Aug. 10, 2006 - St. Louis Area Blog!

I hope you'll find this blog interesting as we progress.

I plan on providing you with some insight into the different communities that our Metro St. Louis area has to offer.

Along with that, you just may find out some interesting places to visit and why we love the mid-west! Friendly people are one of the reasons, of course.

Whether you're planning to visit or buy a home here, or simply curious, I hope you'll stop by often so we can get to know one another!

The St. Louis Metro area is family friendly, from  A (Apple Orchards) to Z (St. Louis Zoo) (BTW: have you seen our new baby elephant?) and all those wonderful places in between.

Let's start the journey together!  Judy

Jun. 15, 2009 - SeniorMS_Missouri2009Pageant

Look out world! Here come the SENIOR women and watch them strut their stuff and entertain you with their talents! The upcoming Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant 2009 is going to be so much fun, I know you won't want to miss it! Schedule it now as it's coming up soon. July 11th, 2009 at 4:00 P.M. at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre. If you live in the St. Louis area and want some live entertainment and some fun, this is the place to be.
Hope to see you there!

Call: 314-921-5678 for Tickets!

Jun. 14, 2009 - LostValleyLakeResort

Had a great time yesterday (6/13/09) as we headed to Lost Valley Lake Resort to meet a friend and take a tour of this 500 Acre resort. It took is an hour and a half (with pit stop) to get there. It's about a 75 mile trip from Manchester, with some highway and some pretty curving & rolling hills.
They have so much to do there, your kid's will never be bored, that's for sure. It's a time share type of resort, so you buy in, and then can come and stay when you want (make reservations!). Options include apartments, Tenting, Tepee's or buying into a condo. I hadn't been there for about 25 years and was pleasantly surprised at all they had to offer. Holidays can be crowded with about 6,000 people coming in to "party" & have fun, so if you go make those reservations early.

Our friend Chele (who lives there with her husband, Jerry) took us for a tour of the resort. We also had lunch at the Creekside Inn and Chele picked up the tab. What a nice, unexpected treat for us. We really enjoyed her company and had quite a few laughs. Prayers for her too, as she is fighting cancer. Another strong woman who keeps on, keeping on!

The Inn is run by Shiela, a fun and lively gal who seems to know what she's doing when running this cafe! Great simple food (served hot & fast), and good times were had by all. We all ordered different items and we all agreed, it was very tasty! Our complements to the cook! They also do some catering for parties (on site).

We've got to do more of these little side trips and enjoy what we have here in this great state of Missouri! Here's a Visual Tour for you to view soon, but I have a feeling you'll want to visit it in person yourself!

Jun. 13, 2009 - UpcomingAnnualABTAFESTIVAL_2009

Hi Everyone!

Here's the latest information for the 2009 Annual St. Louis Fall Festival! It's scheduled for Saturday, September 12th! Be sure to Mark Your Calendar NOW! Plan on having a FUN time and bringing your kids, family and friends!

This year the Festival will be held at the MAGIC HOUSE in Kirkwood, MO! It'll be a blast for everyone (young & old!) AND you'll know you'll be helping others in their quest to find a cure for brain tumors. ABTA gets NO support from the government...it's people like you that make this all work through your donations of labor, love and $$$! If for some reason you can't make it, your generous (& even small) donations will mean alot! Are you willing to help with time, money or items for the Silent Auction? It would be so appreciated and is so needed.

For more information or to volunteer: check out the ABTA website .

Too late to help our daughter, Terri, but she'd be so pleased to know you've helped to save others. So for Terri, I say Thank You for your past and continued support. You folks are the BEST! Blessings! Judy

Jun. 8, 2009 - BroadwayFantasies2009_Celebration

Having earned the SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist designation) I thought it'd be a good idea to see what these seniors had to offer in the way of energy and talent. Well it was a wonderful treat and really no surprise to see how active these folks are!

So yesterday a couple of friends and I headed to DeSmet High School in Creve Coeur. We wanted to see the Broadway Fantasies 2009 "Celebration" musical tribute of the past 20 years. That's how many years these entertainers have been having all this fun (& work!) putting on these shows. What a fun time it was too, watching the retired dancers and singers from years back, kicking up their heels and singing with such gusto! Proceeds from this fun event went to support CORP which helps Senior Residents of St. Louis County stay independent in their homes. Click the link above to see what all they offer the Seniors.

Seniors are living their lives to the fullest and these folks help to prove it.

We come in all shapes and sizes, but together, we make a lot of fun and happiness!

Splish, Splash I was Takin' a Bath....Opened up the door...How was I to know there was a party going on....

You still have time to see this program Call: 314-615-4516 to check the seating for 6/13/09 Saturday 7:30pm and 6/14/09 Sunday @ 2pm. It was a "Hoot". You'll come away humming the tunes and wanting to kick up your heels again! If you don't see it this time, be sure you get your tickets early for next year's performance. You'll be glad you did!

Jun. 6, 2009 - 3NassauCircleStLouisMO63146_VisualTour

Jun. 6, 2009 - 1018 Sulphur Spring Rd_Manchester_MO63021

 Please click the photo to view the tour!

Jun. 6, 2009 - 1018 Sulphur Spring Rd_Manchester_MO63021

You'll love this 3 year old home at first sight! It has so much to offer, including 4 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 Baths, a two car garage, driveway with a turnaround. Deck, Premium Lot, Freshly Painted! Parkway Schools! Be sure to check out the Visual Tour and then call me or your agent to set your appointment to view the property.

Please note that the two large trees have been taken down and a large Evergreen Tree has been planted.

May. 2, 2009 - OPEN_HOUSE_3NassauCircleStLouisMO63146

OPEN HOUSE 1-3PM Sunday 5/3/09
3 NASSAU CIRCLE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63146

May. 2, 2009 - 3NassauCircleStLouisMO63146

Check out this great home for sale in Unincorporated St. Louis County, Missouri. It's so close to Creve Coeur, you could walk there! Lot's of exciting places to see and do in the area too! Nearby hospitals, Medical facilities, shopping, entertainment and employment! This is a fine looking brick & vinyl ranch home with many major updates and plenty of room, including a full, unfinished walk-out basement. It includes an enclosed breezeway, masonry fireplace and has a spacious 2 car garage on a large lot (almost 1/2 acre!). Parkway Schools! See MLS # 90019095. or check my web site for more information: www.judysepac.com
Offered at: $189,500.

May. 2, 2009 - HelpStLouisHealthCareEequipmentNeeded

I just received the following request for donations and thought you all may want to help spread the word (knowing good well what great Samaritans you all are!)! When we help others, we also feel better our self! May we all feel GREAT by our contribution!
Hey, you'll also be going "green", by recycling those items!
Please pass the following information on.

Apr. 1, 2009 - 4940_ Hurstborough _Ct_Hazelwood_MO

Click the picture to take the tour.

Apr. 1, 2009 - Hazelwood_Blue_Ribbon_Awards_Program

Happy April Fool's Day! Anyone catch you yet?

I have some great news for you if you live in Hazelwood, MO! They are having a contest to honor the homeowners that take exceptional care of their property. In addition, they will make an award for a mulit-family home. (and no, this is NOT an April Fools Day joke!)

You can read more about the Hazelwood Blue Ribbon Award contest by clicking the link. You have until Monday May 25th, 2009 to nominate a home or condo. Call the Commission at 314-731-0980; you can also volunteer to help choose the property that wins. Make that call now!

Winners win a Blue Ribbon Award plaque and a Blue Ribbon and an awards ceremony in their honor afterwards. We'll all be winners if you take the time to add flowers and plant trees too! It's a great way to "go green" too! Judging takes place on June 14th and June 28th so start planning your annual planting and spruce up now! Good Luck to you, and that's no joke either!

Mar. 31, 2009 - Insurance_Institute_for_Highway_Safety

Shop for a safer car here! Click on "Vehicle Ratings". Learn which cars cost more to insure and other pertinent information.

Mar. 31, 2009 - SpringtimeInStLouisMO

Ahh, SPRING! Here's what it means in the St. Louis Metro area. Warm, breezy days and then a quick return to Winter! We've had some beautiful days here, the forsythia is blooming, as well as the glorious Bradford Pear trees (no fruit!).

Now come the red bud trees, along with the tulip trees. It's a sight to behold! You need to see it to believe it! Come visit us, you just may want to call me to help you buy a home!

We have four seasons here and I'm here to tell you, you never know when those seasons will do a quick switcheroo on you! Better keep the sweaters, coats and shorts out! AND be prepared for quick storms and an occasional chance of a tornado, when the cold and warm air choose to mix it up.
After the wind storms, you may need to check the trees to see how they fared. This huge one split as you can see and that's the only bad thing I can say about these lovely trees.

Mar. 19, 2009 - DiversitySeminar2009

It was an interesting day today. I attended the St. Louis Association of REALTORS Diversity Committees seminar for buying and selling in 2009. The panelists included Wandy Simmons of Beyond Housing; Don Brinker, Homeownership Manager of the Missouri Housing Development Commission;State Representative Tim Jones with the Missouri Housing Task Force (and representative of District 89 which includes Wildwood, Eureka and parts of West St. Louis County); and Lisa Brewer & Dan McLaughlin, of the Missouri Association of Mortgage Brokers (MAMB)

Judy Sepac and Representative Tim Jones (89th District)

Each panelist shared their expertise on educating buyers, tax credits, legislation & mortages.
All attendees were served box lunches from Heavenly Ham which were sponsored by: Scott Beeman, 314-329-9810 Neighbors Credit Union and Harry Hilburg, 314-569-3000 of Countrywide Home Loans. There was a large attendance and many questions asked and answered. More answers can be found on the SLAR web site under Legislation. Following the lunch break, Dr. Jed Smith, National Association of REALTORS, provided insight into his view of the 2009 Forecast & $789 Billion Economic Recovery Plan. Yes, there will be a recovery! Look for the silver lining and keep your eyes on the prize (recovery)!

Mar. 8, 2009 - Foreclosures_and_Crime

As homes in your neighborhood are foreclosed on strange things begin to happen. You find the people that lived there have left the premises in a hurry and may have left behind a lot of their belongings and a big mess too. The grass and weeds continue to grow and the bushes aren't getting trimmed. You might notice a foul smell emanating from the home. Pools can be left unattended, making it unsightly and a hazard to all. Windows get broken. Trash is left in the yard. Signs go up, showing it's a vacant home that's been foreclosed on. At times, the copper pipes are ripped out by thieves for resale and water is left to run ruining carpet, flooring, and mold begins to grow.

The community has a black cloud hanging over it. Neighbors wonder if they'll be next, thinking how easy it would be for them to be in that same situation too. If you feel you are at risk check out: www.hopenow.com or call 888-995-HOPE. At times the local government is not quick to take action either. Houses can be illegally entered by teens or homeless.

So, what can YOU do about it? Start a community effort with your neighbors to walk the neighborhood to look for problem properties.
When your block watch program (See: www.usaonwatch.org) is in place, notify the local police and city services so they can board up the windows. Take it in on your selves to serve and clean up what you can. Take turns cutting the grass. Pick up the trash. Form a homeowners association if you don't have one to get reimbursed for your work and put a lien on the property or get a court order for larger repairs. Check out www.vacantproperties.org on maintaining empty homes.

Do what you must to keep your neighborhood up to standards. The sun will come out and those clouds will soon part. Your neighborhood will be the stronger for your efforts!

Feb. 5, 2009 - Heres Help To Keep Your Home

Times are tough for a lot of us, but there are ways to get help, if you'll take the time to seek it. Yes, you might have feelings of being embarrassed or ashamed to be in your predicament, but YOU have to be the one to ask for the help. Don't wait until your lender starts the process of foreclosure, it may be too late for you to get the help then.

Here's a great way to start. Dial 211 which is a line direct to the United Way or call 1-800-427-4626.

Don't be overwhelmed, reach out for help. There are people that care about you and will do their best to help find the assistance you need! You are not alone. Each day brings a new dawn and with it comes hope. A favorite cousin of mine has a favorite saying, "This too shall pass". She's right, whether it's hard times or good, things change. You'll become a stronger person for fighting the good fight!
Take heart, and make the call.
 

Feb. 3, 2009 - Hobbit House is Green and Hand Built

I ran across this on the Internet and thought I'd share it with you.

It's cute, small, what I call a Hobbit House, built for about $5,000. in Wales. It serves the owner well and suits their purpose.
I do wonder if they've checked it for radon gas though!
You'll think it's amazing to see such creativity! 

Feb. 2, 2009 - new roof on kirkwood mo united methodist church

As some friends and I were on an excursion we happened by the United Methodist Church located in Kirkwood, MO. We were astounded and impressed by the work these roofers were doing. Of course, we had to get a couple of pictures!

Check this out! Sure glad I wasn't asked to do the job. It looks pretty scarry to me! Roofing was done by Olde Style Roofing Co

Jan. 25, 2009 - REALTOR_Tries_Out_For_Up_In_The_Sky

It all started about a month ago when the news about George Clooney coming to St. Louis to star in the film , Up In The Air. The buzz was amazing. They were looking to hire 2000 extras to be in the movie! In addition, some were to be speaking parts but only for members of the union. As you may know, the economy is not so hot now, so this will bring in some mega bucks for the St. Louis area. My mind (and others too, I suspect) was spinning. Why not apply, I wondered? This was an opportunity not to be missed. Add a little excitement to my life! Hours could be long, but it won’t last long either. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

I checked out the web site, mofilm.org and found the form to download and fill out. They also wanted a photo, so I headed for Target to copy a photo taken during the holidays. I proceeded to head for Talent Plus, Inc, located downtown and get the application submitted. Once there, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and handed off the paperwork and photo. The receptionist said they’d been very busy and to check January 16 on the web site again for more information. Finally the day came and more instructions to download the paperwork and add another color photo. Applicants were to head to Crestwood Mall to appear in person for an interview. Specific times were set for Saturday & Sunday and I planned to be there and be early!

The 23rd finally arrived and it was a cold, frigid day but sunny. I headed out and was there by 8:30a.m. The start time was to be 10a.m. When I arrived, I found I was not the only one there and there was a pretty good line of people, both men and women. They were dressed in varied attire. They had specified European clothing and wanted to know acting experience, but it wasn’t required. Some folks brought luggage with them! Around 10:00a.m, we had queued up to the entrance of the interview room and it was my turn. We’d been 5-6 deep and the line went on forever.

You couldn’t see the beginning or the end of the line; there were so many people, and even more coming as I left. The interview was short, as the young woman and I discussed the availability and requirements.

Only 2000 lucky people were to be chosen. As we sat there, I thought of the movie Shrek, in the beginning, where the three little pigs, jump up and down, shouting, “Pick ME, Pick ME”!

We all wanted to be the ones getting picked, but if we didn’t, it was O.K. It was exciting to be a part of the crowd and meeting others standing in line. I met a woman that was originally from Venezuela and now living here, she’d been a stewardess, and her daughter and husband were trying out too! He has cancer and her daughter goes to Webster University and had acting experience. Another young woman was from Shiloh, IL and had a husband and 2 young kids. We all had something in common; we all wanted to be in the movie and see George Clooney, even if it was from a distance! My interview went well, and I handed over my paperwork and went on my way. The crowds had thickened and they had allowed them to wind their way further down the mall so they wouldn’t have to stand in the cold. It was all handled extremely well, and smoothly. The crowd was friendly and waited patiently for their turns.

O.K., George, if you happen to read this I only have this to say, “Pick ME, Pick ME!” They said there were 8000 people that turned in their applications! We may have to wait until April 20th to get a call, but I’m ready when you are, George!