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March 17, 2023

Mortgage Rates - Spinner Mortgage

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Mortgage Rates

Panic in the financial markets is usually good for interest rates.  This episode has been no exception.  

 

Rates have dropped by 1/2 pt. since Friday

APPLY ONLINE HERE

 


 

Real Estate N​​ews

 

Have clients that need Down Payment assistance?

 

Down payment assistance is provided as a 0% interest, $0 payment loan that is forgivable after 5 years of living at the home as your primary residence. Funds are first come, first served. Homebuyers must have at least $1,000 of their own funds vested into the transaction. Please check with us to make sure funding is available.


 

Mortga​​​​ge Payment Calculator w/ Amortization

 

Use this calculator to quickly estimate your monthly payment and view the amortization schedule. Optional fields include taxes, insurance, HOA dues and PMI. This is an excellent calculator to bookmark if you're house shopping.


 

Upcoming Events:

 

 

 

Jim Spinner

Sr. Loan Officer

US Wide Financial

(314) 266-3077

jims@uswidefinancial.com

https://www.uswidefinancial.com/

NMLS: 410323   NMLS: 192116

2200 Westport Plaza Dr., Suite 312, St. Louis, MO 63146

 

Feb. 6, 2023

Family Golf Learning Center Performance Anniversary Dr. Cutler

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary for Dr.Cutler  and 

FGLCPerformance!

 

 

Whether its Chiropratic Care or Golf Improvement your interested in, give Dr. Cutler a call today to schedule your first assessment and be on your way to gaining yards in your golf game and improve your spine health! 

Dr. Cutler has appointments available for Custom Golf Movement Assessments this month. This Assessment will pin-point areas of the body that are limited in range of motion and power.  A Specific, at-home and in- office golf exercised routine will then be constructed to help you improve overall mobility, strength, power and swing speed.  

Call today to discuss your goals.  636-696-6122  

 

Stay tuned to see how much improvement I will have made in a few more weeks... things are already improving for me!  

Blog by your trusted realtor Linda Robben !

Feb. 1, 2023

Inspections for your new or used Cars

MODERN CARS

LUXURY VEHICLES

CLASSIC CARS

COLLECTOR CARS

TDT Logo

SEMI TRUCKS

MOTORHOMES

CAMPERS

WATERCRAFT

 

THIS WEEK'S TEST DRIVES

 

IF IT ROLLS OR FLOATS... WE ARE YOUR INSPECTION AND APPRAISAL SOURCE!

 

It has been a couple of months since our last edition of our update.  Looks like we are well into our winter here in the St. Louis area now.  None the less we continue to inspect vehicles as we are requested and schedule around the weather as much as possible.

 

The market on collector cars is looking very strong at least through auction. With the whirlwind of hammer prices in Kissimmee, Florida this month for some of the finest of fine cars in the marketplace. Kissimmee saw a record of 4,000 vehicles consigned for auction with nearly 3,200 sold.  Record breaking attendance witnessed an insane 13 vehicles realizing SEVEN figure hammer prices and $4,000,000 in Road Art sales with over 1,000 items offered for sale.

 

Midwestern U.S. markets are up, many dealers seeing record breaking number of monthly sales already.  We are fortunate to have been a part of that for several clients at dealerships and private sellers in the area. Some of the finest automobile collections in the Unites States rest right here in St. Louis, Missouri's Gateway to the West.

ONE THING IS FOR SURE! 
DON'T BUY ANYTHING SIGHT UNSEEN AND MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS WORTH!

I AM HERE TO HELP YOU WITH EITHER OR EVEN BOTH.  PUT MY 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU.

DOCUMENTING YOUR RV

Documenting Your RV or Motorhome for Insurance

Be sure to document your RV, Motorhome, or Camper just like your actual home!

SPORTS CAR INSPECTIONS

1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Wide Body Pre-Purchase Collector Car Inspection

1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Wide Body Pre-Purchase Collector Car Inspection

USED CAR INSPECTIONS

2018 Ford Edge Platinum Late Model  Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspection

2018 Ford Edge Platinum Late Model  Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspection

TOTAL LOSS APPRAISALS

2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Total Loss Appraisal

2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Total Loss Appraisal

HIRING AN EXPERT INSPECTOR

Steven Paul - Vehicle Expert Witness

Don't just retain any expert.  Hiring the right expert for your case can make or break it!

 

MUSCLE CAR INSPECTIONS

1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Pre-Purchase Collector Car Inspection

1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Pre-Purchase Collector Car Inspection

RV & CAMPER INSPECTIONS

2015 Dodge Pro Master Custom RV Conversion Pre-Purchase Inspection

2015 Dodge Pro Master Custom RV Conversion Pre-Purchase Inspection

STATED VALUE APPRAISALS

1963 Dodge Polara Convertible Max Wedge Stated Value Appraisal

1963 Dodge Polara Convertible Max Wedge Stated Value Appraisal

Need a Fair Market or Replacement Value Appraisal?
Need a Vehicle Inspected Before You Buy It?

Jan. 28, 2023

Things to do in Chesterfield this weekend

Things to do in Chesterfield this weekend

The Chalet Rooftop  Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys

Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys

Jan. 11, 2023

Rent VS. Buying

Jan. 8, 2023

IRS Leins & Homebuying

Can You Buy a Home with IRS Debt?

Owing money to the IRS is unsettling for anyone. It’s also very easy to find oneself in that position. Many people are shocked to discover that they inadvertently miscalculated the amount of taxes owed either at the end of the year or from a previous year. There are also unexpected events that can cause a tax event such as a windfall profit or inheritance.

Regardless of the cause, owing money to the IRS is no fun. If you are considering a home purchase, you may be wondering how this will affect your ability to do so.

If you owe back taxes to the IRS, most likely there is a tax lien. A tax lien is a personal lien that is attached to the person and any property they own. A tax lien takes priority over all other financial obligations, including a mortgage. This puts the lender at greater risk since in the event of a default, they would only be paid after the IRS lien was satisfied.

The good news is that although owing back taxes can make buying a home more complicated, it does not prevent you from buying a home. First step is to contact your lender and explain the situation. There are many reasons people owe back taxes that do not make them a credit risk. You may be able to either pay off the taxes or arrange a payment plan with the IRS that will allow you to finance a new home. There are options, but being honest with your lender is the first step so you understand your options.

Jan. 6, 2023

Get Ready for 2023: 5 Home Decor Trends to Look Out For

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your home? If so, you’ll want to keep an eye on the latest home decor trends. We’ve done the research and rounded up five of the biggest trends for 2023 so you can get a head start on transforming your living space. Keep reading to find out what trends are popping up all over the place in just a few short months! 

Bright Colors

Bright colors are expected to be a key trend in home decor this year, with homeowners choosing bold, vibrant hues to make a statement in their living rooms and other spaces. If you want to add some color to your home but are unsure where to start, consider incorporating colorful furniture or painting a feature wall. Bold colors can make a space feel energetic and lively, and can also be used to draw attention to a particular area or feature. Don't be afraid to go big with color – whether you choose a single, eye-catching shade or mix and match several hues, bright colors are sure to make an impact.

Natural Materials

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and clay is also expected to be a popular trend in home decor this year. These materials can add texture and depth to a space, and can bring a natural, outdoor feel to your home. For example, a stone fireplace or a wood beam ceiling can add warmth and character to a living room, while a clay backsplash or stone countertops can add interest to a kitchen. Natural materials can also be used in more subtle ways, such as through the use of natural fiber rugs or woven baskets.

Sustainable Design

Sustainable design is another trend that is expected to be important in 2023, as environmental awareness continues to grow. This could involve using furniture made from recycled materials or sourced from green energy sources, as well as incorporating energy-efficient features into the home. For example, you might choose furniture made from reclaimed wood or opt for a sofa with a low-VOC foam filling. Alternatively, you might invest in solar panels or energy-efficient appliances to reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable design not only helps the environment, but it can also be cost-effective in the long run.

Modular Furniture

Modular furniture is another trend that is expected to be popular, especially for those who want to make the most of their small spaces. This type of furniture is designed to be easily rearranged or moved around as needed, making it a versatile choice for any home. Modular furniture can come in many forms, including multifunctional shelving, stackable chairs, and modular sofas. It can be a great way to add style to a space without taking up too much room, and can be especially useful in apartments or other small living spaces.

Artisanal Pieces

Artisanal pieces, or one-of-a-kind items that are crafted with care and attention to detail, are also expected to be popular in 2023 home decor. These pieces can add character and life to any room and can be a great investment for your home. Artisanal pieces can range from hand-woven rugs and hand-painted ceramics to bespoke furniture and handcrafted jewelry. These pieces often have a story to tell, whether through their materials, techniques, or cultural influences, and can bring a unique and personal touch to your home. Investing in artisanal pieces can be a way to support local artisans and craftspeople, as well as add character and interest to your home.

Home decor trends come and go but these five are sure to stand the test of time—at least until 2024! So if you’re looking to update your living space this year, look no further than these five trends that are sure to make waves in 2023! Take some time out of your day today and start browsing for pieces that fit each of these categories; before long you'll have created a gorgeous new home that's sure to turn heads every time someone visits!  Good luck!
Posted in Happy Home
Jan. 6, 2023

Press Release Real Estate Collaboration Divorce


Press Release

 

Press Release RCS-D  2023

 

Press Release Authors Linda Robben RCS-D™ and Kelly Lise Murray, J.D., co-founder of DivorceThisHouse.com™ and the official RCS-D™ Designation Course.

Industry: Real Estate

 

Headline: Keep the House for all the Right Reasons – By Preventing Permanent Mistakes in Divorce/Elder Family Mediation

 

The family home is usually the most significant asset in divorce and elder mediation, often with significant debt. However, appraisal minus mortgage does NOT equal actual equity. This incomplete equation leaves your house over-valued and that works against you in family mediation for divorce and elder matters.

 

Don’t settle for a bad property settlement. In addition to the inaccurate and unfair division of your property, you risk damaged credit, default, foreclosure or even bankruptcy.

 

Remember all those documents you signed when you bought the house?

Most are missing when mediating that same house.

We provide free help to gather the house documents you need to make an informed decision regarding actual equity and whether to keep the house.

 

To keep your house for all the right reasons, you need a real estate agent specializing in divorce as an RCS-D TM designee.

 

Linda Robben, with Keller Williams Realty St. Louis  has completed course work to earn the RCS-D TM designation as a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist – Divorce™.  

Linda states, An RCS-D™ REALTOR® , is professionally trained to neutralize divorce real estate as a business transaction in the best interest of the house – and each divorcing spouse. Leading your divorce real estate team, Linda also serves as project manager working with you and your lawyers and can refer real estate and financial professionals specializing in divorce to assist with gathering house-related documents and scheduling consultations, most of which are free.

The RCS-D™ professional program was written and taught by Kelly Lise Murray, J.D. & Wendy Waselle. Professor Murray earned her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School & is an Instructor in Law at Vanderbilt Law School. Co-Instructor Wendy Waselle has a Master’s Degree in Education & developed the RCS-D™ marketing system.

You may contact Linda Robben@ 314-265-2444 or Golfgal.lr@gmail.com to discuss how you can protect one of your most valuable financial assets during the stressful time of divorce. Whether your divorce is completed, just beginning or somewhere in between,  Linda can help you determine your best options now for a stronger financial future.

Dec. 27, 2022

Is it a good time to sell?

It’s Still a Great Time to Sell

 

Sellers all over the country are confused and worried they may have missed the best time to sell their home. Prices are dropping, mortgage rates are rising, and the pace has slowed but the impact on any individual seller is unclear. While the days of any home selling for any price are behind us, the current housing market is still strong. The biggest hurdle for sellers is to avoid the feeling that they missed their chance to get top dollar. Yet, many times the seller intends to buy again also; so while they may sell their home a little lower, they will also buy the new home a little lower as well.

ABCs of Success

The ABCs to a successful sale are not complicated. They are the basics of home selling, but if followed, it will ensure a timely and profitable home sale.

A) Appreciation – When sellers hear this term, they normally think of the value of the home. During a challenging market, this kind of appreciation is to appreciate every buyer who wants to come by and every offer you receive; take them seriously.

B) Give in, Don’t Dig in – Along with appreciation for offers, view all the terms in the light of where you can give in or compromise. Be easy to work with and be reasonable.

C) Stop Comparing the House Next Door – Try not to be discouraged or angry if other homes are selling faster. You don’t really know the reason; try to stay patient. Buyers are excited about the slower market. This means that buyers are still buying. Sellers who get back to the basic ABCs can be successful and achieve their selling goals

 

June 1, 2021

Could Rising Home Prices Impact Your Net Worth?

Learn how to determine your current net worth and how an investment in real estate can help improve your bottom line.

Among its many impacts, COVID-19 has had a pronounced effect on the housing market. Low home inventory and high buyer demand have driven home prices to an all-time high.1 This has given an unexpected financial boost to many homeowners during a challenging time. However, for some renters, rising home prices are making dreams of homeownership feel further out of reach.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important for you to understand how your home’s value contributes to your overall net worth. If you’re a renter, now is the time for you to figure out how homeownership fits into your short-term goals and your long-term financial future. An investment in real estate can help you grow your net worth, build wealth over time, and gain a foothold in the housing market to keep pace with rising prices.

 

What is net worth?

Net worth is the net balance of your total assets minus your total liabilities. Or, basically, it is what you own minus what you owe.2

Assets include the cash you have on hand in your chequing and savings accounts, investment account balances, salable items like jewelry or a car and, of course, your home and any other real estate you own. 

Liabilities include your total debt obligations like car loans, credit card debt, the amount you owe on your mortgage, and student loans. In addition, liabilities would include any other payment obligations you have, like outstanding bills and taxes.

 

How do I calculate my net worth?

To calculate your net worth, you’ll want to add up all of your assets and all of your liabilities. Then subtract your total liabilities from your total assets. The balance represents your current net worth.

 

Total Assets – Total Liabilities = Net Worth

Ready to calculate your net worth? Contact us to request an easy-to-use worksheet and a free assessment of your home’s current market value!

 

Keep in mind that your net worth is a snapshot of your financial position at a single point in time. Your assets and liabilities will fluctuate over both the short term and long term. For example, if you take out a loan to buy a car, you decrease your liability with each payment. Of course, the value of your asset (the car) will depreciate over time, as well. An asset that is invested in stocks or bonds can be even less predictable, as it’s subject to daily fluctuations in the market.

As a homeowner, you enjoy significant stability through your monthly real estate investment, also known as your home mortgage payment. While the actual value of your home can fluctuate depending on market conditions, your mortgage payment will decrease your liability each month. And unlike a vehicle purchase, the value of your home is likely to appreciate over time, which can help to grow your net worth. Right now, your asset may be worth significantly more than it was this time last year.3

If you’re a homeowner, contact us for an estimate of your home’s market value so that you can factor it into your net worth calculation. If you’re not a current homeowner, let’s talk about how homes in our area have appreciated over the last several years. That way, you can get an idea of how a home purchase could positively affect your net worth.

 

How can real estate increase my net worth?

When you put your real estate dollars to work, it’s possible to grow your net worth, generate cash flow, and even fund your retirement. We can help you realize the possibilities and maximize the return on your investment.

Property Appreciation

Generally, property appreciates in one of two ways: either through changes to the overall market or through value-added modifications to the property itself.

1. Rising prices

This type of property appreciation is the one that many homeowners are enjoying right now. Buyer demand is at an all-time high due to a combination of record-low interest rates and limited housing inventory.4 At other times, rising home prices have been attributed to different factors. Certain local conditions—like a new commercial development, influx of jobs, or infrastructure project—can encourage rapid growth in a community or region and a corresponding rise in home values. Historically, home prices have been shown to experience an upward trend punctuated by intermittent booms and corrections.5

2. Strategic home improvements

Well-planned and executed home improvements can also impact a home’s value and increase homeowner equity at the same time. The type of home improvement should be appropriate for the home and in tune with the desires of local buyers.

For example, a tasteful exterior remodel that is in keeping with the preferences of local home buyers is likely to add significant value to a home, while remodeling the home to look like the Taj Mahal or a favorite theme park attraction will not. A modern kitchen remodel tends to add value, while a kitchen remodel that is overly expensive or personalized may not provide an adequate return on investment.

Investment Property

You may be used to thinking of investments primarily in terms of stocks and bonds. However, the purchase of a real estate investment property offers the opportunity to increase your net worth both upon purchase and year after year through appreciation. In addition, rental payments can have a positive impact on your monthly income and cash flow. If you currently have significant equity in your home, let’s talk about how you could put that equity to work by funding the purchase of an investment property.

1. Long-term or traditional rental

A long-term rental property is one that is leased for an extended period and typically used as a primary residence by the renter. This type of real estate investment offers you the opportunity to generate consistent cash flow while building equity and appreciation.6

As an owner, you don’t usually have to worry about paying the utility bills or furnishing the property—both of which are typically covered by the tenant. Add to this the fact that traditional tenants translate into less time and effort spent on day-to-day property management, and long-term rentals are an attractive option for many investors.

2. Short-term or vacation rental

Short-term rentals are often referred to as vacation rentals because they are primarily geared towards recreational travellers. And as more people start to feel comfortable travelling again, the short-term rental market is poised to become a more popular option than ever in certain markets. In fact, with travellers continuing to seek out domestic options in lieu of international travel, this may be the perfect time to consider an investment in a short-term rental property.7

Investing in a short-term rental offers many benefits. If you purchase an investment property in a top tourist destination, you can expect steady demand from travelers while taking advantage of any non-rented periods to enjoy the home yourself. You can also adjust your rental price around peak demand to maximize your cash flow while building equity and long-term appreciation. 

To reap these benefits, however, you’ll need to understand the local laws and regulations on short-term rentals. We can help you identify suitable markets with investment potential.

 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Ready to calculate your personal net worth? Contact us for an easy-to-use worksheet and to find out your home’s current value. And if you want to learn more about growing your net worth through real estate, we can schedule a free consultation to answer your questions and explore your options. Whether you’re hoping to maximize the value of your current home or invest in a new property, we’re here to help you achieve your real estate goals.

 

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

 

Sources: 

  1. Financial Post –
    https://financialpost.com/real-estate/canadian-home-sales-prices-surge-to-new-record-in-march
  2. Forbes –
    https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/what-is-net-worth/
  3. Global Property Guide –
    https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/North-America/Canada/Price-History
  4. Canadian Real Estate Association –
    https://creastats.crea.ca/en-CA/
  5. Trading Economics –
    https://tradingeconomics.com/canada/housing-index
  6. Canadian Apartment –
    https://www.reminetwork.com/articles/hopeful-outlook-for-canadas-rental-market/
  7. MoneySense –
    https://www.moneysense.ca/spend/real-estate/is-now-the-time-to-buy-a-vacation-home/