Blog
Should I Build a House or Buy an Existing Home in St. Louis or St. Charles, MO?
The Great Real Estate Dilemma “Build or buy?” It’s one of the first big questions folks ask when entering the housing market, and the answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all. In the St....
Buying a Home with Less-Than-Perfect Credit: Tactics That Work.
Buying a home with a flawed credit record isn’t impossible. It’s a strategy game. The score matters, sure—but so does how you show up, what you fix first, and the way you tell...
Days on Market Explained: What Missouri Buyers and Sellers Need to Know.
What Does “Days on Market” Mean? When you hear real estate agents mention days on market (DOM), they’re talking about the number of days a property has been listed before it goes...
7 Home Upgrades That Help You Sell Faster
Selling your home isn’t just about listing it — it’s about creating an experience that makes buyers feel like they belong. The most powerful upgrades aren’t always expensive remodels. They’re the quiet, thoughtful touches that make a buyer lean in: a freshly painted front door, a clean and organized space, a folder of utility costs that whispers “this home has been cared for.” These details tell the story of a home that’s ready for its next chapter — and ready for them.
7 Home Upgrades That Help You Sell Faster (and Smarter).
Selling your home isn’t just about putting it on the market — it’s about making every inch work for you. The right updates don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Some of the...
Making the Leap: Smart Strategies for a Stress-Free Career Move
Thinking about relocating for work? From negotiating your relocation package to decluttering like a pro, this guide walks you through smart, stress-reducing strategies to make your career move smooth, budget-friendly, and empowering.
How Tech is Transforming Real Estate: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know.
In recent years, technology has rapidly transformed nearly every industry—and real estate is no exception. From artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual staging to blockchain and...
Relocation Made Easy: Essential Insights for Moving to a New City
Relocation Made Easy: Essential Insights for Moving to a New City Moving to a new city offers an exciting opportunity to explore fresh surroundings, meet new people, and embrace...
Understanding Assumable Loans: A Practical Path for 2025 Homebuyers
What is an assumable loan? Simply put, an assumable loan allows you to take over the existing mortgage of the seller. This means you inherit the remaining balance, interest rate,...
Mortgages vs. Cash: Who’s Really Winning in 2025?
The Power of Cash: Cash offers have long been considered the gold standard in real estate. They represent a guaranteed sale, often closing faster and with fewer contingencies. In...
Spring into the Market Key St. Louis Real Estate Trends for 2025.
The St. Louis real estate market is showing signs of exciting developments as we look ahead to Spring 2025. Several factors are converging to shape the trends we're likely to...
Mastering the Move: Pro Tips for Thriving in a New City
Guest Author, Michael Longson Moving to a new city is more than just a change of address; it’s a transformative journey that can greatly redefine your life. This transition...
Getting a Feel for the Market: Should You Start Looking at Homes?
Getting a feel for the market is crucial, and there are several compelling reasons to start your home search early: Gain Valuable Market Insights: By regularly browsing listings...
First Impressions Matter: How to Prep Your Home for Spring Sale
Decluttering: Less is More! First impressions are everything. A clutter-free home appears larger, cleaner, and more inviting. Start by packing away personal items like family...
Why Having a Real Estate Agent Can Make or Break Your Home Purchase
Discover why working with a real estate agent can be a game-changer when buying a home. Learn the benefits they offer, from expert market insights to negotiation skills, to ensure a smooth and successful purchase.
House-Flip Tips for Financing Your College Degree
Explore house-flip strategies to fund education! Learn DIY tips, legal insights, and financial hacks to balance real estate ventures and academic goals.
Before You List: Prepare to Answer These 5 Critical Questions Buyers Will Ask During an Open House
Get your home ready to sell by answering the top 5 questions buyers will ask during an open house. Be prepared to make a great impression and sell fast!
Find Your Dream Home: Explore the Market with Confidence
Curious about the housing market? Get a head start with Sarah Bernard Real Estate. We’ll help you navigate listings and understand current trends to find the perfect home for you.
A Buyer’s Guide: Essential Tips for Finding Your Dream Home
Exploring the housing market can be an exciting and educational journey, especially for potential homebuyers.
Back to School: House-Flipping for Adult Students
Going back to school as an adult can be a rewarding decision, but it often comes with financial challenges. Many adult learners struggle to manage the cost of education while juggling work and other responsibilities. However, there is a creative solution that can help alleviate some of this burden: flipping houses. By strategically buying, renovating, and selling properties, adult learners can generate income to support their college journey.
The Power of Dual Representation: How Boutique Realtors Simplify Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling a home can be a stressful and complicated process. But what if there was a way to make it simpler? Enter the boutique REALTOR®.
Smart Investment Strategies for Your First Vacation Rental Property
Investing in a vacation rental can be lucrative, but it requires careful planning and knowledge. As a first-time real estate investor, you're about to embark on a journey that,...
Investing Tips in The Current Real Estate Market?
Navigating the real estate market can be a complex task. With fluctuating trends and rates, it's crucial to stay informed. In this article, we delve into the current real estate...
Is My Time Well Spent Looking At Homes To Get A Feel For the Real Estate Market?
Exploring the housing market can be an exciting and educational journey, especially for potential homebuyers. Before making such a significant investment, understanding current...
Experience Excellence With A Trusted Real Estate Team
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis Metro area? Look no further! Sarah and her team’s marketing skills and methodical business approach make them a go-to for representation with both buyers and sellers.
How Home Buyers Can Compete in a Competitive Market
With multiple buyers vying for the same property, it’s crucial to have a solid strategy. Red Key Realty and Real Estate Expert, Sarah Bernard share some effective real estate tips for competitive market strategies.
Sarah Bernard of Red Key Realty Shares Details on Popular St. Louis Metro Neighborhoods
Psst! Want to know the details about St Louis real estate? Red Key Realty and Real Estate Expert, Sarah Bernard spill it all about the most popular neighborhoods here.
St. Louis County Real Estate: 3 Tips for Finding Your Best Option
Are you familiar with the latest St. Louis County real estate market trends? Here are a few tips for finding your best option for a broker or realtor.
Packing Boxes and Building Dreams: The Ultimate Guide for Moving Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is challenging enough, but when you're also moving to a new home, things can get even more complicated. Balancing the demands of both tasks requires careful...
Are You In the Market for a New Home in the New Year?
Are you planning to purchase a new home this year? Click here to find out everything that you need to know about the St. Louis real estate market in 2024.
Forever or Starter Home: Initiating a Home Purchase Decision
The path to homeownership is paved with myriad decisions, each with its unique set of implications. Among these choices, determining the type of home to invest in often stands...
Preparing to Buy a Home in St. Louis: The First Steps (And Considerations) Before Committing
Looking to buy a home in St. Louis, MO? In August 2023, 7,184 Missouri homes were sold at a median price of $259,950, up 6.1% compared to the previous year. Before you commit,...
Signs Of A Wood-Destroying Pest Infestation When Buying A House
Wood-destroying pests can cause serious damage to your home. Act fast to minimize the damage.
Reasons New Homeowners Should Get Pest Control For The First Year
Get pest control when you move into a new home to prevent infestations. It’s best to be proactive, especially if you’re a new homeowner in your first year.
Let’s Talk About Real Estate Basics
What do you know about real estate? Read this article to learn about real estate basics, like how different generations look at real estate and so much more.
Should I Consider Buying a Vacation Home?
Now, more than ever is a great time to consider buying a vacation home. Click here to learn why, as well as how the Sarah Bernard Realty Team can help.
3 Things to Know About the St. Louis Real Estate Market
What do you know about the St. Louis real estate market? You can read about the latest developments in the market in this brief outline.
St. Louis Real Estate: Who Do You Need in Your Corner When the Market Is Hot?
If you are interested in purchasing St. Louis real estate in a hot seller’s market, how can you win offers? Find out who to have in your corner here.
St. Louis Real Estate: Why Do People Choose to Live in St. Louis Neighborhoods?
Are you interested in St. Louis real estate? Click here to learn why people choose to relocate to St. Louis neighborhoods.
Buying vs. Renting: What do You do When the Home Inventory is So Low?
Are you wondering whether to buy or rent a home when the inventory is low? Here is everything you need to know about buying vs. renting homes.
Wood vs Gas Fireplace: Which Is Best for Alternating Spring Weather?
Spring weather can go from shivering cold to unusually warm in the blink of an eye. Which fireplace is best? Compare wood vs gas fireplace installations here.
Fall in Love With St. Louis Real Estate: Why St. Louis Is a Great Place to Fall in Love
The season of love is in the air, and there’s no better place to fall in love than in St. Louis. Learn about St. Louis real estate here.
Strategies to Get Over Asking Price
If you want to make the process of selling a house easier, this guide can help. Here are strategies for getting over the asking price.
Home Sale Closing Costs: What to Expect
Are you curious about the closing cost you may face on a home sale? Click here for everything you need to know about current closing cost trends.
2023 St. Louis Housing Market (It’s Not All Doom and Gloom)!
The 2023 St. Louis housing market is set to surprise property investors in the area. Here’s everything you need to know about the future of the local market.
St. Louis Real Estate: 3 Tips for Making Major Repairs to Your Home
Are you thinking of making major repairs to your home? You can read about making those changes in the current St. Louis real estate market, here.
Using Scents to Boost Your Home Sale
Did you know that how your home smells can impact your home sale? Read this guide to learn what smells to avoid and what smells to emphasize.
How to Use Natural and Artificial Light to Help Stage Your House
Almost half of buyers' agents say that home staging affects how potential home buyers view a property. Staging is important even in a sellers market. You know you'll be able to...
St. Louis Real Estate: Price Reduction 101 After The Listing is Live
A recent report named St. Louis as one of the top housing markets for Millennials. AARP gives St. Louis an above-average livability ranking. If you're a homeowner thinking of...
Moving Timelines and Logistics: When to Sell Your Home
Your home sale can leave you in a logistically tricky position, especially if you don’t have your next home prepared. Here are some tips for managing your move.
How to Manage Your Expectations When Buying or Selling Your Home
Are you panic and worried about buying or selling a house? Check out this guide on how to manage your expectations about home ownership.
Traditional vs Virtual Open Houses: Exploring the Pros and Cons
Generally, it only takes around 18 days for a home owner to get an offer on their house. It can only take a few months for a home sale to complete. This rapid home buying process...
What You Should Know Before Buying Your First Investment Property
Provided By Guest Blogger: Michael Longsdon If you have some money you want to invest, real estate is a great option. It's a good way to make passive income, but that doesn't...
Downsizing Elderly Parents When They Don’t Want to Move
Downsizing Elderly Parents and what you need to know. As a person ages, time takes a toll on them. They may end up living in unsafe conditions, isolated from the world around...
St. Louis Real Estate Buyers: Find the Best Schools in St. Louis County
In December of 2021, the median home price in St. Louis was $349,900 and the St. Louis real estate and St. Charles real estate market remains hot and competitive. There's no...
Moving As a Senior: How To Prepare Without the Hassle
A study shows that moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Many consider it a higher stress situation than divorce. If you plan to move as a senior, there...
The Best Golf Courses in the St. Louis Area New Homeowners Should Play
Whether you're a new homeowner or in the market to buy a home in St.Louis, there are a plethora of things to consider. What needs to get done to your new home? What moving plans...
Dog Friendly St. Louis Real Estate: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re looking for a new home for you and your pup, you’re not alone. Read this guide to learn which St. Louis real estate spots welcome dogs here!
Top 5 Smartphone Apps for Selling or Buying a Home in St. Louis, MO
The market is going digital and the real estate market is no exception. The Sarah Bernard Realty team believes that our clients should come first. And more and more people are...
Appraisal 101: Why Is Home Appraisal Important?
With 2,600 square-foot homes in the St. Louis area appraising for $599,000 or more, you might be wondering how much that home you are eyeing is worth. Or possibly, you are...