WeeklyRealEstate-December_29_2017

Guide

Find out why now is the right time to become a homeowner

secret agent

Why buyers benefit from hiring realtors

NEXT WEEK: All About Inspections • Bigger Loans for Bigger Homes

The area’s key source to buy and sell your home. dailyjournalonline.com/real-estate

PAGE A1  Friday, December 29, 2017

It’s a Buyer’s World



Real estate y l k Wee

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

HomeBuyer’s

December 29, 2017

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, December 29, 2017  PAGE A2

HOMES

A Realtor® can sell your home faster and for more than you could yourself.

Leaving you more time to enjoy your life.

LiSt it. SHOw it. Sell it.

Your source for news is now your source for real estate marketing - Over 79% of adults connect with the Daily Journal through our print and digital platforms* – Over 46% of internet users in our area are using dailyjournalonline.com* - 80% of adults in the market access the internet via tablets & mobile devices* The dailyjournalonline.com/homes advanTages: • Enhanced mobile friendly site • Automatic feed from Maris Matrix

• Fast high performance searches • Large photo galleries

Find your dream home on dailyjournalonline.com/homes

In accordance with the federal Fair Housing Act,we do not accept for publication any real estate listing that indicates any preference, limitation, ordiscrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin. If you believe a published listing states such a preference, limitation, or discrimination, please notify this publication at fairhousing@lee.net.

Call

431-1999 to subscribe to the

* Source: Lee Enterprises Audience Report, Jan - Jun 2014 (stats based on a 7 day visitation period).

900 Hwy OO FREDERICKTOWN - MISSOURI

573-783-8231 www.swinfordrealtyllc.com

If you’re one of the five million people who list their home for sale this year, the National Association of REALTORS® wants you to know that when it comes to selling a home, you’re better off using a REALTOR®. Someone who can get the job done in half the time, and can sell it for more than if you sold it on your own. That’s because REALTORS® are experts they have extensive experience staging the home, showing it and attracting qualified buyers to view it.

Work with a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, they can explain options in your area that best fit your situation. To learn more, visit HousingMarketFacts.com.

Figure based on The 2007 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

EvERy mARkET’S diFFERENT, cALL A REALTOR® TOdAy.

Mineral Area Board of REALTORS®.

Farmington, MO 573-756-5576 MineralAreaREALTORS.com ©2008 National Association of REALTORS®

MATT STACY

Realtor® Sales Associate

Cell: 314-223-0488

Featured ProPerty oF the Week! #17096663 • $214,900

2109 Madison 244 - FREdERiCKToWn Imagine yourself in this 3 bed, 1.5 bath home on Grounds Creek! If you’re looking for

main floor living, you’ve found it. Efficient layout featuring a spacious eat in kitchen that’s open to the adjoining living room. Valuable extra space is found in the mudroom & large separate laundry. Recent updates include fresh paint, vinyl flooring & doors.

A newer Hardy wood furnace will keep utilitie bills exceptionally low. Outside is where you will find peace of mind. The home, 2 car detached garage & 35x70 pole barn with electric & water sit peacefully on 50+- acres with year round water. The property consists of open ground that could be used as pasture, and the remainder in hardwood/cedar forest offering superb hunting. A two acre food plot will keep the deer and turkey on the property as well. All of this just minutes from town and seconds from the Castor River. What are you waiting for?

it’s high time For

by erik J. martin CtW Features

if you’ve tried to unload a home for sale over the past couple years, chances are you got near top dollar for your property. but the times they are a changin,’ say the experts – and homebuyers who’ve been braving the gusts of a strong seller’s market may soon have the wind at their backs.

Forty-three percent of the experts polled in the latest Zillow home Price expectations survey indicated they anticipated the housing market to switch from one that favors sellers to one that favors buyers as early as next year.

“Current conditions in the u.s. housing market highly favors sellers over buyers – the selection of homes for sale is incredibly limited, those homes that are available tend to sell very quickly, and home prices are ris-

ing rapidly,” says svenja gudell, seattlebased Zillow’s chief economist. but that tide should turn over the next couple years, she adds. “the number of homes for sale will rise as builders construct more homes and as more sellers enter the market looking to capitalize on recent home value gains,” gudell says. “this additional inventory will help to both cool off rapid home value appreciation and keep homes on the market a bit longer, making it easier for would-be buyers to save for a down payment and giving them more time to make a decision on a home that’s right for them.” seth Lejeune, realtor with berkshire hathaway home services in Collegeville, Pa., agrees that there could be a flip in the dynamic of the market a year from now.

Continued on Page a10

PAGE A3  Friday, December 29, 2017

Why the Winds may soon shiFt From a seLLer’s to a buyer’s market



buy time

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

homebuyer’s guide

agEnts OF gOOd FOrtunE

Friday, December 29, 2017  PAGE A4

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

HOMEBuyEr’s guidE

NiNe out of 10 homebuyers still rely oN a real estate ageNt — here’s why it’s a smart move, especially for first-time buyers

By Erik J. Martin CtW FEaturEs Video may have killed the radio star.

But technology – despite making it easier to shop for and list homes online – hasn’t ended our reliance on and trust in a fleshand-blood real estate agent, who isn’t going away anytime soon (at least until they invent a robot realtor, perhaps). according to the national association of realtors’ 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and sellers report, released last fall, 88 percent of buyers continue to use an agent or broker to purchase a home, and 88 percent of buyers would enlist their agent again or refer this person to others; additionally, a mere 8 percent of recent home sales were FsBO (for sale by owner), an all-time low mark tallied by the annual report since it began in 1981.

Why do so many home purchasers continue to put their trust in agents/brokers? it’s a high-reward, low-risk decision, say the experts. “agents provide objective guidance

throughout the process – they’re able to give consumers perspective and keep them from making emotional decisions that could ultimately not be in their own best interest,” says Mark Jones, managing broker of rE/MaX Metro atlanta. “they also provide expertise on navigating the myriad unexpected issues that can occur throughout a transaction, ranging from a pipe that bursts between contracting closing to the surprise lien that appears on the seller’s title that they didn’t know about.” andrew saltman, mortgage broker at Carbon Capitol in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., says that, despite the fact that consumers today use websites and apps that make it easier to find a desired property, “they still need to get into these homes and be shown around by a trusted representative. steps like these can be daunting for anyone not familiar with real estate, especially first-time home buyers.”

But it’s often an agent’s deal-making abilities and negotiation skills that make him or her most wanted by a prospective buyer. “as an expert negotiator, i’d say that 40

percent of my job is in the negotiations, 20 percent is life coaching and educating all the parties involved, 20 percent is project management, and 20 percent is paperwork,” Bethany Londyn, agent with keller Williams santa Monica, says. “i’ve represented clients before on properties being sold as a FsBO; eventually they ended up hiring an agent to represent them in the last week before closing. so many of their concerns and stresses could have been avoided had they allowed someone to represent them from the beginning. When you are involved in a transaction that is one of the biggest investments of your life, going without representation simply isn’t worth it.”

Besides, adds Londyn, there is virtually no financial risk to the buyer in using a real estate professional: the buyer’s agent usually splits a home sale commission (typically 5 to 8 percent of the sales price) with the seller’s agent, resulting in no cost to the buyer.

“Plus, a real estate agent provides a legal buffer for when things go wrong,” says Brett Maternowski, a tampa, Fla.-based

realtor. “and a seasoned agent can react quickly, call out contracts, and keep things from becoming litigious.”

Of course, agents can provide poor value if they lack experience and good bargaining skills.

“Many agents don’t know how to negotiate well. i’ve seen many customers get railroaded by their own realtors because of their lack of knowledge and inability to be shrewd negotiators,” says saltman. to avoid agent-related buyer’s remorse, do your homework before you pick a professional: ask friends and family for a referral to an agent they were satisfied with, look for someone who has ample experience in the industry and knows your local market well, and select someone who will be punctually responsive to your needs and requests. also, many recommend working with an actual realtor, a licensed real estate salesperson was a member of the national association of realtors. “they are sworn to adhere to a code of ethics above and beyond their legal obligations to their clients,” Jones says.

107 Strauss Dr. Park Hills 573-431-9654 info@GoodsonRealEstate.com

from all of us at Goodson Realty

17078203

Farmington - $169,900 Totally remodeled in 2017; from the HVAC system, the dripirrigation septic system, new stainless-steel appliances, flooring and siding! Master bedroom with fireplace and half bath/laundry on the main floor. Upstairs are three more bedrooms. All on 2 acres!

17059105

Park Hills - $94,500

Tri-level with updated kitchen, 3 bedrooms and bath on upper level, additional bedroom or office in basement. Rec room with bar and outside door. Laundry/half bath combined, established landscaping, backyard patio with pond & waterfall. Fenced yard with shed.

17094017

Park Hills - $189,900

Town living but the privacy of woods on 1.85 acres. Eatin kitchen with a built-in desk, center island and plenty of cabinets. Original hardwood floors throughout the home except for ceramic tile in baths.

17088125

Park Hills - $159,900

Wonderful open floor plan has large kitchen with center island.

Living room and family room have hardwood floors and seethrough fireplace! Great view from the deck off family room.

Basement just recently remodeled.

17078069

Farmington - $414,500

5 bdrm, 3.5 bath, ranch home on 1.1 acres. Hardwood floors, central vac, maple cabinets with granite counters, breakfast/family room combo. Master suite has walk-in closet and 2 double closets, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower and double vanity. Lower level has 2 large bedrooms, family room, office, theater room and a full bath. 28x20 covered patio and sprinkler system.

17064988

French Village - $74,900 Mobile home that has been totally rebuilt and tastefully updated on the inside. New one car garage. Bonus sleeping cabin with microwave and small fridge. Property consists of 2 large level lots.

17024662

Bonne Terre - $139,000

5 bdrms and 2 bath home on 10 acres of pasture. Don’t need 5 bedrooms, you have office space or room for guests. Additional acreage is available. Room for cattle or horses. Great place for entertaining and raising your family. 24 HOUR NOTICE PLEASE. PRE-APPROVED BUYERS ONLY, NO EXCEPTIONS.

17077089

Park Hills - $74,500 Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, move-in ready!

INCLUDES-Stove, Refrig, Washer & Dryer. Heating & air conditioning only 4 yrs. old, roof just 2 yrs. old. Large double lot. THIS PROPERTY IS ALSO ZONED COMMERCIAL.

Personal Service From Professional Agents

PAGE A5  Friday, December 29, 2017

Wishes for a healthy and prosperous NEW YEAR!



GoodsonRealEstate.com

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

Deb Goodson, Broker-Owner

CELL OFFICE

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, December 29, 2017  PAGE A6

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

e I’ll do th you! for g n i n n ru

1136B N Desloge Dr. - Desloge

SOLD

SOLD $90,000

17000645

Farmington

SOLD

$212,000

17042187

17018491

$139,900

17055606

Farmington

SOLD

$69,900

16080380

SOLD $312,500

Park Hills

17048094

SOLD $147,300

16048425

Farmington

SOLD

$73,000

17022437

SOLD $56,430

Desloge

16080168

$154,900

17054459

Farmington

SOLD

$309,000

16062719

Park Hills

Park Hills

Farmington

SOLD

SOLD

Park Hills

SOLD $97,500

Desloge

17052173

$110,000

Desloge

We helped over 100+ sellers, and we want to add you to our SOLD list!

Our results speak for themselves! www.facebook.com/vickycrockerrealty

CELL OFFICE

1136B N Desloge Dr. - Desloge

Desloge

SOLD 17049996

$179,900

Bonne Terre

SOLD 17045934

$118,655

17082663

Desloge

SOLD 16080399

$125,500

Bonne Terre

SOLD $130,000

Terre du Lac

17006279

SOLD $120,000

17021528

Desloge

SOLD 17050063

$94,000

Terre du Lac

SOLD $189,900

Terre du Lac

17008678

$132,000

17056932

Desloge

SOLD

$116,500

16065079

Terre du Lac

SOLD $262,000

Terre du Lac

16070079

$400,000

Park Hills

Thinking of selling your home???

Call Vicky Crocker RealtyTODAY! www.facebook.com/vickycrockerrealty

PAGE A7  Friday, December 29, 2017

$115,000

17072256

SOLD



SOLD

SOLD

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

e I’ll do th you! for g n i n n ru

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, December 29, 2017  PAGE A8

homeBuyer’s guIde

4 tIps to pIck the rIght agent

It’s vItal to enlIst a good-fIt pro to guIde the way

By anna sachse ctw features

with still-low mortgage rates and a growing for-sale inventory, even the

most entrenched renters may be feeling the urge to finally become a homeowner. unfortunately, finding that dream home – and then navigating the purchase process – can leave anyone with a new-homebuyer headache. picking the right agent can make all the difference in feeling calm and confident throughout the home-hunting journey.

continued to page a9

Continued to Page A8

PAGE A9  Friday, December 29, 2017

© CTW Features



1. Why hire a realtor? realtors — agents who are members of the National Association of realtors and adhere to its Code of ethics and standards of Practice — are versed in which homes are a good value in the current market, what locations are most desirable, and how real estate laws and contracts work. “if a buyer doesn’t have extensive knowledge of all the aspects of a real estate transaction — such as negotiating price terms and conditions of purchase — they can easily be taken advantage of,” says mark minnis, a broker/owner and buyer’s agent with insight real estate, grants Pass, oregon. “but a realtor is obligated by law to protect your interests.”

2. How do you hire a realtor? retaining an agent usually requires no out-of-pocket expense on the part of the buyer, adds brady moore, a dallas-based realtor with Keller Williams realty. An agent’s commission will depend upon the listing and the contract.

To find a licensed agent, your best bet is to start with referrals from friends or family, says minnis, especially if they are located where you are looking. if new to a city, use the “Find a reALTor” function at realtor.org.

3. Which comes first — the agent or the house? sometimes new buyers are tempted to call the listing agents for properties

they like, but be cautious. Working with an agent that represents the seller may not be in your best interest as a buyer. Consider finding a buyer’s agent and have that person help you find properties, moore says.

4. How do you find the right agent?

To ensure this process goes smoothly, the experts agree that it’s important to find someone who is a good personality fit. “buying a house is probably the biggest financial transaction most people will make in their lives,” says moore. “you should do it with someone you can trust [and] enjoy spending time with.”

A good way to find that out is by interviewing potential agents in person. Ask about their areas of expertise, the neighborhoods in which the majority of their sales occur, if they own any real estate themselves and how long they’ve been in the business.

Keep in mind that some agents may require you to sign an exclusive-representation agreement, says moore, the details of which can vary. in addition to reading over the contract yourself, have a friend who understands real estate read it over. Know that a good agent will work hard to meet your needs.

They won’t get paid until the sale, so when they see you are committed, they know they can dedicate their effort to helping you find your dream home.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

Homebuyer’s guide

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, December 29, 2017  PAGE A10

Continued from Page A3 “It really depends on whether the economy continues to improve and if something happens to rattle consumers’ confidence, such as a terrorist attack or some other jarring event,” Lejeune says.

“Otherwise, inventory levels should exceed buyer demand eventually and create a nice environment for them.”

A buyer-friendlier market is inevitable if home equity positions continue to improve and home builders complete more projects, which will result in more housing stock, notes Brandon Boudreau, COO for Metro-West Appraisal in Detroit.

“Credit availability will loosen as the lending process should become less regulated under the new presidential administration. Interest rates will continue to climb back toward historical norms, which will still be very attrac-

tive,” predicts Boudreau. “And as inventories rise, real estate values will stabilize.”

Mark Ferguson, author and real estate investor, on the other hand, doesn’t believe buyers will have the upper hand for the foreseeable future.

“In 2018 and 2019, we may see a slowdown in prices because affordability will become an issue,” says Ferguson, “but I don’t see a buyer’s market anytime soon.”

Whether the market eventually shifts or not, the fact remains that now continues to be a prime time for both sellers and buyers for different reasons: the former can take advantage of higher asking prices and the latter can capitalize on lingering low mortgage interest rates.

“Buyers should focus on getting great deals, and sellers should focus on making their homes sell for the most money,” Ferguson says. “But you should

never try to time the market – other factors should drive your decision.”

Gudell concurs.

“The decision on when to buy or sell is a highly personal one that is almost entirely dependent on personal preferences, family needs and financial considerations – not necessarily a given market’s local conditions or its tilt toward buyers or sellers,” says Gudell.

To determine the best time to pull the trigger on a purchase or sale, be informed and do your homework, says Lynn Mullen, broker with Denverheadquartered HomeSmart Realty Group of Colorado.

“Whether you are a buyer or seller, find a reputable real estate professional who can guide you through the process armed with all the necessary tools to produce a successful outcome,” Mullen says. © CTW Features

“Credit availability will loosen as the lending process should become less regulated under the new presidential administration.”

BRAnDOn BOuDReAu COO FOR MeTRO-WeST APPRAISAL

MaTT STaCY

aMY STePHenS

Cell: 573-225-0374

Cell: 314-223-0488

Cell: 573-783-0260

Realtor® Sales Associate

Realtor® Broker Associate

900 Hwy OO FREDERICKTOWN, MO

Realtor® Broker Associate

573-783-8231 www.swinfordrealtyllc.com

LARGE CORNER LOT

Imagine yourself in this 3 bed, 1.5 bath home on Grounds Creek!

Efficient layout featuring a spacious eat in kitchen that’s open to the adjoining living room. Valuable extra space is found in the mudroom & large separate laundry. Recent updates include fresh paint, vinyl flooring & doors. A newer Hardy wood furnace will keep utilitie bills exceptionally low. The home, 2 car detached garage & 35x70 pole barn with electric & water sit peacefully on 50+- acres with year round water. The property consists of open ground that could be used as pasture, and the remainder in hardwood/ cedar forest offering superb hunting. A two acre food plot will keep the deer and turkey on the property as well.

Lots of house for the money here! 1791 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and many updates.

Expansive living room with full Masonry fireplace, lots of kitchen cabinets, breakfast room, large dining room and a private master suite with custom shower. Full, walk up basement features a 2nd kitchen, bathroom and tons of built in storage. Outside you will find an expansive deck, carport, workshop and oversized one car garage. Located on a large half acre corner lot with partial fencing, alley access and mature trees.

#17096663 • 2109 Madison 244 • FREDERICKTOWN

428 ACRES

#17089491 • 300 Lincoln Drive • FREDERICKTOWN

#17029808 • Madison 303 • FREDERICKTOWN

35 ACRES

#17077204 •1315 Madison 437• ANNAPOLIS

HIGH TRAFFIC LOCATION

$342,000

$52,500

$167,500

428 acre recreational haven! Multiple clearings for food plots, stocked pond, excellent road system, electric on site and a RV plug in place. With a fresh timber harvest, this tract is set to develop into a hunting paradise. Located a short distance off Hwy 67 in southern Madison County, and a short distance from many popular recreational destinations.

35 acre tract with old home site, spring, small pond and a year round creek. Property lays on both sides of a dead end county road, has marketable timber, electric and is only a few miles from the St. Francis river and thousands of acres of Public land.

Would make a great weekend getaway!

Established, high traffic, commercial location in down town Fredericktown. Over 14,000 sq. ft. under roof with a mix of storefront, office, shop/warehouse space with seven overhead doors. Property includes a separate 672 sq. ft. office building, a tremendous amount of parking and a secure fenced area.

Many possibilities here.

#17017527 • 140 South Main St • FREDERICKTOWN

PAGE A11  Friday, December 29, 2017

NEW LISTING



Thank You for making 2017 a successful year! We look forward to serving our customers, old & new in 2018!

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

Gabe Swinford

OFFICE

CELL

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, December 29, 2017  PAGE A12

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

e I’ll do th you! for running

17096099

17080261

17093125

Bonne Terre / $109,900

New Listing! 3 bedroom home with attached garage and unfinished walk out basement. The large living room and adjoining dining room with wood floors will make your feel right at home. Large spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets & counter space for easy meal preparation. The home has a large back deck and 16 x 11 screened in back porch.

17023451

Bonne Terre / $247,900

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home on 4.510 acres in a peaceful subdivision just outside the Bonne Terre city limits. This home has been tastefully done with lovely ceramic tile, hardwood floors, stainless appliances including a convection oven, quartz counter tops, under & over counter lighting, and island in the kitchen.

Bonne Terre / $329,000

Spectacular 58.97 acres, some of which borders the Big River, this property has a 2 bedroom cabin nestled among trees and fields.

The views of the river are magnificent and breath taking regardless of the season. This property has already established trails and access to the river for your recreational enjoyment.

17069256

Cadet / $99,900

Unique property, 1860 square foot building, 420 square feet includes a living room/kitchen/dining area and bedroom with adjoining bath. This is a dream property for a car enthusiast or mechanic! The property has two attached garages with a 1/2 bath and the lift will stay with the property. The hook up for a welder has already been taken care of for you along with forced air heat to make your time spent pleasurable.

17062620 Park Hills / $139,900

1136B N Desloge Dr. - Desloge

Park Hills / $147,900

Ready to start your own business? Look no further great location in high traffic area. Approximately 2880 sq foot building on a 75 x 150 lot.

The building was previously used for a gym and provides 12’ ceilings, 2 bathrooms (1 handicap accessible), office area, washer and dryer hook ups, drinking fountain, 2 newer air conditioning units and many more updated features.

17067627 Bonne Terre / $429,900

This gorgeous custom-built home is conveniently located minutes from town and sits on 6+ acres! Enter the home and you immediately note the expansive ceilings. An abundance of windows, including transoms, surround you with natural light streaming off the handsome wood floors.

17056931

5 Plex, 2 buildings and 2 car garage which is also rented for storage.

3 units have granite counter tops and newer oak cabinets, a rare find in a rental. Additional upgrades by owner, central air, furnace, new windows, metal roof and also new roof on garage.

There is a laundry on site.

Terre Du Lac / $229,000

Fabulous home on Lake Carmel in sought after Terre du Lac. If you are looking for a primary residence or a weekend get away home, call today to see this lake home on a double lot! Multiple families can enjoy time at the lake, as this home features 2 kitchens!!

17035750 Desloge / $20,000

Great opportunity to purchase 2 adjoining lots in a great neighborhood.

These lots combined are approximately .60 acres. This would be a great location to building your dream home !

Vicky Crocker Realty wishes everyone a safe and Happy New Year!! www.facebook.com/vickycrockerrealty