Prime_WEST_020911

.

Your guide to new homes prime. I 49

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Your guide to the area’s finest new homes

New Home Guide Active 55+ Living at its Best!

Get here, Stay here, Play here

Ask about our 3-step program to the home of your dreams!

Reserve Your Lot Today!

From the

290’s

Index

Front Cover Feature:

Top Agents of 2010: PAGES 6 - 14 Meet Some of the Nominees for the 2010 St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top Real Estate Agent Award & Learn How to Vote for Your Top Agent

Central St. Louis: PAGES 15 - 17

Brentwood, Maplewood, Clayton, Ladue, Richmond Heights, Central West End, Kirkwood, Glendale, Warson Woods, Webster Groves, Rock Hill, University City ...and more

Lake Living at its best.

75% off select lake lots in February

West St. Louis County: PAGES 18 - 20

Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Creve Couer, Frontenac, Town and Country, Manchester, Peerless Park, Westwood, Des Peres, Ballwin, Wildwood, Ellisville, Maryland Heights …and more

Now is the

TIME..

South St. Louis City/County: PAGES 21 - 26

Come see for yourself!

Benton Park, Compton Heights, Lafayette Square, Shaw, Soulard, Tower Grove, Bevo, Boulevard Heights, Holly Hills, Clifton Heights, Dogtown, The Hill, Oakville, Mehlville, Lemay, Jefferson Barracks, Affton, Sappington, Mackenzie Hills, St. George, Marlborough, Crestwood, Concord Village, Sunset Hills, …and more

North St. Louis City/County: PAGES 27 - 30

Ferguson, Florissant, Hazelwood, Bridgeton, Normandy, Berkeley, Jennings, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Black Jack, Overland, St. Ann, Wellston, Pine Lawn …and more

St. Charles County (and outlining areas): PAGES 31 - 47

St. Charles, O’Fallon, St. Peters, Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, Warrenton, Wright City, …and more

Lincoln County : PAGES 48 - 52 Troy, Moscow Mills, Winfield, Old Monroe, Elsberry, Foley, Hawk Pointe ...and more

Quad Counties : PAGES 53 - 61

(Jefferson/Franklin/Ste.Genevieve/St. Francis/St.Louis County)

RANCH STYLE DETACHED VILLAS Decorated Models Now Open 7000 Sq. Ft. Club House

636-273-5300

55 + actiVe liVing www.MeadowsofWildwood.com in West Hwy. cOunty 109 south of Manchester Rd. in Wildwood, behind theYMCA OPPORTUNITY

111 Meadows of Wildwood Blvd., 63040

From the

290’s

Ranch style DetacheD Villas

2 to 3 Bedroom Decorated Models now Open

50 I prime. Your guide to new homes

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Will rising mortgage rates kill the housing recovery?

Kevin Weaks

It just keeps getting better.

Visit the all new newsmagazinenetwork.com The official internet home of West & Mid Rivers Newsmagazine

The era of near 4% mortgage rates has ended. But some industry experts think that actually may be a good thing for the housing market.

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate has risen to 4.86% from 4.17%, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage market survey. In the Bankrate.com weekly survey, the rate has risen to 5.02% -- crossing the 5% mark for the second time in three weeks -- after being as low as 4.42% as recently as early November. In the St. Louis area 30-year fixed rates range from 4.625% to 5.125% Rates haven’t been this high since May of 2010 and forecasters now predict them to remain between 5% and 6% for all of 2011, according to Bankrate.com. “You can kiss those record lows goodbye,” said Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief economist.

The increase will push mortgage payments higher for homebuyers. When rates rise from 4.25% to 5% it takes away about 9% of buying power, McBride estimated.

But oddly, higher interest rates may even be stimulating to home sales. “The initial phase of an interest rate increase generally does not hurt markets,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. “In fact, it can help.”

How? Well, the rapid rise introduces an element of urgency for potential homebuyers, he explained. “They may now rush to buy before rates spurt even more.”

Plus, we all know that if hiring starts to pick up, so will the housing market. “If we add 2 million jobs as expected in 2011, and mortgage rates rise only moderately, we should see existing-home sales rise to a higher volume,” said Yun. In the end, it’s not rising mortgage rates that are the problem; it’s the number of homebuyers who can qualify for a loan.

$20,000, but also an additional 13% rebate on every to-be-built home. For example, select $20,000 in options absolutely free, and receive an additional $2,600 rebate which you can use for more options, closing costs or a reduction in the sale price of your new McKelvey home. To learn more about McKelvey Homes’ 113% off promotion, stop by any of the 11 McKelvey Homes communities. For locations and directions visit www.mckelveyhomes.com.

Want to pocket a cool $2,000 and help a friend at the same time? Refer them to The Meadows of Wildwood, a 55-and-older active retirement community, and if they purchase a home by E-404 Construction, you both come out ahead. Call 636-2735300 for details or visit www.meadowsofwildwood.com. This offer expires Feb. 28.

But there’s more! Now through Feb. 15 you can take $10,000 off options up to $30,000 and $15,000 off options up to $50,000, and the prices on selected lake lots have been reduced by 75%. Only 24 homesites remain at The Meadows of Wildwood, a private enclave in the heart of Wildwood which features luxurious, maintenancefree detached villa homes priced from the mid $290’s. To visit, take Highway 100 to south on Highway 109 to right at the New College Avenue stoplight. Turn left at Generations Drive and follow to the entrance of Meadows of Wildwood. The sales center and clubhouse are on the right.

Greater Missouri Builders has new, lower, anniversary pricing at Queensbrooke Condominiums, now starting at $ 99,900. There are 10 ready to move into at that price featuring 1,070 square feet, two bedrooms, two full baths, wood cabinets, pantry, laundry room in each unit and a balcony or patio. Queensbrooke features an elevator building, covered parking and Here’s what else a great location on Highway 94 at Harvester Road. “We’ll also be ready to open is happening: the New Townhomes at Queensbrooke in “We’ve always said ‘you get more with March,” announced Kim Davison-Whalen, McKelvey,’ and our 113th anniversary residential sales and marketing director for sale proves it more than ever!” said McK- GMB. The townhomes will be priced from elvey Homes President Jim Brennan. To $154,900 with two bedrooms, 1½ baths and celebrate the company’s 113th anniversary, a loft, with a three-bedroom option, and a McKelvey is offering buyers 113% off two-master bedroom option. All have a options through March 6. “In honor of our long tradition of fine homebuilding, we’re not only giving 100% off options up to See RISING MORTGAGE, page 52

*Offer good for up to $20,000 in free options and a $2,600 rebate on any to-be-built McKelvey home. Contracts must be signed by 3-6-11. Some restrictions apply. See salesperson for details.

52 I prime. Your guide to new homes

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

RISING MORTGAGE, from page 50

667 Barrow Ridge. Detached Villa in Barrow Ridge, the Ashley model.

two-car detached garage, large back yards, full basement, brick front, large kitchen and more, Kim said. “We have great pricing on all of our inventory homes in all of our communities,” she added. “Plus, we’re getting ready to start two new villas at Brunhaven, with new prices from $280’s.”

For information click on www.greatermissouribuilders.com.

$148,500. President Greg Whittaker also announced that there are two new twostory models with four bedrooms priced from an unbelievable $149,500. Many have been asking about larger lots at New Town, Whittaker said, “so we now have half-acre homesites that you can build on. Buyers can meet with our town architect, Tim Bussee, and design a custom home as one couple did recently.” Call 636-949-2700 Just in time for spring, Thomas & Suit or visit www.newtownatstcharles.com. At Homes is offering for quick move-in a Whittaker’s unique Glenhurst townhome new Alberta model at The Enclave at Som- community in Wentzville, savvy homemers Pointe in St. Charles County. “This buyers can move into a three-bedroom, 2,260-square-foot home represents an 2½-bath home with two-car garage from exceptional value, priced at just $329,000,” just $106,500. Call 636-332-9988. said Community Sales Manager Char Richards “It has a wonderful open floor plan, Payne Family Homes prides itself in with 11-foot ceilings in the great room, listening to customers, says Sales and breakfast room, hearth room and kitchen. Marketing Director Ed Lott. As a result, Another exceptional feature of this home the homebuilder has introduced a new is the direct-vent gas fireplace.” At nearby line of homes called the Vision Series, “a Wyndgate Forest, buyers have the rare visionary collection of customer-designed opportunity to purchase a move-in-ready homes at prices and sizes consistent with 1½-story sitting on a wooded homesite the way you want to live,” according to that is over a half acre. The 3,311-square- their advertisements. The seven all-new foot Persimmon model has four-bedrooms, designs have features such as two master 3½-baths and architectural features galore suites with luxury baths and walk-in like a two-story window wall in the expan- closets, multi-purpose rooms, and a sinsive great room and a covered deck. Both gle-level model that offers an optional are designed to take full advantage of the penthouse suite. The Vision Series is breathtaking setting, Char said. Price of available at Ashton Woods in Eureka; this home is $449,000. For information call Ohmes Farm, Bella Vista and The Pointe 636-561-2120 or go to www.tshomes.net. at Heritage Crossing, all in St. Peters.

Prices start in the upper $100,000s. In addition to the new Vision Series, Payne There’s always something new at The recently announced that it is now selling New Town at St. Charles: Whittaker Homes homes from the low $200,000s at Boulder is debuting three different sized versions of Ridge on Highway Z just south of I-70. its new Cottage Villas with two bedrooms For information call 314-477-1218 or go and two baths priced from $128,500 to to www.paynefamilyhomes.com.

Your guide to new homes prime. I 53

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE

Generation Y finds a perfect fit at Whittaker’s New Town at St. Charles Were you born between 1980 and the early 2000s? That would make you a member of Generation Y, and there are an estimated 80 million of you – even more than the fabled Baby Boomer generation. While Boomers prefer suburbia, Generation Y – also known as Millennials - likes a more urban setting, and they’re willing to pay for the ability to walk to work, shopping and entertainment.

If you like to walk rather than drive, The New Town at St. Charles was made for you. In 2003, New Town was established as the first true New Urbanism development in Missouri and one of the premier Traditional neighborhoods in the country, designed in the style of Seaside, Fla. Seven years later, New Town has eclipsed Seaside in growth and amenities. New Town is designed to accommodate a wide price range of homes and small businesses in a setting that combines old with new, creating a town reminiscent of the past where children can ride their bikes to the corner market or ice cream shop and residents can walk to restaurants and bars More than 1,000 families and individuals have purchased homes in New Town since it opened in 2003. “We’ve sold more homes in just seven years in New Town than any other project in our company’s 30-year history,” noted Greg Whittaker, president of Whittaker Homes and developer of The New Town at St. Charles. “People like the close-in location in the city of St. Charles, the products and the pricing, Whittaker said. “New Town has continued to sell even during this slow period. Last year over 200 moved into New Town. Nothing close to that is happening anywhere else.”

While New Town appeals to Gen Y’ers, who are entering their 30s, the community also is attracting 20-somethings, Whittaker pointed out.

“From the beginning I’ve said that our buyers at New Town have been younger AND older than I expected. They range from singles to empty nesters, and over half

have kids. New Town serves everybody’s needs, no matter what they’re looking for.

“We have so many different styles that we appeal to all ages.”

This spring Whittaker has rolled out two new homestyles at New Town: Three versions of Cottage Villas with two bedrooms and two baths priced from $128,500 to $148,500, and two new two-story models with four bedrooms priced from just $149,500.

Many have been asking about larger lots at New Town, Whittaker said, “so we now have half-acre homesites that you can build on. Buyers can meet with our town architect, Tim Bussee, and design a custom home as one couple did recently.”

Residents can enjoy shopping at Marsala’s Market, the new Second Hand Rose home décor shop, and a new jewelry store which just opened. Plus there’s fun under the sun at Shire Lane Pool, sand volleyball, an ice-skating rink and a full yearly schedule of music festivals, all of which contribute to the stimulating atmosphere. “There are so many things to do at New Town,” said Whittaker. “It’s just an unbelievable place.”

To visit New Town take Highway 364 to north on New Town Boulevard 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right. Call 636-9492700 or visit www.newtownatstcharles. com.

Meanwhile, at Whittaker’s unique Glenhurst townhome community in Wentzville, savvy homebuyers can move into a threebedroom, 2½-bath home with two-car garage from just $106,500. The townhomes are only attached at the two-car garage, and buyers have their own front yard and large back yard, so there are no monthly maintenance fees. Buyers also enjoy an ideal location just minutes from Wentzville Parkway shopping. To visit Glenhurst take I-70 to Wentzville Parkway to west on the South Service Road to left on Point Prairie Road. Call 636-332-9988.