How long have you been selling real estate?

What professional real estate designations 
       do you have? 

What specifically will you do to cause my 
       home to sell?

What specific procedure will you follow to 
       help establish a price for our home? 

 How often can we expect to hear from you 
       once we have given you the listing on our 
       home?

What are your company's resources, 
       support staff and network affiliation?

What Information or Checklists does the 
       agent have to help you, the Seller?

Does your agent appear trustworthy, caring 
       and committed to helping you reach your  
       goals? 		May I see a copy of your marketing plan?

Are you involved in your local Board of Realtors?

What is the average length of time your listings are 
       on the market?  

What will you do to keep us informed regarding any 
       changes in the market that may impact our price 
       and terms?  

May I see your professional service brochure and/or 
       resume?

What is your Companies record for home sales in  
       our area?

Does the agent have information to help buyers find 
       a lender? (such as - "Home Loan application 
       checklist "and "14 General questions to ask every 
       Lender"

 Is the agent offering traditional level service only or    
       do they have an upgraded Home Marketing System?

 

Why select ' Coldwell Banker Gundaker ' &  Mary to List Your Home ??? 
 Back to Menu    or    For more Questions to ask an Agent- Go to All About Mary Selecting Your Agent Section     or    Back to Safe Selling 

First let's Look at the area Ranking!.............#1 in St. Louis Area
 Coldwell Banker Gundaker is undeniably the premier residential real estate company in the St. Louis area.

Sales
Ranking
#  

        Company Name

 Sales $
Volume		  # of 
Properties
 Sold  		 # of 
Offices 		 # of Agents 

       1.

 Coldwell Banker Gundaker $ 5,800,000,000 33,689

36

 3,500

2.

 Prudential Alliance Realtors $      425,000,000 1,901

8

350
3. Re/Max Properties West $      357,161,953 1,648 1 77
4. Laura McCarthy Realtors $      300,230,300 874 3 105
5. Re/Max Team $      236,586,585 1,749 4 81
6. Re/Max Results $      232,108,641 1,409 3 74
7. Janet McAfee Inc. $      218,488,709 486 1 100
8. Blake & Davis Realtors $      206,361,073 700 3 119
9, Re/Max Associates $      196,775,174 1,049 2 46
10. Re/Max Elite $      179,162,059 1,386 1 54
11. Re/Max Preferred $      172,705,825 1,257 4 51
12. Prudential One Realty Centre $      170,000,000 1,125 4 115
13. Re/Max Suburban $      118,600,742 572 1 36
14. Prudential Patterson Realtors $      116,980,000 1,247 3 130
15. Re/Max Realty Centre $      109,768,821 851 1 25
16. Edward L. Bakewell Inc. $        84,527,869 166 1 37
17. Coldwell Banker Premier $        82,830,000 615 1 46
18. Gladys Manion Inc. $        79,094,541 165 1 30

Top Residential Brokerages ( Sales Volume ) in St. Louis area according to the 2004 St. Louis Business Journal "Book of Lists". 

When you ask me......"What are you doing to sell my home?"
Besides doing my normal flyers, advertising in the local newspaper & real estate magazines & Open Houses plus my website, I am also proud to say that due to Coldwell Banker Gundakers annual marketing spend with a retail value of almost $45 million #2, it has carved out an enviable position. Today, through our careful investment and powerful alliances, the company has claimed virtual ownership over the Internet's most exclusive real estate. 
So now when you ask me......."What am I doing to sell your home?" 
I can also respond by telling you.........  

I'm generating broad exposure for your property with unprecedented spending at 
       America's leading Internet real estate sites and portals.

I'm posting multiple photos of your home and a detailed property description - two of the 
       most sought after features by online home shoppers. #3 

I'm using 56,000 search terms at the Internet's biggest search engine sites to drive 
       home buyers to our online properties. #2  

I'm using the latest technology to respond immediately to your service requests and the 
       inquiries of interested buyers.

 #2 Based on the estimated retail value of NRT Incorporated's annual spend for REALTOR.com® and search engine advertising. Coldwell Banker Gundaker is a member of the NRT family of companies. NRT has more than 950 offices and 58,000 sales associates operating in over 35 major metropolitan areas.
#3 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Back to Menu   or  More Information About Selecting Your Agent

 










Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Show at it's Best to Prospective Buyers !  
Arrange the furniture & discard or store unused 
       items so each room appears as spacious as 
       possible
No matter what the season, consider it spring & 
       do your 'Spring Cleaning'
Clean all your windows & mirrors so they sparkle
Check all closets to be sure clothes are neatly 
       arranged. Keep as few items as possible stored 
       in overhead shelves and on floors, so that the 
       closet look as big as possible
Clean the oven as well as all other appliances. 
       Polish the chrome or brass on the sink
If needed launder draperies and curtains
Shampoo carpets and wax floors. Depending on 
       your circumstances possibly consider replacing 
       your carpet if it is worn, you may not recover the 
       costs but your home may sell faster 
Buy higher intensity light bulbs and put 
       them in every lamp. They will make the 
       rooms brighter and feel warmer

 

 Brighten things with fresh paint. White, 
       off-white or beige walls make a room look 
       bigger, lighter & since they are neutral 
       colors, it makes it easier for potential 
       Buyers to see 'Their furniture blending in'
Keep kitchen countertops clean & free of 
       clutter. Organize kitchen cabinets and 
       cup-boards
Go through the basement, attic and 
       garage. Organize them so they appear as 
       spacious neat and as clean as possible. 
       It's a great time to have a garage sale! 
Get out your tool kit: tighten loose door 
       knobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, 
       towel racks and switch plates. Repair and 
       clean caulking around tubs and sinks. Fix 
       leaky faucets, remove water stains 
Polish the tub (make sure you have 
       non-slip material inside to stand on!), 
       toilet and bathroom sink
Go on down the page for 5 important guidelines to follow when your home is being shown!

Back to Menu             5 Important Guidelines to follow when Your Home is being shown !
Leave the property at least ten to fifteen minutes 
       before it is shown and return after the agent and 
       buyers have left. You want the agent and the 
       buyers to feel relaxed and to take their time when 
       looking at your home
Believe it or not there are quite a few adults and 
       children who are very afraid of dogs, cats, etc.... 
       So it would be better to keep pets  confined when 
       the house is being shown.
Open drapes, turn on lights and play soft music. 
       Remember, you are trying to make the Buyer 
       FEEL AT HOME !

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Leave a welcome note for the agent and 
       the buyers in a highly visible place (taped 
       to the front door). The note should 
       welcome them and tell them and tell them 
       where the "Home Book", "Home Feature 
       Sheet" and other information about the 
       home can be found. See "16 Key items 
       to include in a Home Book that will 
       catch a buyers eye"
 Before vacating the house for a showing, 
       do a quick check, to make sure items 
       one, two, and three of the "The 6 C's of 
       Merchandising" have been followed




Reasons why pricing your home right   IN THE BEGINNING   is SO Important !
Your home is most likely to sell for top dollar when it is Fresh or Just Listed on the market

 Buyers are in search of the best buy.....and they shop around. IF your home is priced to high, it 
       will make the other comparable homes look more attractive to the buyers

After a contract is accepted, your property will need to be appraised & IF it appraises below the 
       contract price you could have a problem

Other than possibly location, price is the most critical item that both buyers and real estate 
       agents look to when selection homes to view

                                            ..............Negotiations..............
IF priced too high, it's possible that no one will seriously consider or see the benefit of even  
       starting the negotiations

The more accurately priced the property is, the less likely the buyer is to start the negotiations 
       with a "low ball" offer or possibly even see the need to negotiate 

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Things every Seller needs to know about a real estate Appraisal.
It is an objective opinion of value. It is not an exact science. If three appraisers appraised 
       the same property, they might assign three different estimates of value.

Most sellers, buyers and lenders want an appraisal that reflects the market value rather 
       than the insured value, assessed value, sentimental value or other types of value.

An appraiser's estimate of value typically reflects the current market conditions in the 
       subject property's marketplace. This can change Dramatically if market conditions shift

The appraiser's estimate of value attempts to reflect the most probable price the property 
       will sell for without special considerations or circumstances.

The best indicator of market value for residential property is found by applying the sales 
       comparison approach.

Most Lenders base the amount they will loan the Buyer on either the sales price or the 
       appraised value of the property, WHICHEVER IS LESS.

Homebuyers today are writing their offers to purchase......subject to the property 
       appraising at or above the sales contract price. 

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   A Lot of Tips & Reminders to help your move go smoothly !
Not all of these may be necessary and some are only if you are moving out of state.
Send change of address to:
Back to Menu Post Office: give forwarding address
Charge Accounts, credit cards
Subscriptions: notice requires several 
       weeks.
Automobile: transfer of car title 
       registration, driver's license, city 
       windshield sticker, motor club 
       membership.
School records: ask for copies or 
       transfer of children's records.
Health: medical, dental, prescription 
       histories. Ask doctor and dentist for 
       referrals, transfer needed 
       prescriptions, x-rays.
Friends and relatives
 Bank: transfer funds, arrange 
       check-cashing in new town.
 Insurance: life, health, fire and auto.
 Utility companies: gas, light, water, 
       telephone, fuel: arrange for refunds of 
       any deposits and for service in new 
       town.
 Cancel / Change newspaper delivery
 Church, clubs, civic organizations: 
       transfer memberships, get letters of 
       introduction.
 Pets: ask about regulations for 
       licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.

And don't forget to:
Back to Menu Defrost freezer/refrigerator: place 
       charcoal to dispel odors.
 Have appliances serviced for moving.
 Check insurance coverage, packing 
       and unpacking labor (if needed), 
       arrival day, various shipping papers, 
       method and time of expected 
       payment. 		Remember arrangements for TV and 
       antenna or cable or dish service.
 Empty freezer: plan use of foods.
 Clean rugs or clothing before moving: 
       have them wrapped or packed.
 Plan for special care needs of infants 
       and children.

And on moving day:
Back to Menu Carry currency, jewelry, documents 
       yourself or use registered mail.
 Carry traveler's checks for quick, 
       available funds.
 Leave all old keys needed by new 
       tenant or owner with the real estate 
       agent. 		Plan for transporting pets: they are 
       poor traveling companions if 
       unhappy.
Let close friend or relative know your 
       route and schedule, including 
       overnight stops, if you don't have a 
       cell phone, use her/him as a 
       message headquarters.





Steps to "Safe Selling" every home Seller should consider !
 



























Back to Menu		 Do an honest, detailed "Seller's Disclosure". Check with your agent 
       and/or attorney for details.
   
 Offer a “Home Warranty/Protection Plan" to the buyer of your property. 
       Check out "Home Warranty Policy Checklist... For Sellers" .
 
 Remove valuable personal property like jewelry, etc. before allowing your 
       home to be shown.
  
 Have a lock-box system placed on or by the front door. If this is not 
       possible, have some other system to track who shows the property.
  
 Have all necessary inspections that can be done before buyers look at 
       your property. Examples include, but are not limited to building codes, 
       municipality inspections, title work, etc. This lessens the chance of you 
       losing a buyer due to a surprise after accepting a contract. Check out 
       "The 8 Interior Items That Buyers REALLY Notice".
  
 Hire a real estate agent/company or real estate attorney to represent and 
       guide you through the many details of the home selling process.
                                                     Go to   
 "Questions A Seller Should Ask Agents Prior To Making Their Agent Selection".



Caution ALL home Sellers...Avoid taking advice from People who........(A Top 10 List) !
 























Back to Menu

Don’t know YOUR marketplace. 
 
 Haven’t taken time to thoroughly inspect 
       your property.
 
 Don’t know your circumstances in  
       DETAIL... goals, timetable, motivation, etc.
 
 Like or love you but don’t approach your 
       situation objectively or knowledgeably.
  
 Will tell you what you want to hear but 
       don’t have the facts or data that would 
       help you make a more realistic decision.

Will always have a better DEAL you 
       could have or should have gotten.
  
 Talk too much...but never seem to 
       listen. If one doesn’t really know 
       your problem, how can they have 
       the BEST solution?
 
 Always bad-mouth others but bring 
       nothing concrete to the table  
       themselves.
 
 Can’t show you a logical, detailed 
       action plan that addresses your 
       situation.
 
 Have no proven track record for 
       results comparable to those you 
       want or need.





6 Essential Elements that most Real Estate Contracts Must Have to be Valid & Enforceable !






















Back to Menu		 Competent parties - must be at least 2 parties to any contract
  
 Names and Signatures of all parties to the contract
  
 Consideration - Such as a promise/commitment to pay money
  
 Must be in Writing - except in leases of one year or less
  
 Address of Property
  
 Meeting of the Minds - an unqualified Acceptance of the offer so that the 
       Seller clearly understands the terms of the Buyer's offer and the Buyer 
       clearly understands the performance required and the timing of the 
       obligations. *

* ( Though Not a Requirement, in most instances, the parties involved in a real estate transaction would be best advised to seek the services of an experienced real estate attorney to review an agreement to purchase.)








THE LIST of more available Informational Topics for SELLER'S

To inquire about any of the topics listed below, just email me or give me a call so that we can discuss your specific situation. That way I will be able to assist you in a more meaningful way !!! Why not put all of Mary's experience, knowledge & information to work for you ! 
Back to Menu
 
Making your Move less stressful....a 
       checklist to make sure things get 
       done.
Moving checklist for Kids.
 Moving checklist for Pets.
 Moving checklist for Plants.
 17 Things that every Appraiser 
       considers when comparing your 
       property to other properties in the 
       marketplace
 22 Items to consider when shopping 
       for a Neighborhood
 12 "Don’ts" Every Home Seller 
       Should Know...
 12+ Sets Of Rules And Regulations 
       Every Home Seller Should Be Aware 
       Of Before Selling
 Home Warranty Policy Checklist... 
       For Sellers  
Stop...Look...Listen...A Warning To 
       ALL Home Sellers. 5 Of The Top 
       Reasons Why Buyers Pick The 
       House They Do.
 16 Steps To Get Ready For Your 
       Open House
 A Final Checklist Before Buyers Visit 
       Your Home
 Preparing Your Home For Sale 
       Kitchen and Bathrooms
 Preparing Your Home For Sale
       Living Areas
*

 

5 Key Items To Minimize Unpleasant  
       Surprises When Selling Your Home
 6 Truths About Today’s Marketplace 
       That Every Home Seller Needs To 
       Know
 18 Service Providers You Should 
       Consider Using During The Home 
       Selling Process
 For Serious Sellers Only The “Top 
       Dollar, Timely Sale , No Hassle” 
       Plan (5 Simple Steps)
 How To Read Today’s Market! 3 
       Simple Steps To Discovering Your 
       Property’s Market Value
 3 Major Tax Issues Every Seller Of 
       Real Estate Needs To Know.
 A Seller's Goal Worksheet.
 4 Guidelines For Every Homeowner 
       Trying To Fix-Up Their Property To 
       Sell
 The 6 C’s Of Merchandising... How 
       To Get Your Home Market-Ready
 Getting Your Home Prepared for 
       "Show Time"
 The 8 Interior Items That Buyers 
       REALLY Notice
 Preparing Your Home For Sale 
       General Interior Items
 * 
 Back to Menu

 

4 Characteristics of value every 
       Seller should remember
 8 Different kinds of value and 
       the one that most people care 
       about
 8 Critical Issues To Consider 
       When Negotiating The Sale  
        Of Your Home
 23 Items To Consider When 
       Selecting A Contractor Or 
        Home Remodeler
 Are You A “Serious Seller”?* 
       Take This Quick Quiz To Find 
       Out
 Seller's Net: How Much Money 
       Will Go Into Your Pocket? The 
       costs associated with selling 
       your home typically include 
        these items.
 Have I REALLY Sold My 
       House? 6 Essential Elements 
       That Most Real Estate 
       Contracts Must Have To Be 
       Valid And Enforceable
 The Top 10 Exterior Items That 
       Make Your Home Look Its Best
 Preparing Your Home For  
       Sale ... Basement, Attic, 
       Garage
*

 

* Mary reserves the right to deny any request for any form of additional information at her sole discretion and the right to implement a monetary charge with notification at the time requests are initiated to cover costs incurred. This information is only available in the continental United States & is solely intended to be available to clients or prospective clients in the geographical area that Mary covers.



  
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Please bookmark this site for your future use & I hope your visit today has been helpful and ENJOYABLE!
 
Another of Mary's LOGO's with a blue "Simply" slanted in script with "Better Real Estate Services" straight across in shades of grey.               Jefferson County's  
REALTOR® of the Year 2003 

*** This website is intended to assist readers by providing information on real estate matters. We have made strong efforts to supply accurate information; however, we cannot guarantee the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of this information, or information found on other websites we link to. If you find that the external links we have provided have changed and now go to the wrong or any inappropriate websites, Please let us know immediately ! Please verify all information enclosed as it pertains to your specific real estate situation with a Licensed Realtor, since conclusions you could make based on the information presented may vary depending on your location, situation and/or needs. The information presented in this website represents Mary's professional opinion. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to seek independent council relating to all issues of purchasing and selling of real property. This website is in no way meant to substitute for independent council.  
    
If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. RE/MAX Beat Choice  is a registered trademark. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each RE/MAX Office is independently Owned and Operated.


 Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Mary Carter, USA, All Rights Reserved.
 Mary reserves the right to deny any request for any form of additional information at her sole discretion
and the right to implement a monetary charge with notification at the time requests are initiated to cover 
costs incurred. This information is only available in the continental United States & is solely intended 
to be available to clients or prospective clients in the geographical areas that Mary covers.

A house silouette with photo of Gary inside, mouse over makes smoke come from chimney, click to email Gary!
Mary's site was designed by & is maintained by Gary Carter   -  garylcarter@charter.net

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COVERING ST.LOUIS, JEFFERSON, ST. GENEVIEVE AND ST. FRANCOIS COUNTIES SPECIALIZING IN 
RESIDENTIAL SALES, NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION, RELOCATION, FARMS & ACREAGE
JEFFERSON County communities of FESTUS, BARNHART, HILLSBORO, 
ST. LOUIS, DESOTO, ARNOLD, HIGHRIDGE, and HERCULANEUM

Please bookmark my site for your future use & I hope your visit today will be Helpful and Enjoyable!

Mary Carter, GRI, ABR Certified

My History & Experiences
     I was born in Festus, Missouri on a cold January 1st morning at 12:03 am - so, yes I am a New Years Baby, which ended up costing me many presents over the years, since my parents almost always combined my Christmas & Birthday gifts into one !
    I graduated from Festus High School in 1966 & was married to a 1965 Herculaneum graduate, Gary Carter the same year & amazingly (against all odds!) we are still married 39 years later ! At the time we were married, Gary was in the Air Force, so our first few years were spent between Air Force bases in Texas & Arkansas. After that we came back to the local area for awhile. Gary was in the Computer / Electronics industry which at that time seemed to like to relocate people a lot!!! So, over the 39 years of our marriage we have lived in 7 different states and have personally bought & sold many homes. That alone gave me a lot of real estate experience.   
    My actual real estate experience began in 1983 while living in New Hampshire. There I worked as an Administrative Assistant to the owner of a local real estate company. Then while living in Atlanta, Georgia I again worked in the administrative end of a local real estate company. In 1992 we moved back to the local area and now live in Herculaneum. From 1997 to 1999 I worked as an office manager 
  
 for a local real estate company - So as you can now imagine I knew A LOT about the industry !!! I went to school and received my real estate license in 1999 & joined the new & first office that Gundaker Realty opened in Festus....since then they were bought out by Coldwell Banker and became Coldwell Banker Gundaker & I am happy to say that I still work out of their Festus office !

  I have listed below the positions I have held along with the awards I have been given and the designations I have earned through advanced education in all areas of real estate:
                        ................
REALTOR®  of the Year 2003 for Jefferson County, Multi-Million Dollar Sales Producer, Sterling Club Member, Graduate of the advanced Realty Institute - GRI Certified, Accredited Buyer Representative - ABR, 2005 President elect Jefferson County Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors® (WCR), Cendant Mobility Relocation Specialist, Residential Real Estate Specialist (RRES) 2002 Winner of the prestigious Henry Aydt ETHICS Scholarship Award, Years of experience in real estate Administration & Office Management before obtaining License, Served as Parliamentarian, Vice President, and currently State Director for the Jefferson County Board of REALTORS®

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Ask these Questions before Selecting Your Agent ! 

Selecting your agent..........It's really an Important Decision !

 Some things to look for & think about!
   Selecting a Real Estate Agent to work with is more a personal choice. What I mean is that there are many Agents with the licenses to sell you a home ..... but once you know they meet those minimum qualifications .... what's very important is that you can work well with the Agent you select and feel comfortable that they have your best interest at heart ! (because any licensed Agent can show you any Real Estate Companies listings - not just their own !)You may want to talk to a few Agents before deciding. Once you have chosen an Agent (and I hope it's Me!) the next step is to understand how Missouri Agents are required to work under Missouri Law. The Agent may ask that you agree to and sign a "Buyer's Agency Agreement", it is not required, but without it, by law, the Agent is required to work on the 'Sellers' behalf. Next, your Agent of Choice will need to know as much as you can tell them about what you are looking for in your 'IDEAL' Home (see the 'Tell me what you want in a Home' section for help in doing this), and the price range you want to look at (see the   
 'Selecting a Mortgage Rep.' section for help)

So, why should I select Mary as my agent?
If you want the answer to why, Please go to All About Mary to find out about my experience, background & history, along with the earned credentials & designations I have received by devoting many hours to additional training. Oh Yes, I do have the GRI designation TOO!!!

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Why should you choose a REALTOR® With a GRI designation?
( Graduate REALTOR® Institute )
  Here are just a few of the reasons!
   Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it's often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.
    New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. 
    So it's more important than ever that you work with an agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business. The GRI program has helped the best and the brightest in the industry achieve that level of understanding. 
GRIs are:    
   
* Nationally recognized as top performers   in the real estate industry
* Professionally trained
* Knowledgeable
* Dedicated to bringing you quality    
  service

           A GRI can make a difference !
When you see the letters "GRI" after an agent's name, you can count on receiving the knowledge and guidance you need to make your transaction go smoothly. In short, you can count on getting the best service available from a real estate professional. 
    Don't you deserve the best?
   How do Agents get the GRI designation?
They must attend the GRI Designation Program!
It was developed for members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and offered through State REALTOR® Associations, the GRI program includes 90 hours of coursework on various topics such as marketing and servicing listed properties to real estate law. I have my GRI and you will see the following GRI logo prominently displayed for Agents that have it!
This is what a GRI logo looks like!
You will see this logo or the GRI designation letters on all of Mary's  materials !                    

COVERING ST.LOUIS, JEFFERSON, ST. GENEVIEVE AND ST. FRANCOIS COUNTIES SPECIALIZING IN 
RESIDENTIAL SALES, NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION, RELOCATION, FARMS & ACREAGE
JEFFERSON County communities of FESTUS, BARNHART, HILLSBORO, 
ST. LOUIS, DESOTO, ARNOLD, HIGHRIDGE, and HERCULANEUM

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Please bookmark my site for your future use & I hope your visit today will be Helpful and Enjoyable!