Webster Groves Century Homes

Chances are, if you've spent any time looking at real estate in Webster Groves (or any time in Webster Groves, period), you've seen houses with a "Century Home" plaque displayed near the front door. These 12" X 16" metal plaques display not only the year the house was built, but also the name of the family it was built for.

I do not live in Webster Groves, but being a realtor and having seen many houses there, I have to say that I love the character and charm of its older homes. I tend to geek out for anything historical. For example, ask my wife and I what our favorite parts were of the cities we visited in Europe and you're bound to get very different answers. She kept busy capturing the beauty of the elegant architecture and cobblestoned streets with her camera, whereas, you could more often find me standing beneath some obscure statue with our guide book in hand, reading about it's significance. So naturally, I've been curious about these plaques and how they are awarded.

As the name indicates, all the homes with the plaque are at least 100 years old (thanks, Captain Obvious), yet not all 100+ year old homes in Webster have one. Are some more special than others? Did the powers that be in Webster want to highlight a few of their favorites? Did they throw darts at a map to choose? Turns out all you have to do is apply for one through the Webster Groves Historical Society. Well that, plus $100 and a little research. The fee pays for the plaque and a year's membership to the society. You will need 2 forms of evidence, written at the time the house was built, documenting the age. But don't worry, even though the good people at the Historical Society won't conduct the research for you, they are willing to point you in the right direction.

So, if you're currently living in (or looking to buy) a century home in Webster Groves and don't have the plaque to prove it, here's how you can. And while you're at it, you might just learn a little more about your home's history to satisfy your inner historian nerd.

Tips For Home Buyers #1

We've all seen articles and compiled lists of suggestions for buyers and sellers of real estate. Unfortunately, they all tend to say the same thing, and while this information may be useful, it's typically a bit too predictable. On this blog, I plan to periodically post tips for both the home buying and selling processes, in the hopes that many of these will be novel ideas for you to consider.

Please note that the tips are in no particular order, aside from being in the order they come to mind.

OK, on to tip #1 for Buyers:

Once you find your home - act as quickly as possible.

I like to tell my buyers that we'll see as many houses as it takes to find the right one for them, however, once we find it, they need to be prepared to move as quickly as possible on getting it under contract. The reason I say this is to avoid a multiple bid situation. This could only mean bad news for the buyer and good news for the seller. It usually means, in the best case scenario, a higher sales price than if you were the only bidder. And in the worst case scenario, losing the house of your dreams to a higher bidder.

Many times this can be avoided by proper planning and expeditiously making initial and counter offers. Some buyers (especially first-timers) like to get a second opinion from a relative or close friend, which is fine and often recommended, but try to do so in less than 24 hours when at all possible. Also, be sure to have a pre-approval letter from a lender in hand. In fact, this should be one of the first steps of the home buying process. But don't worry, it's quick and painless. It just takes one phone call and in many cases you will have the letter the next (if not same) day. Feel free to call or email me and I be happy to provide you with a list of great lenders in the St. Louis area.