Zillow and their Zestimates

Map of Contaminated Wells in US

http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/studies/domestic_wells/distribution.html

Recent testing of Mo wells come up negative for contaminants that are too high for human consumption. 

How to test your soil easily and inexpensively!

How to test your soil easily and inexpensively!

You will need these items:

1 Clean quart jar with a tight fitting lid

Clean water

Soil sample - take 5 hand trowel scoops of soil from about 4 inches deep in the garden - one each, from the 4 corners of the bed and one from in the center & mix together

Fill the jar with 2/3 water and 1/3 soil sample, leaving about an inch of air space at the top of the jar. Screw on the lid, and shake the jar vigorously for about a minute or two - until the soil is suspended in the water.

Allow the suspended soil to settle for about a minute, and place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the layer that has settled out.

This is the sand layer. It is comprised primarily of sand and larger particles.

Set the jar aside, being careful not to mix the sand layer that has already settled and wait approximately an hour. Now, place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the next layer to settle out. This is the silt layer.

Again, place the jar aside for a full day, being careful not to shake or mix the layers that have settled out. After 24 hours, or when the water is once again clear (more or less), place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the final layer. This is the clay layer.

Measure each layer and determine the percentage it comprises from the whole. You can then determine your soil type by using the pyramid below:

10-12 Acre sites available in private subdivision backing to Babler Park in Wildwood Mo. Horses welcome!

Enjoy the benefits of the Natural Preservation of land, 

very different from many other 

   St. Louis County home sites.

Often building New means tearing down the large trees that are "in the way".  This developer chose to preserve the land and it's natural beauty by building the lot layout so the house will look like it has been there for decades.You can chose between several eco-friendly builders to build you a geo-thermal home and/or barn. You will have access to the 2600 acres of trails in Babler Park through your own back yard. Call Melissa for a tour. 314-565-2369  All sites are currently available!

Great way to live with horses

Love your horses and having them close by but don't have the time for all the stall cleaning and feeding?

This small subdivision has a community barn at the bottom of the hill with indoor/outdoor arena, stalls with run-outs, round-pen, pastures for turn-out, and all within trotting distance to Babler Park where you can ride all day up and down the many protected equestrian trails. Your trainer or theirs at the barn; it's all up to you as this is your own private barn shared with a few of your neighbors.

From the moment you drive down the driveway & see the approx. 6.7+/- equestrian acres w/a permanent horse riding easement to all of the horse trails you can dream of, you will fall in love!This one of a kind 1.5 story country french, Dick Busch designed home offers a chef's delight kitchen with granite counter tops,center island, beautiful tile backsplash.Newer stainless steel,top of the line appliances & all completely remodeled in 2007.Great rm w/ floor to ceiling stone woodburning fireplace w/ ample bookshelves on either side and wall of wood Anderson windows.Walk out to the private wooded setting.Enjoy the sunroom w/ wood floors & overlooking the stone,French country garden patio.Breakfast rm w/planning desk w/granite countertops & custom handmade wood cabinets.Dining rm w/custom wood trim work & picturesque wood Anderson windows. Master bed w/vaulted ceiling & wood Anderson windows looking into the private woods. Master bath w/ vaulted ceiling,double bowl vanity,& jetted tubUpper level bedrms share a jack-n-Jill bath.Upper level office/den w/ sitting area3rd bed-guest suite w/ full bath,area w/sink, refrig & microwave.LL w/ rec rm & sitting room w/ cedar closet and a perfect area for possible pool table. Horse barn w/ 4 12x12 stalls, wash rm & tack rm & ample PVC fencing

Farmers Markets are officially Open!

Top Farmers Markets in the St. Louis Area

Soulard Farmers Market is the most well-known outdoor market in the St. Louis area, but there are some other great markets that are worth a visit. Whether you're looking for organic fruit and veggies, locally baked bread or freshly made goat cheese, you'll find what you need at these St. Louis area farmers markets.

Soulard Farmers Market

When you mention farmers markets in St. Louis, Soulard Market is likely the first to come to mind. The Market, located just south of downtown St. Louis, was founded in 1838 and is the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi. It has just about everything you could want. You'll find rows and rows of fresh fruits and vegetables, but you can also buy meats, cheeses, bread, flowers, t-shirts, purses, sunglasses and more. There's even a pet shop if you're interested in taking home a new member of the family. Unlike most local farmers markets, Soulard Market is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. If you want to really enjoy the Market at its busiest, go on Saturday morning. 

Clayton Farmers Market

The Clayton Farmers Market is a popular destination for St. Louis County residents. It has all kinds of organic and locally produced food including breads, cheeses, fruits, veggies and honey. You'll also find candles, ornaments, cookbooks and gourmet dog treats. The mission of the Clayton Market is to promote all things local, so you can be sure what you're buying was produced, grown or hand crafted in Missouri or Illinois. The Clayton Farmers Market is located at 8282 Forsyth Boulevard on the Straub's parking lot. It's open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from May 5 - November 3, 2012.

Tower Grove Farmers Market & Bazaar

Tower Grove Park in south St. Louis is a beautiful location for a farmers market. Each Saturday morning you'll find crowds of shoppers buying tomatoes, peaches, corn, blackberries and more. The list of food vendors can change from week to week, but there's always a wide variety of local and organic produce, breads and cheeses. The Tower Grove Market is located west of the Pool Pavillion in Tower Grove Park. It's open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, from May 5 - November 3, 2012. 

Downtown Farmers Market

The Downtown Farmers Market is from by the same group that organizes the Tower Grove Farmers Market. More than two dozen vendors will be selling their goods including breads, chocolate, meats, fruits and vegetables. The Downtown Market is located at the Old Post Office Plaza on Locust Street between 8th and 9th Streets in downtown St. Louis. It is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 2 - October 17, 2012.

Alton Farmers & Artisans Market

On your next trip to Alton, consider making a stop at the Alton Farmers & Artisans Market. You'll find a large selection of hand-picked produce, plants, crafts, jewelry and other local artwork. The Alton Market is located at the corner of Piasa and 9th Street in Alton, Illinois. It's open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., from June 2 - October 2012.

Land of Goshen Community Market

The Goshen Market in Edwardsville is another good option for anyone looking for local produce and products. The Market has dozens of vendors selling organic fruits and veggies, farm fresh eggs, wild berries, fresh-cut herbs and other food stuffs. You'll also find hand-woven baskets, jewelry, pottery, lotions and soaps. When you're done shopping, take some time to enjoy the live music and craft demonstrations. The Goshen Market is located on St. Louis Street, next to the courthouse in downtown Edwardsville. It's open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, from May 12 - October 20, 2012. 

Schlafly Farmers Market

Dozens of vendors set up shop every Wednesday at Schlalfy Bottleworks in Maplewood. They offer a variety of local and organic produce, as well as goat cheese, grass fed beef, honey and more. You can also enjoy a cold Schlafly beer and live music (beginning in May) while you shop. The Schlafly Farmers Market is located at Schlafly Bottleworks at 7260 Southwest Avenue. It is open Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from April through October.

Ferguson Farmers Market

The Ferguson Farmers Market was chosen as the 2005-'06 Missouri Farmers Market of the Year by AgriMissouri. One reason may be the fresh food. When farmers at the Ferguson Market say their produce is fresh, they mean fresh. That's because fruits and veggies are picked within 24 hours of being sold. The Market also sells homemade jellies, nuts, spices, and organic meats. The Ferguson Farmers Market is located at 20 South Florissant at the Victorian Plaza. It's open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon from May 5 - October, 2012.

By David O'Brien, About.com Guide

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

St. Louis makes Top Ten List

  The  Best Cities  to  Buy a Home Right Now – St. Louis Ranks in the Top 10

St. Louis was ranked tenth in the top ten cities to buy a home right now according to Realtor.com. The best places to invest in real estate was determined on sales data, inventory trends and the job market. If you are looking to buy or relocate to St. Louis, you’ll find that the area has a lot to offer. 

“A lot of what we read is national but you have to take housing down to the local level and look at the reasons why a market may be turning around, may be a good place to buy,” says Steve Berkowitz, chief executive of Realtor.com.

Buyer  Urgency  Improves,  More  See  Now  Good  Time  to Buy

More home buyers may jump off the sidelines this spring as they get more urgent about purchasing a home, fearing that home pric

e and mortgage rate increases are on the horizon. Housing surveys in recent weeks have shown that more Americans are seeing now a great time to purchase a home.

 In the most recent survey, 73 percent of Americans say now is a good time to buy, according to the latest Fannie Mae Housing Survey conducted in March. That’s up from 70 percent in February who said it was a great time to buy. 

"Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes," says Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae’s chief economist. "With an increasing share of consumers expecting higher mortgage rates and home prices over the next 12 months, some may feel that renting is becoming more costly and that home ownership is a more compelling housing choice."

Pending home sales increased in March and well above a year ago, another signal the housing market is recovering, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said 2012 is expected to be a year of recovery for housing.  “First quarter sales closings were the highest first quarter sales in five years.  The latest contract signing activity suggests the second quarter will be equally good,” he said.