St Louis Real Estate Search

“Do we REALLY Need Title Insurance?”

This is a question we get occasionally when home buyers are starting to add up the different costs involved in buying a new home.  Almost always, when they understand what it is, they buy a title policy.   

What we often times call the ‘title company’ is a combination of a notary service, a private, remote, recorder of deeds, a transaction closing service, and an insurance agency (ours has snacks and refreshments too :-).   

Being an insurance agency is really their business, since the other things they do are largely incidental.  The insurance offered known as title insurance covers the home buyer for anything that can happen BEFORE the sale that might affect the ownership of the home after closing.  

Most home buyer's would be at a loss to figure out what types of problems could exist, believing that all the paperwork they sign at closing PROVES their ownership.   If only it could be so simple.   

These are the top items that can cause problems for a homeowner:

1.  Mechanics Liens -- any contractors not paid for work have a period of time to file a lien on the property if they aren't properly paid.  One would think that the expense would follow the name of the person ordering the work, but in the law, the lien is placed on the property, regardless of who ordered the work.

2.  Unresolved Wills or Heirs  -- if in the past, your home was owned by a decedent, and a will was discovered after death, or an heir to the property was somehow missed in the process of transferring the home ownership, you may be in for an unexpected legal challenge.   Unfortunately its not something that get's resolved with a phone call.  

3.  Survey Issues -- purchasing a survey when you buy doesn't guarantee that other properties or encroachments don't exist.  Boundary disputes can occur.   

4.  Unknown Liens -- judgements, old mortgages, and other types of liens can be found, sometimes years after a sale takes place.   

5.  Forgeries & Errors -- Public record documents are subject to error, and even worse, forgery.   

6.  Undisclosed encumberances  -- if someone has certain rights to your property that weren't disclosed, this can be a problem.

 

While most of these issues may be able to be resolved, having the time, money and 'know how' to do it yourself could be a mess.  Knowing you have the backing and protection of a financially rated insurance company allows the home buyer the peace of mind and protection of knowing that once they make a purchase, their ownership will be protected.  

Estate Homes in St. Louis

$1,970,000
4 Beds ⋅ 8 Baths ⋅ 22070468 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
This SPECTACULAR Dalhousie Estate, nestled on a large private lot, offers a backdrop of scenic views all year long. The architectural features of this exquisite home were designed by nationally recognized architect, John Scholz, and decor design added by the late, Al Phillips. The European design is evident in the expansive entry and breathtaking custom spiral staircase. It is unimaginable what it would cost to build this home today! An Eye catching 24-foot majestic ceilings with two balconies overlooking the great room and family room, wood and marble detail throughout, expansive windows, and so many more custom features that we have attached a list!! Each and every room in this home has unique custom detail. A super cool theatre room, a "Fort Knox" safe room that runs the length of the attached three-car attached garage with its own air source and ability to lock up from the inside, an additional two- car garage with a beautiful porte-cochere.... It's clear that THIS HOME IS SPECIAL!

5651 Dalhousie Drive, Cape Girardeau
$15,000,000
5 Beds ⋅ 10 Baths ⋅ 22067924 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT Status
This French inspired estate rests on 7.5 acres, with breathtaking tree-lined views. In perfect harmony with its surroundings, the property unites the main residence, pool complex, private lake, guest housing and auto courts. A dramatic sweeping stair rotunda is the centerpiece in the primary home, opening to awe-inspring gathering spaces. Every room is a feast for the eyes with distinctive blends of vaulted ceilings, exquisite millwork, and expansive windows. Featured amenities are chef kitchens, 5 bedroom suites, conservatory, wine cellar, a saloon, game rooms, a health & fitness spa, a theatre, an elevator, an auto showroom, home automation and security. Outside is a private sanctuary with tiered terraces, an infinity pool/spa with a swim-up bar & slide, waterfalls, a sports court, lake, 2 apartments, and a pool house. Paved drives and cart paths lead you through the magical grounds. This enchanting estate is a once in a lifetime offering!

1705 N Woodlawn Avenue, St Louis
$1,199,994
5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 22056655 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
WOW this is an incredible property! This is a showstopper of a house on 17+/- beautiful acres with an approximate 1 +/- acre stocked pond with fountain. The owners have recently added new carpet, freshly painted walls, added security cameras and updated many more small details to add even greater beauty and quality to an already stunning home. The lower level has complete kitchen area to make a total independent living area. There is a large separate brick garage, RV garage with office area and entertaining/shop area with 1/2 bath. The property has been beautifully re- landscaped with a fabulous, gated entrance and specialty fencing. There are so many updated and incredible features in this house that you forget that you are in a beautiful and fun small town surrounding known for all of its outside recreational activities. This property has every AWE factor that there could possibly be. Wood floors, special cabinets, Anderson Windows, etc. etc.

141 W Hickory Ridge Road, Steelville
$2,400,000
6 Beds ⋅ 8 Baths ⋅ 22052469 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Tastefully designed country estate situated on 17.35 acres within 45 min of St. Louis. This craftsman style home offers nearly 11,000 sq ft of custom details that are not often found. Features include: fascinating entry into the main living area w/ full stone fireplace and expansive windows - large master suite w/ vaulted & turret ceiling, onyx walk in shower, and custom closets (w/mini fridge), 2 main kitchens, butler's pantry, and outdoor kitchen (all w/ solid surface counters), 6 bedrooms/8 bathrooms, executive style offices, custom woodwork, all closets custom designed by NewSpace, 2021 Sonos system installed inside and out, full bar in lower level, projector screen for movie night, safe room. The lower level walks out to the in-ground pool, covered patio with outdoor kitchen, stone fire pit with pizza oven. The main floor walks out to an ipe (brazilian walnut) deck that overlooks the pool. The 3 car garage is heated w/ dog wash area. This entire home is backed by a generator.

702 Seiler Road, Alton
$1,199,994
5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 22046080 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
WOW this is an incredible property! This is a showstopper of a house on 17+/- beautiful acres with an approximate 1 +/- acre stocked pond with fountain. The owners have recently added new carpet, freshly painted walls, added security cameras and updated many more small details to add even greater beauty and quality to an already stunning home. The lower level has complete kitchen area to make a total independent living area. There is a large separate brick garage, RV garage with office area and entertaining/shop area with 1/2 bath. The property has been beautifully re- landscaped with a fabulous, gated entrance and specialty fencing. There are so many updated and incredible features in this house that you forget that you are in a beautiful and fun small town surrounding known for all of its outside recreational activities. This property has every AWE factor that there could possibly be. Wood floors, special cabinets, Anderson Windows, etc. etc.

141 W Hickory Ridge Road, Steelville
$1,100,000
6 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 22039953 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
ICONIC, ONE-OF-A-KIND architectural masterpiece! This John Boardman design, woven together with stylish owner-added features, exemplifies beauty and historic detail that will excite and amaze! The fabulous double door entry with raised marble floors provides a vision of the majestic, suspended staircase. Turn to the left and enter the grand dining room with beautiful lighted cabinetry. To the right enter an enormous living area that boasts 20 ft. ceilings, a custom fireplace and a unique disappearing door that, with a push of a button, expands for even more entertaining area. Glance directly through the entry and capture the view of the inviting 18X48 ft. indoor pool with a partially retractable roof. The list of unique features of this home just goes on and on! AND don't forget the 11+ acres that includes a lovely, manicured lawn and landscaped gardens! This property could potentially be rezoned to commercial for a unique venue or remain a private, residential haven!

117 Edgewood Drive, Cape Girardeau
$1,849,000
7 Beds ⋅ 9 Baths ⋅ 22034570 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Custom-built 10,954 sq ft Georgian Colonial situated on a spectacular 11-acre lot overlooking the Meramec River valley. Impressive 2-sty marble foyer highlighted by dual floating staircases leads to coffered living & dining rooms with marble fireplaces & spacious great room with wet bar, limestone fireplace & French doors that open to flagstone terrace. Exceptionally large kitchen with cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, premium appliances, 8’ center island & butler’s pantry adjoins light-filled breakfast room & octagonal gathering room with wide bay window. Barrel-vaulted master bedroom suite radiates warmth with a marble fireplace, His & Hers walk-in closets, luxury bath with jetted tub & private deck. Front & rear staircases access 4 additional ensuite bedrooms, office, sitting room & laundry plus 3rd level bonus room with kitchen & full bath. Walk-out Lower Level includes recreation room with full-height fireplace & wet bar, game room, media room, family room, office & ½ bath.

17304 Hidden Valley Drive, Wildwood
$1,600,000
5 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 21063851 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
As seen on Fox's reality TV show, "American Dream Home", elegance and excellence are a few of the many adjectives that describe this one-of-a-kind property in Franklin County. This estate will bestow you with all the amenities your heart desires. From the stocked lake, to the in ground pool, down to the theatre and ample outdoor seating areas, you'll be sure to indulge in all of life's pleasures. Sitting on over 5+ acres, this unique oasis has over 9000+ square foot of living space with 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. Wake up in an unprecedented master suite with an oversized bathroom, including a sitting area, and multiple closets and toilets. Accessibility is key in this home with two separate laundry rooms on the main floor and upstairs, convenience of entry through the back patio, and a four car, oversized garage to fit all of your toys. Round out this beautiful paradise with multiple wet bars, three fireplaces and butler pantries for any entertainment occasion.

19 Lakeside, Washington
$14,900,000
7 Beds ⋅ 13 Baths ⋅ 21027381 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status
Newly refreshed price! This one of a kind English Country Estate feels worlds away but is in easy proximity to St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Spirit of St. Louis Business Aviation Center. Embrace over 20,000 sq. ft. of “Luxury Meant to be Lived In” built to suit multigenerational families with room for all. The 40+ acres (up to 130 available) include stables, sports field, playground, Ferris wheel, event/sports venue, raised bed gardens, & a resort worthy pool with racing slides, swim up bar, lazy river, waterfall covered grotto, dive board, and zero edge entry. The warm interior boast radius moldings, 8 masonry fireplaces, private chapel, 2 primary suites, 2-story study/library, and the exterior is full masonry. The lower level is unbelievable with bowling lanes, expansive bar, theatre, dance floor, conference room, dual changing rooms/showers for pool, and unending fun! Finally, you can have safety, security, family space & entertainment that will span decades.

7 Hillside Court, Wentzville