Sell Your Home
Meyer Real Estate has been helping people sell their homes for more than 50 years. When searching for an agent to help you sell a home in Saint Charles or a surrounding area, it is important to select someone who is familiar with the neighborhood, the city and the local market.
The location of a home can affect various factors when you go to sell, such as price, code requirements, marketing tactics and buyer expectations. Agents at Meyer Real Estate have proven expertise selling homes throughout the St. Louis metropolitan region, including in:
- St. Charles City
- St. Charles County
- Lincoln County
- St. Louis County
- Warren County
- North County
How Meyer Real Estate Markets Your Home
Most real estate companies use the same marketing platform these days — the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — to publish listings to a standard list of websites, including Realtor.com and Zillow. While Meyer Real Estate utilizes the MLS, this tactic alone isn’t enough to get your home noticed by the right buyer and sold quickly.
Here at Meyer Real Estate, we employ professional photographers to capture your home in its best light and provide marketing material designed to sell. Our agents have been in the business, adapting with the changes to the industry, for years and know all the best ways to market your home. It may mean a few hours with a professional stager, social media advertising or maybe a strategically planned open house. Whatever your situation, Meyer Real Estate can help you sell a home in Saint Charles.
Connect with Us to Sell Your Home
Meyer Real Estate agents average well over 10 years of experience in selling homes, and each agent has the full support of our brokerage staff. Training is on-going, with weekly staff meetings to discuss current events and changes that affect our market and marketing. Five of our agents are also rental managers who can assist you if a sale is not in the cards in the present market. It all boils down to experience and knowledge, and we have both in abundance!
Learn more about our skilled agents and meet the team here. Or contact the Meyer Real Estate office below to get started selling with Meyer!
How to Sell a Home: FAQs
Why Should I Pay to Hire a Realtor?
A realtor brings a whole career’s worth of expertise to the home-selling process — reaching a wide audience, ensuring paperwork is properly filled out, coordinating with the lender and title company, and timing deadlines to accommodate all parties involved, with your interests taking priority. In other words: it is certainly easier to rely on a realtor in this process.
As for the cost, there is no guarantee that selling on your own will save you any money. While you may save on agent fees, your smaller marketing reach could result in a below-average transaction and a lack of knowledge about the process can result in unforeseen fees. The way to get the most for your home is to market it to the widest possible audience, and if you are only utilizing Zillow or another DIY marketing platform, you are not getting your message to the majority of buyers. This means you may get less for your home when — or if — a buyer does come along. In fact, most sellers who attempt to sell their own home eventually either hire an agent or wind up working with an agent representing the buyer.
Does My Home Need to be Paid Off?
Not at all! You will need enough equity to pay for miscellaneous repairs, the closing costs and the realtor, but the rest of it is yours to pay off your existing mortgage loan and do with as you wish.
Your housing objective should determine the sale; the sale should not determine the housing objective. In other words: if you want to sell your current home and buy a new one that costs 150 percent of your present home’s value (the most common objective), and you will need $30,000 out of the sale, then ask a real estate agent if this is realistic. Just make sure you listen to the response, because no buyer will care how much money you need so much as what your home is worth.
How Much is My Home Worth?
The best way is to look at recent sales of homes like yours, known as “comps”. Look at the final sales price and add value where your home has better attributes, updates and features, while subtracting for features the comparable home has that yours doesn’t. You also need to account for market timing and décor, as well.
A “Zestimate” on a site like Zillow or Realtors Property Resource is a good starting point, but pricing a home correctly is not as straightforward as an algorithm makes it seem. It is a difficult skill, which is why an experienced realtor is so valuable in helping you sell a home in Saint Charles.
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home?
You should plan to do most cleaning, painting, repairs and some updating before listing your home. During the sales process, we generally recommend our clients budget around 2% of the sales price (on average) for repairs, but if you have been in your home more than 25 years, that will likely go up. (Likewise, if you have only been in your home a few years, you may not need as much.)
Other expenses to keep in mind include photography, staging, present loan balances, subdivision fees, real estate commission and title expenses, which are about $500 for a seller. Real estate taxes also come from closing, but you should get reimbursed from your bank’s escrows after closing.
Do I Need to Disclose Major Repairs?
Yes! Any major repairs or problems need to be reported and disclosed in full — or fixed, if possible. The days of caveat emptor (buyer beware) are over, which means you are legally liable for failing to disclose any information you clearly should have known about. This can certainly make the home less appealing to buyers, but it is much better to disclose those issues and loose a little money in home value than risk being taken to court.
If you wish to sell a home in Saint Charles that needs repairs or updates, Meyer Real Estate can provide a home equity loan to have the work completed and help your home sell quicker. Contact us here and ask about our unique Repair to Sell Program.
Should I Sell My Home, Or Rent It?
In a word: equity. If you need money now, you should sell your home. You can use that money to buy another home or do as you wish with it. If you already have equity and no immediate need for funds, then you may consider holding the home as an investment and using it as a rental property to generate extra income. Meyer Real Estate employs a team of experienced rental management professionals who handle properties across the St. Charles area. Contact us today to see how we can help you manage your investment properties.
What Does the Selling Process Look Like?
Once you choose a real estate company to help you sell a home in Saint Charles, and an agent to work with, they will guide you through the process. But, it generally looks a lot like this:
- Set a price. Everything begins with determining a price for your home and starting to gather marketing data. A skilled realtor will be an invaluable help with this.
- Clean and update. Getting your home into showing shape is extremely important. This will likely involve cleaning, updating features as needed and removing clutter.
- List the house. Your realtor will put the house on the market once everything is in place, including: disclosures, professional photos, high-converting descriptions and other information likely to be of interest to potential buyers. As soon as you make the listing active, allow people to schedule showings!
- Ask for feedback and react accordingly. The largest mistake that takes place in this phase of the process is when the seller does not respond to market feedback. How is the home being perceived? How are you showing it? A good realtor will be able to react to feedback and tweak the strategy.
- Accept an offer. The home will then receive offers, and it is up to you when to accept one. After that, work on the contract starts.
- Wait for inspections and make repairs. Next is the building inspection phase, during which your agent should help you with bids to make repairs. Then you wait for the appraisal and the buyer’s loan commitment.
- Get out of there! Finally, you prep, move out of the home if you haven’t already and go to closing.
Of course, this is a vastly oversimplified look at the process. The fun part of being a realtor is how different every transaction is. As realtors, we become talented problem solvers who strive to overcome every issue brought up in the transactions by both sides of the contract. This may include a host of varied problems, like septic and well issues, municipal inspections, flood plain determinations, proper zoning issues, consideration of special tax and historic districts, cleaning or recognizing past liens, and title determination.
Can I List My Home Any Time of Year?
Sales occur all year long, but things are slowest around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But, that shouldn’t discourage you from selling your home in the winter! Inventory is at its lowest in winter, so you have a lot less competition in looking for buyers. The absolute best time to sell, however, is in the late spring, when everyone gets the buying “itch.” After that, it slowly quiets back down again.
How Will Showings Affect My Daily Life?
It is definitely easier to show potential buyers a home without occupants, but most sellers do not have the ability to buy a new home and move before selling their current home. The solution is keeping the home clean and ready to show at a moment’s notice. That means keeping the home in tip-top shape and ensuring family members — especially kids — put their belongings away regularly.
What Are Short Sale and Foreclosure?
A foreclosure is when a bank takes possession of a mortgaged property that is not being paid off and sells it to recover loan equity and charges associated with the loan. In Missouri, the bank has the option to pursue legal action against the homeowner for the balance, but it rarely occurs.
A short sale is when the homeowner attempts to sell a mortgaged property for less than what is owed on the home — with the bank’s permission. In this case, the homeowner sells the home contingent upon the bank’s permission to take less, and then the seller and agent petition the bank to accept the offer. If the bank agrees, the deal can close cleanly. Sometimes the seller is asked to accept an unsecured loan for the balance, and other times they are relieved of the excess debt — though they will still face income tax issues, as forgiven debt is treated by the government as income. In some cases, the short sale process can go relatively quickly, but most of the time the process takes months or even years to be resolved and requires a massive amount of paperwork to be completed.
Meyer Real Estate Featured Homes
18 Lakemont Drive, St Charles, MO 63304 (MLS # 18032760)
(all data current as of 12/7/2019)Price | $172,000 |
---|---|
Beds | 3 |
Baths | 3 Baths |
Home size | 1,192 sqft |
Lot Size | n/a |
Days on Market | 68 |
Status | Sold |
This spacious quad-level is a great opportunity for the buyer who wants a livable home and can earn sweat equity! Updates are needed such as possible roof, deck repairs, carpet, etc...and is reflected in the price. Situated on a fenced lot located in the Park Charles So. subdivision with 3 stocked fishing lakes and over 90 acres of common grounds. Home features include a bright kitchen with updated white cabinetry & ceramic tile floor (refrigerator is not included). One year old neutral carpeting in the large family room w/woodburning fireplace & gas starter, wet bar, half bath & walkout to a patio and fenced yard-plus an unfinished basement and an oversized two car garage. Total square footage is approximate. Sold "as is". Home is tenant occupied and shown by appointment only. Please schedule appointments thru MLS. Property may be shown on the following dates, May 21, 22, 23, 26, 27.
Property Type(s): Single Family
Last Updated | 9/11/2019 | Tract | Park Charles South |
---|---|---|---|
Year Built | 1977 | Community | Francis Howell Cntrl |
Garage Spaces | 2.0 | County | St Charles |
Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Meyer Real Estate
397 Moreau Terr, St Charles, MO 63303 (MLS # 18032008)
(all data current as of 12/7/2019)Price | $135,000 |
---|---|
Beds | 2 |
Baths | 2 Baths |
Home size | 1,248 sqft |
Lot Size | n/a |
Days on Market | 24 |
Status | Sold |
Location, Location, Location, close to I-70/Hwy 364. This home offers an open floor plan and the interior has been freshly painted and new flooring. The main level features a eat-in kitchen, from a the kitchen there is a sliding door that opens to private patio, main floor laundry, and an hall bath for guests. Upper level has a loft area great for a office or extra sitting room, two bedrooms, both bedrooms have huge walk in closets, large full bath. One car rear entry garage.
Property Type(s): Single Family
Last Updated | 9/11/2019 | Tract | Montclair |
---|---|---|---|
Year Built | 2004 | Community | Francis Howell North |
Garage Spaces | 1.0 | County | St Charles |
Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Meyer Real Estate
2080 Saint Stephen Drive, Florissant, MO 63033 (MLS # 18031775)
(all data current as of 12/7/2019)Price | $99,000 |
---|---|
Beds | 2 |
Baths | 2 Baths |
Home size | 992 sqft |
Lot Size | 7,536 sqft |
Days on Market | 32 |
Status | Sold |
Full Brick Home With Covered Front Porch Welcomes You to This Updated Immaculate And Move In Ready Home! Remodeled Kitchen Features Brushed Stainless Appliances, Including the 5 Burner LG Gas Stove, Slate Tile Flooring And Ceramic Back Splash! Kitchen Offers Plenty of Cabinets, Counter Space, a Large Window Over The Sink and Even a Pantry For Additional Storage! Gleaming Hardwood Floors Throughout Home Have Just Been Refinished & Home Was Freshly Painted in Neutral Colors! Custom Updated Bath With Polished Stone Floor & Tub/Shower Surround! Ceiling Fans in Most Rooms! Glass Sliding Doors Open to a Large Patio in The Level Fenced Back Yard. Shed to Remain With Home! Lower Level Has a Large Finished Area With Caned Lighting & 1/2 Bath. Plenty of Room For Lots of Activities! Need Extra Parking? New Concrete Driveway Provides Additional Parking For at Least 3 More Vehicles! Home Also Has an Updated Electrical Panel!! You Will Not Be Disappointed!!!!
Property Type(s): Single Family
Last Updated | 9/11/2019 | Tract | St Michael Hills 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Year Built | 1959 | Community | McCluer North |
Garage Spaces | 1.0 | County | St Louis |
Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Meyer Real Estate
34 Expedition Trail Court, St Charles, MO 63303 (MLS # 18055807)
(all data current as of 12/7/2019)Price | $390,000 |
---|---|
Beds | 3 |
Baths | 3 Baths |
Home size | 2,874 sqft |
Lot Size | 13,068 sqft |
Days on Market | 82 |
Status | Sold |
SPEC HOME - LOADED WITH UPGRADES OF COURSE! Full Brick & Stone Front, 9ft Ceilings, Vaulted Ceilings. Red Oak Hardwood Floors, Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Granite Counter Tops, GE Appliances, Built-in Lockers (Mud Room), Main Floor Laundry, Full Masonry Gas Fireplace, Covered Porch, Covered Deck, Walk-up Basement (with rough-in & STORM SHELTER), Custom Brick Mailbox, & 3 Car Garage! 2874 sq feet of Executive Style new construction. Main level includes: Incredible Kitchen featuring: Granite counter tops - Center Island - HUGE Walk-in Pantry, Main Floor Laundry, Vaulted Ceiling Great Room, Breakfast Room w/access to covered Deck Area, Spacious Master Bedroom w/ 9ft Ceilings & Recessed Lighting - Master Bath w/ Double Vanity, HUGE Walk-in Shower with Multiple Shower Heads, 1 additional Bedroom & a Full Bath. Upper Level Boasts: Large Rec Room, 3rd Bedroom, Full Bath & 2 Dormer Alcoves. ZONED HVAC. Recessed Canned lighting throughout! Tilt-in Windows. Covered Front Porch. Fully sodded yard.
Property Type(s): Single Family
Last Updated | 9/11/2019 | Tract | Trails Of Lewis & Clark |
---|---|---|---|
Year Built | 0 | Community | St. Charles West |
Garage Spaces | 3.0 | County | St Charles |
Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Meyer Real Estate