The real estate market has been as capricious as has the stock market, since the recession of 2008 leaving homeowners wondering when the best time to buy is.  Two main factors come into play with the cost of a home.  First is, of course, the price of the home, and second – the mortgage interest rate.  We want to have some idea where these prices and rates are going.  Unlike the stock market which changes daily, home values are are expected to increase by nearly 20 percent between now and 2018.  Freddie Mac has projected that mortgage rates will be up to one full point higher by this time next year.  With home values and mortgage rates moving upward, it would appear that right now is one of the best times to make that new home purchase.

According to the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, St. Charles County is leading the area in single and multiple family housing permits issued for new construction through August 2014.  County officials are optimistic that the housing industry will continue its recovery from the recession.

Francis Howell School District has installed solar panels on the roofs of 5 district buildings, and are generating power for school operations.  Panels were installed on the rooftops of the administration building, Castilo Elementary, Fairmount Elementary, Henderson Elementary, and Hollenbeck Middle schools.

The schools were outfitted with one 25-kilowatt system each, while Fairmount has 2 25-kilowatt arrays.  Over the next 20 years the district predicts it will save $573,000 in electric costs while producing an average of 16,000 kilowatt hours per month.  Thus far the systems have generated 48,000 kilowatt hours.

If you are thinking about moving, and the area school district  is on your priority list, you will want to check this out.

Francis Howell High School has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best high schools in the country for the 2nd year in a row.  Francis Howell High  School was one of only 5 Missouri High Schools selected by Newsweek, ranking 364th out of 500 schools nationwide.

The Selling St. Charles County Team is a powerfully unified group of knowledgeable and friendly real estate professionals passionately committed to helping our clients achieve their real estate goals. The Selling St. Charles County Team is dedicated to providing accurate and prompt interaction so you’ll know exactly what to expect at every phase of the home buying or selling process. Your experience working with us will be second to none because we deliver the absolute best of personal, professional and preferred service!

Not all Realtors are equally qualified to provide you the best service possible. Joanna has over 34 years experience helping home buyers and home sellers in St. Charles County, and she ranks in the top 2% of real estate agents nationwide! Passionately committed to the Real Estate Industry and dedicated to being the best Realtor possible, she receives ongoing training from CKG International, which coaches the most successful Realtors in the world. That organization honored her in 2006 with the designation of a Coach Ken’s President Club Mastery Member. The award presented to Joanna was for “Outstanding Performance in Real Estate and an Unwavering Dedication to Constant and Never Ending Improvement.”

She also recently had the honor and recognition of being awarded a “FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction” designation from St. Louis Magazine for her dedication to client satisfaction. Over 24,000 Consumers were surveyed to determine award recipients. Each agent was rated for:

• Customer Service
• Integrity
• Market Knowledge
• Communication
• Negotiation
• Closing Preparation
• Finding the Right Home
• Marketing of Home
• Overall Satisfaction

Placing continuous focus on cutting edge technology, Joanna seeks maximum exposure for her sellers, and her excellent negotiating skills will get you top dollar for your home. As proof, she has recently moved into the #8 spot among the Top 20 Teams in the RE/MAX St. Louis Region. Her status as both a RE/MAX Platinum Member and as a RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement recipient, awarded for $3 million in commissions paid by RE/MAX within 7 years of service, is more evidence that she is at the top of her field and attests to her success in representing the best interests of all her clients.

Joanna also has the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation, which is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to providing a superior level of professional services. She is designated a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) as well, which is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. Joanna recently received the designation of Certified Destressed Property Expert (CDPE). The CDPE designation provides real estate industry professionals with detailed information on how to engage with and assist homeowners in distress. In addition, she is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Club.