COVER STORY
DIELMANN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY by rebecca koenig
PHOTO BY BILL BARRETT
ANDY DIELMANN has two words to say about the real estate market this spring: “It’s back.” The owner and president of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty thinks all signs indicate the season will be a great time for St. Louisans to buy and sell homes. “The economy’s getting better, the stock market is doing wonderful, joblessness is down,” he says. “Everyone feels a lot more positive, especially about real estate.” ANDY DIELMANN Increased advertising, a larger social media presence and hard-working agents help account for the agency’s 13 percent increase in sales volume and 30 percent increase in units in 2012 over 2011, according to Dielmann. “You have to really know your market, know your inventory,” he says. The agency even has sold several properties before they were listed because agents were able to connect interested buyers to homeowners considering selling. Dielmann notes several trends that have him excited for spring. One is an increase in the number of out-of-towners moving to the area, he says. “We’re also seeing a lot more new homes being built,” he continues. “The past few years haven’t seen that, but now they’re sprouting out of the ground. And attendance at open houses has increased.” Sellers must act fast this year, Dielmann believes. “Put it on now. Don’t wait,”
he says. “Since there’s low inventory, now’s the time to do it.” Owners who wait until May may find the market too crowded, while those who wait until summer may face a reduced buyer pool because many people go out of town for vacation. “Spring’s basically here; the weather’s fine. Get the house in order and put it on,” Dielmann says. To spruce up a property, he advises, “Make sure it’s freshly painted, the landscaping’s up and running, and the house is decluttered.” Sellers also should have their next residency plan in place, so they are not caught off-guard by an immediate offer. “Inventory is so low right now that anything coming on the market that’s good, we’re selling the first day,” he says. “If you get a contract the first day, you have to be ready to accept it and move on.” To buyers, he recommends the same expediency. “During the recession you could take your time; there wasn’t any urgency. Now good homes go fast,” he says. Buyers should already have talked to a lender, be preapproved, and have worked out a system with a good agent before they dive into the fast-moving market. “If you’re ready to do something, jump in now,” he says. “Rates are still historically low. It absolutely is the best time to buy. There are still some good values out there, but we all know that eventually the rates will go up.” It’s clear that Dielmann is bullish on the St. Louis real estate scene. “All segments of the market are improving: first-time homes, the luxury market, condos, the whole spectrum. No matter what price range or what area, it’s all increasing,” he says. “We’ve turned the corner, and it’s full-steam ahead.” DIELMANN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY IS LOCATED AT 8301 MARYLAND AVE., STE. 100. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 314.725.0009 OR VISIT DIELMANNSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM. COVER DESIGN BY SARAH GIBSON | COVER PHOTO BY BILL BARRETT
41 Clermont Lane L A D UE , M I SSOUR I Well done revision that allows for lots of fun on each floor. The first floor features a formal inviting living room, dining room for parties and a hearth room and family room adjacent to the kitchen and mud room. The second floor has five bedrooms & six baths (all newer). The master was added and offers a fireplace. Knockout lower level with playroom, game room, steam shower and second kitchen that can serve the outside and pool area. Offered at $1,395,000.
314.725.0009 44 |
TOWN&style
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APRIL 10, 2013