Your Saint Louis, MO Home Not Selling

Your St. Louis, MO Home Not Selling? Take these Steps Now!

Even in today's St. Louis, MO real estate market there are still a surprising number of homes that have been on the market for a few months with no obvious signs of activity. If your St. Louis, MO home has been on the market for a while without any serious offers, it’s probably time to take another look at your strategy and your home to make it more attractive to buyers:

1. Review your asking price

1. The number one reason I see St. Louis, MO homes sit on the market is because of listing price. If your home is priced above the market the likelihood of selling it are greatly reduced. Your Realtor® should have provided you with a list of comparable recent home sales in your area along with a professional analysis to figure out the proper selling price (if your Realtor didn't provide this, CONTACT ME  and get your free home value 

Drive by the homes on the comparable sales list your Realtor provides to get a feel for what's been selling.

• Are those homes really comparable to your home?
• Are they in the same condition as your home?
• Are the schools of the same quality as the schools in your neighborhood?

Pay particular attention to any differences (or in any variances in size or amenities) as they can significantly impact your home's value versus the St. Louis, MO marketplace. A good comparative market analysis will help you figure out the RIGHT listing price for your home.

2. Take a video of your home

Shoot a video of your St. Louis, MO home both outside and inside. Then watch the video (preferably on a computer or larger screen) objectively as if you were a potential home buyer. What do you see? Look for negative elements such as weeds growing in the yard, dirty carpets, or a cluttered interior. It's important to notice negative elements you can quickly fix to make your home more appealing to buyers. It may surprise you to see what your home looks like when viewed on camera.

3. Leave during your home’s open house or showings

It is vitally important that you leave the house when buyers are touring your home. Potential buyers will not feel comfortable looking in closets or in drawers with you standing over their shoulder. They will also be less likely to express their true opinion about your home. Therefore, do everything you can to be scarce during showings. Additionally, if you have pets, take them with you along with items like food bowls and litter boxes. The last thing you want is for potential buyers to contend with your pet pit-bull or the odors coming from a litter box.

4. Hold an open house on a weeknight
While most buyers in the market for a St. Louis, MO home are accustomed to attending open houses on weekends, there are those for whom weekends just don't work. By holding an open house on a weeknight you face less competition than on a weekend and may draw in buyers who normally would not have seen your home.

5. Consider staging your home

To stage a home simply you can just remove all personal items, add neutral window coverings, paint in neutral colors, and take down most decorations (most homes are over-cluttered). Ask your Realtor for advice. For example, you may love zebra print and red accents; however, that's not going to appeal to most buyers. Loud designs and bold colors can easily detract from the positive aspects of a home. If you feel you can handle the staging project yourself, have at it. However, if the process of staging your home seems overwhelming there are companies that can professionally stage your St. Louis, MO.home for you. Contact me for a reputable referral.

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If you find yourself in a position where your house just won't sell, DO NOT just sit and wait for things to change. Take action before market conditions change!  Feel free to give me a ring if you'd like some advice.

The Helderle Team 2014 © All Rights Reserved

April Is earthquake Preparedness Month

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month. Be Prepared. Earthquakes can occur throughout the United States including the Midwest. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the costs of damage to real estate from earthquakes is approximately $4.4 billion a year. The statistics about earthquake activity recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey shows that the United States experiences over 2000 earthquakes every year. Earthquake preparedness is important for everyone, including residents of St. Louis. Geologists predict that a major earthquake will hit the Midwest before the year 2035. Not all earthquakes cause damage. Some earthquakes pass without being detected by the local residents. Earthquake research organizations such as the St. Louis University Earthquake Center record seismic....Read Entire Article Here... Read Entire Article Here

Arnold, MO

ARNOLD, MISSOURI
A beautiful suburban community, located in Jefferson County, Arnold Missouri has much to offer. Explore Ozark country with its parks, rivers, and natural magnificence while you hike and fish. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy all the small town culture in Arnold MO. Dining, shopping, along with a diverse variety of churches, and award winning schools.
Want to get away to the city?
St. Louis with the Arch, Busch Stadium and all of its magnificence and attractions is only a few miles away, just north on Interstate 55.
Parks
Arnold city parks cover over 400 acres. Amenities like playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, and shelters offering family friendly fun. Arnold Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday at Arnold City Park providing fresh produce.
Recreation Center
The Arnold Recreation Center is a place for the community to socialize and join together. Children, teens, adults, families, and seniors are all welcomed. With fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pool, meeting rooms and more, there are plenty of things to enjoy.
Activities
There is an upcoming 5K on Thanksgiving at the city park with portions of the proceeds going towards Arnold, MO., food pantry. With a performance of the Nutcracker coming in early December at Rickman auditorium on the Fox senior High Campus. There are plenty of extracurricular activities in Arnold that are fun and varied.
What are the Stats?
Median home price in Arnold is set at $119, 600. If you're thinking of moving to Arnold, MO Click Here To See Available Properties There are Twenty-three professional schools within thirty miles. Thirty-six movie theaters and over two thousand restaurants also exist within fifteen miles.
Economic development work is being done to help current businesses expand, attract new businesses, help with relocation, and improve commercial buildings. The city is growing and improving. The population is expected to increase around 9% over the next few years.
Whether you are looking for quality schools, reasonable real estate, or that small town feel added with convenience, Arnold MO may just be the place to look.
The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved

Central West End of St. Louis: What to Do, Where to Go, and What to See

Central West End of St. Louis: What to Do, Where to Go, and What to See
Extending from Midtown’s western tip down to Union Boulevard, the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis is one of the city’s most affluent communities and home to an array of free attractions, as well as being the “heart of the city”. For example, this wealthy neighborhood is home to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, which has the largest collection of mosaics in the world, as well as Forest Park, and the quaint turn-of-the-century lamp posts and cobblestone streets that give the neighborhood its historic atmosphere. This community also has many residential areas, some of which are actually listed on the National Register of Historical Places, such as Westminster Place and Washington Terrace.
Central West End was historically the home of playwright Tennessee Williams, and also of poet T.S. Eliot. The 1904 World’s Fair—held in nearby Forest Park—gave Central West End even more popularity and its population grew after the fair was over and many of the fair’s visitors stayed in the area. The neighborhood is now a mix of residential areas and a commercial/retail space that is located along Euclid Avenue, stretching from Forest Park Parkway, Delmar Boulevard, and also many restaurants are nestled in the Euclid/McPherson and Euclid/Laclede areas. Maryland Plaza is another area with many of the neighborhood’s restaurants and shops, including resident favorites like Brasserie by Niche, Scottish Arms, Atlas, and Herbie’s Vintage 72.
This scenic and historic community also has other tourist attractions, other than just restaurants and shopping; the Saint Louis Public Library Schlafly Branch is located here, on Lindell Boulevard; the architecture of the historic homes and buildings is a tourist destination in itself, including the large homes in Westminster Place, built from 1890 until 1910, and also homes in Washington Terrace which date back to 1892; and Chase Park Plaza, located at Kingshighway between Lindell Street and Maryland Plaza, features hotels, opulent private homes, a movie theater, restaurants, and banquet facilities.
Nightlife is a plus in the neighborhood as well, with lots of great bars and pubs along Laclede Avenue, Euclid, and Maryland Plaza, including popular favorites like Rosie’s Place, Luna, Bar Italia, Club 34, Bad Dog Saloon, and the Viva Club.
Demographically, the Central West End neighborhood consists of mainly Caucasians (58%), with a mix of African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. The median household income was $64k as of 2012, with a home value of around $115k. Many of the homes in the historic residential areas are large, built in the mid 1900s, and several are on the National Register of Historic Places. Tourists are drawn to these large homes set along quaint cobblestone streets that truly give this “heart of the city” of St. Louis its reputation for being the best area for living, living it up, and enjoying the nightlife.

Visit Frank & Laurie at STL MO HOMES
Frank J. Helderle St. Louis, MO June 2013 ©

Improving Your Credit Score Top Ten Tips

10 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Credit Score People often do not understand how badly a bad credit score can hurt them until it is too late. If you are looking to buy a house, your credit score is a huge factor. There is nothing worse than finding the perfect house for your family and then discovering that your low credit score is a roadblock towards being able to get the house. Your credit is also important because it is how banks and finance companies determine mortgage rates. The better your credit score, the more favorable your mortgage terms will be. Finding a house that you like is only half of the battle, getting mortgage terms that are favorable is the other half.
Looking for a house in the St. Louis area? Finding a house is not always easy, you want the neighborhood to be good, and if you have children, you want a good school to be nearby. We want to help you find the perfect place for you and your family and we know St. Louis. We are a family team and our job is to help you find your next house, without the hassle and the stress. Visit us at www.realestatetrio.com and let us help you today! If you are worried about your credit score, there are things that you can do to improve your score. A low score can keep you from getting a good interest rate, or worse, a bank can even deny you because of it. You need to be thinking about your credit score before you buy a house, not discovering too late that you need to increase your score. If your credit score could use some improvement, follow the following to help your score improve, giving you a chance of getting better rates. Do not let bad credit derail your quest for a house.
Check Your Credit Report Do you know what is on your credit report? Many people do not. The problem with that is that if there is any incorrect information on your credit report, especially if it is negative, it will affect your credit. Removing incorrect information can help bring your score up, especially if you have incorrect information that is negative on there. You need to look for more than just information that is not yours. Pay close attention to what the balance owed and total line of credit for each creditor is correct. Consumers are allowed a free credit report every year. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get your free copy of your credit report. From this site, you can get your credit report from all three credit agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
Balance Your Credit If you have a few cards that are close to being maxed out and a few with low balances, transfer some of the balance from the cards that are close to being maxed to a few cards with low balances. You do not need to transfer balances to every card, just a few. This is a short-term solution to help boost your credit score. Ideally, you need to pay off the accounts, but if you have high balances, this is a way to help spread the debt out, so it looks more balanced on your report.
Do Not Close Unused Accounts Part of your credit score is your utilization ratio. Your utilization ratio is your total debt divided by your available credit. Having cards that are unused and that have no balance will help your credit. If you do not want to use the accounts, do not carry the card with you to limit temptation, but leave the accounts open.
Keep Older Accounts If you have a lengthy credit history, your score is better. Closing old accounts that you do not use anymore can actually hurt you because it leaves you with newer credit lines only. Make sure to keep your oldest accounts active by using them every now and then and then paying off the balance quickly.
Bring Down Your Balances If you carry high balances on many cards and loans, your score will be lower. The bigger the difference between your credit limit and your actual credit balance, the better your score. It is tempting to pay off of the cards or loans with the highest interest rates first, but if you want to improve your score, pay off cards that have the highest balances first. Credit card debt affects your credit score more than installment loans, such as student loans, auto, and mortgages. Although it is important to pay off all debt, your credit card debt is very important.
Pay On Time Paying bills late, even if just by a few days, can negatively impact your credit score. It is vital that you pay your bills on time, every time. If you have trouble remembering to make payments on time, set up reminders.
Only Use Credit When You Need To Limit your use of credit cards. You are only working against yourself if you continue to use your credit cards while trying to pay them off. Try to keep your balances to 30% or less of the total limit of the card.
Ask For Late Payment Forgiveness If you have a history of making your payments on time but you have a single late payment on your credit, you can request that the creditor remove that late payment from your history. Request this in writing for them to give you more consideration.
Do Not Apply For New Credit If you open multiple new lines of credit, it can be a double-edged sword. The available credit can boost your score but having too many accounts that were all recently opened makes it look like you are desperate to find credit and it can hurt you.
Do Not Consolidate Your Debt Consolidation can hurt you. When you transfer your balances all to a single card, it negatively affects your credit. It is better to keep your debt spread over a few cards while you pay the balances off rather than have it all on one credit line.
Your credit counts. Protect yourself by following these tips for increasing your credit score. Do not let your dream house slip from your fingers because of a less than stellar credit score. The Helderle team is here to help you. We know the neighborhoods, we know the city, and we can help you find the house that you have been dreaming about.
Visit us as www.realestatetrio.com.

Carondelet,MO. One of St. Louis’s Most Historic and Beautiful Neighborhoods

Carondelet: One of St. Louis’s Most Historic and Beautiful Neighborhoods Located in the far southeastern area of St. Louis, the Carondelet neighborhood is an affluent community, and is home to many historic buildings. Its rich history dates back to 1799, where a census gave the total population of Carondelet being just 181 Caucasians and 3 African American slaves. This neighborhood is an affluent, mostly residential area, but it does have some industrial areas along the Mississippi River, and the commercial and residential spaces are further from the river and factories.
Historically, after 1799, more factories started popping up and the neighborhood became part of St. Louis in 1870. During the 1840s, the area was known for lead production, and during the Civil War, there were 32 gunboats being produced for the Union Army and Navy; the James Buchanan Eads Union Marine Works shipyards owned four of the major ironclads, including the Carondelet, named after the little town. Later, Carondelet was known for lead, since a large factory—Hertz Metal Company—operated in the town from 1870-1930. Now, there are a few factories left, such as the Israel Chemical Limited, once named Solutia before it became part of Astaris and later became Israel Chemical Limited.
The 60s and 70s brought on a time of revitalization of the neighborhood; in 1967 the Carondelet Historical Society was founded and the Carondelet Betterment Federation was organized in 1971. The Borden Pasta Group built the largest pasta factory in the U.S. and the whole of North America in 1991.
Carondelet has many attractions for not just residents of the community, but for tourists as well. These attractions include the Carondelet Historic Center, which houses books, trophies, historical papers, and other antiques that were obtained over the year. There’s also the Carondelet Park, one of the largest parks in St. Louis and features two lakes, softball, soccer and baseball fields, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, a recycling center, and a bicycle path. Concerts are a popular event at the park, and residents and tourists alike enjoy the lovely pavilion that looks out at the lake (perfect for weddings or wedding pictures), the mini gazebos by the lake, and a fountain that adds to the park’s romantic feel. Another attraction in this neighborhood is the Ivory Theatre on Michigan Avenue, and features live dramas, musicals, comedies, concerts, and cabarets all year long, and also hosts corporate functions and events, plus weddings and other special occasions. The unique theatre is a renovation of a national historic landmark in the neighborhood.
Demographically, Carondelet residents are primarily Caucasians, with a small number of African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. The average household income was approximately $35k in 2010, and a median home value of around $89k. The low home prices are a draw for those who work in downtown, or neighboring communities, and the safety and history is a draw for young families and retirees. Tourists love the history, the historic homes and buildings, and the parks that offer so many outdoor activities.
The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved

8 Items To Check Before Buying A Home

8 Items to Check Before Buying A House

Buying a house is a big investment. Deciding to purchase a house is not a decision that anybody takes lightly because of the costs involved. You want the perfect house, a house that will be your home for years to come. If you are looking for your perfect house in St. Louis, we will be happy to help you out, please visit the Helderle team at www.realestatetrio.com.
It is easy for homeowners to fall in love with the house before they even tour the inside. When you find a house that has the perfect yard, the right number of rooms in a layout that you love and a great location, it is easy to forget that what is below the surface is just as important as the curb appeal and the interior of the house. Buying a house on looks alone can be a very costly mistaking, adding a huge cost on top of an already large sum of money that the homeowner has committed to.
Yet, many homeowners have purchases houses based on the looks along and then need to spend thousands of dollars in repairs shortly after buying the house. You do not want your dream house to turn into a money pit so you always need to check out several important features prior to buying a house. It is a common misconception that you only need to carefully inspect older houses. Do not be lulled into that line of thinking! Newer houses are just as prone to having problems as older ones. It is important to check the items on this list for both new and older houses.
By taking a look at several key areas in the house that are prone to becoming a problem areas, you can help to determine if this is the house that you want and if you should go ahead and pay for the cost of a house inspection or if you should keep looking at houses. If you are having trouble finding a house that is right for your family, contact the Helderle team at www.realestatetrio.com, they know St. Louis and the surrounding area and can help you find a house that suits your needs at the best possible price. 10 Essential Items To Check Before Buying A Home.
Avoid the necessity of paying for costly home repairs shortly after moving into your new house. These ten items are very easy to check when you are looking at a potential home for your family. Taking the time to do these will save you money in the long run. If the current homeowners are reluctant to let you check any of the following, that is a huge red flag.
Test the tap water – Not all water is created equal, especially if it comes out of pipes that are old and corroded. A quick sip of water can tell you if you might need to redo the plumbing. By filling a clean, clear glass with water, direct from the tap you can see if the water is clear, and you can taste it to see how it tastes. Sometimes off tasting water is due to the city water supply, but it can be from old pipes. At any rate, if the water tastes or looks off, you know to take a close look at the plumbing.
Check the drains – Sewer line backups are common problems, especially in areas where there are lots of trees or with older pipes and water lines. This is fairly easy to check for; fill up the tub and a few of the sinks and then let them drain at the same time. If the water line is bad, you will be able to easily tell. Check the faucets – Try all of the faucets in the house to make sure that they are all working and no leaks. Check to see that the stoppers work as well.
Check the windows – This is often overlooked and replacing windows in a house can be costly. Check to see that the windows actually open without problems and that they are without cracks or other issues. Check the Fireplace – Ask to start a quick fire in the fireplace to see if the fireplace drafts correctly. Ask the family when the last time the chimney was cleaned; it is usually just the matter of giving it a good cleaning to get it back in good working order.
Check the AC/heat – Turn on the AC and the heat to make sure that they work. It will save you time and money to make sure that they are working before you move in. Let them run for a bit to make sure that they work well, not just turn them on and turn them right back off.
Check the toilets – Put a little bit of toilet paper in each of the toilets and flush them to ensure that they work well. Sticky handles are a fairly easy fix but toilets that back up with a little toilet paper are a bigger issue.
Check the electrical panel – If the electrical panel is nicely labeled, that is a good sign. Look for a wire that look loose or frayed, that is a serious concern.
Check the basement – Is the basement damp? Mold is a big concern to take a close look at the basement to make sure that there are no issues with dampness and moisture.
Check under the carpet – Because they want the carpets to look nice for potential buyers, some owners may not let you do this, but it does not hurt to ask to see if you can pull up a corner of carpet in a closet to check the quality of the floor underneath the carpet.
Are you a buyer looking for homes in the St. Louis area? Take the hassle out of buying a home by using trusted experts. The Helderle team of Realtors is here for you. If you have questions about buying property in St. Louis, we have answer for you; let us help you find your home today! Please visit us at www.realestatetrio.com; we know St. Louis and we are here to help you. The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved

Getting Your St. Louis Home Ready To Show

Getting Your Home "Show Ready"
Having a show ready home when selling is vital. While it may be attractive on its own, it might not appeal to the largest audience possible. You need to make it something that brings people in and encourages them to bid higher. Even if they are not going to be keeping the furniture in the home, how it looks really changes the way that they view it. If it is cluttered or bland, it is not going to do as much for you as it could. A great thing about making homes show ready is the fact that it is possible for all houses. Regardless of size or location, you can make the most out of it by simply changing the appearance. It may not make up for everything, but it can give buyers more of a reason to buy. It is true that many buyers want the home to look pretty. That is what is going to be on their mind above all else, regardless of what is staying. If they cannot look away from the décor and overall appearance of the rooms, they are not going to be able to see the gem hidden underneath. While this is not true of all buyers, it is true of many. You want to appeal to that larger number, which is only possible by making your home more show ready. In the St Louis, MO, area, this is something that you can do easily and with spectacular results.
Part of making your home show ready is cleaning out all of the garbage, clutter, and messy areas. As a home seller, you need to move yourself away from your attachment. You want to sell it, which means that it has to appear only slightly lived in. Try to invest in more attractive items to place around, keep everything clean, and even change things up a little. You can do this by using different, more appealing furniture, painting walls that seem dirty or need to be a more neutral tone, and cleaning the floors. This will help you to make the home look like new and increase how much that you make from this.
If you are living in the home while you are showing it, you are going to want to make it appear as if no one is there. This might be difficult, sure, but you should plan ahead and make sure that you make it more appealing to the general audience. By removing evidence that you live there and keeping the area cleaner than most people normally do, you will be able to increase bids. People do not want to see messes and belongings, and you should make sure that they do not. Every piece that is cleaner will increase your profits.
Selling a home is not easy, but it can be more possible when you make it show ready. This increases attractiveness and helps to bring people to you. To learn more about what you can do, you can speak to a real estate agent and start changing things around.
The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved

Look Who Has Joined Our Team Of Real Estate Professionals

McKinley Heights: A Diverse and Historic Neighborhood in the Heart of St. Louis

A mix of the old and new, McKinley Heights is surrounded by some of St. Louis’s most famous communities, including Soulard and Lafayette Square to its south. The tree-lined streets and quaint brick homes makes the area a popular location for families, and since it is also close to downtown (where there’s shopping, restaurants and jobs), busy professionals live here and are able to commute to work in just a few minutes
There are two of the schools in McKinley Heights—McKinley School and Sigel Elementary—that are a work of architectural art by themselves, as well as being pretty good performers, test-wise (although McKinley Classical Leadership Academy that shares a building with McKinley Jr. High has some of the best scores and high-achieving students).
There actually aren’t too many businesses in McKinley Heights, although there’s plenty of restaurants and shopping in nearby neighborhoods like Richmond Heights (which is home to the St. Louis Galleria, a large mall with over 70 different stores). Businesses in McKinley Heights include a popular ice sculpture shop, contractors, art dealers, an animal hospital, and a few other small companies.
Growing up in McKinley Heights and attending both Sigel and McKinley High School, I spent a lot of time walking the streets in this great neighborhood. The country western star Barbara Fairchild grew up just a few blocks from McKinley High school and we both worked for the vice principle my freshmen year. Gone are places like Frentzel Market (Arsenal & Jefferson), Charless elementary, Big 4 Chevrolet (Jefferson Ave)and most of Fox Park, although the softball fields are still used.
Demographically, McKinley Heights’ residents are a mix of Caucasians (48%), African Americans (46%), and a small percentage of Asian and Native American. The average annual household income was around $51k in 2012, with a median home value of $125k, which makes the neighborhood one of the most affordable in the St. Louis area. This, coupled with the safety since crime is extremely low in the community, makes McKinley Heights a big draw for young families, business professionals who work in the surrounding areas of St. Louis, as well as retirees looking for a quiet place to spend their golden years.
The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved

Benton Park in St. Louis, Mo

Benton Park, St. Louis and Why It Is One of the Best Loved Neighborhoods

Not to be confused with Benton Place, the affluent private street in Lafayette Square where some of the most notable St. Louis families [once] lived, Benton Park is a posh neighborhood in eastern St. Louis, named after the first U.S. Senator who represented Missouri, Thomas Hart Benton. Its boundaries are Cherokee Street to its south, Gravois Avenue on the north, I-55 to the east, and Jefferson Avenue is on the west.

Historically, Benton Park was a mecca for breweries thanks to the system of caves under the neighborhood that beer-makers use for “lagering”, a style of German beer making that requires the ale to be stored in a dark, cool place. Lemp Brewery is the most famous of the breweries in Benton Park; established in 1840, the brewery compound consisted of 27 buildings on almost 14 acres of land. It was founded and built by Johann Adam Lemp who migrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1836 when he moved to the St. Louis area to open a mercantile store, until he realized that his lager was selling better than anything else in his store. During prohibition, Lemp Brewery shut down and in 1920, the factory was sold to other beer makers and closed its doors. The building still stands in the neighborhood today in homage to the community’s history.

Named after Thomas Hart Benton—a celebrated Missouri senator of the mid-1800s—Benton Park owes its beautiful architecture to the influx of German immigrants who came for the caves and the lager-making. Many of the old homes and buildings left over from this era showcase St. Louis’s best ornamental detailing and styles of the Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Classic Revival. The 1970s brought rehabilitation and revitalization to the neighborhood, as with other nearby communities like Soulard, that saw a more urban lifestyle and setting than more industrialized areas. The 80s and 90s saw better housing units built and more urban renewal, and today Benton Park still retains its past but is updated for the large population of artists who call the neighborhood home.

Benton Park has many wonderful activities, events, and other tourist attractions to take advantage of when visiting the neighborhood. The Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion is a Greek Revival mansion that was built in 1848 and one of the last glimpses into the rich past of the historic neighborhood’s architecture legacy. It offers tours (closed every January) and provides a window into the past of two French families who lived in Benton Park when the city was still young.

Cherokee Antique Row is another of Benton Park’s attractions; it’s a beautiful tree-lined street with more than 40 antique dealers selling everything from art to quilts to pottery, all of it antique. Just minutes from downtown Benton Park, this street is a huge draw for tourists, especially on the weekends.

Another of Benton Park’s stunning attractions is Falstaff Brew House, located at Gravois and Highway 55, and is listed on the National Historic Register and another example of St. Louis’s architecture from a by-gone era. Other attractions and events include the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at the famous (and reportedly haunted) Lemp Mansion, the abandoned Lemp Brewery, a farmer’s market in summer, Gus’s Pretzels which has been open since 1920, and several parks to enjoy (Benton, Cherokee, Carnegie, and Fremont).

The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved

St. Louis Summer Events

Summer Events In And Around St. Louis When most people think of St. Louis Missouri they think of the arch that marks the Gateway to West, but there is far more to this city and the surrounding communities that simply an arch. St. Louis is an exciting city that offers locals and visitors alike a variety of things to see and do from dynamic concerts to fun festivals. Summer is a great time to visit St. Louis and the surrounding area, as these communities offer a wide range of fun and excitement from quiet movies under the stars to loud and fun filled festivals and blazing Fourth of July fireworks. From the city of St. Louis itself to smaller outlying communities such as Alton/Grafton and Herman/German Town you will have an amazing time. Whether your think is cruising down a river or dancing in the street, the St. Louis area will have activities that appeal to you regardless of age or interest. St. Louis Proper The city of St. Louis itself has a number of events that are extremely popular. The Range Red Bicycle Tour that begins on June 1st and is held on Saturdays through to August 31 is a great way to get some exercise, see the beautiful riverfront and lean a little about St. Louis history including information about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Underground railroad. Visitors to the city over Independence day aren't going to want to miss the O'Fallon festival, which takes place from July 2, to 4 2013. Visitors to the festival can enjoy the music of both Country and rock bands, a carnival complete with midway, children's activities, crafts, food and of course a parade. Surrounding Communities Of course as exciting as St. Louis is, the surrounding communities also offer a wide variety of activities for you enjoy. The Alton/Grafton area offers several movie nights, concerts, and of course a 4th of July fireworks display. There is also a summer flea market where shoppers can get some great deals as well as day cruises complete with dinner. Belleville Illinois, which sets right across the river from St. Louis offers a number of professional performers in concert through out the summer while in Herman/German Town you can join in the community 4th of July celebration complete with food, fun, and fireworks or visit the Cajun concert held on July 12 through 14th 2013 where you can enjoy real Cajun music as well as authentic Cajun Cuisine. Herman/German town also offers locals and tourists alike to the Berries, BBQ, and wine trail and their August Sausage making class. Granite City, Illinois offers a Melting Pot Open air market on July 13. It's a great place to shop for local arts and crafts and pick up some of those collective items you have been looking for. For those who enjoy fine dining you aren't going to want to miss visiting Chesterfield August 31 for the Forks and Corks. This upscale and free event features the finest cuisine from local restaurants.

The Hill In St. Louis, MO

The Hill: One of St. Louis’s Best Neighborhoods to Live and Play

Named for the highest point in the city of St. Louis (formerly known as St. Louis Hill), The Hill neighborhood is a mainly Italian-American area that lies to the north of Manchester Avenue, south of Southwest and Columbia Avenues, and to the east of South Kingshighway Boulevard. Known for its number of locally famous Italian restaurants and strong Roman Catholic influence, The Hill also features the St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church which is a landmark in the neighborhood and a big part of the Italian-American population’s daily life.

Historically, The Hill has seen two of the biggest icons in baseball grow up on its streets: Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola, Sr. both lived their childhoods on The Hill, and their houses were right across the street from each other, on Elizabeth Avenue. Also, four of the five soccer players from the US team in the 1950 FIFA World Cup (beat England) grew up on The Hill.

The Hill’s affluent residents are mainly Caucasians (93%), with a smaller percentage of African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. An average household income of its residents was $55k as of 2012, with a median home value of around $300k. Safety in this community is not really a factor for tourists and potential residents, as the neighborhood is one of the safest in St. Louis, especially when compared to other communities surrounding it. There are so many attractions on The Hill for residents and tourists to take advantage of, including many Italian-American restaurants, bakeries, and small grocery stores. A few of the most popular include Amighetti’s Bakery, Cunetto’s House of Pasta, Fazio’s Bakery, Di Gregorio’s grocery store, and even a tavern/bocce garden on the corner near St. Ambrose Catholic Church.

Restaurants and shops aren’t the only draw for tourists to The Hill; there are also events here that bring travelers to this historic neighborhood, such as the (Second) Annual Hill Wine Walk, a soap box derby and car show, two bocce gardens that is very popular with the Italian-American residents of The Hill, the Annual Italian Film Festival of St. Louis, the Annual “Edges for Pledges” event hosted by Bertarelli Cutlery, and even bocce tournaments throughout the year held in the gardens near St. Ambrose.

The Hill is regarded as one of the best communities in St. Louis for living, playing, and also wonderful for tourists. From the trendy Italian-American restaurants, local bakeries, the bocce gardens, and its rich history, The Hill is a destination in St. Louis not to be missed.

Thinking of buying or selling a home on the Hill or another area in St. Louis? Contact The Helderle Team at 314 714-7225 or email them at stlouishomes@yahoo.com


Frank J. Helderle St. Louis, MO June 2013 © All Rights Reserved The Helderle Team

Why You Should Buy A Home Now

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY ANEW HOME NOW

You’re renting a home and beginning to wonder if you should maybe buy a home, consider what author, David Bach, tells us, "Most average homeowner’s are worth up to 35 times more than the average renter."
His advice is for renters to take action immediately and start saving part of their paycheck every month to help accumulate a down payment. He also encourages renters to borrow 10-20 percent less than what the bank is willing to lend; that way you’re only buying as much home as you can afford.
The longer you rent, the longer it may take you to eventually get into homeownership. If the market conditions have scared you, perhaps you're not looking at the other side of the coin. Owning a home becomes part of your investment portfolio, provides tax benefits, allows you to build equity (it still exists), and, if you buy now, you may get an excellent deal.
According to Market Watch , buying a home now can provide some real negotiating power to request improvements, price reductions, help with closing costs, and more. People can get almost everything they need and most of what they want today.
While poor market conditions have created a tough situation for homeowners across the country , the downturn has made the buying market ripe for buyers.. The affordability of homes is better than ever. The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index concluded that homes in December of 2008 were more affordable than at any other point since 1970 (the start of the index). And with numerous foreclosures on the market and prices dropping in many areas, now is a good time to buy. But in order to make your purchase profitable, here are some things you should consider.
How long will you be in the home? Some experts advise that if you are planning to move within a year, buying may not be the best option because of the expenses associated with moving. However, if you're searching for a place to live for, at least, five years, buying now could be a good choice for you.
How much you can afford. Don't let tighter lending regulations scare you off from making a purchase. Instead, understand what you truly can afford. Don't get caught up in buying too much home. In fact, these days, the trend is moving toward smaller homes.
Mortgage rates have dropped to historical lows. How much home you can afford is affected by mortgage interest rates that, right now, are very attractive. Good credit, documenting your income, and a substantial down payment will make you a better candidate for better rates.
Freedom to choose. Now, unlike several years ago, the market has a large inventory in many areas. The market time to sell a home has increased which creates a large inventory of homes, everything including new, existing, and foreclosures properties. Buyers can search he market and have the freedom to select the home they really want. If you're interest is in a new home, know that many developers are getting more competitive with their pricing because they also have taken a hit by the ailing economy, and some offer special rates the first year or are offering closing cost assistance.
Quality of life. Buying a home can create a higher quality of life, giving you pride of homeownership, and something to enjoy over the years.
Tax credit benefit. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? Let Us Show You

How the Tax Credit Works

The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit was passed this year as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 3221) on july 30, 2008 and targets any individual that hasn't owned a home for at least three years. Taxpayers can take the credit on their 2008 tax return if the purchase was made after April 9, 2008

It's worth up to $7,500 and can be taken in a single tax year.Authorization for the tax credit ends July 1, 2009 so if you wait to buy until after the first of the year you can take the tax credit on your 2009 return.

The actual credit amount is set as a percentage of the home purchase amount. That perccentage amount 10 percent of the purchase price credited against your tax liability up to the $7,500.

Income levels are $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for households. Individuals who income exceeds the $75,000 limit but isn't more than $95,000 can still take the credit but on a reduced basis. The same thing applies to households earning up to $170,000.

Any house is eligible as long as it's a primary residence and is in the USA.

Contact your professional tax advisior as to your eligibility. The H Team can help you find a new home.

Is there Radon Gas in Your New Home

You're getting ready to make a real estate purchase in St. Louis, MO. and have scheduled all of your inspections. But have you scheduled them all. Radon is known as the secret killer.

It is the number 2 cause of lung cancer and orderless. It has become easier to test for Radon and you can remove it pretty easily too.

From Consumer Reports, here are some steps to making your home radon-free:

Measurement: The first thing to know is that radon is measured in picocuries per liter (PCi/L). The national average indoor level is 1.3. Anything above 2, the EPA suggests remediation. Above 4 is the recommended level to take immediate action.

What is your risk: Throughout Missouri our levels are higher than others, radon levels vary from home to home and even street to street. The only way to determine radon levels in your house, for sure, is to test.

Inspector: A licensed Inspector will charge you around $175.00. He installs a meter in the lower level of the home for a period of 48 hours and provides you a printed report of the Radon levels. This is our recommended type inspection.

Radon test kits: Are accurate and in-expensive. Purchasing the long-term kit provides better accuracy. These kits take sampling levels for 90 days or more and will give you a better reading on average radon levels than a short-term kit. A long-term kit costs about $40. If you do need faster results, one accurate short-term kit to use is the RTCA charcoal canister. It costs about $20. But its results should still be confirmed with a long-term kit just to be on the safe side.

If you discover your home contains radon, call a professional. A radon-removal kit can cut levels to below 2 PCi/L. They will cost from a low of $800 to as much as $2,500 if you live in a two story type home. For an average house, the cost is about $1,200. Contact the EPA to locate a trained professional in your area or contact The "H" Team for a local radon contractor.

South County Mo. Italian Restaurants

Italian Food

Bartolino's South 5914 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 314-487-4545
Cusanelli's Restaurant 705 Lemay Ferry Rd 314-631-7686
Gianino's Restaurant & Bar 3735 South Lindbergh Blvd 314-821-4140
Rizzo's 4460 Lemay Ferry Road 314-487-4242
Rich & Charlies 4487 Lemay Ferry Road 314-894-1600
Pasta House 6214 South Lindbergh314-894-9161

Our Favorite
Trattoria Giuseppe 5436 Old Highway 21 636-942-2405

Favorite Wine Bars in St. Louis, MO.

Regardless of what type of wine you enjoy here are a few located in and around the Saint Louis area.

While in Saint Charles stop by and visit The Vine , located at 325 S.Main. Elegance is the name of the game at The Vine, a wine bar and bistro on Main Street in St. Charles. With over 110 wines available, you'll have fun sampling pleasure either by the bottle or glass. Plenty of outside seating is available, including a fine courtyard in back where you'll enjoy an afternoon lunch or sit-down dinner.

Going to The Delmar Loop then you gotta try Riddle's Penultimate Cafe & Wine Bar What makes Riddles Penultimate Cafe so unique? An ever-changing menu filled with perfected recipes. Most restaurants stick to one "theme" or type of food, but the owner of Riddle's opts instead to add whatever dishes he pleases. Aside from the menu, the list of wines at the wine bar is also in flux, with frequent additions. And, for those wondering, they do have more than just a wine bar; there's also a variety of beers and liquor. If that wasn't enough, Check out the live music schecule- they've got it going on six nights a week, and always without a cover.

While near Tower Grove Park in South Saint Louis one of our favorites is Eartowines If you're not looking you may drive right by this place but if you stop in you'll find an elegant, if slightly understated high-end wine bar. There’s an extensive wine list, but your non-wino friends will also have a good time. There’s a wide selection of specialty beers and cocktails, as well as a small but savory menu that includes cheeses and appetizers, pizzettas and desserts. There’s also live music at Erato all the time, so sit back and relax!

Or just a short drive away in my old nieghborhood of Lafayette Square stop by 33 Wine Bar Just don't blink or you may miss this little diamond. With a wine list boasting more than 700 different labels, choosing one can be a daunting task. Luckily, you've got a lot of help at 33. It also serves more than 40 different microbrews and imported beers... as well a selection of single malt scotches and small batch bourbons. Satellite radio pumps out a continuous stream of blues and jazz, giving the clean, minimalistic front bar an urbane feel. When the sun is shining, tote your bottle of wine out to the bar's rear patio.

So, the next time you're looking to try something new stop in one of our favorite wine bars.