Home Guide - June 2025 by The St. Louis American

Making your home safer and more comfortable as you age

By Evette Baker, Community Home Loan Originator, Commerce Bank

Many adults over 50 say they’d rather stay in their homes than move. But as we age, we may need to update our homes to keep them safe and comfortable. With the right changes, you can keep living in your home for years to come.

Why preparing your home now makes sense

Aging in place means staying in the home you love, near friends and family. It can also be more cost-effective than moving into an assisted living facility. Even if you don’t need these customizations today, making updates now can help you maintain independence. If you start having trouble getting around, you’ll already be prepared.

Simple changes for a safer, more accessible

home

Home updates can help prevent falls and make movement throughout your home easier. Some are quick and affordable, while others may require a contractor. At right, are a few changes you may want to consider.

How to pay for home modifications

You have several ways to pay for home updates. You can use your savings or take out a personal loan. Another option is borrowing against your home’s value through a home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC), or cash-out refinance. Loans tied to your home often come with lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

If you’d like to explore financing options for home improvements, we’re here to help. Contact a Commerce Bank Mortgage professional to learn more about home equity loans, HELOCs and renovation loans.

Kitchen improvements

Bathroom safety upgrades

Evette Baker

A DIY guide for first-time homeowners

(StatePoint) Becoming a first-time homeowner is a remarkable achievement, but the journey doesn’t end at closing. With today’s market challenges, making your new house feel like home can seem daunting. The good news: with thoughtful planning and proven DIY tips, you can create a space that’s beautiful, functional and uniquely yours, without stretching your budget.

Budgeting and Planning

One of the biggest reasons to DIY? You can save serious dollars. In fact, a 2024 report by NerdWallet showed that on average, DIY projects cost less than half of professional projects.

Before beginning any DIY endeavor, establish your budget and assess what your house needs, prioritizing the most cost-effective yet impactful updates.

Know your budget, know your home

Take a trip to a local home improvement retailer or do an online search to gauge costs.

“While it’s tempting to cut corners on costs, investing in high-quality products up-front can save you significantly in the long run. Quality materials offer durability and better performance, minimizing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. Think of it as buying peace of mind – a well-chosen faucet, sturdy cabinetry or durable flooring can elevate your home for years to come,” said Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager, Moen.

Once you have a map of projects in place, plot when you want to tackle each one on the calendar.

Defining Your Home’s Aesthetic

Before diving in, ensure you’re invest-

ing in an aesthetic that resonates with you versus what is trending online.

“As you embark on the exciting process of styling your first home, it is essential to determine your personal taste so that it truly reflects who you are,” said DeBoe Harper. “Whether your style leans modern, traditional, industrial, farmhouse, glam, or a combination of a few, understanding your preferences will help you establish the overall atmosphere of your home.”

Luckily, there are many places to find inspiration. Try browsing the aisles of a home décor store—what lamps or pillows are you just dying to put in your cart? When visiting a friend’s home, mentally note what you love and what you’d leave. At the grocery store? Pick up a few home décor magazines on your way out. And, of course, your phone or computer holds a treasure trove of style inspiration, from

renovation tutorials on social media to style and décor trends on your favorite brand’s website.

Diving In

Before getting to work, ensure you have versatile supplies for various projects. The essentials include: a hammer, flathead, Phillips screwdrivers, painter’s tape, and a power drill.

Now it’s time to DIY. Not sure how to approach a project? Lean on inspiration from friends and family, use YouTube tutorials to walk you through it, or get instructions from an expert at your local hardware store. Of course, make sure whatever you choose is something that’s safe to DIY.

“One of the first projects I recommend

DIY Guide

Continued from D3

is painting, since it’s a relatively affordable update that can completely transform the way a room comes together—and even how it makes you feel,” said DeBoe Harper. “You can paint an entire room or update a piece of furniture or cabinetry with a new color. Other high-impact projects that can be done at a lower cost include swapping hardware, like cabinet knobs or pulls, installing a new showerhead, building bookcases, changing the kitchen faucet or hanging peel-and-stick wallpaper, all of which can enhance your look almost instantly while boosting DIY confidence.”

For even more DIY renovation tips and inspiration, visit Moen.com.

And remember, successful DIY renovation is built on planning, preparation and a willingness to learn. With these tips for first-time homeowners, you can shape a stylish, comfortable space tailored to your needs.

Residents clear an alley behind their homes in the 4400 block of Margaretta Ave. in the city’s Penrose neighborhood on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The city is warning home property owners to be wary of scams and fraudulent offers to help them.

Watch for housing

‘predators’ in wake of tornado

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

Home owners and residents in dwellings impacted by the May 16, 2025 tornado are being warned to watch for fraudulent attempts to buy their properties or offers to “save” their home from forced sale or foreclosure.

Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X.

Tax relief helping homeowners

Daly and Mayor Cara Spencer’s office have said that no properties are being taken from owners in the wake of the devastating tornado which ripped through segments of the city’s north side.

However, Daly said people immediately began engaging in “predatory practices to take advantage of shocked and bewildered residents.

According to Daly’s office, residents

should watch for anyone claiming to represent the city who:

• Demand immediate payment or threaten immediate property seizure

• Ask for upfront fees or payments

• Pressure you to sign documents without proper review

• Claim they can “save” your property for a fee

Tax debt put on hold

The city’s Board of Aldermen has approved emergency property tax relief for homeowners, and a bill to assist renters was scheduled for a vote on Tuesday June 4.

Board Bill 24 adopts Missouri’s

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Tornado

Continued from D6

“Occupancy Law” to provide pro-rata property tax reductions for residential properties destroyed or severely damaged by natural disasters.

The bill was introduced by Alderwoman Pamela Boyd, whose ward was ripped by the tornado.

The bill allows the city assessor to reduce or eliminate property taxes for destroyed homes based on how long they remain uninhabitable during the tax year.

Property owners must apply for the reduction, and full assessments would be restored if properties become occupied again after reconstruction.

The city has also paused its process to sell tax-delinquent properties to ensure residents have time to recover from the May 16 tornado Daly said the next three real estate tax sales have been postponed and will be consolidated into a single sale in October. The release also said personal property tax suits will be postponed until August.

Real estate tax sales are events during which the City auctions off properties when the owner has not paid real estate taxes. The properties are auctioned off with the bidding starting at the amount of taxes owed on the property. The press release said the postponement will affect about 1,250 properties.

“Our community has faced an unprecedented natural disaster,” Daly said in the press release.

“By postponing these tax sales, we are providing breathing room for families who are dealing with the immediate aftermath of this tragedy.”

Homeowners facing tax sale this year could be eligible for assistance through the St. Louis Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund. The requirements to qualify are as follows:

• Must be a City of St. Louis homeowner facing imminent tax foreclosure

• Property must be the applicant’s sole residence

• Household income must not exceed 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for St. Louis

• Tax foreclosure sale must be scheduled for the same calendar year

For more information about the St. Louis Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund, call (314) 535-5311 ext. 2006.

Safe clean up

The city is offering these safety tips as the cleanup efforts continue in thousands of homes in the region, not St. Louis. When cleaning up debris, remember to:

• Wear proper PPE: gloves, eye protection, N95 (or better) masks, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and pants

• Check utilities: if you spot leaks, exposed wires, or smell gas, stop work and call Ameren Missouri (800-552-7583) or St. Louis Water (314-771-4880) immediately

• Guard against tetanus: wash any cuts right away, cover wounds, and get a booster within 48 hours if you’re unsure of your vaccine status

• Watch for mold: ventilate before entering, use a bleach solution (10:1 water to bleach), never mix bleach with ammonia, and avoid letting kids help with mold cleanup Teams are working across St. Louis

to clear debris. If you cannot reach the debris dropoff sites, you may do the following:

• Place debris in large piles on the curb or public right of way, but not in the street.

• When possible, separate piles into bricks, house debris, and green waste (yard waste).

• Small piles of yard waste can go in yard waste dumpsters.

• Green waste drop-off locations will be announced soon.

If you need help cleaning up damage from the May 2025 Missouri Tornado, call (314) 230-8070 to ask for help. Crisiscleanup.org [crisiscleanup.org] will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with:

• Tree Removal

• Muck out

• Tarping

• Debris Cleanup

All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need.

Crisis Cleanup will be offering services/assistance until June 6, 2025.

The essential benefits of homeownership

Owning a home offers a wide range of benefits, some obvious, others more subtle. While many people are familiar with the idea of building equity, homeownership also brings lesser-known financial perks, such as potential tax advantages1. Beyond finances, owning a home can provide long-term stability for families and help build generational wealth. At Stifel Bank & Trust, we’re here to help you explore how these benefits can shape your homebuying decisions.

Building Equity and Long-Term Value

One of the most powerful financial benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity over time. As you pay down your mortgage, your ownership stake in the property increases. This equity can be leveraged for future investments, used to secure loans, or realized as profit when you sell.

Unlike stocks or other volatile investments, home equity tends to grow

steadily—especially when the property is well-maintained. Setting aside savings for upkeep and repairs not only protects your investment but can also enhance your home’s value over time.

Tax Advantages

Homeowners may also benefit from tax deductions. While there are limits, mortgage interest and property tax payments can often be deducted from your taxable income. Additionally, when selling a primary residence, individuals may be able to exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples) of capital gains from their taxable income1 another potential financial advantage.

Stability and Control

Renters often face unpredictable rent hikes or changes in property ownership that can force sudden moves. Homeownership offers more control. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments remain stable, and you’re no

longer subject to a landlord’s decisions. You call the shots—whether it’s remodeling the kitchen or planting a garden.

Generational Wealth

A home is more than a place to live, it’s an asset that can be passed down to future generations. Whether your heirs choose to live in the home, sell it, or use it as an investment, the value you’ve built can provide a strong financial foundation. Think of it like a snowball rolling downhill, each generation has the opportunity to build on the momentum of the last.

Community and Belonging

Perhaps the most meaningful benefit of homeownership is the sense of community and stability it brings. For families with children, staying in one place allows kids to form lasting friendships and grow up in a familiar environment. Homeowners are also more likely to engage with their neighbors, fostering deeper connections and a stronger sense of belonging.

To learn more about the homebuying process, visit https://stifelbank.banzai. org/wellness for educational resources or contact Stefanie Mitchell at mitchellst@ stifelbank.com or (314) 317-1235. Get started here: www.StifelMortgage. com or call (314) 317-6900 for additional information. Stifel Bank & Trust, NLMS #375103

Please contact your Stifel Bank & Trust Lender for loan program details. This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to extend consumer credit as defined by section 1026.2 of Regulation “Z.” Interest rate, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

1 Neither Stifel Bank & Trust nor affiliated companies provide legal or tax advice.