Premiums are skyrocketing (50%-100% increases over the last 3 years) for a lot of reasons. The bottom line with insurance companies right now is that they do not want to write new business because it’s unprofitable. In St. Louis and much of the country, this is due in large part to the growing number of claims made for hail-damaged roofs. Insurers have handed the keys to underwriting telling them to bring profitability out of the red and into the black, resulting in significant changes to eligibility and coverages for consumers.

Making your house a home really is a lot of fun! It’s so rewarding to find the perfect paint color or area rug after months, even years, of searching for it. It’s incredible how one piece can sometimes bring together a whole room and make it feel complete. This is the fun and sexy side of homeownership! The not-so-fun and way less sexy side is that of maintenance and resale. But as your trusted St. Louis real estate agent, I have to ask you to think about these things, no? What kind of pal would I be if I didn’t? When it comes to selling your St. Louis home, your goal will very likely be to get as much money out of it as you possibly can, which will come down to two very important things.