Whether you’ve recently retired or your last baby bird has just left the nest, you may be wondering if it’s time to downsize. With vacant bedrooms and a backyard that no longer serves as a playground, many homeowners in the 55+ crowd begin to wonder if they should move somewhere smaller — perhaps to a place more physically and financially manageable. But not all seniors see unused space as wasted space, and in fact, see advantages to staying in the family home well into their golden years.

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When you decide it’s time to buy your first home, there’s a lot on the line. Are you ready for the responsibility? Will you be okay financially? Should you look at houses or condos? What if you end up not liking the house you choose? These and other concerns can make what should be an exciting time in life a source of worry and stress.

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Have you noticed the telltale signs that Spring has sprung? Temps are warmer, flowers are blooming, and real estate agents are hosting local open houses! As a potential buyer, open houses provide a low-pressure opportunity to see what’s available and hopefully find your forever home. 

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One thing is certain in Missouri and Illinois: we love spending summers on the water. So whether you’re selling a lake house at Innsbrook or in the Ozarks, or a cottage on the river in Grafton, chances are that buyers will be lining up to take a look. 

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Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are typically split into two age groups. Younger millennials are between 25 and 33, and older millennials are aged 34 to 43. While it’s likely that a 25-year-old will have a different budget and preferences than a 43-year-old, there are many similarities in what they want in a home. 

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Whether you’ve recently relocated to St. Louis or are a long-term resident of the area, you’re likely tired of being cooped up all winter. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a perfect time to explore all there is to do outdoors in St. Louis. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular area parks, where you’ll find everything from playgrounds to lakes and running trails — something for everyone in your household. 

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As the outdoor world wakes up from its long winter nap, we humans often start to feel the need for a fresh start. Sometimes this results in spring cleaning, and other times it can be a more dramatic change–like buying or selling a house. If you’re leaning toward the latter option, you can (and should) start preparing to sell your house well before the warm weather arrives. 

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Springtime is traditionally thought of as “home-buying season.” It just so happens that it’s also time to file your taxes and hopefully get a refund. According to statistics from tax year 2022, roughly two-thirds of taxpayers received refunds, with an average amount of $3,200. For anyone saving up to buy a house, this is welcome news. You can definitely use that tax refund for a down payment. There are also some other ways to use the money you get back that can help make buying your next home a bit easier.

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