In our continuing effort to provide the best service to our clients, we have just added

Since its inception in 1994, Centralized Showing Service, Inc. has been the the first company to address the issue of home showing inefficiencies in the residential real estate community.

Centralized Showing Service has become the largest and most successful company of its kind. It currently schedules over 15 million showings per year and has over 100,000 REALTOR® members in over 40 markets across the U.S. Their members includes everything from, independent agents to large companies to entire REALTOR® Associations and MLS board-wide service. 

This service provides us a courteous and professional way to schedule showing appointments.  We started using this service about 2 weeks ago and it has been great!

Very spacious 3 bedroom, 3 bath Ranch with a formal dining room on one side of the see through gas fireplace and open to the great room on the other side. The kitchen has all new stainless appliances, laminate flooring which extends into almost all rooms on the main level. The baths all have ceramic floors. The luxurious master bedroom has a tray ceiling and a huge walk-in closet. The spa like master bath boasts double vanity, whirlpool tub and separate stand alone shower. Tastefully finished, the basement offers a very large family room and bath. This home is complete with an over-sized 2 car garage.  There are 1764 square feet above grade and 760 square feet below grade for a total of 2524 square feet.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2543

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Incredible!! Recently updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3-sided brick ranch on a cul-de-sac has a covered patio and arched ceilings. This home has hardwood extending from the kitchen to the breakfast area, on into the living room with its gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling, continuing through to the foyer and into the hall. The house has recently been painted for a fresh look. The bedrooms are a good size with bedroom #2 being partially vaulted with an arched window. Lower level has beautiful high end vinyl wood planks in the family room which also boasts tongue and groove walls. Seller willing to sell furnishings. Laundry hookups on main as well as in basement.  There are 1764 square feet above grade and 760 square feet below grade for a total of 2524 square feet.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2653 

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Spacious 2 story 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath with office on main level with laminate floors that extend throughout the main level excluding kitchen which has newer vinyl floors. The kitchen has fabulous stainless steel appliances. There are beautiful ceramic floors in all baths except 1/2 bath. In the lower level you will find another family room, bath and 4th bedroom (with no egress) and laundry. This home has a large flat backyard and a patio. This home has been very nicely remodeled over the past few years.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2553

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with a full unfinished walkout basement and a beautiful brick patio with stone wall. Wood foyer extends into formal dining room. Vaulted living room with gas fireplace and nice kitchen with oak cabinets. Master bedroom has vaulted ceiling and roomy walk in closet. Master bath with double vanity, garden tub and separate shower. This home sits on a large corner lot with a side entry garage. The inside is in great condition and ready to move into. See virtual tour and interior photos.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2483

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

This is one of the most spectacular homes you will find in this price range. This home has been updated with high end fixtures and amenities including distressed wood plank floors throughout much of the main level. In the baths you will find ceramic floor on the diagonal with granite counter tops and beautiful framed mirrors. Both bedrooms 2 and 3 are great sizes with deep, rich color on the walls accented with white woodwork. The spacious master bedroom has a walk-in closet and is complimented with a beautiful and luxurious master bath with double bowl vanity...again with granite counter top, whirlpool tub and separate shower. The kitchen has beautiful black counter tops with a black composite sink, vaulted ceiling, wood plank floors and a walk in pantry. The open floor plan is great for entertaining. This home has upgraded light fixtures throughout including candle wax on both the chandelier in the kitchen and the one in the dining room. The living room has a lovely gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling. There is an additional family room on the main level that could also work well as a rec room. You will love the lower level. It has acoustic walls that makes the surround sound with Bose speakers (speaker stay) sound fantastic! The basement floors have been custom stained and scored to have a "leather belt" appearance. They are spectacular and look fantastic with the wet bar and stone accent wall. There is also a full bath and exercise room in the lower level. You will enjoy the incredible yard that offers a lot of privacy and beautiful landscaping. The canopy stays (new cover will stay too). The gas light out front will not stay. This home has 2268 sq. ft. on the main level along with 698 in the basement for a total of 2964 sq. ft.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2643

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Great price on a corner lot in a great neighborhood. This lot is 0.38 acres in size. This lot is on the corner of Clover Ridge and Shadow Ridge. The subdivision is very nice with a 3 side brick requirement and other restrictive covenants to protect your investment. Seller is in the process of having a foot print drawn up to shown where and how to place the home on the lot.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2063

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Potential homebuyers expect that there will be many expeneses when purchasing a home. However, if you are planning to sell your home, you should be informed that there will also be costs involved with the 

Loan Payoff:  It is important to look at is how much you owe on your current home loan before you sell. The total owed will be greater than the last statement balance, because the interest on the loan is paid in arrears. In addition, many mortgages have prepayment penalties if you pay off the mortgage early. Be sure to examine your mortgage agreement and read the fine print.

Closing Costs: Although most of the closing costs are the responsibility of the buyer, the seller is expected to pay the property taxes and insurance up to the date of the closing, even if they're not due yet. in addition, some buyers will ask the seller for help with other closing costs as part of the negotiations.

Realtor Commission: Typically there's a 4 percent to 7 percent commission on the sale price of the house if you opt to go with an agent. Usually this rate is between 5 percent and 6 percent, so be sure to account for this cost when pricing your home and figuring up your expenses that come with selling your home.

Home Inspections: Although the buyer pays for the home and pest inspections, it's a good idea to get your own inspection before putting your house on the market. This way you're aware of any hidden problems before selling.

Legal expenses: Even if you are using a real estate professional and not selling your home yourself, you still may want an attorney to examine the sales contract and assist with closing, which can be complicated.

Many homeowners are not aware of the costs involved with selling a home but there are some perks as well. With any home sale you are eligible for a tax write off of up to $250,000 gained in the sale of your home for a single owner, and $500,000 for married couples. This applies for most state taxes as well; check with a tax professional to get all the details of any tax credit that may be available to you and your situation. 

Agent Owned - Well maintained, open floor plan.  Soothing wall colors.  Attractive kitchen that flows nicely and features a smooth top double oven range, a lovely sunburst window and sliding door to covered patio.  There are adult height vanities in Master Bath as well as the hall bath.  There are pocket doors to the laundry room and Master Bath.  Custom faux wood blinds.   Partially finished basement.  Basement has a room that is being used as a bedroom (no egress) with a walk-in closet.  Very large L-shaped family room perfect for those family gatherings. Lots of storage as well.  Professional landscaping with backyard having easy care white fencing and a 10x10 shed.  Driveway has an extra parking pad. Great Location!  There are 1636 square feet above grade and 950 square feet below grade for a total of 2586 square feet.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #3043

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Ready to move into 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo on the lower level with a nice view. This condo has recently been renovated with new laminate flooring in the living room, dining room, kitchen and hallway for a spacious, open feeling. Hall bath has also been updated with pedestal sink, built-in wall cabinets, new mirror and beautiful ceramic floors which extend into laundry area with stackable washer/dryer. Both bedrooms have new carpet and windows nicely framed in wood.  Kitchen has new counter top, stove, microwave and dishwasher.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #3133

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

This 3 Br, 3 Bath display home is decked out from top to bottom. This home has almost 1600 sq. ft finished above grade with about 200 finished in the basement. This home has beautiful wood floors in the dining room and kitchen and ceramic floors in the baths. The living room has a vaulted ceiling with a gas fireplace to keep you warm on those cold winter nights. The master has a vaulted ceiling as well along with a fantastic master bath. Intercom system w/ speakers throughout and an oversized 2 finished garage. There are 1595 sq. ft. above grade and 200 finished in the basement for a total sq. footage of 1795.

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Ready to move into.  3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a great fenced yard and a 2-car built in garage. This home has a spacious kitchen with oak cabinets and built-in desk with bookshelves. Formal dining room has mirrored wall for a more spacious feel. Fabulous living room with great natural light. There is 1 bedroom on the main level along with a full bath. Upstairs you will find 2 spacious bedrooms and bath. The walkout basement offers family room and nice laundry area. The yard is just lovely with mature trees. Huge deck for entertaining.  There are 1459 square feet above grade and 249 square feet below grade for a total of 1708 square feet.

For an audio description of this property, call 1-800-239-2519. The property number is #2693

Don't forget...buy or sell with me and use my moving truck to move for FREE!

Before you finalize the closing of your home, you will be given an opportunity to walk thru the home to inspect and look for any last minute issues. It is important to know what to look for during the final walk through and many times your agent will accompany you to help you inspect the house to to verify that everything has been addressed that was agreed upon. 

Before you begin your inspection, it is a good idea to make a list of things to look for so you can be prepared.  It is also recommended that you have your Sales Contract with you so that you can review any items that should be included with the house.

Here is a list of items to check on a final walk-through:

• Did the movers bang up the walls, rip the rugs or scratch the wooden floors?
• Did the moldings around the doors get damaged when they moved an appliance from a room?
• Does the heating and air conditioning system still work?
• Are all of the appliances still working?
• Have all the items that the seller agreed to remove from the home out of the home?
• Turn on and off every light fixture
• Run water & look under sinks for leaks
• Open and close all doors and doors
• Flush toilets
• Inspect ceilings, wall and floors
• Make sure any repairs that were agreed upon have been made

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned and you may find that there are some issues that have not been taken care of as agreed. You do have options in case this happens. It is a good idea to work with an attorney to come to a satisfactory arrangement.

If you currently own a home but want to purchase a new property, you may want to consider a bridge loan. This is a short term loan that a borrower takes out against their current property to finance the

Generally, a home equity loan is less expensive, but bridge loans contain more benefits for some borrowers. In addition, many lenders will not lend on a home equity loan if the home is on the market. It is a good idea to compare the benefits between the two loans to determine which is a better fit for their particular situation and plan ahead before making an offer to purchase another home.

How Do Bridge Loans Work?

To apply for a bridge loan, you must show that you are financially able to pay both mortgage payments in case the primary property does not sell right away. To ease the transition, most bridge loans will allow you to have a few months before your actual first payment is due. However, interest will accrue during that time.

Bridge loans are meant to be short term loans, normally coming due in a year or upon the sale of the primary property. Because it is a short term loan, the interest rates are usually quite a bit higher than regular mortgages and there are fees associated with it.

Pros of a Bridge Loan

• A bridge loan is a great solution if you want to purchase another home without having to sell your current property.
• The buyer can immediately put a home on the market without restrictions.
  Bridge loans may not require monthly payments for a few months.
• If the buyer has made a contingent offer to buy and the seller issues a Notice to Perform, the buyer can remove the contingency to sell and still move forward with the purchase.

Cons of a Bridge Loans

• Bridge loans cost more than home equity loans.
• Strict lending requirements. Buyers must be qualified by the lender to own two homes and many will not meet this requirement.
• If the buyer is unable to sell their primary property, they will have to pay 2 mortgages and risk foreclosure on the 1st.

As with any loan option it is a good idea to weight the pros and cons and consider all your options. If you think a bridge loan might be the solution for you, check out this Bridge Loan Calculator to see an estimated idea of payments.

The real estate purchase agreement also indicates specifics of the sale such as the time frame for the sale and any conditions or contingencies relating to the sale, and other things you should be aware of.

 As with any other legal contract, a real estate contract may be formed by one party making an offer and another party accepting the offer. Typically, the party making the offer prepares a written real estate contract, signs it, and transmits it to the other party who would accept the offer by signing the contract. At this point, the other party may accept the offer, reject it or make a counteroffer. To be enforceable, a real estate contract must possess original signatures by the parties and any alterations to the contract must be initialed by all the parties involved. It is always a good idea to work with a real estate professional when dealing with legal forms before signing if you have any questions or are confused with any of the terms.

When you begin your search for a new home, it can be easy to get caught up when looking at homes and fall in love with one and not catch potential problems. While you should always have a professional home inspection before signing any contracts you can still be on the look out for some potential issues before you start the process of purchasing the home. Below are some red flags to look for when searching for your home.

• Strange odors.  Pet smells, musty odors and even cigarette smells are red flags as they can be hard to get rid of and may signal a deeper problem. Keep in mind if the home smells like heavy cleaning products the seller might be trying to hide a problem.
• Wiring Issues. While an electrician is the only one to accurately diagnose wiring problems there are some things you can be on the look out for. Make sure all the switches and outlets in the house function properly. Any lights that flicker or don't work as well as hot outlets are all symptoms of wiring problems.
• Problems With Windows. You can tell a foggy window problem right away just by looking at them but also be sure to check out all the windows to make sure they are fully functional. Some older windows maybe warped or painted shut and if you do see foggy windows that is a sign that the seal is broken.
• Ceiling stains. Some buyers don' think about looking up at the ceiling but if you see stains then its obvious..something’s leaking. It might be a simple repair or it might be quite costly. Most roof leaks result from neglected flashing that seals “valleys” in the roof or around a chimney or vents, roof leaks mean mean it’s time to replace shingles. If the leak is under a bathroom it might be shower or even the toilet that is causing problems.
• Insects and Rodents. Keep a close eye out for signs of rodents and bugs. Be on the lookout for hidden mouse traps, rodent droppings, roach motels or other signs that there may be a problem. If you do locate a home that you are ready to purchase, absolutely get a termite inspection as they can only be detected by a professional inspection.

Of course these are just some things to look for and while they may not present a serious problem and may be a mior fix it is important to be aware of potential issues and headaches downt the road.

For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” real estate transaction. This certification will allow me to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

Short Sales and Foreclosures are part of today's real estate market and I have the tools and knowledge to answer any questions and to be with you in case you need assistance. Contact me today for more information!

We strongly believes in reinvesting in community and all of us at

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior of Columbia, Waterloo, Valmeyer or Gibault High Schools, enrolling in a college or university of his/her choice for use towards tuition and/or books for the 2009/2010 School Year. 

A committee of local business people will review the applications and select 5 finalists.  Each finalist will give an oral presentation in which 1 recipient will be chosen.

You can contact either the Columbia, Waterloo, Valmeyer or Gibault  High School to pick up the application or you can contact us at 939-HOME or 281-HOME (4663)

Deadline:  April 1, 2010

The holidays are over and the decorations are put away but we what stays with us all year is the generosity of our community. In the photo you will see Sherrie and I loading our truck with canned goods from our holiday food drives.

Thanks to the wonderful donations we received, we delivered over 7 large containers of food and supplies that were delivered to the Hope Christian Church food pantry. We would like to thank our customers and friends for their generous donations, which were collected when we gave out pies on Thanksgiving, during the Columbia Christmas parade as well as donations received from our neighbors during our neighborhood Christmas party.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and we wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!