tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post115860793376275536..comments2023-10-02T08:28:06.724-05:00Comments on Ecology of Absence: LRA's Problem With Marketing: It Needs to StartMichael R. Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158870668497849222006-09-21T15:31:00.000-05:002006-09-21T15:31:00.000-05:00The sale list of Class A available LRA properties ...The sale list of Class A available LRA properties is searchable at:<BR/><A HREF="http://stlcin.missouri.org/forsale/" REL="nofollow">http://stlcin.missouri.org/forsale/</A><BR/><BR/>or check the <A HREF="http://stlcin.missouri.org/forsale/getpropertyresults3.cfm" REL="nofollow">full sale list of 4,914 parcels</A>.<BR/><BR/>Most do not have a picture. There's limited staff time and resources to go out taking pictures of properties. I think a lot of that time get focused on pictures of properties on which offers have already been made, for the commission meetings. You can't really expect the volunteer LRA commission members to go and personally visit every single property being sold.<BR/><BR/>Mostly, the featured properties are those in slightly better condition, that can fetch a slightly better price than most of the inventory.<BR/><BR/>Actually, the site is much more extensive and detailed than it was a couple years back. And, the policy of re-entry is after 18 months, not 12 months.<BR/><BR/>I have occasionally seen For Sale signs on LRA properties, but not often. Of course, if it's not "Class A Available" it's not really for sale to the general public. Yes, that's a decision made largely by the alderman.Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14185823164539776639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158802578307102152006-09-20T20:36:00.000-05:002006-09-20T20:36:00.000-05:00Very good ideas, Travis.Very good ideas, Travis.Michael R. Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158790860628970952006-09-20T17:21:00.000-05:002006-09-20T17:21:00.000-05:00I've had this very conversation with a few Alderme...I've had this very conversation with a few Aldermen. My proposal to them was to model the LRA program after the very successful HUD sale program, which is to bring in a REALTOR that markets the properties for a small flat fee to other REALTORs as a competitive commission rate. 50% of prospective home-buyers find their prospective home through their real estate agent, and the best way to get in front of real estate agents is to list the property in the MLS. Also, listing the LRA properties takes the marketing burden off of the LRA employees and places it on the REALTOR, who is then responsible for signs, lock-boxes, and other forms of advertising. Finally, with a portfolio like the LRA holds, REALTORs would be climbing over eachother to win that contract and the LRA could get a very good listing rate. Actively marketing these properties for redevelopment would be a win-win for the communities, the City as a whole, and the developer population.Travis Reemshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17645012159098697594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158773163037524012006-09-20T12:26:00.000-05:002006-09-20T12:26:00.000-05:00Toby,That alderman was Charles Quincy Troupe (1st ...Toby,<BR/><BR/>That alderman was Charles Quincy Troupe (1st Ward). Certainly, people including myself should follow up with him.Michael R. Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158664853995849572006-09-19T06:20:00.000-05:002006-09-19T06:20:00.000-05:00The Missouri Legislature enacted Ch. 92 in 1971, f...The Missouri Legislature enacted Ch. 92 in 1971, followed by the passage of City Ordinance 56054 by the board of aldermen, to establish the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA). The authorizing legislation applied just to Kansas City and the City of St. Louis. The LRA has the authority to receive and dispose of tax delinquent property, for which there are no buyers at the auction of foreclosed properties. Joseph Backers was the first director, followed by Robert Volt, former building commissioner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158634223389055212006-09-18T21:50:00.000-05:002006-09-18T21:50:00.000-05:00Who was the alderman that introduced an LRA reform...Who was the alderman that introduced an LRA reform in February of 2005? Follow-up on that would be a start.<BR/><BR/>Also, in 2003, me and a friend gathered the LRA available-properties list, and had to physically drive to each of the addresses to see what was being offered. And some of the addresses were WRONG (surprised?).<BR/><BR/>The ideas you suggest are logical. That the city doesn't pursue this does suggest some kind of "conspiracy" to not sell these properties to private individuals. <BR/><BR/>Also, I personally know of a couple who DID purchase an LRA property on the North Side, and began the arduous process of rehabbing it, at their own expense. But they fell short of the year deadline per LRA guidelines. These guidelines are unrealistic for private individuals, as anyone who's ever rehabbed knows a year is NOTHING in the life of re-birthing a neglected building.<BR/><BR/>Which, again, suggests an official "conspiracy" against private individuals buying these properties.<BR/><BR/>Weren't these LRA guidelines put in place in the early 1970s? If so, they are loooong overdue for an overhaul. It comes down to the LRA coming clean about their intent for these properties. And if they only want development businesses to utilize these properties, then SAY SO. Re-work the guidelines, be clear what you want.<BR/><BR/>It's definitely worth stirring up some dirt to see what "they" say, when backed into a corner.tobyweiss.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08546216965492818263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-1158618026602618692006-09-18T17:20:00.000-05:002006-09-18T17:20:00.000-05:00It’s nice to see dialogue on this issue. This is ...It’s nice to see dialogue on this issue. This is probably one of the most important issues in St. Louis as these historical buildings are rotting and no one seems to be doing anything. St. Louis is its own worst enemy and your proposed changes are definitely common-sense approaches which seem to escape the LRA. Who would have ever though that "For Sale" signs are a good way to sell property? Who would have though that having a picture online would also help sell property? One could say that <B>not</B> having these basic marketing tools is either a complete failure due to rampant stupidity or the indication of an unwillingness to sell. Either way something needs to be done, now. These properties could create a huge turnaround for St. Louis in terms of tax revenue and economic development.Doug Duckworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15684467055184767166noreply@blogger.com