Steve Lirette

1. Get Pre-Approved Early Know your budget and have your financing ready before you start shopping. It makes your offer stronger and saves time. 2. Don’t Just Buy the House—Buy the Location Think long-term about commute, schools, resale value, and neighborhood feel. A great house in the wrong spot won’t feel like home. 3. Stick to Your Budget It’s easy to fall in love with homes just outside your price range. Stay focused on what you can comfortably afford. 4. Think Beyond the Listing Photos Photos can hide flaws or oversell features. Always see the home in person and look past the décor to the bones of the house. 5. Don’t Skip the Inspection Even if it’s competitive, protect yourself with a thorough inspection so you know exactly what you’re buying. 6. Be Ready to Act Fast In today’s market, good homes move quickly. If you love it, don’t hesitate to put in a strong, clean offer. 7. Lean on Your Agent Your Realtor is your advocate. Ask questions, trust the process, and let us handle the negotiations and details so you can focus on finding the right home.

1. Price It Right From the Start Overpricing can scare buyers away and lead to sitting on the market. A competitive price often brings more interest and stronger offers. 2. First Impressions Matter Curb appeal sets the tone. Fresh landscaping, clean walkways, and a tidy front entry make buyers excited to step inside. 3. Declutter & Depersonalize Buyers need to picture themselves living there. Minimize personal items, clear countertops, and open up the space. 4. Handle Repairs Upfront Fixing small issues now can prevent them from becoming deal-breakers later. Even fresh paint or updated hardware makes a big impact. 5. Stage to Shine Well-staged homes (even just rearranging furniture) highlight your home’s best features and help buyers connect emotionally. 6. Be Flexible with Showings The more available your home is to view, the more opportunities you’ll have for offers. 7. Trust Your Realtor Lean on your agent for market knowledge, marketing strategies, and negotiation skills. Our job is to get you top dollar with less stress.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of buyers and sellers, including: First-Time Homebuyers – Guiding them step-by-step through the process so they feel confident in their first big investment. Growing Families – Helping families upsize into homes that fit their changing needs. Sellers Downsizing – Assisting homeowners ready to simplify life and move into something more manageable. Military & Veteran Families – Using our Air Force background to connect with and serve those who’ve served. Out-of-Town Buyers – Supporting clients relocating to Missouri and making the process smooth from a distance. Investors – Helping investors identify solid opportunities in residential and multi-family properties. At the end of the day, whether it’s your first home, forever home, or an investment, our goal is the same: make the process easy, stress-free, and successful.

A recent buyer transaction that stands out involved a property with a lot of land, which made the financing process tricky. On top of that, the buyer’s funds were coming from multiple sources, so the lender required extra documentation and verification every step of the way. There were moments when it looked like the deal might fall apart, but we stayed proactive, communicating daily with the lender, coordinating paperwork, and keeping the buyer encouraged through the delays. We also worked closely with the seller’s agent to keep everyone patient and on the same page. In the end, persistence paid off. After weeks of back-and-forth, we secured final loan approval and closed successfully. The buyer was overjoyed to finally own their dream property, and for us, it was rewarding to know that our determination and advocacy made the difference.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, my wife and I each took different paths before real estate. I went on to spend over 30 years in the corporate telecommunications industry, while my wife dedicated herself to homeschooling our children, who are now all grown. When it came time for a new chapter, real estate was a natural fit for both of us. For me, it was a chance to do something different after decades in a high-demand corporate environment, while still using my problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. For my wife, real estate provided the flexible schedule she needed as she transitioned from homeschooling into a new career. Eight years later, we’re proud to be working together as a husband-and-wife team, helping families buy and sell homes across Franklin County, Jefferson County, and St. Louis County. It’s more than a career, it’s our way of serving the community and making a difference in people’s lives.

A unique mix of education, training, and real-world experience that directly benefits our clients. Military Service (U.S. Air Force) that taught us discipline, attention to detail, and how to stay calm under pressure. Corporate Telecommunications (30+ Years): My background in operations and leadership sharpened my communication, problem-solving, and project management skills, which I now use to keep transactions organized and running smoothly. Real Estate Training & Experience: With 8 years in the industry, I stay current on contracts, market trends, and continuing education to ensure our clients are always getting the best advice and representation. Together, this blend of structured corporate training, life experience, and professional real estate education allows us to guide our clients with confidence, clarity, and a true team approach.