Pamela Williamson Team Blog

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Welcome to Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty in Clayton, Missouri

As most of you know by now we have transferred to Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty in Clayton, Missouri. This happened about a month ago in June and we couldn't be happier. When an agent finally finds the real estate company that is a great fit for her the heavens open up and you feel a great weight lifted off  of your shoulders. It makes a world of difference even in the smallest and biggest of details. It was always important to my team to be with a professional, competent office that encouraged everyone to succeed and provided a positive and helpful atmosphere. Well we have found such a place at Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty in Clayton, Missouri.

When you come to the Pamela Williamson Team for your real estate needs you no longer only have the benefit of the three of us, but also an amazing group at Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty to make sure that it's done correctly and just the right way. The marketing done by Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty is the best of any real estate company that I have seen in St. Louis city and county.

So we not only have a marketing person on our team, but also in the office and they both enjoy what they do! As we all know when you have people on your team that enjoy what they do it makes the work even better. We have tried and true marketing and open house techniques that work and we know how to negotiate for you until the deal is done. We also keep in touch with our clients even after the sale or buy of their home is complete to further help withanything we can.  So if you are looking to buy or sell a home right now give us a call at 314-600-2246.

Thanks,

Pamela Williamson

 

 

4 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • July 21 2009 12:22PM

Why should I give my real estate agent my business?

We have received several emails from agents and sellers that seem to be angry at the process in general and the respective roles they play. Some of our blog readers are saying that they dislike agents, should not have to be loyal to their real estate agent whether they are buying or selling, think agents expect too much from their clients, etc.

The agents are saying people don’t appreciate what they do, sellers think it’s ok to ask for a month to month contract, they are using more than one agent at a time, etc.

Lets talk about the loyalty issue. First of all it is common for most if not all agents to require that you sign a listing or buying agreement before they will work with you or maybe they expect you to sign one shortly after you meet. This is not asking too much and here’s why:

READ THE REST OF THIS POST HERE:

http://stlrealestate.wordpress.com/

0 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • June 18 2009 02:41PM

Places to shop in Clayton, Missouri at Clayton Row.

This is by far one of my favorite areas to shop and walk around in Clayton, Missouri. I love the feel of the neighborhoods. The shops and cafes. The other day I went to Clayton Row and just had to get some pictures. There are so many great stores in that stretch off of Clayton Road. Need some new furniture? A fabulous new haircut? Would you like some gourmet food delivered to your home? It's also a great place to go and window shop and walk around. Here are just a few of the stores.

Clayton Row is located between Hanley Rd and Brentwood on Clayton Road. Stop by sometime and look around! :)

 

0 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • December 29 2008 01:21AM

How Accurate Are Zillow's Zestimates?

 

This is a great post on Zillow and how they get their Zestimates! For those homeowners who didn't know they have an accuracy chart.....check it out!! Gives you a better idea of how close they actually are in any given area.

 

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

I recently attended a trade show where the two most popular questions at the Zillow booth were 1) Where do you get your data and 2) How accurate are your Zestimates?

Data -  We get data from a number of sources, but the most popular place is from county records.  In some counties this is great, in others (especially in non-disclosure states)  the data is very weak and we have to turn elsewhere.  Of particular note to Agents- we also get data from listing feeds.  Say the county said a home had 3  bedrooms, but when you post the listing on Zillow you say it has 4.  We will override he county data with your information, as we figure you are the more reliable source, and the Zestimate could change based on this.  If you want to read more about the Zestimate, please visit What's A Zestimate Value.

Accuracy  -  We constantly monitor how accurate the Zestimates are by comparing them to closed transaction data on the day the property sells.  By looking at the deltas that exist between the Zestimates and the sold prices, we can conclude our median err (or accuracy) rate.  We then publish these figures across all counties.  We are the only AVM (automated valuation model) to be publically transparent about our accuracy rates.  On this chart you'll also see the percent of times that the Zestimate was with 5, 10 or 20% of the sales price. 

This Accuracy Chart can be found at the bottom of all Zillow pages as a light gray link called Zestimate Values & Accuracy. Click on the link, then click on States/Counties and scroll to your area.  So when we were asked this question, we simply went to the Accuracy Chart, looked up the accuracy rate, and gave a straight answer. 

This accuracy rate can also effort the Value Range we have on many of the 80 million homes found on Zillow.  If the accuracy is low, the value range spread may be much wider than if the accuracy were high.  Having the value range on properties at all is a good indication to folks that the Zestimate isn't an appraisal, but rather a starting point and thus the need for a range. 

Many Agents said this chart was very helpful because they work with clients who will say "but Zillow said..." about a home's particular price.  Now they can come back and say "but Zillow also said that they have an err rate of XX% in our county" and have the numbers to prove this. 

2 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • December 24 2008 12:32PM

St.Louis, Missouri Events for December 20-21 2008

 

1858 Victorian Ball

Date: 12/20/2008
Location: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Old Courthouse)
Time: Ball: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Program: 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information call: (314) 655-1700
Website: www.nps.gov/jeff

1858 Ball with dance and music by the Independent Silver Band.

The Little Fir Tree

Date: 12/20/2008
Location: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Browning Mainstage at the Loretto-Hilton Center
Tickets: (314) 968-4925
Website: www.repstl.org

Truly a classic for the holidays, this tale is sure to warm your heart in the cold, blustery winter. Small and separate, the little fir tree spends her days alone in a meadow, hoping for a friend. Just when she is beginning to think her day will never come, the fir tree is chosen to help a sick little boy celebrate Christmas. Year after year the fir tree returns to the boy, and the friends learn that with time, hope and faith, miracles really do happen.

The Magic House Expansion Grand Opening

Date: 12/20/2008
Location: The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
Cost: $7.50; Children under 1 are free
For more information call: (314) 822-8900
Website: www.magichouse.org

The Magic House opens to its new 25,000-square-foot addition to the public. The addition connects to the original historic home and includes a light-filled Victorian Conservatory welcoming visitors, new exhibits, a rooftop garden, an Education Center with classrooms for students of all ages, the Star-Spangled Center, a unique learning environment with exhibits and educational programs on citizenship, and an outdoor Play Garden.

Chanukah: Festival of Lights Celebration

Date: 12/21/2008
Location: Missouri Botanical Garden Ridgway Visitor Center
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $8.00 adults 13 and up; 12 and under Free
For more information call: (314) 577-5100
Website: www.mobot.org

A traditional Jewish holiday celebration that includes festive music, dance and a menorah-lighting ceremony.

 

0 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • December 20 2008 01:57PM

I need your help Active Rain : Just one moment of your time

Please sign this petition and reblog it so more people see it. When you reblog it go to Anitas blog! Thanks!

Via Anita Beach - Real Estate Professional Maple Valley, WA:

I'm going to put myself out there and be pretty venerable, but here is goes....

My 12 year old daughter is battling a horrible disease as some of you may all ready know, if you don't, I posted a blog a few months back that you can check out if you want. If not, she has a malignant brain tumor and as her mother, it's a very hard thing to deal with. I can't kiss it and make it better, so I try to do everything that I can to be an advocate for her and many other children that have to go through it.

The purpose of this blog is to help bring awareness to such a horrible disease. I have met some amazing people through this jouney that continue to be helpful and supportive. With the permission of AJ's Dad I am posting the following petition to help bring awareness to Childhood Cancer. All I am asking of you in return is to read the petition and sign it to help us reach the goal! Anyone with an email address can sign it, please take one moment and sign the petition and let them know that I sent you.

This blog is a great resource for me and I'm hoping to tap into the generosity of my fellow bloggers and help bring awareness at the same time. I hope by posting this blog I get signatures for the petition and I also get a real since of camaraderie from my fellow bloggers. Won't you please sign the petition - don't make me beg!

MY GOAL IS TO GET 100 PEOPLE OFF OF ACTIVE RAIN TO SIGN THE PETITION!!!

Did you know...

Childhood Cancer is the #1 killer disease of our children, more than from asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and pediatric AIDS combined!

1 in 300 children will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20!

Each year 3,000 children die and 35-40,000 are in treatment

The National Cancer Institutes federal budget was $4.6 billion - all the 12 major groups of pediatric cancer combined, received less than 3%.

YOUcan help make a difference - won't you please sign the petition

 

2 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • December 04 2008 06:03PM

What this time of year means to me.

What this time of year means to me.


This time of year means family, food, love, warmth, happiness, and gratitude.

It means coming together and putting aside differences and eating food that has been lovingly cooked for those most important to us to enjoy.

It means laughing and singing and pouring over old pictures and talking about memories past and building memories for the future.

It means being grateful that we have the opportunity to share time and space with those still here to enjoy another day on earth.

It means being thankful for the food, heat, water, electricity, and roof over our heads that we wish everyone had. It means giving what you can to those less fortunate and doing so with a loving smile and embrace.

I wish everyone a wonderful happiness filled Thanksgiving and here’s to hoping that you make wonderful memories with your family and friends.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!



28 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • November 27 2008 11:44AM

A seller’s to do list for the open house.

 

 

Consumer questions answered series:

 

What should I do before I have an open house?

 

 

“TO DO LIST” For Sellers…for Open-House!


No Seller has the Option of NOT doing these things if they want a Buyer!(Cater to the Buyer) Entice them, draw them, lure them in…


1.) Pick-up, clean-up, organize. Your kitchen & bath must be sanitized. Put the home in for sale condition, A sparkling & Pristine home impresses the Buyer(s)…


2.) Light candles or potpourri Scents that inspire warmth, security, happiness, and home are pumpkin, citrus & vanilla. So remember the three senses: sight, smell & touch. Fresh flowers are a nice touch, but, are limited on how long they will last, and need to be removed at some point.

Pretend you are the Buyer(s), what would you like to see when shopping for a new home? No cooking odors allowed. If you had fish Friday night, take a glass bowl Only and fill with equal parts of vinegar & water to absorb the odors out of the room(s).


3.) Check your front door/porch area to make sure no cob webs, leaves, grass, insects, dirt and debris have blown in. Sweep, clean and touch up for your Buyers. If it has rained you may want to clean your windows again. (Use equal parts of vinegar/water in a glass bowl to wash, then dry with newspapers.) You will have the cleanest windows in town.

 

 

4.)Remove any access appliances on the counter tops to show how much space you have. Put away any clutter.You want the buyer to be able to envision themselves in this space….make it easy for them.


5.) Make beds, toss pillows, check bed-skirts. Make sure It shows like the new home model. Spruce up through out the entire home, leaving no room untouched. (Do this each day through out the beginning of the day, delegate out to each family member a chore, and it will not over whelm you.)

Another way to tantalize buyers and make them feel at home and at ease is to bake Original Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies.


6.) Don’t forget to tell your friends, family & Neighbors That you are selling your home, and Now is the time they can help PICK their Neighbors! Don’t keep it a secret.


7.) “Curb Appeal” can & will attract “potential Buyers” to your home! Staging from the driveway to the front-door. Change with the season(s) flowers, greenery & accessories outside, etc.. (If it is too cold outside, then consider only artificial greenery (not flowers) for replacement. There are other items that can be used for color and placement articles in your yard, porch, front-door area(s). Such, as pumpkins in the fall, and so on. A rocking chair, small table, hanging basket, etc..

 

The outside of a home reflects the tender loving care (tlc) the sellers have given to the interior of the home. Poor outside appearance can suggest poor maintenance and hidden problems.

 

 

 

2 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • November 26 2008 12:24PM

St.Louis events the weekend of November 14-16 2008

Beer 101

Date: 11/14/2008
Location: Anheuser-Busch Center
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $15.00
For more information call: (636) 349-3725
Website: www.ABconference.com

Learn the basics of beer along with the brewing process as presented by a certified Anheuser-Busch Brewmaster. World-Famous Clydesdale, beer-infused cuisine and specialty beers included. Must be 21 or older.


Saint Louis Symphony Orchestral Program: Beat Movement

Date: 11/14/2008 - 11/15/2008
Location: Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: (314) 534-1700 or (314) 534-1111
For more information call: (800) 232-1880
Website: www.slso.org

Maestro Robertson, violinist Leila Josefowica, electric bass and electric bass guitar John Patitucci and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra present Turnage’s “A Prayer Out of Stillness,” Mackey’s “Violin Concerto” (US Premiere) and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.”


Storytelling in the History Museum Galleries - Feel the Rhythm

Date: 11/14/2008 - 11/15/2008
Location: The History Museum in Forest Park
Time: 10:30 a.m. (14) for ages 2-6; 1:00 p.m. (15) for ages 10 and under
Cost: Free
For more information call: (314) 746-4599
Website: www.mohistory.org

Join us for stories about making music. Children will enjoy seeing and touching musical instruments and making one of their own. An adult must accompany children.


Romeo & Juliet

Date: 11/14/2008 - 11/16/2008
Location: St. Louis Shakespeare, Third Baptist Church Johnson Hall
Time: 8:00 p.m. (14-15); 2:00 p.m. (16)
Cost: $10.00 - $22.00
Tickets: (314) 534-1111
For more information call: (314) 361-5664
Website: www.stlshakespeare.org

They love each other passionately as only teenagers can - while their families, addicted to hatred, embrace a culture of endless violence. To be united with her Romeo, Juliet dares to face the terrors of the tomb - but not even the best of plans can change the inevitable course of disaster.


Sweeney Todd

Date: 11/14/2008 - 11/16/2008
Location: The Fox Theatre in Grand Center
Tickets: (314) 534-1111
For more information call: (314) 534-1678
Website: www.fabulousfox.com

The ingenious tale of the demon barber bent on revenge.

Tickets Available Online - MetroTix


Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: The Christmas Killer

Date: 11/14/2008 - 1/3/2009
Location: The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn
Time: Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $48.95
For more information call: (314) 664-8024
Website: www.lempmansion.com


Santa's Magical Kingdom

Date: 11/14/2008 - 1/5/2009
Location: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
For more information call: (636) 938-5925
Website: www.eurekachamber.us

Experience this holiday light display featuring over 2 million shimmering lights and state of the art custom lighting animation.


2008 World Tour of Gymnastics Superstars

Date: 11/15/2008
Location: Scottrade Center
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $29.50; $39.50; $49.50; $79.00
Tickets: (314) 241-1888
For more information call: (314) 531-7887
Website: www.scottradecenter.net

Direct from Beijing, the 2008 World Tour of Gymnastics Superstars features the reigning world champion Shawn Johnson, Olympic Champion Paul Hamm and 9 time World medalist Nastia Liukin plus the men and women of Team USA gymnastics team.

Tickets Available Online - TicketMaster


ZOOTINI 2008 Stayin' Alive presented by Macy's

Date: 11/15/2008
Location: The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Cost: $40.00; $35.00 members in advance; $45.00; $40.00 members at the door
Tickets: (314) 646-4771
Website: www.stlzoo.org

The Young Zoo Friends' party in The Living World includes live music, "ZOOTINI" martinis, hors d'oeuvres and more. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Zoo. Ages 21 and up.

2 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • November 14 2008 11:58AM

What can you do if your credit report contains false, misleading, or incomplete information?

 

What can you do if your credit report contains false, misleading, or incomplete information?


Guest Blog by Lori Isaacson-Credit Restoration Consultants

 

Part 1


Each and every consumer has a right to know and understand what is on their credit report. It is very important to check all three credit reporting agencies (Equifax and Experian, and Trans Union) at least twice a year. Different options are available to consumers when ordering their credit report.


 

First and foremost, each and every consumer is entitled to one free report per year under the annual credit reporting provisions of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The central source for the Annual Credit Report is www.AnnualCreditReport.com.


You are also entitled to a free credit report if you have been denied credit, goods, benefits, services and/or employment within the last 60 days by contacting the credit reporting agencies directly at: Equifax (800) 685-1111; Experian (888) 397-3742; and Trans Union (800) 916-8800.


 

When prompted, remember to say that you have been denied credit, goods, benefits and/or services in order to qualify for a free report.


Once received, analyze your credit report and make sure the entries are correct. If errors exist, you have the right to dispute them. You have the option to dispute the item in writing, electronically or verbally. It takes time, patience, persistence and knowledge to correct errors.


 

Be persistent, keep good records and have proof of the disputes you are making. Understand the rights you have as a consumer. There are laws the credit reporting agencies must follow in respect to disputes. Go online and learn those laws.


 

If you have collection activity on your credit report, go to our website at www.TalkAboutCredit.com and obtain a sample Cease and Desist letter in our inactive Forum. Please make sure you understand the proper use of the letters.


What can you do if your credit report contains false, misleading, or incomplete information?


Thanks for the opportunity to share this information. If you have any specific questions regarding credit repair, credit restoration or any credit related issues including identity theft feel free to call or e-mail me.


Lori Isaacson

Credit Restoration Consultants

954-449-9987 Direct Line

Lori@talkaboutcredit.com

5 comments • Pamela Williamson Team Clayton, Missouri Real Estate • November 14 2008 10:59AM