget in St. Louis.

This is Part I in my blog series about things to do in St. Louis on "the cheap".

Explore Forest Park

With over 1,300 Acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and features Many free or low cost activities:

- Zoo (FREE General Admission, attractions $3-5)

- Art Museum (FREE General Admission)

- Science Center (FREE General Admission)

- Jewel Box Greenhouse ($1 Admission: FREE 9a-Noon Mon-Tues)

- History Museum (FREE General Admission)

- The Muny Theatre (FREE seats available for every performance, limited)

- Steinberg Ice Rink - Outdoors ($6.50 for Adults, $5.50 for 12 & Under,
$2.50 for rentals)

- Norman Probstein Golf Course (Check web site for Tee imes & Fees)

- Dwight Davis Tennis Center (Check web site for court times & Fees)

Other attractions in The Park:

- The Boathouse (FREE to read & Feed the ducks or enjoy a wonderful dining experience)

- Grand Basin

- Jogging, Biking & skating paths

- Seasonal events (Balloon Race, Wine Festival & Shakespeare Festival)

Find out more about Forest Park at http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/