Local Treasure - Forest Park

One of the best things about living in Clayton is the close proximity to Forest Park. Residents can walk or bike over to the park and soak up all that F.P. has to offer. One of my favorite walks is around the Basin (lake below the St. Louis Art Museum) at sunset taking in the fountains and the lovely views.

Parkside Neighborhood Video Tour

Parkside Neighborhood Video Tour - Saint-Louis, MO 63105

To learn more about Parkside Condos call 314-414-0080 or e-mail us

The Moorlands Neighborhood Video Tour

The Moorlands Video Tour - Saint-Louis, MO 63105

The Moorlands is one of Clayton’s best known neighborhoods consisting of a multitude of fine homes, luxury apartments, and exceptional condominiums. A long time cherished neighborhood, its home to young professionals, baby boomers, families, and college students alike. With the prices of Clayton’s single-family homes sky rocketing, the superb selection of condominiums allows buyers to enjoy the very best of urban living at an affordable price. The Moorlands is truly a wonderful neighborhood to call HOME.

Located just five minutes from Downtown Clayton and around the corner from the Wydown business district, residents can easily stroll to Starbuck’s for their morning coffee; drop off their dry cleaning; hit the gym, grab a bite to eat at Manhattan Café or I Fratellini. Additional stores and services are just a few minutes away, making fulfilling the tasks of day to day life easy. Commuters can access I-64, known to locals as Hwy 40, 170, or the Metrolink light rail system within a short drive.

The neighborhood is located just south of the city center of Clayton and is bound by South Hanley to the west, Clayton Road to the south and Wydown Blvd., to the north, and the Claverack Park neighborhood to the east.

Why Not Love Where You Live? To learn more about condominiums in The Moorlands, e-mail us or call 314-414-0080

Virtual Tour Of Downtown Clayton

If you are having trouble viewing the tour click here

Common Closing Costs For Buyers

Many first-time buyers ask me what they can expect when it comes to closing costs. I have complied a brief list of some of the more common expenses.

Downpayment - (lenders have tightened their requirements recently, many times requiring a higher downpayment than in the past)

Appraisal fee - (sometimes this is wrapped in the loan closing fees)

Credit report

Inspection fees

Recording fees

Title insurance policy

Prorated condo fees

Private mortgage insurance premium

Insurance

A good faith estimate from a lender will assist you in comparing lender settlement charges. However, many charges and fees may not be included. It's best to work with an agent that can help guide you through this process. Loan fees vary dramatically and your agent is the best resource in finding a lender.

DeMun Neighborhood Video Tour

DeMun Neighborhood Tour Video Tour - Saint-Louis, MO 63105

FAQ's On Condos

What is a Condo?

“Condominium” is a term used for legal ownership of an individual unit in a condominium corporation. Ownership of a condo includes both the legal title to all the space inside the individual unit as well as an interest in the common areas of the condominium complex. Costs and maintenance of common areas and common elements are shared by all owners in the condominium association.

Condominiums come in the form of high-rises, lofts, townhouses, mid-rises, villas, flats, and converted rental multi-unit properties.

What are the duties of the Condominium Association/Board?
The Condominium Association/Board has several duties and responsibilities. They are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the complex, as well as long term planning. The association is supposed to oversee what is happening in the complex, and make sure that owners adhere to the rules and regulations.

For instance, the bylaws may prohibit items that may be stored or kept on a balcony or patio. The condo association would be in charge of addressing issues that arise. A good Condo Association is fundamental to maintaining your condominium’s value. It is certainly preferable to have a professionally managed complex.

If you have additional questions, e-mail Cheryl@ClaytonCondos.com or visit http://claytoncondos.com/

Condos For College Students

Consider buying a condo for your college bound kids.

Barbara Corcoran, real estate guru, gives a quick overview on NBC about investing in condos while your kids attend college. It's a great way to offset costs of room and board.

2003 Median 2bdrm condo sale price: $257,500 (63105)
2007 Median 2bdrm condo sale price: $345,000 (63105)
Increase of $89,500

Information compiled from Maris MLS System, verified by not guaranteed [where: 63105]

Pro Tips for Condo Buyers - What you should know

Here’s a list of some great questions and information pertaining to condo living.

Ask of the Association -Request a copy of the minutes from the condo association, this can offer up some great insight.

Are there any pending lawsuits or on-going litigation against the complex? This will avoid the surprise of receiving a special assessment for your portion of a lawsuit judgment.
Are there common complaints or issues that have not been resolved?
Are condo fees paid regularly by members?
Are residents happy with the condo association board?
Is the association properly funded? Make sure there is a sufficient reserve fund for the type/age of complex you are considering. Older buildings have more maintenance due to end of life replacement on major systems and fixtures.
Are there any anticipated special assessments?

Ask of Management
Is the complex managed by the owners or by a professional management company? Try to personally meet any on-site managers.

Insurance
Does the association have proper insurance policy to cover the entire complex?

Renters
How many units are renters vs. owners?
Review rental policies if renters are allowed in complex.

Moving restrictions
Some high-rise developments have specific rules on when your can move your belongings into the building.
Do you need to reserve the elevator for your move?
Are there any moving deposits to cover damage to elevator?

Keys
Most high-rise condominium corporations require that management have a copy of your key or that their master key fits your lock. This is to allow access in case of emergency repairs.

Parking
Parking is typically limited and many times assigned to unit owners. If you have two cars and only one space and park your car in another spot, can your car be towed. Make sure you know what the policy is before making a costly error.

Pets
The condo bylaws will detail any restrictions on pets: type, size, and number allowed. You don’t want to have to remove a family pet because you didn't understand the rules.

Clayton AAA Rated City by Standard & Poor's

Clayton is a fantastic place to live and work and Standard & Poor's agrees. Clayton is one of only three Missouri cities with a AAA rating.

Despite the trying ecnomic times, Clayton has proven to have a strong and healthy city management. To learn more visit... Clayton CityViews

To learn more about Clayton condos visit... ClaytonCondos.com

Trianon Condos Video Presentation

Trianon Condos

Trianon Condominiums

Worth the Wait!! The Trianon Development

WORTH THE WAIT
26 Story Trianon Condominiums offer
special pre-construction pricing
BY OSCAR WATERS

WITH GROUNDBREAKING ONTHE HORIZON, the Trianon Condominiums continue their momentum and success. With almost 50 percent of the condominiums sold in just over a year buyers have been capitalizing on pre-construction pricing, low up front cost and a timeline with benefits. "In challenging economic times buyers are focused on value, purchasing a unique product in a premier location, and achieving a time-lime that fits their needs" said Ellen Reid, director of sales & marketing for Orchard DevelopmentGroup. Trianon will rise 26 stories into the Clayton skyline just east of Ritz Carlton at 50 Carondelet Plaza, offering the ultimate in urban living with luxury amenities and convenience second-to-none. With pre-construction pricing from the mid-300's to over $1 million, Trianon offers affordable luxury in the areas most desirable Clayton location. With an anticipated completion date of 2011 Trianon offers a unique opportunity to anyone planning for the future. "Buying a pre-construction condominium is an excellent opportunity for people planning for the future or for those who are not quite ready to move from their current residence. Anyone from soon to be empty nesters, second home buyers, younger professionals and families can reap the benefits of purchasing early in developments." noted Reid. When buying a pre-construction residence, one of the huge benefits is the low upfront cost to the buyer. With 5 percent down, buyers can take advantage of preconstruction pricing while they take their time to sell their existing home, plan for the future or send their last child of to college. "Aside from value Trianon offers buyers the security of knowing they have purchased a unique residence, in a premier location that enhances their lifestyle" said Reid. Trianon offers sophisticated urban features typically found in larger markets like Chicago or New York. It's architecturally distinctive and modern, with a 70-foot lap pool, rooftop hot tub spa, fitness center and floor-to-ceiling windows in every residence. The residences will start on the 10th floor offering spectacular vistas from the floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. The Trianon grounds will also house retail, restaurants and public art so residents can enjoy entertainment just steps away from home. With so many benefits of buying early many people recognize the great value of a project as unique as Trianon. With just under 50 percent sold, only four units remain at pre-construction pricing. To tour the full-scale model, visit the Trianon sales gallery at 7515 Forsyth Boulevard, open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Oscar Waters is the real estate writer for theSt. Louis Post-Dispatch advertising department.