A will isn’t enough
Brett O'Daniell
Recent Posts
Five key estate planning documents: not just for the rich
Nov 29, 2019 5:25:44 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in real estate, buying a home, online home buying
HomeTraq Update + STL Startup Week Events
Nov 4, 2019 8:32:00 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in St. Louis, STL, innovation, startup
What's happening? We are excited to announce that our newest version is now live and features active listings with MLS access! Please check it out and let us know your thoughts. We are also very proud to be involved in the first ever STL Startup Week which celebrates new innovative companies in the region. Learn more below, hopefully you may be able to join us at one of the local events.
5 steps to get ready for your home search
Sep 15, 2019 7:43:00 AM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in Pre-Approval, home shopping, house hunting, home search, homebuyers, housing market, step-by-step, Credit, first-time, homeownership, home tours, home ownership, financing, before you buy, buying a home, moving checklist, homebuying, boosting credit, loan
In a competitive market where homes can fly off the market in a week or less, it’s essential that buyers come to the table prepared. Here’s a list of steps every home buyer should consider in their search.
Check out these historic neighborhoods
Sep 9, 2019 8:41:00 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in listing, St. Louis, home for sale, buying a home, Oakville, Chesterfield, the hill, neighborhoods, historic, soulard, central west end, lafayette square, STL, lafayette farm, glencoe
Explore a new (or old) neighborhood... Each area in St. Louis has its own history, architectural styles, community and story to tell. From Soulard to The Hill to Whitmoor, there are 100s of distinct areas in the St. Louis area. Check out these homes in some of the area's most popular neighborhoods.
6 game-changing FHA home loan features often overlooked...
Aug 31, 2019 8:39:00 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in Mortgage, Lending, FHA, Back to work, homebuyers, housing market, millennials, renovation, step-by-step, training, 203k, Credit, Credit Score, first-time
Can you tour homes without a real estate agent?
Aug 3, 2019 8:24:00 AM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in real estate, buyer's agent, commission, listing, homebuyers, first-time, homeownership, agency, listing agent, home showings, disclosure, procuring cause, home tours, do it yourself, hometraq
When you speak to an agent at an open house, call an agent for more information about a house, or ask an agent to show you a home, you might be opening a can of worms for yourself if you don't intend to buy a home through any of these agents. Don't make the mistake of leading an agent on, even unintentionally, because it can come back to bite you.
The real estate agent and brokerage who have a home listed for sale represent the seller and that person's best interests. The listing agent is contractually obligated to report to the seller all activity & material facts they learn about the local market and potential buyers.
17 questions to find the best agent for you
Jul 16, 2019 8:14:00 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in Home tour, home shopping, real estate, house hunting, touring homes, home search, real estate agents, agents, real estate agent, professional, buyer's agent, commission, listing, realtor, home purchase, sales contract, home inspection, homes for sale, listing agent, selling agent, home showings, home for sale, hometraq, home ownership, buying a home
Interviewing potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire is a good idea. It’s in your best interest to ask them some or all of the following questions to gauge their knowledge and fit with your needs. Take a look below, and let us know if there are any other questions you’ve found valuable when interviewing agents.
The advantages of purchasing a vacation home
Jul 14, 2019 7:49:00 AM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in vacation home, rent, income, asset
Invest in a vacation home and enjoy the benefits all year round! Discover the advantages to purchasing a vacation rental property:
You must see these St. Louis waterfront homes!
Jul 3, 2019 4:08:45 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in St. Louis, vacation home, river home, St. Albans, Lake Saint Louis, Oakville, waterfront home, lake house, St. Charles, Chesterfield, Ladue
Celebrate everything summer & check out these homes from St. Louis to St. Charles to Chesterfield which embrace our local lakes and rivers.
Know the Benefits of Owning a Home Before Starting Your Home Search
Jun 27, 2019 7:54:00 PM / by Brett O'Daniell posted in earnest money, closing costs, taxes, insurance, homebuyers, housing market, step-by-step, Credit, homeownership, home ownership, financing, payments, maintenance, emergency funds, before you buy, homebuying
Home ownership has always been part of the American Dream. Because of that, many people start their home search without considering the benefits or risks. If you are contemplating buying a home, you should know and review the advantages & challenges of the investment decision you are about to make and all that comes with it before signing on the dotted line.