All Entries in the "Real Estate" Category
Financial Talk with Thomas: home loan modification
With North County in the midst of a foreclosure crisis and much of the country treading water during this dismal economy, I thought it might be empowering to start exploring possible solutions. A few months back, I happened to meet financial counselor Thomas Nitzsche through UMSL’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy, and he has graciously offered to [...]
423 Tiffin: one crazy cheap Ferguson Victorian
Given the blood, sweat and tears I’ve put into my own house, I can’t imagine someone simply packing up and abandoning their home. But that’s what thousands of Americans are doing these days, faced with rising debts and declining property values. In 2009, nearly one-third of those who faced foreclosure simply walked away. I know, [...]
Introducing “My NoCo Neighborhood”
As the bad news about foreclosures continues to roll in, and I watch helplessly as my own neighborhood fills up with vacant houses, I can’t help but wonder, “Isn’t there something we can do?” Most of us played no role in creating this mortgage mess, but that doesn’t mean we have to sit by and [...]
825 Carrico Road: Rich with History, not Bubbleheads
For people who love old houses, there’s nothing quite as magical as a house that time forgot. Decades may have passed but virtually nothing has changed, leaving behind a vivid snapshot of an earlier era and a curious mystery that must be peeled back layer by layer. It’s incredibly rare to find a house like [...]
Three national retailers opening stores in Florissant
The former Value City building on N. Lindbergh will soon have three new tenants – all major national retailers! As announced by the city of Florissant last week, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Best Buy will both be opening new locations there. Petco, which currently has one storefront in Florissant, will also be relocating to the [...]
Another Ferguson bargain: 102 Tiffin
The bargains just keep racking up in this crazy real estate market, especially in Ferguson. Sometimes it’s depressing knowing that my own neighborhood is being unfairly devalued. Other times it just makes me want to fight even harder, because I understand, far better than any bank or appraiser, exactly what riches you gain when you [...]
A Bargain Gem in Old Ferguson West: 429 Wesley
These days, I get a lot of emails from people asking my advice on North County real estate – what neighborhoods I recommend, which houses are true bargains, and where would I consider investing myself. I usually plug a handful of different areas in NoCo (because there are so many amazing houses out there!) but [...]
Ferguson hosting Home Renovation Workshop on Saturday
Owning an older home can be a great adventure and a rich learning experience. But as I’ve discovered with my own 108-year-old dwelling, it can also be quite a challenge, both to your time and to your bank account. That’s why I’m pleased to let all the historic house owners out there know: Help is [...]
Ferguson’s CVS Developer Forum makes the news
In case you missed the CVS developer’s public forum last night at the Savoy, both FOX 2 and KPLR 11 reported live from the event, interviewing residents Ann Chisholm, Susan Donnell and Nick Kasoff. The video is pretty similar from both (since they run out of the same station), but here’s the FOX 2 segment [...]
Citizens & CVS clash over proposed Ferguson development
I created NOCO as a forum for positive news and information, never intending to delve into controversy. But the proposed development of a CVS Pharmacy in Ferguson and the confusion and angst it has created in the community have led me to try and present a balanced view of the issue, weighing all sides of [...]
Hidden Jewels of the Riverview Bluff
In most cities, a house with a hilltop location and a beautiful water view would be considered real estate gold. But as we all know, St. Louis is…special. That’s why one of the area’s best-kept secrets remains just that, and why, if you told someone you were moving to Riverview, they would probably think you’re [...]
A vintage bargain for sale: 714 N. Florissant
One of the perks of the poor economy (if you choose to look at the bright side) is the opportunity to buy real estate for incredible prices. Sellers are often desperate. Banks are swimming in foreclosed properties. And lo and behold, treasures like this are bound to pop up… An amazing 1928 brick farmhouse sitting [...]
Airport & Express Scripts green-light new NoCo development
It has been a very good month for commercial real estate development in North County. First, Express Scripts ended a cross-country battle for its proposed distribution facility by deciding that NoCo, not suburban Philadelphia, would be the site of its new plant. Then today, Lambert Airport announced that it will soon sign a deal with [...]
Bargain Victorian: 231 St. Louis Ave
UPDATED, 1:55pm: If you’ve ever looked with wonder at Ferguson’s gorgeous old houses, dreaming of the day when you can buy and restore a vintage property of your own, have I got a deal for you! The cute little Victorian that sits right next to the Ferguson post office is for sale, and the price [...]
History for Sale: the Henry Albers house
In a community as old as Florissant, finding the balance between historic preservation and modern progress is always a challenge. Land is sold, new buildings are erected, things change. But hopefully, a little slice of history can be maintained. That’s the case with the Henry Albers house, a circa-1860-70 National Register property that still radiates [...]
Buh-Bye Hip Hop. Hello bike shop?
I’m usually not one to celebrate the demise of a business, but in the case of Ferguson’s Hip Hop Fashion, I’m elated to see the moving vans. For one, the shop specialized in thug wear and illegal knock-offs, prominently displaying noxious t-shirts like “Stop Snitchin’” in its front window. Two, it was just a waste [...]
Want to buy a building?
I’ve been following North County real estate for years, so I know a good deal when I see it. There are currently two incredible bargains in Downtown Ferguson – two delightful commercial buildings that are selling for a song. The first, 104 S. Florissant Rd, is a charming 1930s building offering 5,863 square feet and [...]
Your suburban farm awaits!
Yesterday I wrote about EarthDance and how founder Molly Rockamann is hoping to spur a new generation of organic farmers. What I didn’t mention is that my husband Keith and I have spent years fostering the same dream. We’ve been small-scale organic farmers for a long time, and we’ve always thought North County is the [...]
Locations in Florissant,
Chesterfield & West Port
Sept 4 "R" Pizza Farm Grilled Pizza Demo 10am, Buy a Bag For the Hungry Day 8am - 12pm, to benefit Operation Food Search, a St. Louis food bank that distributes food to poor & hungry. While you're shopping, buy an extra bag for this worthy cause. Live Music - Dixie Rhythm Kings 9-11am. ALSO 45+ vendors!
Saturdays 8am-2pm in the 2500 block of Woodson Road