Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday May 21, 2020

All eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing consensus that the housing market is positioned to be that driving force, the tailwind that is necessary. Some may question that assertion as they look back on the last recession in 2008 when housing was the anchor to the economy – holding it back from sailing forward. But even then, the overall economy did not begin to recover until the real estate market started to regain its strength. This time, the housing market was in great shape when the virus hit. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American, recently explained: (Article Continues)

How Important Is Sand Paper Type In Hardwood Floor Repairs?

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 21, 2020

At Valor, exceptional craftsmanship is one of our brand promises, but not just because we deliver it. We also raise the bar of industry standards as a whole. Use this article to learn what materials and considerations go into your hardwood repair.

3 Best Remodels To Do NOW For Biggest ROI

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 21, 2020

Since remodels can get pricey, it’s important to know what kind of return on investment (or ROI) you can expect on projects, especially if you're getting ready to sell. For a quick synopsis of the 2020 Cost vs. Value report for remodels, keep reading.

Why You Want An "On My Way” Notification

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 21, 2020

Communication isn’t what you should hope for, it’s what you should expect. Valor Home Services believes in purposeful communication before, during and after your project, even a simple handyman call. This includes sending an “on my way” notification any time we’re headed to a client’s home. Read more...

Why Us Hiring Is Good For You, Too

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 14, 2020

Valor Home Services is currently recruiting for carpet installers. Why does this matter to you? Because, as we’ve reviewed candidates, we realized how much these same standards we have are something our clients should be aware of, too. Read what to look for in your next carpet install.

Handyman Secrets To Fix Caulking

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 14, 2020

Sooner or later, mold will show up on caulking in the bathroom. Getting rid of the gnarly caulking and getting new put in can completely refresh your space. In this article, we lay out how recaulking like a pro is done so you can choose to DIY or give us a call at Valor Home Services.

5 Things To Know About Old Hardwood Floors

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 14, 2020

It’s true. Refinishing an old wood floor can be a lot harder than refinishing a newer wood floor. By “old,” we often mean the kind of wood floors that are original to a house. And, we’ll be blunt: floors that are, say, 100 years old can be tricky to restore. But it can be done—here's how.

Help Wanted: Carpet Installer or Hardwood Refinisher

posted by: Valor Home Services on Monday May 11, 2020

Job Posting: 50072

We are looking for home repair experts to join our team and grow their careers. Pay by the hour or by the job.

What Does Carpet And Moving In Together Have In Common?

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 7, 2020

This week’s article is a shout-out to couples moving in together. The process of combining two households definitely has steps, some of which have to come one before the next to avoid total chaos. Read this article to get a running start on combining two households...

How Property Owners Save Time AND Money With Partnerships

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 7, 2020

This article is a resource to turn your business requirements into practical solutions. You need to find a flooring contractor for the totality of your properties. Done right, that partnership can save you both time and money. Just follow these three steps...

Home Health Handyman Checklist

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday May 7, 2020

So, you have plans to get healthy. You have goals.

Have you checked that your home is ready to support you in those goals?

Home maintenance is a key to a healthy and safe environment. Read why and use our simple checklist to position your household for greater health.

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday April 30, 2020

With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned before, buying a home is a driving financial force in this process. Today, many analysts believe one of the first things we’ll be able to safely bring back is the home building sector, creating more jobs and impacting local neighborhoods in a big way. According to Robert Dietz in The Eye on Housing:

Preparing Your Hardwood Floors To Sell Your Home

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday April 30, 2020

Moving comes with plenty of to-dos in the home you're selling as well as the one you move into. What do you do if your hardwood floors aren’t currently in the best shape? How much will refinishing or replacing them really improve the value of your home? Read this article to find out.

Remodels for National Moving Month

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday April 30, 2020

National Moving Month, without a doubt, has a lot of home projects that come with it. To take the edge off figuring out what to do when, we wanted to compile a list of some of the best remodels to do that are showing the biggest ROI in home sales today. By investing as intelligently as you can in your home, you protect what is (for most of us) the biggest investment of your life.

How To Choose A Carpet Color

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday April 30, 2020

You just want the carpet color you can be excited about today that will also look good ten years from now. Are classic colors too boring? Are patterns a “no go” right now or can you include some trendy options there, too? Read this article for three simple steps to choose your carpet color.

Do's and Don'ts for Immune Health

posted by: Dr. Jeannette Freed on Wednesday April 29, 2020

Your immune system is your main line of defense against illnesses and infections. Unfortunately, many peoples’ systems don’t function as well as they should. While there are several reported ways of improving your immunity, it is often difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to improve your immunity and help you body fight off sickness.

Common Hardwood Flooring Stains

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday April 23, 2020

When it comes to your flooring, not all hardwood stains are created equal. We wrote about many common types of stain and discoloration on our website last week, and now we're back with Part 2 of common hardwood flooring stains.

What Are Carpet Shift Marks?

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday April 23, 2020

Now more than ever, carpeting is made on complicated machinery. But, the more parts make up the machines used, the more things can go wrong. Read to learn about carpet shift marks and what to do if your carpet hast them.

When You Can’t Find A Screwdriver

posted by: Valor Home Services on Thursday April 23, 2020

What do pennies, butter knives and pliers all have in common? They can save the day when you just can’t find a screwdriver. Read more...

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday April 21, 2020

There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly unemployed when it was determined that the only way to defeat this horrific virus was to shut down businesses across the nation. One second a person was gainfully employed, a switch was turned, and then the room went dark on their livelihood.

The financial pain so many families are facing right now is deep.

How deep will the pain cut?

Major institutions are forecasting unemployment rates last seen during the Great Depression. Here are a few projections:

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday April 17, 2020

The uncertainty the world faces today due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing so many things to change. The way we interact, the way we do business, even the way we buy and sell real estate is changing. This is a moment in time that’s even sparking some buyers to search for a better deal on a home. Sellers, however, aren’t offering a discount these days; they’re holding steady on price.

According to the most recent NAR Flash Survey (a survey of real estate agents from across the country), agents were asked the following two questions:

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday April 15, 2020

With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it’s logical to ask that question.

Many of us experienced financial hardships, lost homes, and were out of work during the Great Recession – the recession that started with a housing and mortgage crisis. Today, we face a very different challenge: an external health crisis that has caused a pause in much of the economy and a major shutdown of many parts of the country.

Let’s look at five things we know about today’s housing market that were different in 2008:

What You Can Do to Get Your O'Fallon House Ready to Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday April 13, 2020

Some Highlights:

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process in O'Fallon

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday April 8, 2020

Today’s everyday reality is different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later:

5 Was to Help:

Please Help Hunter Engineering

posted by: Wildfire Internet on Tuesday April 7, 2020

Hunter Engineering has teamed up with Washington University, St. Louis, to design powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) devices for emergency medical professionals treating COVID-19 patients.

(Photo is of first device in use at Missouri Baptist Hospital.)

You may be able to HELP, with the one critical part that is in in short supply!
If you have a CPAP machine that you no longer need

Small Business Relief Available

posted by: City of Fairview Heights on Tuesday April 7, 2020

As we all work together to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to reach out to let you know how important you are to Fairview Heights.

I know how difficult this has been on your business as you have worked to adapt to this situation. I want you to know that the City is working everyday in every way to ensure we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of all, including our businesses.

To that end, I wanted to make sure you were taking advantage of the Cares Act that was passed by Congress and signed by the President. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the financial assistance being offered and apply now.

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover [INFOGRAPHIC]

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday April 3, 2020

Some Highlights:

We Are Hiring

posted by: Envisioning Green on Tuesday March 31, 2020

Job Posting: 50039

We're growing and looking for the best! Do you want a steady position with a growing company? Do you want top industry pay PLUS benefits? Do you have general construction, landscape, or hardscape experience? We'd love to hear from you!

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday March 31, 2020

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report summarizes:

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My O'Fallon Home?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday March 25, 2020

With interest rates hitting all-time lows over the past few weeks, many homeowners are opting to refinance. To decide if refinancing your home is the best option for you and your family, start by asking yourself these questions:

Why do you want to refinance?

There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones:

Why the Stock Market Correction Probably Won't Impact O'Fallon Home Values

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday March 24, 2020

With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What's taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent from October 2007 to March 2009, and home values did depreciate in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – but that was because that economic slowdown was mainly caused by a collapsing real estate market and a meltdown in the mortgage market.

There WILL BE School on Monday

posted by: Granite City School District #9 on Friday March 13, 2020

Dear Granite City School District,

**There WILL BE school on MONDAY, March 16th.**

Governor Pritzker announced his Executive Order to close all schools in the State of Illinois beginning Tuesday, March 17th through Monday, March 30th.

We will have more information as it becomes available.

Confidence Is the Key to Success for Young Homebuyers

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday March 11, 2020

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a lot of great information out there to help you feel more confident as you learn about the process. For those in younger generations who aspire to buy, here are three things to consider sooner rather than later in your journey:

Equity Gain Growing in Nearly Every State including Illinois

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday March 10, 2020

Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they're accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact they have on a homeowner's equity position.

Maryville School Celebrates Dr. Seuss Week

posted by: Granite City School District #9 on Thursday March 5, 2020

Maryville School celebrated Dr. Seuss Week Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6. Guest readers from the community read Dr. Seuss books to every classroom.

Retirement at Any Decade

posted by: Busey Bank on Friday February 21, 2020

Planning your dream retirement looks different in each stage of life, but one principle remains the same across generations—save early and often. The reality is more than 43 percent of workers are not saving for retirement, and more than half have saved less than $25,000, according to Employee Benefit Research Institute.

It’s never too soon to start preparing for retirement, and it’s never too late to make retirement planning a priority. Consistent, modest savings can add up over time. Whether you’re months or what feels like a millennia from retirement, there are effective steps you can take now to reach financial readiness. Having a plan and knowing your steps puts your goal within reach.

Granite City HGTV Hometown Takeover

posted by: Granite City School District #9 on Monday February 10, 2020

5 Steps to Tame Financial Stress

posted by: Busey Bank on Wednesday February 5, 2020

Whether you're drowning in debt or having a hard time paying bills, financial difficulty can be stressful—and you're not alone in this struggle.

A recent report by the American Psychological Association reveals that 72% of adults feel stressed about money at least some of the time, and 22% say they experience extreme amounts of stress. Financial stress can be responsible for multiple health problems—including fatigue, headaches, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease.

So how do you tame financial stress? Here are five simple steps you can take to reduce or eliminate some of the stress in your life:

How Do You Think People Found Their New Home in 2019?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday February 3, 2020

There is certainly a constant in life and that is, "things change". Notice not only how many home searches started in the Internet, but look at the percentage of mobile views. Very important to make sure your website is mobile ready.

Financially Fit for the New Year

posted by: Busey Bank on Wednesday January 1, 2020

Did you resolve to get in shape this year? Getting—and staying—in shape requires planning, commitment and an acute focus on your long-term goals. Just as a personal trainer helps you hit fitness targets, Busey Wealth Management can help you achieve your financial goals in 2020.

Here are a few issues you may want to consider in the new year: