Tracy Ellis Magazine - Issue 17

The Rick & Tracy Ellis Show Rick & Tracy Ellis, RealtorsÂŽ

Real Estate Radio Network

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

ST. LOUIS BLUES!

from the rick & tracy ellis team #playgloria 2 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 4

Editorial

7 The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team are Proud to Welcome Laura Doughty

8

Living Midwest: April’s on Main

10 Micro Farm Produces Maximum Good for Baileys’ Restaurants

8

12 The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team Expands to Branson

14 eXp Co-President Dave Conord Shares Secret to Company’s Success

18 It’s Back... Big and Bold!

20 Current Listings Rolwes Co: Building 28

Community and Trust Through Homebuilding

34 TRENDS! What are they?

Who determines them?

Should we follow them?

36 The Benefits of Home Staging 40 Is My Tap Water Safe? If Not, How Bad Is It?

34

28

Stunning Estate: 42

403 Tudor Trace Ct.

46 BUILDING A DREAM: 1103 Highland Pointe

50 58

Top Swimming Pool Trends Marketing Approach

Editor in Chief: Tracy and Rick Ellis Art Direction: Tracy and Rick Ellis, Laura Merchant Head Copywriter: Tracy Ellis Copywriter: Maddy Agers Design: Laura Merchant, lauramerchantdesign.com Photographers: Karl Lund and Aaron Kranz TracyEllis.com Tracy@TracyEllis.com C: 636.299.3702 O: 636.699.2197

On the cover: 403 Tudor Trace Court Weldon Spring, MO 63304 Photography by Aaron Kranz

TracyEllisTeam RickandTracyEllisTeam Tracyellisrealtor

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 3

Editorial

Tracy Ellis

is giving you the edge you need in Real Estate!

ow that the shoe is on the other foot, it keeps us mindful and gives us a whole new appreciation for what our clients go through. Although we’ve been in real estate for over 20 years, we’ve only moved once during that time about 7 years ago. It’s kind of like childbirth, you forget all about the pain and you choose to do it all over again because the reward is so worth it!

Recently, Rick was downstairs in his sauna and just happened to see a home on his social feed. When he came upstairs, he shared it with me and informed me that this particular home had everything he’s ever wanted in what he felt was the “perfect home”. We weren’t even entertaining the thought of moving, but I told him we should just go look at it for fun. “For fun”, I said, and here we are today closing on an even better home than he originally found for our family. So yes - it happens to all of us, even us real estate agents who do this every day. We lost the first home in a bidding war with multiple offers submitted. We were disappointed and just thought it wasn’t meant to be and we’d hold off, but once you get the real estate itch it doesn’t go away easily. The mistake most make is they tell themselves they’ll just stay where they’re at, make some changes, and wait awhile. Don’t do it; almost every time, people still aren’t satisfied and end up moving anyway, having sunk more money into the home. Once you have the itch it won’t go away, so don’t start throwing money into your home. We made that mistake on our last home and it’s no fun losing a lot of money to make the house perfect for someone else.

After we lost Rick’s dream home in a multiple-offer situation, we went on the hunt. Looking through old listings, new listings, talking to builders and trying to be patient. Then, it happened - a better home for our family came on the market. The funny thing is, the house had been on and off the market for over a year prior when the seller took it off to make some improvements and move out so buyers could really see it instead of looking at the seller’s things. Well, it worked! We were the first one through the home and were able to get an offer in and accepted before any other agents showed the home. I like to think it was just waiting for us to be ready because it knew it was meant to be our home!

I do believe that is the case many times. Almost always, when my clients have been heartbroken about not getting the home they thought they had to have, they end up getting something even better that truly feels like it was meant for their family. Our family is looking forward to making this next house our home.

4 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Through it all, we’ve been reminded all that goes into buying and selling a home. Yes I know, we do it every day already, but let me tell you it’s completely different when you’re going through the experience for yourself. Although we’re exhausted, we’d do it all over again. We already knew we were surrounded by incredible people, vendors, companies, and friends. If anything, it’s enforced what I’ve always said on our radio shows, “Experience matters, along with years of learning who the best people are to work with for a smooth transaction.”

Rick and I have several terrific vendors for every category needed when it comes to buying and selling real estate. It was so hard to choose someone in each field without hurting others’ feelings because they’re all amazing. When it came to loan officers, we work with the best when it comes to Dustin Flassig with Golden Oak Lending, Jerry Mayo at USA Mortgage and Mike Richardson with St. Charles Mortgage. They’re all terrific, but we had to be fair! We had reached out to Mike Richardson previously on another home and he put in so much work on it that we didn’t feel it would be fair to give the business to anyone but Mike. It’s been the easiest experience ever, minimal paperwork and from contract to loan commitment in only eight days! That’s amazing in itself, not to mention Mike tolerating my many phone calls a day as if this was my first transaction. Thank you, Mike, for all of your hard work for our family.

After the contract is written, the inspections come next. This is a critical part and we’ve been so grateful to, again, work with some of the best in the business. When it came to our personal home, though, we felt we had to go back to the inspector who we’ve worked with the longest, Patrick Dickinson with Pillar To Post. Patrick had also done inspections on the last home we purchased almost 10 years ago. As usual, Patrick didn’t disappoint when it came to the building inspection and called on his fabulous team to handle the septic and well inspections. I can’t say enough terrific things about Rick Wilcockson from Accurate Septic and Well. When you’re buying a home with a septic, well, you better use someone who has some experience in this area.

Rick was so wonderful about meeting us there on different occasions to go over many things, including using them properly. Again, we do this every day and still couldn’t get enough information. I think I now know everything I need to about septics and wells, so I definitely know who to tell you to call.

Of course, after inspections, there are always things that come up that require further inspections, especially when you have any

concerns about foundation repairs. Our go-to for anything with foundations is Quackers of course. The Owner, Jason Hudson, is fabulous and we trust Quackers completely. They have taken such great care of all of our clients and the customer service and care is incredible.

This will be our first home with a septic and a well. I’m sure it will be a great experience! The one thing I did struggle with was the sulfur odor and knew immediately that wouldn’t work for us and it had to be resolved as soon as we moved in. Luckily, I knew it could easily be addressed with one phone call to Brian Huckstep with Trionics Superior Water. It took a quick one-hour meeting to come up with a plan on closing day for a complete system with no odor. Winning!

The main reason we decided to move in the first place is that we work all the time and we really wanted an outdoor retreat so that when we weren’t working we could spend quality time With our boys. Although, again, we know many great pool installers, Pool Tron has always been one of our favorites. We love Dennis, but decided to really do our own research on concrete, fiberglass or liner. Trust me when I tell you we are very thorough and do our homework. Of course, everyone has a different opinion, but for us, concrete was the winner with a Pebble Sheen finish built and designed by Pool Tron.

We’re really looking forward to this process and will share photos in the next issue.

Last, but definitely not least, the moving company! For many years now we’ve worked with an incredible group of guys at Renew Transfer. They’re the best and all of our clients have been extremely satisfied with them. It’s been amazing to simply call them and say, “I need more boxes!” They’ve been absolutely amazing and are able to save you so much money on everything you need to pack - do not go buy it from the big chain stores. It’s so much more affordable through your moving company, well at least ours! If you’re looking for an amazing group of guys and the peace of mind in knowing your furniture will arrive at the new home as it was when it left the previous home, call Renew Transfer.

There are just too many people to say “thank you” to! Our wonderful title company and title partners, along with our survey company, Meridian. All of the fabulous designers that I’ve bombarded with messages about lighting, paint colors, rugs and room designs. Thank you to Nettie White, Heidi Hartwig, Ellie Redders and Mandy Shields!

Although we’re buying a home we are also selling a home. You know what that means, it’s time to do all the things in our current home for the next owner that we haven’t done for ourselves! One of the most important things to buyers when they’re looking at homes is flooring.

After living in our home with four sons and our dog, Yanni, we need new carpet upstairs for sure. I had little to think about, I simply texted Mark Goldstein at Edwards Carpet with the words, “HELP”. The next day he had samples delivered to our office for our current home and our new home. We picked them and after we move out of our current home they’ll promptly install the new carpet so that we can get our current home on the market and sell! Of course our wonderful handyman, Rob Dawson, saved the day as well with all the little “to-do’s” throughout the home as well as Brian Shremp with Green Elements. Brian is a life saver for making our lawn look its best.

Now that I’ve thanked most everyone, I want to end by thanking our amazing clients for trusting us through the process of helping them achieve the same goal. It’s definitely been a reminder to Rick and me of the importance of being available to our clients and giving them assistance throughout the entire process with the best person to help them with each phase along the way. I think anyone that has worked with us knows that we always respond within minutes, if not immediately. We understand that your time is just as precious as our own and want to do our best to always be accessible and available.

Throughout this process, life doesn’t stop, as all of you know who have bought and sold a home. The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team is off to another fabulous start for 2019 with approximately $14MM CLOSED or UNDER CONTRACT midway through the 2nd quarter. The move we made to eXp continues to be one of the best business decisions we’ve ever made and a lot of others are noticing how wonderful eXp is as well. Our eXp family is growing, and close to 20 agents have joined us since we made the move to eXp in March. After being in real estate for so long, it’s nice to be able to help new agents starting in real estate. Rick and I enjoy teaching weekly classes at our office and trying to assist other agents to be the best they can be for their clients.

We were also honored to be chosen to exclusively represent Rolwes Co and all of their communities all over St. Louis. You’ll find much more about Rolwes Co throughout this issue of our magazine!

If you listen to our radio shows, you may know that we’ve been trying to get our kids to move for several years. It’s tough when you’re in this field and see so many beautiful homes every day, you want to move often. We’ve always promised the kids that we wouldn’t switch their schools unless they were willing participants. After finding this home, though, they were ready to go under the condition that they could still attend their current high school. Thankfully, since our two youngest sons are both in high school, we were relieved to find out that as long as you stay within the same district they can still go to their current school. Obviously, they’ll have to be driven to school until they can drive themselves, but that just means I get more time with them.

It’s always been their choice to ride the bus to have more time with friends, now they’re stuck with Mom or Dad. Of course, it’s different with every school and district, but there are options if this had been something preventing us from making the move.

I can’t stress enough with home prices rising and rates staying low, this is the time to make a move. Especially with an upcoming election next year, the market could change. Although some say homes are too expensive right now, it’s a wash if you’re selling because you’ll obviously reap the rewards as well. There are still great deals out there, you just have to be ready to go. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team would love to help you!

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 5

QUACKERS WATERPROOFING & BASEMENT REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES AND A TRANSFERABLE LIFETIME OF THE STRUCTURE WARRANTY Crack Repair Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Wall Stabilization Sump pump/pit/drain system installation Concrete Leveling Piering Egress Window Installation Window Well Drain Installation Radon Testing & Radon Mitigation

Visit quackerswaterproofing.com or call 636-281-3735 for a free estimate

quackerswaterproofing.com 636-281-3735

trusted professionals.

LOCALLY OWNED. green, healthy lawn. fertilization weed control aeration & seeding soil enhancements tree & shrub care pond maintenance irrigation

314-764-lawn

6 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

greenelementsstl.com

The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team are Proud to Welcome

Laura Doughty L

aura Doughty grew up in Kentucky with an interest in real estate early on; since age 11, she worked for her father’s real estate publishing company and continued on throughout her high school and college years. Having grown up in a home built in 1894, it helped nurture her appreciation for architecture and design. She received a BS degree from Murray State University in Interior Design and Marketing. From college she moved to Atlanta, GA, where she worked for large corporations as a District Sales Manager and in 1997, she began working as a Realtor® with Harry Norman Realtors.

Laura founded Monarch Real Estate Concierge™ and as the CSO (Chief Service Officer) and Broker, it enables Laura to provide a superior level of informed, professional real estate services to her clients.

She feels fortunate to be able to say, “I love what I do! I am passionate about taking care of all of my clients needs, not just the real estate transaction. It’s not only important to provide the knowledge and integral expertise in a real estate transaction, but equally important to understand the lifestyle and multi-home property needs of our clients.”

For Laura, the sale is not completed at escrow, there’s still much more she can provide to continue to ensure her clients enjoy their homes for many years. She recently was honored with the opportunity to be one of the Managing Brokers of California for eXp Realty.

She traveled extensively matching up buyers and sellers, from development projects, large estates to starter homes. Laura Doughty has spent the last 25 years dealing in all aspects of the real estate industry.

In 2001, she moved to California working in residential and commercial real estate in Orange, Co. In 2004, she founded Tola Malibu,

an organic spa skincare line and consulting firm that allowed her to work with a variety of different companies lending them her creative marketing and sales expertise.

While running marathons are a hobby for Laura, they’ve taught her real life lessons on how determination, focus and discipline result in a winning solution for any undertaking. “I’ve learned that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. Even when your body says ‘no more’, your spirit is what determines how you finish.” She brings that passion and drive to her life and her business every day.

Buying and selling real estate can seem overwhelming, but with Laura representing your best interest, you can rest assure, she will get you to the finish line smiling.

Laura resides in Malibu, CA and enjoys traveling for her clients and speaking engagements. Recently, she partnered with her parents to take her beloved childhood home and transform it into a Bed and Breakfast for others to enjoy – The Grand Home. When she has spare time, it’s devoted to supporting pet adoptions and fund raising/educational events.

LAURA DOUGHTY 310.924.0423 Laura@monarchrec.com

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 7

Living Midwest

I

t has been said that our great Midwest region enjoys the pleasure of all four seasons. It is, however, sometimes difficult to tell if we are experiencing all of them to their fullest, especially as winter departs, spring shows up overnight and hot summer weather forces us to turn on the A/C sooner than expected. Although it appears short lived some years, we do notice that the flowers are in bloom, the birds are singing and it is once again time to mow the grass.

While we are busy getting our yards back in shape, we also have graduations, weddings, Easter and Mother’s Day to fill out our schedule.

Though summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st this year, most of us picture our summer beginning Memorial weekend. With our rich history of American soldiers serving in the United States Armed Forces, Memorial Day celebrations are a time for our country to remember all of the men and women who have died in active service. Parades through the town, American flags waving in the air, and barbeques with your family and friends are traditional activities for this time of reflection. At the same time, pools are opening, boats are heading to the lakes and rivers and the outdoor weekend activities are beginning to unfold.

Decorating for the summer season may change year to year but the process is always similar. Beginning with the outdoors, most of us find

8 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

by April’s on Main

ourselves at the local nursery picking out various plants and flowers for urns on our front porch or hanging baskets. Most often we select colors that complement our home and repeat them throughout the landscape.

Doormats, wreaths or pendants and porch settings are all part of the coordination process. Holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day allow us to deviate from that protocol as red, white and blue are not common color schemes for year round display.

Geraniums, sunflowers, daisies, lilies, zinnias are just a few of the common flowers chosen to brighten up our yard, but the color doesn’t have to come from nature’s beauty alone. Vibrant accent furniture is a great way to insert character and color to the outdoors. Create a cozy vignette with a pair of chairs and a little table, great space to wind down and catch up with a friend, read a book or simply enjoy the environment. Maybe you have a porch or a large tree that allows the perfect spot to hang a hammock chair. Consider more than one to keep the fighting down to a minimum because everyone will want to sit in it. Enhance the area with gazing balls, water fountains or yard art.

Hand-blown artisan glass ornamentation by Kitras (carried at April’s on Main), whether it be globes or mushrooms are exquisite in the sunlight and can be placed in stands, hung from trees or peppered in the

landscaping. They will be a unique and colorful addition to your garden or your indoor enclosed patios.

Another functional decorating option which apparently is never going away, thank goodness, are the incredibly versatile lanterns. Some may use their candle filled lanterns for a warm welcome at the front door or on the fireplace in lieu of traditional candle sticks. But with their popularity these days the trend is towards fashioning other looks within their walls. Our store has just the right selection of flameless candles, objects and florals to accommodate a host of looks for all seasons. Cluster multiple shapes and sizes on the center of a table filled with a variety of items to create an eclectic centerpiece. Layering assorted fillers and using wood slabs as risers to insure everything is seen appropriately inside allows for yet another use of your lanterns, providing you a way to showcase some of your favorite treasures.

Since most lanterns are universal for indoors or outdoors, it allows for constant change.

Let’s not forget one of the most essential elements of celebrations and gatherings – the FOOD. Presentation is everything. Even the simplest of fare can be served up with flare. The Mudpie and Nora Fleming brand serving pieces continue to amaze us with their popularity and attractiveness. Among the favorite Mudpie pieces is a guacamole bowl that says “It’s five o’guac somewhere” and written on the spoon – HOLY GUACAMOLE. Both brands are frequently shopped for weddings and hostess gifts, though most buy it for themselves. While Mudpie centers on specific foods, Nora Fleming is a collection of classic serving pieces with interchangeable decorations to change up the look for all occasions.

Whatever decorating you plan to do this year remember one thing – it doesn’t have to be perfect. You can tweak this process each season. Come visit us at April’s and we’ll try to make your projects easier with fabulous finds and helpful suggestions.

TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE 9

STILL WORKING ON THIS ARTICLE

Micro Farm Produces Maximum Good For Baileys’ Restaurants

S

ummer means many things to many people, but it’s safe to say that in St. Louis, this season is closely identified with delicious garden-fresh produce.

The culinary couple behind Baileys’ Restaurants, David and Kara Bailey, operate a mico-farm in the city’s Gate District with their farm manager, Will Erker.

Located on a 1/3-acre tract, the farm is just a mile away from the pair’s dining outpost on South Grand — Rooster. Their philosophy is to help St. Louisans “Eat Local, Drink Local, Love Local,” so it’s not a stretch to also add “Grow Local” to that outlook.

This year marks the farm’s fifth growing season. Designed to produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, flowers, and herbs, the farm gives up its bounty for use in the Baileys’ restaurants, special event spaces and catering operation. And five thriving bee hives are in place on the micro-farm to make sure there’s a good pollination rate in the gardens.

Items grown on the Baileys’ garden are used in dishes served at all of their restaurants. The farm-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs sup-

10 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

plement the locally sourced high-quality foods which have always been heavily featured at their tables at Bailey’s Range, Pop, Chocolate Bar, Small Batch, Bridge Tap House and both Rooster locations. The micro farm-grown goods also are used in dishes served during special events held at Willow and Slate and in their Fifth Wheel Catering business.

What will guests find on their plates from the micro farm? Items come off and on the menu often, but vegetables will include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, peas, cucumbers, leaks, tomatillos, radishes, beets, winter squash, kale and chard. Cantaloupe, which loves St. Louis’ climate, leads the fruits grown by the Baileys. Adding spice to their recipes are home-grown fennel, basil, parsley, cilantro, dill and chamomile. Flowers raised on the farm include zinnias, sunflowers and marigolds to dress the tables and bring the sunny outdoors to their indoor spaces.

“We have a a strong focus on seasonal ingredients, sourcing locally, responsibly-raised meats and sustainable practices,” says David Bailey. “Our team strives to stay true to our “farm-to-table” mission and thanks to our small but mighty micro-farm we tend to a variety of

I like to pick something in the morning and know it’s being served that night.”

—WILL ERKER, BAILEYS’ MICRO FARM MANAGER

herbs, vegetables, flowers and bee hives, for use in our dishes and in community education as well.”

Produce grown at Baileys’ micro farm is never subjected to pesticides or other harmful inputs. The items harvested for use in the restaurants are grown with both flavor and health in mind.

“We want to let local kids know that their food doesn’t just come from the grocery store,” says Kara Bailey. “Thanks to our 14,500 square feet of hyper-productive garden space spread across four city lots near our headquarters, we can show the connection between the earth and the good foods we serve, and that the kids can learn to grow too.”

Learn more about Baileys’ Restaurants at Baileysrestaurants.com.

This season Will Erker, the manager of Baileys’ Restaurants micro farm, is overseeing a huge increase in perennial berries. Strawberries, blackberries an elderberries have joined the wide variety of produce grown for the tables at Baileys’ St. Louis area restaurants.

“We’re starting to get fruit on our peach trees and the young apple trees even have a handful of apples,” says Erker.

“Horseradish, garlic and onions are doing well and sunchokes are another new crop for us this year.”

St. Louis’ home gardeners, who are known for their love of tomatoes, will be interested to note Erker is growing Cherokee Purple Heirlooms and Sungold cherry tomatoes on the micro farm. This year he also is trying two varieties of large slicing tomatoes — Big Beef and Better Boy. Erker has been in charge of the urban garden since it started five years ago in the city’s Gate District near Baileys’ headquarters. He began working with small farms during his time at Truman State University.

“Now I like to grow fresh food for talented chefs to prepare and for our guest to enjoy,” says Erker. He also welcomes children from a neighboring school and church into the garden for fun, hands-on lessons throughout the growing season.

Volunteers also are invited to the garden to help with work in exchange for fresh produce.

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 11

The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team Expands to Branson

B

ranson, Missouri is famous for attractions like Silver Dollar City and its scenic railway, but those gems aren’t all the city is known for. The stunning outdoor views make the Ozarks a homeowner’s destination, complete with plentiful fishing opportunities and a growing number of golf courses being constructed. (Including one designed by PGA Master Tour winner Tiger Woods!) All of these reasons and more are why the Rick and Tracy Ellis Team is so delighted to share that we are expanding to Branson alongside eXp agent Faye Schubert. Faye is highly talented at her craft and extremely passionate about the city she now calls home. We sat down with Faye and discussed her journey to Branson and what she wishes more people knew about living in Missouri’s infamous music city.

Although Faye grew up in Louisiana and is a diehard LSU fan at heart, she was devastated by the damage hurricanes like Andrew and Katrina did to her hometown. “It immediately created a third-world country” she explained, “It was scary!” After moving to New Orleans and investing in a family-owned motel where business was severely depleted after 9/11, Faye found herself in the middle of yet another seemingly dark time. “I knew I wanted to live somewhere with four seasons, a mild winter, and lots to do,” she told us, pointing out that she and her husband had been looking for a new place to live for years. She took the opportunity post-9/11 to follow that dream and stumbled into the gorgeous Branson, Missouri.

Meanwhile, though, Faye was learning from her real estate agent who was overworked and needed help badly. In the process of selling the motel, Faye offered to help her agent who scoffed in disbelief at first but eventually accepted her help. Little did the agent know that Faye would become skilled and fascinated with all of the processes surrounding the industry, as well as the endless information surrounding marketing.

Eventually, Faye would help launch the Keller Williams center in Branson Tri-Lakes and work her way up to Real Estate Specialist, where she

12 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

was able to grow her realty and marketing skills all at once. In pursuit of a new challenge (and the ability to take on her own clients) Faye became a licensed real estate agent and moved to eXp. “Meeting Rick and Tracy Ellis was one of the most remarkable things to happen to me,” she shared, relaying that she is eager to learn from the Team’s knowledge. “You can tell that these are kind people, and those are my kind of people,” she explained. Plus, she reminded us, many St. Louisans come up to Branson for a vacation house or retirement home so this will serve as a wonderful connection. She gives no credit to herself, but believe us when we say she is a genius. She has been dreaming for a long time of combining her marketing knowledge with what the Team has built, so we are thrilled to see that dream come to fruition.

If you’re interested in living in Branson, Faye encourages you to think about the endless perks. For example, she explains, there is virtually no traffic due to a high number of roads and backroads. In addition to that, Faye explains that one of the best parts of living in Branson is sitting on her porch watching her very own creek. She tells us that most houses are secluded and you’re all to yourself but that driving into town or meeting someone for lunch is quick and really no issue at all. You get the best of both worlds in that regard, plus it’s a prime shopping destination if your significant other enjoys fishing and hunting! There are numerous biking and hiking trails that Faye encouraged us to explore.

If you’re more of an indoor person, new attractions are being built constantly just for you! Branson has an incoming trampoline park, many shopping options, and a growing collection of luxurious spas. The scenery alone is breathtaking, but that in combination with it being located relatively close to a city makes it magical. Faye says she was never able to find a place like this but absolutely loves sitting in her backyard relaxing with some coffee and great views now that she has. She also enjoys the small town atmosphere combined with a plethora of things to do any day of the week. She sees the Branson market expanding from here and becoming an even more popular second-home destination.

Faye ended by reminding us that many retirees feel that if they move to Branson, their families will not come to visit. However, she says, “If you live here, people will visit!” With no shortage of fun and beauty, we hope to see you around Branson sometime soon! As always, if you are interested in buying or selling, the Rick and Tracy Ellis Team would love to help you. As Faye put it, “I can’t think of a better mentor to teach me how to do it the right way than this team. There is something very different about them that sets them apart!”

Faye Schubert Branson Team Lead

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 13

eXp Co-President Dave Conord Shares Secret to Company’s Success

D

ave Conord has an impressive background in real estate, stretching back over 19 years and including several major companies in executive positions. In August of 2018, Conord joined eXp Realty as an agent looking to attract other agents and grow a business in the midst of eXp’s incredible growth. After just a few months, eXp CEO Glenn Sanford reached out to Conord to see if he would be interested in joining the leadership team. He gladly accepted and would be offered a position as Co-president alongside Stacy Onnen just a few months later.

Thanks to Conord’s experience on the onboarding side of operations and his on-the-ground work with technology groups, he approached his Co-presidency ready to grow the company even further. The aforementioned focus on agents is what he believes is the key to eXp’s success. “I think by serving our agents and giving them a great place to grow their business with wonderful opportunities to serve their clients, it creates an environment that agents are enthusiastic to be a part of.” Conord says he has always appreciated Zig Ziglar’s mentality that to get what you want, you must first help enough other people get what they want.

Conord’s journey with the company may be rare but his success is not, thanks to the company’s unique model. In this model, the company commits to paying out 50% of its dollar, which allows it to use the other 50% for operating costs and company profitability. eXp is debt-free and increasing its cash position rapidly each quarter.

With growth, the economies of scale actually make it easier for them to build profitability while continuing to provide new tools and re-

14 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

sources for their agents. Real estate agents all over the country have experienced a 200% growth since joining eXp, and the rate at which that success is occurring is simply amazing.

The main reason for that company success is remaining, what Conord calls, “agent-centric” throughout the structure of the company. eXp’s founder and CEO, Glen Sanford, has stated that his goal is to create the most agent-centric real estate company in the world.

As Conord told us, the best thing about eXp’s growth is that it has all been organic; it’s been built on word of mouth and relationships.

The company doesn’t have a corporate team or recruiting manager because they believe having a loyal agent base comes from being the best option for agents. This will most certainly prompt their current agents to spread the word and attract more, which is the key to the company’s growth.

Conord says that the “secret to future success” at eXp is ensuring that the company stays agile. He describes this philosophy as paying close attention to the market, providing better technology tools for agents, and building better systems that will allow individual agents to onboard quickly and smoothly. All that said, what does the future of eXp hold? Conord says the company foresees opportunities to expand internationally in 2019 and beyond. Though he can’t tell us which countries just yet, one thing is certain: thanks to the loyalty and agility of eXp, the company is only growing further from here. If you’re interested in eXp, email or call Rick and Tracy to get more information and they will be happy to share that with you!

The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team want to welcome the Agents who made the move to eXp Realty!

Sarah Heady 314.278.8464

Stacie Smith 314.703.9783

RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM

RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM

Sue Ross 314.374.5450

Faye Schubert Branson Team Lead 417.699.4557 RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM

Trish Byrnes 314.397.4037

Kim McNiff 636.352.8088

Iean Finley 618.208.0315

Leslie Firebaugh 314.258.4433 RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM

Melissa Finley 618.208.0323

Chet Firebaugh 314.258.4433 RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM

Lynne VanGels 636.386.4233 RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM

Bonnie Altrudo 314.471.3368

Laura Doughty 310.924.0423

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 15

Ready to Move?

Let Golden Oak Lending Help Find the Home Loan that Fits Your Needs What makes Golden Oak different from most lenders is certainly our low rates, but also our commitment to the customer. That 17-year commitment led us to launch ZipLine Mortgage – the easiest way to apply online for your home loan.

Whether you call or apply online, your personal loan officer will ensure you find the right loan for your financial goals.

Call 314-590-6815 or go to goldenoaklending.com to start the process and If we can’t close your loan, we’ll pay for your appraisal!

Dustin Flassig NMLS #322563 (314) 590-6815 goldenoaklending.com

NMLS #114937 www.goldenoaklending.com 16 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

111 Westport Plaza, Ste. 1150 St. Louis, MO 63146

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 17

It’s Back... Big and Bold!

T

hink wallpaper is a thing of the past?

Think again! Wallpaper isn’t just your grandma’s hard-to-remove, small scale floral anymore. It has definitely made a comeback and is now one of the hottest ways to make an impact in a room.

Thanks to new materials that make it easier to install AND remove, wallpaper is a fun choice for adding some personality and creativity in a space without breaking the bank. No more painting accent walls require- instead, use wallpaper to give that pop of pizzazz and originality.

Today’s popular prints are oversized, the colors are richer. If choosing a floral print, for example, there are options of huge blooms in paler hues that will please the eye without overshadowing the room.

Custom-printed wallpaper is also an option that many people aren’t aware of. This is popular in restaurants, such as in bars and restrooms, but it can be found in residential applications now as well.

The sky’s the limit with these: add a corporate logo for your business, or in your home, decorate your child’s room with a mural of their own artwork. By uploading your own design, you can ensure that the

18 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Wallpaper isn’t just your grandma’s hard-to-remove, small scale floral anymore. colors and theme exactly fit the rooms existing decor.

Texture is another attractive feature that can even be threedimensional. Grasscloth, brick and wood imitations, and bold 3D geometric prints can add visual and textural interest—while still being quick and easy to remove. These trendier wallpapers all serve to bring rooms to life, not take them back to the 1990s.

Like art, wallpaper can be a conversation piece, so using it in

CUSTOM PRINT

GEOMETRIC

GRASSCLOTH

areas where one entertains is interesting and shows personality.

What guest wouldn’t want to gaze at beautiful pattern that covers an entire wall? The key is to use it sparingly. If using a bold pattern or color, we recommend doing an accent wall or feature wall. If you’re using a grasscloth or neutral texture, it can be applied in the whole room without feeling overwhelming.

Geometric, metallics, and grasscloth are also popular wallpaper types. Adding these designs will take your design cred up a notch in any space!

There are also several commercial wallpaper lines available that can handle being used in kitchens and bathrooms where water and humidity is high!

Some of our favorite commercial and residential lines include MDC Wallcoverings at www.mdcwallcovering.com, Phillip Jefferies at phillipjefferies.com, and York1 Wallcoverings at yorkwall.com For more design inspiration, visit us at elliereddersinteriors.com our get in touch at hello@elliereddersinteriors.com.

METALLICS

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 19

PENDING 1103 Highland Pointe Dr. St. Louis, MO63131 $2,200,000 More info on page 46

SOLD 12848 Horton Lane Town and Country, MO 63131 $2,000,000

ACTIVE 951 Norrington Way Fenton, MO 63026 $1,599,000 More info on page 53

SOLD 729 Highway H Troy, MO 63379 $1,410,000

ACTIVE 2582 Sunrise Dr Eureka, MO 63025 $1,299,999

ACTIVE 403 Tudor Trace Ct Weldon Spring, MO 63304 $1,199,000 More info on page 42

ACTIVE 150 Homestead Ridge Defiance, MO 63341 $1,1\99,000 More info on page 55

ACTIVE 1876 Spring Mill Creek St. Charles, MO 63303 $925,000

ACTIVE 961 Chapelwood Kirkwood, MO 63122 $877,990

SOLD 11448 Conway Rd St. Louis, MO 63131 $685,000

SOLD 1123 Cabinview Ct Chesterfield, MO 63017 $685,000

PENDING 12824 Ladue Rd St. Louis, MO 63141 $650,000

Ask us why we made the move to eXp Realty!

Tracy Ellis 636.299.3702

20 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE IN REAL ESTATE OR BUSINESS? CALL THE RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM TODAY!

ACTIVE 966 TBB Chapelwood Ct St Louis, MO 63122 $612,990

ACTIVE 965 TBB Chapelwood Ct St Louis, MO 63122 $578,990

ACTIVE 819 North Mosley Rd Creve Coeur, MO 63141 $574,900

SOLD 9016 Spy Glass Place O’Fallon, MO 63368 $572,000

ACTIVE 866 Cabernet Lane St Albans, MO 63073 $549,900

ACTIVE 1033 Brook Mont Dr Wentzville, MO 63366 $549,900

ACTIVE 2935 Kandahar Dr St Charles, MO 63303 $529,900

SOLD 944 Kiefer Ridge Dr Ballwin, MO 63021 $485,000

SOLD 333 Sturbridge Dr St. Charles, MO 63303 $485,000

ACTIVE 5323 Wilson Ct Oakville, MO 63129 $459,990

ACTIVE 2 TBB Kandahar Ct St. Charles, MO 63303 $448,990

ACTIVE 5311 Wilson Ct Oakville, MO 63129 $446,990

Rick Ellis

Pat Daffron

Nikki Thompson

636.699.2197

314.704.5672

314.707.0731

ACTIVE 334 TBB Cerny Ave Eureka, MO 63025 $435,990

SOLD 300 Verdot Ct O’Fallon, MO 63368 $424,812

ACTIVE 5322 TBB Wilson Ct Oakville, MO 63129 $422,990

SOLD 314 Country Orchard Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $420,00

ACTIVE 243 Mason Glen Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $419,990

ACTIVE 2941 TBB Kandahar Dr St Charles, MO 63303 $412,990

ACTIVE 418 TBB Cerny Ct Eureka, MO 63025 $400,990

PENDING 100 Emke Rd Augusta, MO 63332 $399,900

SOLD 2 Horizon Ridge Ct St Charles, MO 63303 $399,900

ACTIVE 5331 TBB Wilson Ct Oakville, MO 63129 $396,990

ACTIVE 1 TBB Kandahar Ct St Charles, MO 63303 $393,990

ACTIVE 330 TBB Cerny Ave Eureka, MO 63052 $378,990

Ask us why we made the move to eXp Realty!

Tracy Ellis 636.299.3702

22 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

SOLD 21088 Prairie Haven Lane Warrenton, MO 63383 $375,000

ACTIVE 409 TBB Mason Creek Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $373,990

ACTIVE 236 TBB Mason Glen Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $369,990

SOLD 969 Bentley Park Cir O’Fallon, MO 63368 $365,000

SOLD 511 Country Chase Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $365,000

PENDING 511 Roaring Fork Ct. Cottleville, MO 63376 $358,676

PENDING 1092 Pierpoint Lane St Charles, MO 63303 $355,000

SOLD 304 Shadowbrook Dr Labadie, MO 63055 $340,000

ACTIVE 530 TBB Roaring Fork Ct. Cottleville, MO 63376 $329,900

PENDING 2229 Cournier St St Charles, MO 63301 $329,900

ACTIVE 205 TBB Mason Glen Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $326,990

ACTIVE 120 TBB Brookfield Crossing Lane Lake St Louis, 63367 $307,990

Rick Ellis

Pat Daffron

Nikki Thompson

636.699.2197

314.704.5672

314.707.0731 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 23

SOLD 9373 Southtowne Farms Dr St Louis, MO 63123 $305,000

SOLD 1043 Johanna Dr Ballwin, MO 63021 $301,000

PENDING 923 Daffodil Ridge Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 $299,900

PENDING 512 TBB Roaring Fork Ct. Cottleville, MO 63376 $297,990

ACTIVE 4728 TBB Rockville Court Imperial, MO 63052 $289,990

PENDING 1507 Arlington Heights Way Imperial, MO 63052 $289,735

ACTIVE 108 TBB Brookfield Crossing Dr. Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $287,990

ACTIVE 105 TBB Hartford Glen Ct Fenton, MO 63026 $283,990

SOLD 246 Lonepine Dr Wentzville, MO 63385 $283,000

ACTIVE 128 TBB Crystal Creek Ct Wentzville, MO 63385 $281,990

SOLD 2757 Providence Ridge Dr Wentzville, MO 63385 $279,000

PENDING 3421 Commonwealth Ave Maplewood, MO 63143 $279,900

Ask us why we made the move to eXp Realty!

Tracy Ellis 636.299.3702

24 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE IN REAL ESTATE OR BUSINESS? CALL THE RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM TODAY!

SOLD 1021 Annabrook Park O’Fallon, MO 63366 $277,500

ACTIVE 914 TBB Pittsburg Landing Dr Wentzville, MO 63385 $274,990

SOLD 308 Country Trail Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $274,990

SOLD 2603 E Highway 47 Winfield, MO 63389 $274,000

ACTIVE 1486 TBB Arlington Heights Way, Imperial, 63052 $272,990

ACTIVE 1118 William Penn Dr Wentzville, MO 63385 $272,990

ACTIVE 141 TBB Hartford Glen Ct Fenton, MO 63026 $265,999

ACTIVE 1332 TBB Heritage Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385 $263,990

ACTIVE 149 Hartford Glen Ct Fenton, MO 63026 $262,938

ACTIVE 1511 TBB Arlington Heights Way, Imperial, MO 63052 $258,990

ACTIVE 128 TBB Hartford Glen Ct Fenton, MO 63026 $251,990

ACTIVE 225 TBB Barrington Ridge Lane, O’Fallon, MO63366 $251,990

Rick Ellis

Pat Daffron

Nikki Thompson

636.699.2197

314.704.5672

314.707.0731 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 25

ACTIVE 15 TBB San Marino Pkwy Fenton, MO 63026 $242,990

ACTIVE 1149 TBB Crystal Creek Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385 $242,990

ACTIVE 1131 TBB Crystal Creek Pkwy Wentzville, 63385 $240,990

ACTIVE 216 TBB Barrington Ridge Lane, O’Fallon, MO 63366 $238,990

ACTIVE 1153 TBB Crystal Creek Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385 $237,990

ACTIVE 1485 TBB Arlington Heights Way, Imperial, MO 63052 $236,900

ACTIVE 122 TBB Riding Crop Lane O’Fallon, MO 63366 $235,990

SOLD 107 Barton Creek Blvd Wentzville, MO 63385 $810,000

ACTIVE 1523 TBB Arlington Heights Way, Imperial, MO 63052 $224,990

ACTIVE 1155 TBB Crystal Creek Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385 $223,990

ACTIVE 3910 Miami St St Louis, MO 63116 $209,000

ACTIVE 507 Rifle Ridge Lane O’Fallon, MO 63366 $314,990

Are you looking to buy or sell a home?

Contact us!

26 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Tracy Ellis 636.299.3702

ACTIVE 95 Brookfield Crossing Dr Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $529,990

ACTIVE 1010 Crystal Creek Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385 $299,990

SOLD 90 Rue De Paix #18 Lake St Louis, MO 63367 $ 215,000

ACTIVE 1008 Groby Rd St Louis, MO 63130 $153,000 – EQUESTRIAN ACREAGE –

PENDING 5007 Hi View Ave St Louis, MO 63119 $188,743

PENDING 70 Willowyck Ct St Louis, MO 63146 $174,900

PENDING 3441 Commonwealth Ave Maplewood, MO 63143 $140,000

ACTIVE 1556 Clearview Rd. Union, MO 63084 $675,000

Welcome to the newest members of The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team!

Faye Schubert Branson Team Lead 417.699.4557

Sarah Heady 314.278.8464

Stacie Smith 314.703.9783

Leslie Firebaugh 314.258.4433

Chet Firebaugh 314.258.4433

Rick Ellis

Pat Daffron

Nikki Thompson

636.699.2197

314.704.5672

314.707.0731

Lynne VanGels 636.386.4233

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 27

Greg Rowles

Rolwes Co: Building Community and Trust Through Homebuilding

The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team are excited to exclusively represent Rolwes Co.

T

he Rick and Tracy Ellis Team are excited to exclusively represent Rolwes Co. We have been in the real estate business for over 20 years and have worked with several builders. We’ve always loved the affordable pricing Rolwes offers, along with excellent customer service. Our team sat down with founder Greg Rolwes and asked him to share more about his company, creative process, and the Rolwes difference.

Tracy Ellis: I’d like to start by asking you to tell us about the story behind Rolwes. How did the company get started?

Greg Rolwes: Well, I always say home building is in my blood.

My grandfather was a home builder and then, of course, my father was a home builder. So, it was kind of a natural progression that I would be in the industry since I enjoyed watching them so much growing up. What truly excited me was seeing a raw piece of dirt become a community where homeowners are able to raise and enjoy their families and the homes that were built for them. That feeling proved to me that I wanted to do this for a living by taking what I had learned and starting my own company.

28 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Tracy Ellis: Take us through the visualization process when you’re looking at a piece of property to develop.

Rolwes: You kind of get this visual picture in your mind of how the streets would lay out, where the homes would be, and the scenery the homeowners will experience from their windows or backyards. We’re looking at lifestyles, really, and it’s important to us to appeal to that lifestyle our buyers are looking for.

Tracy Ellis: How do you name each community?

Rolwes: There is no real direct science for it! Sometimes it’s the street the community is going to be on, sometimes it’s the previous landowner’s name, such as Wilson Estates, and sometimes it’s places around the world or places within our own communities. You know, it varies -- it’s nothing to be exact.

Tracy Ellis: What do you think sets Rolwes apart from other builders?

Rolwes: We pride ourselves on building quality homes, and with that comes a well-designed home that families or individuals will live in and enjoy for years to come. We try to do it at a very fair price, which we call the value; we want our homes to be of the best value out there. We do that by combining quality with design and price, which is the value proposition that we try to fulfill.

We serve each other, and all of our employees are accountable to one another. We strive to have happy employees who are proud of where they work and want to serve their customers by delivering a great product to them. We also believe in quality over quantity and apply that to everything we do, which makes our work stand out and shows our customers that we are committed to building what they want.

Tracy Ellis: How do you keep up with the latest styles and trends?

Rolwes: We find out about trends and styles by simply listening to our clients to find out specifically what they’re looking for! Then, we decipher that and turn it into a home style that they can enjoy.

Tracy Ellis: Tell us about some of the new communities readers can be looking out for!

Rolwes: We always have new communities - we have Chapelwood Place which is in St. Louis County off of Big Bend. Then, we have Kingston Hills which is going to be right at the St. Louis County/ Jefferson County border and is off of 141. We also have Devonshire Estates that is going to be in South County. We are starting development now and look forward to having those ready soon!

The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team would like to sincerely thank Greg for taking the time to tell us more about his company. If you’re looking for affordable housing by a detail-oriented builder who excels at customer service, Rolwes Co. should be one of your top choices.

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 29

COMMUNITIES FROM ROLWES COMPANY Building on a Rolwes family legacy of homebuyer satisfaction since 1955, St. Louis home builder Rolwes Company has a reputation for delivering innovative floor plans, quality craftsmanship and proactive service.

FOX RIDGE

Price Range: $190’s - $270”s | Schools: Wentzville Style of homes available: Ranch, 1.5 Story and 2-Story Fox Ridge is conveniently located just off of Mexico Road, which provides quick access to Interstate 70. Rolwes Company is proud to introduce our Classic Series of homes to this great community, which features open concept ranch floor plans, elegant 3 and 4 bedroom two story plans, and a 1.5 story plan that can’t be beat. Fox Ridge offers fabulous home sites and energy-efficient, low-maintenance, brilliantly livable home designs.

Sales Agent: Christie Sabo

ASPEN MEADOWS

Aspen Meadows is centrally located only 5 minutes from Downtown Cottleville and St. Charles Community College . We offer open concept plans including Ranches, 2 story and 1-1/2 story plans ranging in base prices from 297,990-336,990. Desirable Francis Howell School District. Secluded 15 home community gives Aspen Meadows that secure neighborhood feel everyone looks for.

KENSINGTON ESTATES

Large Estate homes on 6 over sized Home sites nestled in quiet existing community. Located a few minutes from hwy 94 and I-70. Close to shopping and historic downtown St. Charles as well as minutes from Lambert International. We offer open concept plans including Ranches, 2 story and 1-1/2 story plans ranging in base prices from 395,990-477,990. St. Charles School District and conveniently located to just about everything. Steve Lane is the Community Sales Manager for Aspen Meadows & Kensington Esates.

CERNY ESTATES

Style of homes available: Estate Series floor plans.

Ranch, Two story and 1.5 floor plans Schools: Rockwood School District Cerny Estates offers picturesque home sites which average just under 1/2 acre in size! Cerny Estates features our Estate Series of floor plans, which will are well appointed with standard features such as 3 car garages, 9′ ceilings, wood burning fireplace in award winning Rockwood school district.

Sales Agent: Carole Gerretsen

30 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

HARTFORD GLEN

Price Range: From the 230’s Location: Fenton Style of homes available: Ranch and two story Schools: Fox C-6 Conveniently located near Highway 141, 30 and 270. Cul-de-sac living for privacy and safety—no thru traffic. Located just minutes from Gravois Bluffs for convenient shopping and dining. This community is comprised of stunning family-sized homes with convenient floor plans and a remarkable value.

HERITAGE POINTE

Heritage Pointe has only a few home sites left in the community located in Wentzville, MO. Located about half-way between I-70 and I-64/40, and just minutes from 364, Heritage Pointe has it all, including a neighborhood pool!

These walk-out home sites are ready for your new dream home. The community offers a variety of ranch, 1.5 story, and 2 story plans starting in the $230s. Heritage Pointe offers the sought-after cul-de-sac neighborhood design offering residents security and privacy, while still providing the benefits of area amenities such as state of the art healthcare, exquisite shopping, dining and entertainment. Stop in to the display located at 1010 Crystal Creek Parkway.

New Home Specialist: Michelle Barteau

WILSON ESTATES

Price Range: FROM THE LOW 400’S Location: Oakville Schools: Melville School District Elegant cul de sac enclave featuring 15 home sites and our popular Estate Series floor plans. Ranch, Two Story and 1.5 Story floor plans come well appointed with 9′ ceilings, 3 car garages, 5 1/4″ base boards, wood burning fireplace, and more!

www.rolwesco.com 314.499.6700 | info@RolwesCo.com

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 31

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

Upon arrival of this “hidden gem” as many call it, you’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship and detail even at the entrance! As a leading home builder in Jefferson County for more than half a century, Rolwes Company is dedicated to offering superior quality at an affordable price with homes starting from the $220’s. With modern floor plans designed and created by the Rolwes family with livability in mind, we offer private home sites and customizable options to suit your own unique lifestyle whether you are looking for a single, 1.5 or 2 story home. Community Sales Representative, Danielle Tucker.

SCENIC VIEW ESTATES

Scenic View Estates is one of the most sought after locations in Jefferson County and right in the heart of Festus and in the Festus School District, only a few short minutes off of Hwy 55 and the Herculaneum exit. The name of this community didn’t happen by chance - you’ll fall in love with the rolling hills, lush trees, and breath-taking views of the city that span for miles. Phase 2 of Scenic View Estates opens for sales beginning June 1st – don’t wait to take advantage of this unbeatable value with homes starting in the $190’s! With a variety of single story, 1.5 story, and 2 story plans to chose from, we are confident that your Rolwes Company home will serve your lifestyle now and for many years to come. Community Sales Representative, Danielle Tucker.

BROOKFIELD CROSSING

Brookfield Crossing is a gorgeous community in Lake St. Louis. This neighborhood is comprised of stunning luxury homes with convenient floor plans, remarkable value and expert craftsmanship. Every component of each new home has been meticulously designed and crafted to meet the expectations we have set over more than half a century.

Browse our many floor plans and models to imagine the way you and your family will live in Lake St. Louis for many years to come. Whether you are looking for a ranch, a 1.5 story or a 2 story, we have the plan for you. We even offer customizable options to suit your own unique lifestyle, all starting in the $280s! New Home Specialist: Terra Sherman

www.rolwesco.com 314.499.6700 | info@RolwesCo.com

32 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

CHAPELWOOD

Price Range: $560’s Location: Kirkwood Schools: Parkway South Tucked in an intimate, privately wooded enclave just west of 270 in Kirkwood MO, Chapelwood offers gorgeous, oversized, fully-sodded and abundantly landscaped homesites with large, open floor plans and many upgrades included as standard features.

CRYSTAL CREEK

Crystal Creek neighborhood offers a sought-after cul-de-sac designed for privacy and safety, eliminating drive-through traffic. Parents can rest easy knowing their children are receiving a world-class education at Heritage Elementary, Wentzville Middle School and Holt High School. Enjoy this location near great shopping and restaurants with easy access to Wentzville Parkway, which provides a convenient commute to I-70 or I-40/64.

Beautiful, fully-sodded, walkout homesites provide the foundation for a great outdoor lifestyle. With intelligent, forward-thinking floor plans, Rolwes Company provides the most energy-efficient, low maintenance, brilliantly livable home design in Wentzville, MO. Crystal Creek offers a variety of ranch, 1.5 story and 2 story homes ranging from about 1550 square feet to 2,800 feet of luxury living space; all starting in the mid $220s! New Home Specialist: Michelle Barteau

YOUR LAND OUR PLAN

Price Range: From the 200’s Style of homes available: Various to suit every budget Rolwes takes the stress out of building one of our custom designed homes. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when trying to build a home outside of a traditional community is the construction loan and disbursement process through a title company. Rolwes Company eliminates this process and makes building on your land as simple as building in one of our established communities.

www.rolwesco.com 314.499.6700 | info@RolwesCo.com

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 33

TRENDS!

What are they?

Who determines them?

Should we follow them?

T

rends are a tricky because we don’t like to base our design plans around current trends, but rather use classic, timeless pieces mixed in with some updated colors or textures to makes a space feel fresh and current. There is an art to incorporating trends into interior design to achieve a shift in the look of a space while still maintaining a timeless vibe.

The key to this is to pick a classic piece and center the rest of your design around it. Try to have the trendy items be the smaller ones that are easy to change out in a few years when you’ve grown tired of the look and a new pop of color hits the market. For example, we always advise our clients to go more neutral on the large pieces and accent with accessories and pillows. You hear it all the time, but it’s true: a layered, curated look is what keeps spaces feeling well decorated and comfortable.

If a piece of furniture or art makes your heart flutter or you feel your breath catch for just a beat, that’s something to build a room around!

These trends, according to Kimberly Duran, is the stuff that’s still at the peak of the bell curve or in late majority stages which means they’ve been popular and are likely here to stay at least through next year and possibly beyond:

34 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

SS Velvet everything SS Black and white with brass SS Blush pink SS Mixed material kitchen and bathrooms SS Herringbone floor Some new trends we are starting to see hit the market are warm whites, beiges, hints of floral, curved furniture, and bold cabinetry colors.

Warm whites We are moving away from brilliant white as a base and using shades that add some warmth to the space. ‘School House White’, by Farrow & Ball has been described by Kimberly Duran as “not technically a beige but rather a really lovely warm white that gives you a little bit of saturation without screaming and it’ll contrast nicely with any white woodwork or ceilings”.

Beige It’s back! While the grays are still popular in the Midwest, the trend is moving toward beige walls with a pop of color or mixes of shades of whites. We aren’t seeing that yellow beige though.. it’s a gray/taupe beige such as Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams.

Hints of floral Florals are everywhere! We are seeing them in tile, wallpaper, fabrics, and art. The bold colors and large printed florals are a fun way to add an eclectic, vintage vibe to a space.

Curved furniture Making a statement with furniture is one of our favorite ways to add a Big Bang for your buck. Curved furniture does that. It’s a way to bring some interest to the larger pieces in the room and adds a touch of glam! Done in velvet, even better!

Bold cabinetry Whether it’s in the kitchen or the bathroom, we are seeing navy and green cabinetry being used to add a touch of uniqueness. Both colors are classic and when paired with whites and wood tones a comfortable and layered vibe is created.

For more design inspiration, visit us at elliereddersinteriors.com our get in touch at hello@elliereddersinteriors.com.

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 35

The Benefits of Home Staging

H

ome Staging is a professional service provided by a highly trained home stager who will assess every aspect of the property to showcase it to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. Should you stage your home when selling? The answer is YES! And here’s why: Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for more money.

According to a 2018 HSR Survey – 85% of the staged homes sold for 6-25% more than un-staged homes. This is huge, take for example a house that is listed for $350,000. If the property is staged initially and sold for 25% more than the list price the difference is $87,500! A small upfront investment which is usually lower than your first price reduction can bring a return of $87,500 more in your pocket.

Like professional photography more realtors are using home stagers, as they feel this gives them an advantage over agents who don’t. We have many agents who include home staging in their listing package.

When clients are interviewing multiple agents the agent offering home staging is going to stand out. Of course, we also provide the agents with beautiful photos to show their clients. The before and after photos speak for themselves.

Realtors who use home stagers have BEAUTIFUL photos, their listings show better & they sell FASTER. As we know everyone looks online first these days. It is so crucial to have perfect listing photos. The better your photos look the more people you will have come through the showings which equals a faster sale.

Selling a home is emotionally and physically difficult. Each day without an offer makes if more stressful. A quick sale requires less preparation for your home for showings. Not staging your home upfront can cost you 3 different times.

1. Showings – homes that aren’t in pristine condition get shown less and take more time to sell.

2. Negotiations - More days on the market can equal an offer under asking price. In most cases, the longer on the market the lower the offer.

3. Inspections – If the home isn’t looking its best buyers may ask the seller to do more repairs after the inspection.

36 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

BEFORE

AFTER

Staging also makes the home seem larger. When staging a home we pay close attention to the “flow” of the home. You will never be bumping into furniture or feeling like the room is overcrowded. We place the right amount of furniture that will make the space seem larger and more spacious.

Every room will suddenly have a purpose.

Every room will suddenly have a purpose. Buyers will never have to “guess” what to do with each room. The staging will help them be able to picture themselves in the house.

Purchasing a home is an emotional process. It’s based on the “feeling” a buyer gets when they walk in the front door. Buyers typically decide within 15 seconds if they are interested in purchasing your home.

You never have a second chance to make a first impression and staging creates the ideal image of your home that you want to convey to a potential buyer.

TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE 37

2019 Design Trends INhance IT! Home Staging has always prided itself in keeping up with the most current trends. We attend several furniture markets a year. As you know, what’s “in” one minute is “out” the next. At the 2019 market we noticed one particular trend right away... it’s all about texture. In the photos below you will see that its not just in art work, it can also be found in furniture.

Decorative metal, wood, and upholstered prints were seen everywhere.

38 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

The clean lined modern look was very popular this year. Soft velvets, cream colors, light wood tables are coming to the Midwest in full force.

The return of wallpaper....yes, it’s back! From florals to geometric prints we will be seeing more and more of it. Of course, for selling purposes wallpaper will always be something you want to avoid. With wallpaper you will not appeal to all buyers.

2019 Paint Color Trends

Make It Memorable with INhance IT! Since INhance IT first began professionally staging homes in 2007, we have been one of the leaders in the area’s home staging industry. Our stylists have staged thousands of homes by working with individual homeowners, top realtors, investors, builders and developers. INhance IT creates a compelling first impression that makes properties more attractive, memorable and most importantly desirable to home buyers.

Our full service company offers re-styling for occupied properties, vacant home staging, builder display and design plans for your new home. As a member of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) we continue to educate and train our designers to be current with the trends in the industry so we provide you the utmost in professional service which continues to set us apart! Be sure to check out our website for more staging photos: INhanceITstaging.com.

2019 Paint Trends for Staging

Mandy Shields, President INhance IT Home Staging info@inhanceitstaging.com INhanceITstaging.com 314.486.5354

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 39

Is My Tap Water Safe?

If Not, How Bad Is It?

M

y name is Brian Huckstep and I am the owner of Trionics/Superior Water in St. Peters, MO. One of the most commonly asked questions I get as a water filtration professional is whether a homeowner’s tap water is safe, and if not, how bad it is.

When I first started in water filtration in 1992, my wife Paula and I had whole-house water filtration in our home that both softened and filtered the water. It was a great improvement after living with both well and municipal water all of our lives. Our water didn’t reek of chlorine and our water appliances worked better and lasted longer, meaning we had cleaner dishes and clothing. Most importantly, though, my wife’s skin condition greatly improved. Looking back, our water filtration system saved us substantial amounts of money and was one of the best investments we ever made.

After my first son was born we had a series of boil orders so I started looking into contaminants and how effective my filtration system was at protecting against them. I made a call to my local water

40 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

company to ask them about it and was told my water was safe and not to worry. They also told me that we did not need a filtration system because our water had met all the EPA guidelines. I wasn’t convinced, so I studied the EPA guidelines for tap water quality and was taken aback by what I found. It would take many pages to provide you with a detailed account, but here are the basics of what I think most people need to know.

First, I believe it’s important to set the stage for people to understand where their water has been before it gets to their home and ultimately their glass. Water is classified as the universal solvent and it picks up a little bit of everything—that’s why we use it to clean everything. From the moment it leaves the clouds, it’s cleaning industrial pollution from the air and all kinds of things from the ground including human/animal waste, minerals, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. It picks up even more pollutants legally or illegally dumped from rivers, lakes, and streams. Ultimately, water either ends in a well or your local water municipality.

If you get your water from a personal well, the only test required is for disease-causing bacteria and most wells will pass this simple test.

That doesn’t mean it’s clean or safe. If your water is from a municipal source, they utilize even more chemicals and filter it to make it clear.

After they test it for commonly known contaminants, disinfectants are added and it’s sent out through an aging delivery system to our homes. There are a total of 87 contaminants regulated by the EPA for municipal tap water. By comparison, there are over 85,000+ chemical compounds used in our everyday environment. What about the 84,912+? If the EPA doesn’t require a water provider to test for them, does that mean they are not in the water?

The safety levels for the 87 regulated contaminants are based on the potential health effects of a 175-pound adult who is only drinking that one chemical, but does not take into account the combined toxicity of two or more chemicals. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) can be anything and everything dissolved in water. Recent tests have detected a vast array of pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, and sex hormones, just to name a few, in municipal drinking water supplies. Sadly, municipalities are not currently required to regulate or test for drugs.

Chlorine and Chloramine (Ammonia) are both classified by the EPA as pesticides utilized for the sole purpose of killing living organisms.

Chlorine and Chloramine combine with naturally occurring organic chemicals from soil run-off to create DPB’s, or “Disinfection Byproducts”. DPB’s are stated as causing an increased risk of cancer and are listed along with other adverse health effects in the official EPA consumer report: “Water on Tap, What You Need to Know”. This is just the tip of the iceberg in relationship to tap water quality. The truth is, most consumers know very little about the quality of their tap water except they don’t like the way it tastes or smells. This contributes to why consumers are spending over $100 billion a year to buy bottled water.

According to a 2019 WQA Consumer Opinion Study conducted by Applied Research-West Incorporated, 51% of households in America were either concerned or very concerned about the quality of their households water supply. Going back to the question as to whether your water is safe, “safe” is a relative term. Your water may be classified as “safe” as long as your local water provider follows the EPA standards, but the truth is that there are a lot of dangerous chemicals and components allowed to be in tap water while still being considered “safe”.

The real question is whether your water quality is good enough for your family and home. At Trionics/Superior Water, we take our customers’ water quality very seriously. If you have been concerned or even just wondering about your family’s water quality, be sure to get in touch. Give us a call at 636-928-0601, email me directly at Brian@ iwantcleanh2o.com, or visit us at iwantcleanh2o.com.

We provide honest and professional consultations, not sales pitches or one-call closes. We will test your water, provide results, and recommend the best options for you based on your goals. We custom design, build and service our customers’ water filtration systems to their water quality, family size, and home. At the end of the day, water filtration systems are tools. There are different filter solutions to different problems and if you don’t get it right, the system may not work right and become a maintenance nightmare and sadly, the consumer can end up with a false sense of security. For us, getting it right and to your utmost satisfaction is both our standard and passion.

THE FUTURE OF WATER IN THE HOME

Custom designed Filtration for Your Water, Your Family, Your Home or Business Our Customers Love US—Top Rated on Home Advisor, Angie’s List & BBB. C REATI NG WATER SNO BS SI NC E 20 0 2

Lo cat e d in St .P e t e r s, M O | 6 3 6 -9 28 - 0 6 0 1

TRACY ESTATE MAGAZINE 41 IwaELLIS: ntclREAL ea nh2o.c om

403 Tudor Trace Ct. Weldon Spring, MO 63304 $1,199,000

42 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Stunning Estate in a Gated, Private Enclave

S

tunning, custom built 1.5 story home in a gated, three home enclave. If you’ve seen it before, wait until you see it now! The sellers have recently had most of the interior freshly painted, refinished the beautiful wood flooring, replaced carpet & much more. Located in a prime location near Whitmoor golf course and convenient access to all major highways. As soon as you enter the gates you’ll notice the stately curb appeal as you enter the circle drive. Gorgeous 2 story entry and 2 story great room along with a wall of windows, detailed crown molding and see through gas fireplace. The open and spacious hearth room joins the custom gourmet kitchen with custom 42” cabinetry, smooth cook top, custom hood, large center island and breakfast bar along with a walk in pantry. This is the perfect area for entertaining guests. You’ll love the convenient access to a screened in deck overlooking a beautiful, professionally landscaped yard with a very private in-ground pool. The main floor master has coffered ceilings, private sitting area with a cozy gas fireplace and a luxury master bath with large shower, separate soaking tub and large walk in closet. There is so much attention to detail throughout this home, you’ll notice crown molding through out, beautiful wainscoting and the family will really enjoy the theater room with not one, but two levels of seating. It doesn’t end there, large exercise room, spacious family and rec room, beautiful study, large loft & so much space in the finished lower level. Call us for a private showing of this beautiful home now.

Call or email for more info: 636.299.3702 | Tracy@TracyEllis.com 636.699.2197 | Rick@TracyEllis.com www.TracyEllis.com

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 43

819 North Mosley Rd Creve Coeur, MO 63141 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,643 sqft Stately curb appeal in this 1.5 story home w/ stunning main floor master suite.

Terrific open floor pan.

$549,000 Call or email for more info: 636.299.3702 Tracy@TracyEllis.com 636.699.2197 Rick@TracyEllis.com

866 Cabernet Ln Saint Albans, MO 63073

$549,000

3 Beds, 4 Baths, 4,000+ fin. sqft Call Rick or Tracy for more information 636.299.3702 | www.TracyEllis.com

A Company Built on Trust and Integrity Specializing in Residential & Commercial Closings #1 Attorney Escrow Services Company in St. Louis by Missouri Lawyers Weeky Magazine Ranked Top 100 Places to Work by the St. Louis Post Dispatch

8 OFFICES SERVING ST. LOUIS, ST. CHARLES & SURROUNDING COUNTIES

314.835.3600 | TITLEPARTNERSAGENCY.COM

BUILDING A DREAM

W

hat happens when an interior designer and a builder come together to create a dream home built with the best building materials, absolute magic.

Charles, “Chuck” Brandt, designer and George DeJeney, builder/engineer of Eurostyle Inc., came together to build what they had always dreamed about. Imaginative clients with unlimited budgets, they did just that when they built 1103 Highland Pointe in Town and Country, MO. This luxury dream home was designed and built with everything in it they had ever wanted themselves. They felt they could make good on all the missed opportunities they had seen in home building through their many years in business. Brandt stated, “I was always working with clients who would build expensive homes, but there wouldn’t be enough detailed molding or trim on the outside, the ceilings would be too low or the layouts of the rooms would be wrong because there were no walls for furniture to be placed or for built-ins and not enough windows”.

It took more than six months of looking over books and driving around different areas such as; St. Louis, Chicago and Dallas. They

46 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

enjoyed driving around those areas looking at architectural design styles, they combined the best of all they had seen.

The final design left them with an almost 10,000 square foot, French-Inspired “chateau” on approximately 1 ¼ acres with every detail they had ever envisioned. The construction of this home required a team of more than a 100 workers, including 32 crafts people and 15 carpenters. They even hand picked the exterior buff-colored brick and discarded 15% because the color wasn’t just right.

As you enter these double doors you’ll find 10 foot high Honduras mahogany doors inset with hand beveled glass, a Corinthian-columned marble paved foyer leading you to the graceful winding staircase. The staircase was among the more difficult architectural elements due to its multiple curves. It reflects 14 pieces of molding that were pieced together to achieve the design.

The attention to detail continues throughout the rest of this luxury estate with over 4,200 feet of custom crown molding. The crown molding is made of plaster and wood rather than plastic. When it comes to marble and granite, there was no expense spared as well, over 275 feet of marble and granite line the counter tops. The current owner just had

1103 Highland Pointe

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 47

a complete make-over completed of the already stunning kitchen and installed new granite counter tops in the kitchen and laundry room.

If you’re familiar with the work of Nettie White Interiors, you know their work is impeccable and they gave the kitchen, hearth room and master bath a complete transformation. NWI’s added a beautiful new backsplash and all of the kitchen and master bath cabinets were given the Nettie White transformation. The beautiful cabinet handles that fit perfectly in this one of a kind dream home are breathtaking.

Another impressive feature is how light and bright this magnificent home feels with over 82 windows altogether giving you beautiful views of the wooded back yard. The library is perfection with 36 inch high wainscoting and you’ll feel as if you’re in an European Castle. All of the doors are much thicker than you’ll find in most custom homes. Exterior arches around doors and windows are made of hand carved Indiana Limestone. Five zone of heating and air conditioning, 7 fireplaces, 4 car rear entry garage and a finished walkout lower level.

The 22-by-20 foot master bath is a work of art with crystal chandeliers that were purchased in Venice and a steam shower. You can also soak in your large sunken, whirlpool tub while enjoying built in

48 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

surround sound and step out to your warm, heated marble floors. The master suite is incredible with a beautiful fireplace, sitting room and your own private balcony.

The hearth room is open to the kitchen and has floor to ceiling wood trim that has also just been refinished by NWI’s, including the built-ins that flank another beautiful fireplace. The wall of windows soaring up to the 24 foot ceilings makes it light and bright.

There are two stairways for the upper level and two stairways for the lower level. The lower level is equipped with a 500 bottle wine cellar and tasting area, a large Billiards room and of course no dream home is complete without a theater for movie night. There’s so much more to offer through out this incredible home including the master suite in the lower level with an even more incredible on suite bathroom.

This dream home has just been freshly painted throughout almost every room with the most popular current color schemes and the carpet in the great room was just replaced with a beautiful engineered wood flooring.

If you’re looking for magnificent construction and a beautifully designed dream home, look no further and call us for a private showing today at 636.299.3702.

Top Swimming Pool Trends

G

rotto’s For many years the allure of having a personal grotto has captured the imagination of pool owners from every corner of the globe. They’re rare and impressive and arguably one of the most distinct ways to make your in-ground pool stand out from all others on the block. They’re also big, and until recently, this has been a key detriment to those who have dreamed of having their own backyard version of Hugh Hefner’s poolside retreat.

Advantages of Installing a Grotto Where do we start? Regardless of which perspective you view it from, the benefits of adding a grotto to your pool are boundless.

They have a way of instantly transforming even the most boring backyard pool into something you only see in magazines and on TV. Also, they can add great value to your property in the event that you’re planning a move in the near future. Finally, they create an environment that is uniquely soothing and therapeutic; perfect for meditation, relaxation or the much needed romantic evening with that special loved one.

Fire pits, Fireplaces and Barbeques Through the end of last year and into the start of 2017, fire pits and barbeques integrated into the pool deck seem to be at the top of the list for many pool owners. Fireplaces, fire bowls, & fire pits all continue to play an important role in today’s modern pool-scapes.

A monument to multitasking, fire features offer ambiance as well as warmth allowing pool owners to expand their hours/days of poolside enjoyment.

50 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

Tanning Ledges Tanning ledges continue to grow in popularity, as people want their pool to have a resort feel. Tanning ledges, baja shelves and sun shelves are all different terms used for the same inground pool feature. They’re large, shallow shelves.

Typically big enough to fit at least a couple of lounge chairs and an umbrella, their size and depth may range depending on the homeowner. Tanning ledges are extremely popular with families that have children.

Pool System Automation Now pool systems can be fully automated or adjusted from anywhere through an app on your smartphone. Your pool equipment can now be an automated without having to lift a finger.

Homeowners are able to turn on fountains, lights and change the water temperature all through your iPhone or android!

Water in Motion Moving Water evokes a sense of relaxation and calm.

Studies show that our brain tends to block out other sounds when we are in proximity to the sounds of water in motion...helping us to relax & unwind. The options are endless - bubblers, jets, waterfalls, and rain walls just to name a few. Pricing options vary widely making the addition of water in motion accessible to most all swimming pool designs.

For a one-on-one consulation, please call: (314) 428-1971 or visit pooltron.com.

10403 Trenton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63132

Since 1998

Serving Eastern Missouri & Illinois

TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 51

Silver Senior Program A concierge service assisting seniors transitioning to their new lifestyle of independent or assisted living.

SSWe can assist you and your needs when choosing a senior community and provide one on one meeting to create your personalized timeline.

SSFacilitate and assist you with finding a senior relocation specialist. This professional company will help you sort and decision make personal property, pack, arrange the move, organize charity donation pick-ups, estate sales and garage sales. They can even unpack boxes and arrange your new home.

SSWe will assist you with preparing your home to be sold by getting it market ready through our vendor list of expert contractors and service companies. We will facilitate any repairs needed after your approval.

SSWe will assist you in finalizing the disconnection of your homes utilities SSDo you not feel comfortable with computers, you don’t have to be.

We can come to you when documents need to be signed. One of the many processes we handle through our concierge service.

We want you to know you’re not in this by yourself. You have a team of trusted professionals to assist you and if you have a question or a concern we have the answer or the solution.

52 TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE

1556 Clearview Rd. Union, MO 63084 – Looking for an amazing equine boarding facility? Here it is!

– 30.04 acres with 3 barns and 9 lush pastures – 75x100 lighted indoor arena with climate controlled viewing lounge

$675,000 Call or email for more info: 636.299.3702 Tracy@TracyEllis.com 636.699.2197 Rick@TracyEllis.com

951 Norrington Way Fenton, MO 63026

$1,599,000

6 Beds, 7 Baths, 6,492 sqft Call Rick or Tracy for more information 636.299.3702 | www.TracyEllis.com

PROTECTING YOUR HOME, FAMILY AND BUSINESS IS OUR SPECIALTY! Call us today to review a Home, Auto, Life or Health insurance policy KIM LANHAM

636.978.3696 | klanham@midaminsurance.com 54 TRACY ELLIS: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE

150 Homestead Rdg Defiance, MO 63341

$1,199,000 True Estate Living on 34 acres, private 2 acre lake, horse stable & pasture with views you’d have to see to believe!

Stunning 1.5 story primary residence with 4 true Master Suites, hardwood floors through out almost 6,000 finished sq/ft.

Additional guest house is included as well for your guest or the perfect rental for a bed and breakfast.

Contact Rick or Tracy Ellis for info: 636.299.3702 | Tracy@TracyEllis.com 636.699.2197 | Rick@TracyEllis.com www.TracyEllis.com

VIP VENDOR LIST APPLIANCE VENDOR

Pacific Kitchen and Home

314-443-5048

ASPHALT AND SEALING

A1 Professional Asphalt and Sealing

618-660-8711

CREDIT REPAIR

Phoenix Credit Consultants

DECKS

Decks and Beyond LLC

314-429-2040

314-539-1225

ELECTRIC

Paramount Electric

Roberts Electric

314-226-6551 636-256-8170

ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS

Criterium- Haroy Engineers Architect

314-878-0806 314-640-4447

ESTATE SALES

Davis Estate Sales

M.J.’s Estate Sales, LLC

314-330-0004 314-440-5175

FENCES

St. Louis Dog Fence-Pet Stop

314-436-7200

BUSINESS SALES

Gateway Business Brokers of St. Louis 254-495-4499

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Benjamin F. Edwards

Northwestern Mutual

314-854-9909 314-640-2083

CARPET CLEANING AND AIR DUCTS

Aim Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning 314-941-1340

Dalmation Cleaning and Restoration 314-423-0101

AdvantaClean 636-219-3877

FLOORING

Edwards Carpet

Beseda Flooring

St Louis Wood Floor

314-993-0808 636-926-9989 314-369-6857

CLEANERS

Saint Louis Sparkle Clean

Merry Maids

314-518-0672 636-825-9650

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR

Anco Overhead Door

636-343-9167

CONCRETE

D.M. Terrill Concrete

Rick Thomas Concrete

Hoffman Concrete LLC

636-458-4555 314-698-0391 314-544-3484

HANDYMAN

All My Girls

636-697-2805

CONSTRUCTION

ARC Construction

Lifetime Roofing and Renovation

Titan Construction

Absolute Exteriors

636-946-7855 636-336-6951 314-243-8802 314-713-9800

HOME STAGERS/DESIGNERS

Inhance-IT

Yours By Design

Heather Hannick Designs

314-486-5354 314-283-1760 314-814-2577

HOME WARRANTY

HSA Home Warranty

Home Warranty of America

636-346-5237 314-562-5099

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Quacker’s Waterproofing

and Basement Repair

AdvantaClean

636-281-3735 636-219-3877

BLINDS

Two Blind Guys

The Blind Broker of STL, LLC

636-537-8008 636-970-7283

BUILDERS AND SUPPLY

Tree Court Builders Supply

314-568-3300

BUILDING INSPECTORS

Legacy Home Inspections 636-466-3130

Denny Arnett Home Team Inspection 3 14-732-5954

56 TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE

HVAC

Academy Air

Swiss Air Heating and Cooling

General Contracting

Gold Kamp Heating and Cooling

314-720-3580 636-978-7800 314-607-8906 314-488-5330

POOL INSPECTIONS

Unique Pool Management

Midwest Pool Builders

Pool Tron

314-280-3451 314-853-8330 314-575-5720

RADON

Quacker’s Waterproofing

and Basement Repair

St Louis Radon Test and Mitigation

AdvantaClean

Midwest Radon and Mitigation

636-281-3735 636-200-2875 636-219-3877 636-575-1767

INSURANCE

State Farm Jim Schilkoski

Ben Hagan Farmers Agency

Lanham Agency LLC

636-978-4800 314-635-9300 636-779-5976

IRRIGATION

Aqua Irrigation Inc.

636-240-9955

JUNK REMOVAL

Dirt Cheap Hauling and Demo

RETAINING WALLS

Retaining Walls LLC

314-608-1982

636-579-6081

LAWN CARE

Green Elements

Richard Katz Designs, LLC

314-764-5296 314-956-2058

ROOF AND SIDING

Signature Exteriors. INC

Crown Restoration LLC

Lifetime Roofing and Renovation

636-248-9418 636-358-4962 636-336-6951

MOLD REMOVAL

AdvantaClean

Moldman St. Louis

636-219-3877 314-282-9791

ROOF/SIDING CLEANERS

Clean Roof STL

Curb Appeals Pros

Mid West Softwash

314-221-9255 314-698-3282 636-614-0375

MORTGAGE

St. Charles Mortgage

Golden Oak Lending

USA Mortgage

314-607-8551 314-590-6815 314-497-7435

TUCK POINTING

Galati and Sons Tuck Pointing

St Louis Brick and Tuck-pointing

314-220-7012 636-253-8096

MOVING COMPANIES

Renew Transfer

Goodfellas Moving

Simple Moves

314-223-8301 314-405-8228 636-916-5333

WATER/FIRE RESTORATION

Belfor by Belfor USA Group, Inc. 636-728-0580

Crown Restoration LLC 636-358-4962

Fast Help 314-278-6050

Dalmation Cleaning and Restoration 314-423-0101

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Lighting

The Lawn Champs

314-529-0090 636-697-2311

WATER PURIFICATION

ThreeStrand

Trionics Superior Water

636-940-4007 636-928-0601

636-358-9002 314-339-4587

WINDOWS AND AWINGS

Glenlo Awning and Window

Pella Windows and Doors

Tree court Builders Supply

314-578-6450 314-714-0122 314-578-1966

PAINTERS

Thomas A Paluczak

Professional Painting

You’re Covered Painting

PEST CONTROL

Richardsons Pest

Blue Chip Pest Control PLUMBING

Sewer Pros

Steve Gratta Dad’s Plumbing

R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company

636-387-2400 636-970-1180

WINDOW CLEANERS AND POWER WASHERS

Window-Brite 636-577-3325

Born Again Restoration 314-985-9536

Curb Appeals Pros 314-698-3282

314-821-1600 314-322-1977 314-752-9850

WINDOW REPAIR AND BROKEN THERMAL SEALS

Floyd Glass 636-922-3569

Glass Guru (St. Charles) 636-980-1616

CONTACT RICK OR TRACY ELLIS FOR MORE INFO: 636.299.3702 • Tracy@TracyEllis.com | 636.699.2197 • Rick@TracyEllis.com | www.TracyEllis.com

TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE 57

MARKETING APPROACH THE ELLIS TEAM LISTINGS:

STRATEGIC MARKETING:

✦✦ The Ellis’ have 2 professional photographers and feature their listings with HDR photography, aerial and sunset photography along with video.

✦✦ Meghan King Edmonds will join us monthly on The Rick and Tracy Ellis Show to highlight local businesses for #MeghansMustHaves.

✦✦ 3-D imagery and videography ✦✦ The Ellis’ listings are showcased on www.tracyellis.com, www.rickandtracyellisteam. com, and 157 additional web sites.

THE ELLIS TEAM MAGAZINE: ✦✦ Publisher, creator and editor of Tracy Ellis: Real Estate Magazine. ✦✦ You’ll find the magazine in over 150 businesses in St. Louis, St. Charles County, Lincoln, Lake of the Ozarks and Illinois

✦✦ You’ll find 10 billboards all over St.Louis promoting The Rick and Tracy Ellis real estate radio shows to bring more attention to our listings.

✦✦ The Ellis Team Post and target ads daily on all social networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. ✦✦ Advertising in Ladue News

✦✦ Tune in to the The Rick and Tracy Ellis show on 590 The FAN every Saturday at 9 am and Sunday at 10 am.

✦✦ Morning LIVES/ Commercials with Marc Cox and Denys Schaffer from The Marc Cox Show on FM NEWS TALK 97.1, you’ll also find a video testimonial from Marc Cox on www.tracyellis.com

✦✦ The Rick and Tracy Ellis show airs every Saturday at 9 am and Sunday at 10 am on FM NEWS TALK 97.1, 98.7 FM, & 1490 AM in St. Louis.

✦✦ The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team have had properties featured on Show Me St. Louis and FOX 2 News in the morning 6 times in 2017.

✦✦ All of our listings are promoted on all of our weekly radio shows on 4 different stations.

✦✦ The Ellis’ plan social/ charitable events to target the right audience. They planned an event for 150 guests at their listing at 1126 Wings Rd. in St. Albans that benefited MMMF. Tracy Ellis is on the Executive Board of Directors of several charities in the area and heads up the Committee for Events and Fundraising on two charities, The Base Foundation and the Keira Strong Forever Foundation. This allows the Ellis’ to host events in their properties and bring

✦✦ The Rick & Tracy Ellis Team will write a story about your property, not just a paragraph in the MLS.

✦✦ Sandy Miller from FOX 2 News joins us every Saturday at 9 am and shares our show on her social media.

✦✦ Your home could be featured on the cover, but will definitely be featured in our magazine

✦✦ In 2019 The Ellis will be creating a new vlog series highlighting their homes with client interviews about their properties along with local vendors ✦✦ Rick and Tracy also have a Podcast of all of their shows.

58 TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE

✦✦ We have many websites to generate traffic, including our own pages on FM NEWS TALK 97.1.

even more attention to their listings including local media coverage. The Ellis’ recently had Josh Flagg in town from Million Dolllar Listing LA for an event at a $30,000,000 home in Lake St. Louis to benefit Little Patriots Embraced.

PARTNERS/NETWORKING: ✦✦ The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team have received The Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) designation. This assures affluent buyers and sellers that real estate professionals have the knowledge, experience, and unique skills to meet their needs. Members of The Institute who hold the CLHMS designation have documented performance in the TOP 10% of their residential markets and have successfully demonstrated their expertise in the luxury home and estate market. ✦✦ We work with top real estate agents all over the USA and other countries and currently have almost 40,000 real estate agents in our direct referral network. ✦✦ The Rick and Tracy Ellis Team have a Land division.

This means if you have land or a property of 5 acres or more, your property will go on additional web sites nationwide including Lands of America where properties receive thousands of views that turns into buyer leads.

ADMINISTRATIVE MARKETING ✦✦ The Ellis Team has a marketing assistant who creates all of our marketing materials such as post cards, door knockers and brochures. ✦✦ The Ellis Team has a full time office manager who currently handles the paperwork on all files, direct contact with all clients and all administrative work. ✦✦ We have a full-time contractto-close coordinator who will handle the transaction from contract to close. ✦✦ The Ellis Team has a social media expert to handle all of our social media needs to make sure our clients homes are receiving maximum exposure. ✦✦ The Ellis Team has experienced, full-time agents on our team who specialize with both buyers and sellers.

The Ellis’ have many years of experience with Relocation buyers and have worked with several of the National Relocation companies as well.

THE RICK & TRACY ELLIS TEAM EXPERIENCE ✦✦ Rick & Tracy have both been in real estate for over 20 years. They’ve hosted their own weekly radio show for over 7 years and created/ published their own real estate magazine for almost 5 years. You’ll find their magazine, Tracy Ellis: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE in over 150 businesses throughout the St. Louis area year round. Rick and Tracy Ellis have sold over $200 million in real estate. The Ellis’ have a passion for marketing and have enjoyed telling the story of their properties. It’s very important to The Ellis’ to do everything they can to make sure their properties are marketed to the largest audience. Each agent on The Ellis Team takes pride in educating their clients about our great city, while helping them find their perfect home.

✦✦ The Ellis Team has a terrific, professional designer who creates our magazines and team literature. ✦✦ The Ellis Team has two writers on staff for stories in magazine, MLS and social media.

Looking to buy? Let us help you find the perfect home!

Call the Rick & Tracy Ellis Team at 636-699-2197 or 636-299-3702.

TRACY ELLIS MAGAZINE 59

You c an now tune into our r adio show on even more s t ations!

Saturday at 9 AM & Sunday at 10 AM

Real EstateRadio Network

Rick& TracyEllis

The

Real Estate Radio Network

TheRick& Real Estate TracyEllis Radio Network

Real Estate Radio Network Saturday at 9 AM | Sunday at 10 AM

Saturday 9 AM590 & Sunday at 10 AM Saturday 9 am and Sunday at 10 am on FM NEWSTALK 97.1atand The Fan Saturday at 9 AM at at 10 AM | Sunday

Rick& TracyEllis

The

Real Estate Radio Network Sundays at 10 AM Meghan King Edmonds will join us occasionally on Sundays at 10 am on FM NEWSTALK 97.1 and 590 The Fan

Sandy Miller joins us on Saturdays at 9 am on FM NEWSTALK 97.1 and 590 The Fan

Lear n more at w w w.Tr ac yEllis .com