Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Quick Tips for Sellers-How to Close on Time

GET MOVED ON, AND DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS!
  1. Be Flexible as to when the purchasers can access the home for inspections and walk-through.
  2. Make sure that the house is picked up for inspections, make is easy for the inspector to gain access to all windows, doors, gates, garage, electrical panel, furnace, AC condenser and have the lawn freshly groomed.
  3. Order the occupancy inspection no later than 4 days after the contract has been ratified.
  4. Order Laclede Gas Inspection as soon as possible after buyers provide loan commitment.
  5.  Have all agreed upon repairs completed at least 1 week prior to closing date.
  6.  Have all personal belongings removed from property (if possible) 4 days prior to closing.
  7.  Make sure all repairs required by the contract have receipts, lien waivers and have been completed in a workman like manner. Provide these receipts to your agent as soon as possible.
  8. Make sure you keep all utilities on until the day AFTER closing. Buyers will need to test certain things during their walk-through, and they need to be able to flush toilets, turn on lights, inspect the repairs that were supposed to be done and test the Furnace/AC.
  9. Be communicative with your title company and assist them in ordering the payoff for your loan.
  10. Be prepared to take off of work for the day of closing, and close as early as possible during the day!


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

MO' Magnesium, MO' Money- How a Top Real Estate Agent Copes With Stress

'Stress Reduction' photo (c) 2011, Eamon Curry - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/I asked my friend Morley to write a guest blog for me about Magnesium, my favorite supplement. I know what you all are thinking, "What the FLIP does this have to do with real estate?". You would be right in thinking I have veered a little off track (or that my train has slid off my track), but from conception this blog was meant to be more about a lifestyle, not just pictures of houses. I felt that this blog was especially important since 90% of my clients are hard working, full throttle professionals whose schedules were just as crazy as mine. Magnesium is a HUGE part in how I cope with a crazy schedule and life. I want to share with all of you how I am reducing stress, reducing prescription meds and getting my life not only on track...but making it better.


“Mo’ Maggie, in 3…”
By Morley M. Robbins (aka “MgMan!”)

Leigh invited me recently to put some added spotlight on Magnesium (Mg) – I jumped for joy! Then she said: “Please limit your remarks to the just three things you like most about Mg!” “Three, I gasped!?! But…” She put her foot down, and said again, “Yes, only three!...”

Well for anyone’s who’s caught my Magnesium-oriented jabs, from time-to-time on FB, you know that I’m hardly brief. But I’m also compliant. So here goes… three things.

One of my all time heroes in the world of promoting Magnesium is the internationally known trainer, Charles Poliquin. He’s an absolute rock star when it comes to understanding and promoting the value of enhanced Magnesium stores in our body.

Now, his 1st article of note on this topic is almost three years old (I know, it’s woefully out of date…), but it sets the stage beautifully for my charge – I would strongly recommend you read it as a Mg primer

He does a masterful job of outlining many notable functions and dysfunctions that Mg corrects, among the following:
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Insulin Sensitivity
  • Hyperactivity
  • Inflammation
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Memory
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sleep (Leigh’s obsession…;-) )
  • Stress
  • Control Obesity

Sort of reads like a “Who’s Who” of modern chronic disease, right? All from just this one vitalizing mineral that’s AWOL. Given that, here’s what I admire most – in three leaps.

1.      Mo’ Energy: It’s estimated that we have 100 Trillion cells in our body. And each one has a power plant called the Mitochondria where ATP is made and metabolized to create energy. What you may NOT know is that you can’t manufacture, position or properly metabolize ATP unless it is fused or activated with Mg.

In fact, whenever you see ATP on a biochemical flow chart, just know that Maggie is powerfully bound to this Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) molecule. So if you have any “energy” issues, it’s likely that Mg deficiency is more likely the cause, rather than Iron deficiency. And why would I say that? Because Mg is easily lost due to *S*T*R*E*S*S* -- not so with Iron. (And the form of Iron that’s typically used to “correct” this alleged energy issue, causes further Mg loss – pretty clever, eh?) In any event, if it’s energy you be lacking, it’s Magnesium you be needing. And a cell without energy is a cell that’s inviting disorder, dysfunction, and ultimately disease – guaranteed.

2.      Better Sleep: Sleep is a rapidly disappearing concept in society today. The rising dependence on coffee is a clear indication that we’re losing our natural ability to attain rest and relaxation, which are the very qualities that define the Parasympathetic Nervous System. And why are we stuck in Sympathetic mode (aka, fight or flight)? Because our Sympathetic Nervous System is ruled by Calcium, which is why folks in North America are locked in hyper-sympathetic mode, and thus having difficulty shutting it down.

But I need all that Calcium to avoid Osteoporosis… Right? And if you really believe that, I’ve got both a used BMW, and a bridge, that I’d like to sell you… Osteoporosis is purely a Mg deficiency issue. And what you may not know is that Mg regulates ALL three Hormones (Calcitonin, PTH and Hormone-D) that dictate the location and the level of Calcium throughout our bodies.

And the ultimate issue, the last step to forming Melatonin is Magnesium-dependent. And while I understand the temptation to use Melatonin is great, I’m far more in favor of giving my body the raw mineral materials and letting nature take its course. My $$$’s on my Hypothalamus, not somebody else’s synthetically-derived Hormones.

3.      The Rosetta Stone of Chronic Disease: We live in challenging (think *S*T*R*E*S*S*F*U*L*) times. We’re constantly seeking ways to simplify our lives. And what I’ve noted on the web is a propensity of health practitioners to talk one day about this disease, and another day about that disease, and yet another day about a 3rd disease as though they are completely unrelated metabolically. What they fail to do is inform their followers that each of these conditions, and many others, have a common origin – Mg deficiency. I know what you’re thinking: it’s got to be more complicated than that, right? I thought so, too. It’s not.

It’s widely recognized that ALL chronic diseases, including Cancer, have as their origin: Inflammation. The very 1st step of the Inflammatory Cascade is brought to us by Substance P (which stands for “Production,” btw). Well the research team of Weglicki and Phillips from GWU rocked the medical and scientific worlds when they proved that the cellular trigger for Substance P is Mg deficiency.

Armed with that knowledge, I’ve now read over 450 scientific articles on Magnesium and Mg deficiency. I’ve also catalogued them along 18 different chronic diseases. In fact, I had one client (82 yrs young) who rang the bell on ALL 18, and when she realized that her entire lifelong litany of conditions related to a mineral imbalance, a giant weight lifted, and was replaced by a glimmer of hope.

It’s hard to fathom Mg’s reach within our bodies. 80% of our metabolism depends on Maggie for optimal performance. In my humble opinion, the big three for day-to-day survival are Air, Water, and Magnesium. Yup, it’s that important. And without it, as most of us are, our bodies create a laundry list of conditions that on the surface appear completely unrelated, were it not for this multifaceted mineral Rosetta Stone. And for those who doubt that, bring up your favorite Search Engine, put the condition you’re most worried about, followed by “Magnesium Deficiency,” and be prepared to be surprised.

OK, I’ve had my fling. One, two and three. (But please don’t tell Leigh that I snuck in a dozen others with my opening remarks.)

So, I’ll leave you with one last thought. Charles Poliquin won’t work with a client until their Mag RBC level is above 6.0mg/dL, because he knows that they can’t perform at their peak without optimal levels of Maggie. So what’s your level? When was the last time you had it tested? To know your blood lipid levels, your blood glucose levels, you’re Thyroid marker levels, and your 25-Hydroxyvitamin-D levels and not know your Mg levels is unfortunate, especially when you learn that all those classic blood markers are related to your Mg status… Maybe it really is the Rosetta Stone…

A votre santé!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Morley M. Robbins                            
 

Morley Robbins has been actively serving the healthcare field for the last 32+ years, as a hospital executive, healthcare consultant, and now Wellness Coach. Following a successful career managing and consulting to hospitals and health care systems, he realized that he could no longer stand the revolving door mentality of these “sick care” centers.

He is dedicating the balance of his career to “saving one starfish at a time” by coaching clients about how to eat “real food,” restore their mineral balance, especially their Magnesium status, and thereby, facilitate the process of natural healing. He has discovered the “fountain of youth” in his newfound persona of “Magnesium Man!” and is proud of his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of Magnesium via the efforts of his recently formed Magnesium Advocacy Group (www.magfor.org).

He is delighted to be preaching to others what he has practiced for the last 30 years. He can be viewed on Youtube, reached online at morley@MagnesiumMan.com or contacted by cellphone at 847.922.8061.


Monday, October 29, 2012

SHHHH, It's a SECRET. How to Snoop on Real Estate in the City of St. Louis

WHO'S HOUSE IS THIS?
SHHH...I am going to tell you all a real estate secret, and quite possibly lose some of my Rock-star status with some of you. Quite often I get questions like, "How long has that been vacant?", "Do the neighbors always keep their grass like that?", "Who owns that property?", "How big is the lot, really?" "How much were the taxes on that property 3 years ago?". I will usually go home, and look up the answer and email it to my client. However, you can do it too! There is a little known website that is INVALUABLE to City of St. Louis residents, or wannabes called, GEO ST. LOUIS. On this site you can find information on virtually any property, as long as you know the address. It can tell you who has paid their property taxes, when the last time they did, how many Citizen Service Bureau Complaints it has had, when the complaints were made, what permits have been pulled on the property, what the lot looks like, the increase in taxes over a period of time and MUCH MUCH MORE!

Very often, I have clients wanting to do in depth research before purchasing a property, and this is the perfect way to do it! I suggest that everyone interested in buying or selling a property to go to this site, and become familiar with the FACTS!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

4138 Haven, 63116- Holly Hills Home with 2 1/2 CAR GARAGE FOR SALE!

Leigh Maibes | RE/MAX Results, 4700 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 314-352-7770 | (314) 324-3322
4138 Haven St, Saint Louis, MO
Oversized garage, Stained glass windows, Finished Basement,
2BR/2BA Single Family House
offered at $154,900
Year Built 1937
Sq Footage 1,056
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors Unspecified
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 3,920 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Built to Last: 1937. This adorable 2 bed/2 bath brick bungalow is loaded with historic details and charm. The front has recently been professionally landscaped, and promises to grow into a lush low maintenance show piece. Do not be fooled by its cozy appearance, this place has space. In addition to the main floor, this house boasts a finished basement , partially finished attic with additional storage and a 2+ CAR GARAGE. The interior features gleaming hardwood floors on the main level, decorative mantel, tons of stain glass accents throughout, crown molding in the living room & dining room, newer windows, pottery barn paint palette, stunning original deco bathroom and so much more. The back yard has a deck that is perfect for entertaining and a rustic vine covered arbor that serves as a private oasis on sunny days. Did I forget to mention the HUGE GARAGE? Located in the popular Holly Hills Neighborhood. You are just a skip away from Carondelet Park, restaurants, shopping & HWY 55.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

- Attic - Basement - Bonus/Rec room
- Dining room - Laundry room - Living room
- Storage space - Dishwasher - Dryer
- Stove/Oven - Washer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Fenced yard - Lawn - Yard
- Ceiling fans - Central A/C - Central heat
- Cable-ready - Garage - Detached - Off-street parking
- Fireplace - Hardwood floor - Wet bar

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 8

Photo 9

Photo 10

Photo 11
Contact info:
Leigh Maibes
RE/MAX Results, 4700 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 314-352-7770
(314) 324-3322
For sale by agent/broker

Created at Postlets
Posted: Oct 22, 2012, 8:10am PDT

Monday, October 22, 2012

Mystical Monday- Odd Circumstances Bring Real Joy To My House

Today is a rainy day, and I love the rain...but for whatever reason, it has been a bit dreary to me lately. When I got to my desk this morning and checked the mail from the weekend, I was happy to find that the Radio Flyer Postcards had returned. We bought our house out of foreclosure about this time last year, and ever since then we have been receiving strange postcards for the previous owner. Actually, I think that they are FROM him, and not FOR him because, they arrive with just his name and our current address on them, no note and no return address.


The first couple that came here, I threw them out not being one to collect other people's mail and since there was no return address the postman told me he could not take them back. However, when more and more came, I started to tack them up. I quickly realized that they were not being sent on accident, and I enjoy receiving them. The postcards were from all over the Northwest and Southwest, and I had always wanted to visit the American Southwest. Today's postcard was "Cacti and Desert Flora of the Great Southwest", and it was just in time to boost my mood. In fact, they always arrive right at the most perfect times. I have tried to reach the former owner, with no luck. I am not sure how long these postcards will keep coming, but I am going to frame them. They are an unexpected gift of kindness, that I can never repay.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Gardening- The Season for Warm Weather Herbs is Over

The air has been chilling a bit, and I have been taking out my warm weather herbs. We have a small garden, and in order to make room for cold weather veggies like KALE (my favorite)the basil has to go. In this picture, you can see me holding one of my Basil plants! It was HUGE with a woody stem, almost like a bush. To make my herbs grow larger I plant them in the ground, use compost and prune regularly. This one had just offered a grocery bag FULL of leaves to a friend of ours.

TIPS FOR GROWING MONSTER HERBS: 
1. Plant in the ground (you don't have to, but they will get bigger) 
2. Prune/harvest regularly. The proper way to prune is cut from the top! Most people will harvest leaves from the bottom of the plant, taking the oldest leaves. Older leaves don't taste as good, and won't help the plant to spread. If you prune from the top, and snip a cluster that has sprung up between 2 leaves, it will signal the plant to produce more. 
3. Never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. 
4. Try not to cut into the woody part of the plant. 
5. Don't let them bloom! When a plant is allowed to bloom, it signals that its work is done, and it will stop producing. Pinch blooms off as much as possible. With basil, I do allow it to bloom towards the end of the season, because it is a favorite of honey bees!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Holly Hills-Affordable Bungalow 2 Bedroom & 1.5 Bathroom, 2 Car Garage FOR SALE


Leigh Maibes | RE/MAX Results, 4700 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 314-352-7770 | (314) 324-3322

6533 Parkwood Pl, Saint Louis, MO

2BR/1+1BA Single Family House
offered at $154,900
           
Year Built 1935
Sq Footage 1,200
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial
Floors 1
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 4,356 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Don't miss this amazing 2 bed/1.5bath home nestled in the Holly Hills neighborhood. Built in 1935, this lovely gingerbread style home is complimented with hardwood floors and stained glass windows throughout the house. The entryway opens up to the spacious living room with a separated dining room. The finished upstairs makes the perfect den or hobby area. The bathroom is highlighted by its original charm as well as an updated 1/2 bath off of the foyer. Through the eat-in kitchen, the furnished back area opens up to the privately fenced back yard with a beautiful patio and 2 car garage.  This is one Holly Hills jewel that can't be missed.  

see additional photos below
 
 
PROPERTY FEATURES


- Basement


- Dining room


- Living room



- Office/Den


- Pantry


- Storage space



- Dishwasher


- Dryer


- Garbage disposal



- Refrigerator


- Stove/Oven


- Washer



- Balcony, Deck, or Patio


- Fenced yard


- Lawn



- Porch


- Yard


- Air conditioning



- Ceiling fans


- Central A/C


- Central heat



- Cable-ready


- Garage - Detached


- Off-street parking



- On-street parking


- Hardwood floor




     
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 8

Photo 9
Contact info:

 
Leigh Maibes


RE/MAX Results, 4700 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 314-352-7770


(314) 324-3322

 
For sale by agent/broker



Created at Postlets

Posted: Oct 15, 2012, 7:51am PDT


Monday, October 15, 2012

Sexy, Modern, Fun & Ultra-Walkable University City Condo FOR SALE-Located Just Off the Loop!

Leigh Maibes | RE/MAX Results, 4700 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 314-352-7770 | (314) 324-3322
6404 Cates Ave Apt 4W, Saint Louis, MO
Hardwood Floors Open Floorplan, Updated Kitchen, Whirlpool, Balcony
2BR/2BA Condo
offered at $259,900
Year Built 2006
Sq Footage 1,844
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors Unspecified
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 1,306 sqft
HOA/Maint $225 per month

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

- Dining room - Laundry room - Living room
- Master bath - Walk-in closet - Dishwasher
- Dryer - Garbage disposal - Microwave
- Refrigerator - Stainless steel appliances - Stove/Oven
- Washer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Central A/C
- Central heat - Cable-ready - High-speed internet
- Controlled access - Elevator - Secured entry
- Covered parking - Garage - Attached - Off-street parking
- On-street parking - Fireplace - Granite countertop
- Hardwood floor - Jetted tub

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- On-street parking - New property


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS


Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 8

Photo 9

Photo 7

Photo 6

Photo 10

Photo 11
Contact info:
Leigh Maibes
RE/MAX Results, 4700 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 314-352-7770
(314) 324-3322
For sale by agent/broker

Created at Postlets
Posted: Sep 18, 2012, 2:20pm PDT