Mike and Pat Simms

We just love data - as we were going through the statitistics reported by the Mid America Regional Information System (MARIS) we thought some of you may have the same liking for data that we do. So for all of you data seekers here you go:

St. Charles County Missouri

Q3 2007 Q 2 2008 Q 3 2008

Average Price $224,700 $226,800 $211,900

Number of Homes on the Market 3,252 3,212 2,937

No. of Homes Sold 1,249 1,116 1,058

No. of New Homes Built 408 252 205

Average No. of Days on Market 84 91 99

The biggest impact has been to new construction homes where buiders are reluctant to build until they have a buyer. The market has remained fairly steady and depending on the area may have made some gains due to affordability of homes and lower mortgage rates. If you would like information on your specific zipcode or your home, register at www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We will set you up for our complimentary monthly "Market Snapshot" and e-mail you a Home Value Analysis. Additional information is also available on our Podcast at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. No Hassel no obligation

Normally we would suggest pre-owned homes with a home warranty. Reason - more home for the money and with a few updates you can have a great buy. We have been doing some checking and in St. Charles County it is a good time to take a look at New Contruction.

- this time of year not many folks are looking at new construction. Their business starts really picking up in February.

- great time to negotiate with fewer buyers

- builders are offering incentives

Taking all of these into consideration the price per square foot we've been finding has been outrageously good. Plus the fact you have a new home with all new everything can be appealing. Whether you by new or used is a big decision. We help our clients with the pro's and cons of both by understanding their needs and educating them on the details. Let's look at what is best for you and your lifestyle.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis on your home register at www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our complimentary "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home. No Hassel no obligation

We spent a few minutes with our mortgage team member, Chris Simms, Certified Mortgage Planner of Pulaski Bank in their Preferred Home Lending and asked him why it was a good time for 1st time Home Buyers to buy a home at this time. Chris indicated that:

First of all there is the $7,500 Tax Credit for 1st Time Home Buyers

Second, the FHA Down Payment requirement is increasing to 3.5% on January 1, 2009. Currently only need 3% down.

Lastly, Rates are at their lowest of the year.

Combine this with the fact that sales typically slow down at this time of year and sellers are looking for buyers the pros are adding up in purchasing a home. We have the resources to find you a home. View some of our current inventory at www.Trails2OpenSpaces.com. Register for Total Access under "Listing Alerts" and we will e-mail you listings that match your search criteria. If you have questions on these programs and would like to contact Chris for more information he may be reached at 314-229-4242 or by e-mail at csimms@pulaskibankstl.com.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis on your home register at www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our complimentary "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home. No Hassel no obligation

There have been a few weeks go by since we have tapped on the keyboard to advertise a listing or talk about a real estate topic. The good news is WE'VE BEEN BUSY. Busy selling homes, taking out buyers, talking with sellers. Why is that? First of all because inventory is low. We need homes to sell. In our investigation there are over 600 less homes on the market in St. Charles county than there were this time last year. Where did they go? First of all, people have been buying them - imagine that. Despite what we have been hearing third quarter 2008 over 2007 in St. Charles appears to have had only 10% less home sales according to the MLS but 2,000 less homes on the market. If your home isn't selling you need to ask your realtor why. You may also e-mail us for our Seller Survey - Why didn't your Home Sell?

Buyers are still looking. Yes there are less buyers at this time of year, but there are buyers looking. Some people need to relocate, others are getting married, and others have other life changes that are causing them to look for a new home. We pray all for the better. The result however, is still the same that buyers are still looking for that perfect place to lay their head at night.

September, October, and November have been some of our best months. We want to keep the momentum going. If you have a home to sell let's get started by educating you on homes in your area with our property investment profile, a complimentary monthly report available by registering at www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. The next step is to review your home and develop a more detailed market analysis.

If you are in the buying mode you will want to register a listing alert giving you access to all the homes in the St. Louis Metropolitan MLS at www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. Define your criteria and e-mails containing information on new homes on the market matching your criteria will be mailed to your inbox. We sit down to discuss your needs further and refine your search. Then we are off on home tour to identify your next new home.

We can't predict the market but we are seeing some really great buys out there in pre-owned and new construction homes. We visited one New Construction builder who had several buyers the day we were there. They have been busy for several months. Our search tools and marketing methodology can show you how to find these homes and get yours sold. We have BEEN BUSY, but we want to be BUSIER. We love our clients and make them clients for life. We make them a part of our FAMILY.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24 x 7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis on your home register at www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our complimentary "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home. No Hassel no obligation

It was one of those crisp Sunday mornings that I drug myself out of bed and headed off to Church. Following the service I was quite famished and not wanting to partake in the normal Sunday morning donut fare headed out the the door to take a drive to the local Bread Co. I hopped in old faithful who wasn't feeling so faithful that morning. Turned the crank and heard nothing but clicks. Ugh! I marched back into Church but my faithful spouse was already off teaching Sunday School. This must be my punishment for listening to my stomach rather than going to Bible Class. Frustrated I headed out the door again and looked aroun. Well . . . I could walk. I really hadn't donned my walking shoes that morning but well, I was hungry. Off I went.

As I started down the sidewalk I wondered how far it would go and if it would take me to my beloved breakfast haven? The first portion of my tour took me through the older part of town past the car wash, the smaller grocery stores in the area, a florist, card shop and a lawyer. Then on past a few other restaurants I thought for sure the sidewalk would end but it didn't. It just kept going. I passed the high school, some new strip malls and thought surely it would end here. But it didn't as I walked passed the newer large shopping chain grocery and more fast food. At the corner I could see breakfast across the street. As I waited for the light to change I thought about how lucky we are to have such a great home town within walking distance of a lot of conveniences. It wasn't a single development intended to be that way but it had evolved. A lot to choose from the town is growing in leaps and bounds but still holds an Old Town Charm. The train still runs through the middle of town and though it may hold us up a bit we still love seeing it. New Construction homes are every where. You have your choice of quaint older homes or designing your dream home.

The light changed. It was a large intersection and as I crossed the street the sidewalk picked up again. I noticed the sidewalk went past my breakfast place. I was tempted but couldn't continue. I had to make a stop. Rich hot coffe and a breakfast sandwhich my stomach was satisfied but you'll have to wait to find out where the sidewalk ends in Wentzville on my next trip for breakfast. On the other hand you could call us for a personal tour and we'll show you the homes available in the "Cross Roads of the Nation" known as Wentzville.

Contact Mike and Pat Simms, Realtors, Prudential Select Properties, Licensed Realtors in Missouri at 314.749.0921 - Mike Direct or 314.749.9862 - Pat Direct to list or purchase a home. If you prefer to contact us by e-mail - MikeandPat@Trails2OpenSpaces.com What is your Life Style? - To register a search for homes 24/7 in St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren or Lincoln counties go to www.StCharlesHomeHunter.com. If you would would a comparative market analysis to know the value of your home go to www.StCharlesMarketValues.com. We would be glad to set you up with our complimentary monthly "Market Snapshot" a property investment profile for your home. Servicing the St. Louis Metropolitan Area contact Mike or Pat for all of your real estate needs.