Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle with Bryan Vogt

By Bryan VogtBusiness Investing

Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle with Bryan Vogt episodes

January 18, 2021 A must watch if you're PCS’ing to Scott Airforce Base
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/a-must-watch-if-youre-pcsing-to-scott-airforce-base/
Hi everyone! If you are PCS’ing to Scott Air Force Base, congratulations and welcome! You are going to love it here! And that’s not just my opinion, that is the opinion of the hundreds and hundreds of military buyers I have had the good fortune to work with over the years. I also want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. I also want to deeply thank, the often-unsung heroes. The wives and spouses. Who in most cases bears the brunt of the move! Why is this area such a great place to live? Having lived here all my life let me highlight just a few of the amazing features this area has to offer for our service members and families. Your ten minutes away from everything! And I do mean everything! Whether you want to jump across the river to catch a Cardinal or Blues game. Watch a Broadway play at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Take the kids to Grants Farm, Botanical garden, or to our awarding winning St. Louis Zoo. Or maybe go up in that little thing we call the Gateway to the west. The Arch Of course, there is so much else to see and do around the Metro-east that you will love! Fabulous bars & restaurants! Amazing nightlife! Award-winning schools! Parades, yes, we really love our parades around here! Plenty of outdoor actives including boating and fishing! Our drive-ins And much much more including our famous Mid- Western hospitality! But it all starts with a fun and informative buying experience. And that’s why I want to offer you three valuable tips when it comes to selecting your agent for the big move!
1. That your agent makes sure they have your Proof of funding letter and your VA eligibility too! Over the years we have been experiencing a hot market and unfortunately, I have heard of a few military buyers where their agent didn’t inform them of the need for them to have a letter when they put their offer in. And their offer was practically dead-on-arrival! I am happy to say they were able to get another nice home. Just not their first pic!
2. The agent’s knowledge of the area. Not just the amazing features I mentioned earlier but knowing what is considered the better schools in the area. Plus knowing what cities and towns tend to have a higher resale value than others so when it’s time to sell. You can put more money in your pocket. And who doesn’t want that!
3. Make sure your agent is willing to lock in the time you want! And be specific. If you want to look at homes from Friday to Sunday from 9 am till noon each day. Make sure they put that on their calendar! It’s rare, but I have heard of a few military buyers that found their agent wasn’t available to meet their needs after they had already arrived here! Yikes! The good news even though there were some tense hours, the buyers were able to eventually buy a home I’m happy to say! By following these simple tips in looking for an agent! You should have a great experience in purchasing your new home! Again, I want to welcome you to Scott Air Force Base! Whether you’re here for a short time or forever! You will glad you came! Know of anyone PCS’ing to Scott. Please have them drop me a line. It would be my pleasure to work with them! To make sure you don’t miss another episode make sure you hit the subscribe button. And ring the bell! Until the next episode! Make it a great day!
5 min
January 11, 2021 What are the three top reasons to live in O’Fallon?
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/what-are-the-three-top-reasons-to-live-in-ofallon-2/
Hi everyone! One of my favorite cities in the entire metro-east is O’Fallon Illinois! Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it. In a recent study, O’Fallon ranked in the top 15 best cities to live in. in the entire state That’s impressive when you consider they are going up against the great state of Chicago too!
There are tons of great reasons to live in O’Fallon but for the sake of time I narrowed it down to these top three! Let’s dive in!
1. O’Fallon schools, I don’t know of any parent that doesn’t want the best schools for their children. And O’Fallon has that in spades.
The high school alone was recently ranked in the top 100 in the state and if you excluded Chicago. I have no doubt they would be ranked in the top ten if not higher.
The grade schools in O’Fallon are also considered some of the best in the area too!. They consistently receive high marks and awards year after year after year! And because of how great the school system is in the city. Most sellers tend to get a much better resale value when it comes time to sell!

2 The vast selection of Executive homes in some of the most beautiful subdivisions in the area that families have to choose from. Such as
Savannah Hills
Windsor Creek
HearthStone
Just to name a few!
Of course, if you are looking for the very high-end luxury home living O’Fallon has you covered there too!
Crown Pointe
Bethel Ridge Farms
Reserves of Timber Ridge
Plus many more. I have had the good fortune to help countless families move into these subdivisions and if you know of anyone looking to buy in O’Fallon please have them drop me a line. I would be glad to help them too!

3 Scott Air Force base! It's just five minutes away from your doorstep to your office! Making it a go-to place to live for the military and all the civil servants, contractors, and the thousands of their jobs on the base. Fun fact. Scott Air Force Base is the largest employer in southwestern Illinois and the base has an annual economic impact of over $3 billion with a B dollars, according to the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois.

These are my three top reasons buyers flock to the City of O’Fallon. But there
The Parks
The restaurants and café
The shopping
The Bars and Nightlife
Just to name a few more reasons
To avoid missing a single episode. Hit the subscribe button and ring the bell.
Until the next episode. Make it a great day!
4 min
January 04, 2021 Want to have great success in the New Year? Here's how!
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/want-to-have-great-success-in-the-new-year-heres-how/
Happy New Year everyone! 2020 is finally over! So, do you want to have a successful 2021? What I am about to share is what thousands upon thousands of people thru out the entire St Louis Metro east do every new year. To have a great year. In fact, they pass it down to generation after generation so they can have success also!
What is it? It’s the type of food they eat on New Year’s Day or shortly thereafter. And they all swear that it works.
So, let’s begin!
1.Hoppin Johns or what most people refer to as Black-eyed peas.
Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day has been considered good luck for hundreds, if not thousands of years. A tradition that was started by the Egyptians.
Pea’ didn’t come to America until the 1700s but weren’t considered lucky until the Civil War.
According to common folklore, the Union Army pillaged the Confederates' food supplies but left the peas and pork, believing they were food for the animals and not for human consumption. The Southern soldiers thus felt lucky to have these supplies to get them through the cold winter.
Another Southern tradition states, that black-eyed peas are a symbol of emancipation for previously enslaved African Americans, who were officially freed on New Year's Day after the Civil War.
In either case.
To get the full effect of the peas you need to eat at least 365 of them at one sitting. So that you have abundance and luck for every day of the new year!
2.Greens Making dishes using green, leafy vegetables will ensure good fortune for the coming year. Greens include boiled cabbage or sauerkraut, collard greens, kale, chard, mustard greens, and turnip greens.
The reason greens were considered good luck is that they were thought to resemble money, specifically folded money. Not sure if I see that.
Many people also include Cornbread with their greens since the colonels in it, are said to represent golden coins. So, if you want to triple your chance of success this year you might just want to have all three for a meal! Greens, Black-eyed peas, and cornbread!
3.Herring This tradition comes from Germany, and it was brought here by German immigrants. And if you know anything about the area. You know there is still a strong German heritage here! Making it extremely popular to eat on New Year’s.
Since herring were in abundance throughout Western Europe. It is believed those who eat them on New Year’s will have an abundant year! Also, their silvery color resembles that of coins, a good omen for future fortune
Pickled Herring is what my parents insisted, or I should say demanded I eat every New Year’s as far back as I can remember to ensure my success Which wasn’t always what I had in mind to munch on after a long night New Year's Eve.
So, which one of these food items do you eat to bring in the new year? Please feel free to comment down below!
Do you have a food that your family eats to have good fortune for the new year that I didn’t mention? I Would love for you to share it in the comment box down below.
Also, to avoid missing a single episode. Hit the subscribe button and ring the bell.
Until the next episode. Make it a great day!
5 min
December 28, 2020 What are the 5 Reasons to Truly Appreciate 2020!!
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/what-are-the-5-reasons-to-truly-appreciate-2020/
What are the 5 Reasons to Truly Appreciate 2020!!
Stay tuned and I will tell you!

Hi Everyone! Happy Holidays! Twenty-twenty has been a crazy year filled with many ups and downs. With all of us being affected in one way or another. However, I am a firm believer that you can find the good in anything if you take the time to look for it.
Here are the five reasons to truly appreciate 2020!
#1 Technology
Most businesses have already been aware of Zoom for meeting with their teams and clients. However now the general public is using this technology to connect with friends and loved ones whether they live hundreds of miles away or just across town!
And as a bonus of using Zoom this holiday season, many people found they were able to limit their time with everyone’s favorite crazy Uncle that tells the same lame jokes every year. Year…. after year…. after year
#2. Children understand that tablets are not just to play next Assassin Brotherhood or Rouge or whatever is currently on the market this year.
But they also can be an amazing learning tool That can expand their knowledge of the world they live in!
#3. Toilet Paper
. People now appreciate the fact that you can never…never have too much toilet paper in your house! Paper towels and napkins just aren’t the same. Trust me on that one!
#4. A much stronger appreciation of teachers and schools and the vital role they play for our children’s education.
I know many a parent. Mostly moms, that have noticed a sudden graying and loss of hair while helping little Johnny or Mary with their classwork. And even though I don’t this for a fact. I am willing to bet! Because of mom’s devotion to helping their children. That the wine industry will have a record year this year!
#5. That 2020 is nearly over! Done kaput! Never to return ever again! Melting away in the sands of time forever! Yes!
With that said that means that 2021 is fast approaching. And yes we still may have some challenges to overcome in the near future. I have no doubt that this coming year is going to be a fantastic year for everyone in St. Louis/Metro East area!
To avoid missing a single episode Please click on the subscribe button and ring the bell!
Until the next episode!
From my family to yours. Wishing you the happiest of New Years! And may the new year bring you all more fun, joy, and abundance than any year in the past has ever brought you!
Happy 2021!
5 min
December 21, 2020 Where should you go for amazing Christmas light displays in the Metro east?
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/where-should-you-go-for-amazing-christmas-light-displays-in-the-metro-east/
Where should you go for amazing Christmas light displays in the Metro east?

Happy Holidays everyone! Where should you go to see amazing Christmas light displays in the Metro east! Stayed tuned and I will tell you!

Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for joining me! We are in the middle of the Holiday Season and I don’t know what better way to celebrate the holidays than by driving to see some phenomenal Christmas Lights. And here in the metro east we have some amazing ones! Here are my top three!
#1 Winter Wonderland at Gateway racetrack located right off interstate 70 in Madison Illinois. Is truly a must see on your holiday schedule.
It has the traditions of Christmas with an amazing light show with over one million lights that are all set to holiday music that you listen from in the convenience of your car! It is a sight to be seen.
With its floating snowflakes
Shooting stars
Giant dancing trees and five immersion tunnels filled with lights from every color of the rainbow. It is sure to dazzle the young and old!
A note be prepared for a wait to see this incredible display, but the wait is WELL worth it.

#2 Way of lights at Our Lady of the Snows located right off route fifteen in Belleville Illinois
It has been dazzling adults and kids for over fifty years! It has been said it started when they were trying to figure out how to keep the grounds people busy during the winter and they came up with the idea of stringing 25 strands of lights in the bushes.
Those twenty-five strands of lights has grown to over a million sparkling lights and it has become a Christmas tradition for everyone in the St. Louis and metro east region to see every year!
Even though this year they don’t have everything open as in the past given the climate, we are in. They still have plenty of things to do to keep everyone entertained
Like the horse drawn carriage rides and the petting zoo just to name of few of the fun activities that families can do!

#3. Belleville Public Square located in downtown Belleville Where the exchange Club has been doing and amazing job with the display for years! The Christmas display on the square has always held a special place in my heart.
Years ago, when I was a Jaycee, every Christmas season we would rent huge buses and take hundred and hundreds of nursing home residents Especially the ones with no family and friends. To the Way of Lights and then host a party for them where the big guy himself. Santa would make his appearance. A truly special time.
However even though it wasn’t on the list of sites to see I always was able to convince the bus driver to go around the square where I can still remember the oohs and ahs of all the residence as they saw the nativity scene. Great memories!

Do you have another Christmas display that you love? Please drop them in the comments below I would love to hear them!
To a void missing a single episode Please click on the subscribe button and ring the bell!
Until next episode!
From my family to yours Have a very Merry Christmas!
5 min
November 30, 2020 Are we at the top of the housing market right now?
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/are-we-at-the-top-of-the-housing-market-right-now/
Hi everyone!
Great news! The market has been great for sellers so for this year but as of right now it is simply on fire! Does that mean we are at the top of the market then? Before I answer that, let’s talk about the single number one reason that is driving this incredible market! A severe, and I do mean severe, lack of inventory of homes coming to the marketplace. Just the other day while looking at the MLS where we would normally have thirty, forty, or even fifty homes come onto the market! Only three came on the market that day! That is what? Ten times or even close to twenty times less than normal this time of year! Of course, buyers are also wanting to take advantage of the historic interest rates, where many buyers can save thousands and thousands of dollars over the course of their loan! As a result. First time home sellers or having phenomenal success! But in my professional opinion, the owners of executive homes are blowing it out of the water! To name a few examples I recently sold an executive home that would have normally sold in the two hundred and eighty thousand price range but instead sold close to the three hundred twenty’ thousand! Another house that would have sold for about two hundred and twenty-five thousand or so earlier this year got close to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Of course, they had to have the right marketing to highlight all their house had to offer along with some staging too. But that is some serious money that is going into sellers’ pockets! Another great cost and time benefit that sellers are experiencing with so little competition. Is not having to upgrade their appliances, replace their flooring, or having to do major painting projects which will be likely the case when the spring market starts because of the amount of competition sellers will face.
So, are we at the top of the market? Nothing is 100% but yes, we are at the top of the market. And that is not just my professional opinion! I know of countless sellers, many that I have worked with, who have sold in this amazing market with the plan of renting for six months to a year. Banking on the fact of all the competition that will be out there in the spring and summer markets and buying then at a lower price! Thereby having the best of both worlds. Selling at the very height of the market and buying at a lower price later on!
For these reasons is why now is the time to get top dollar for your house. Give me a call or text on my private number at 618-210-2451. So we can have a conversation on how you can take advantage of this unbelievable market! To avoid missing a single episode Please click on the subscribe button and ring the bell!
Until the next episode! Make it a great day!
5 min
November 20, 2020 Where are the Top 7 places you can get a delicious Thanksgiving meal to go?
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/where-are-the-top-7-places-you-can-get-a-delicious-thanksgiving-meal-to-go/
Hi everyone. 2020 has been a crazy year but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic Thanksgiving feast to go!
Either by picking it up or having it delivered to your door! I know of a lot of people who normally cook their own thanksgiving dinner. But with all the ups and downs this year has brought. They have decided this year to taking a load off themselves and are having thanksgiving dinner delivered!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! Not just because of the amazing food. But it’s the one day of the year that our entire country can give thanks to all we have! Not only for this great country we live in. But our family and friends and all the blessing we enjoy.
With that. Here are seven amazing places you can have a fabulous Turkey dinner to go
However, and this is especially important. If you want to have your turkey dinner and the fixings ready for Thanksgiving Day. You will want to order today or tomorrow at the very latest to ensure your order is ready for the big day! Also, there are links to all the restaurants and locations at the very bottom of this page so you can easily do that.
1. Crackle Barrel Located thru out the St Louis and Metro east It is a favorite of mine all year long Not only do they have all the fixings that you will want but they also have sugar cured ham to boot!
2. Eckert’s Family Restaurant They are a local treasure for the entire area. And this year, as with every year they will have you covered with a spectacular meal!
3. Bob Evens They have a wide variety of sides that sure to please all the family members! And have locations everywhere!
4. Sugar Fire For those wanting something a little different this Thanksgiving. They have will have a smoked turkey with a more BBQ flare for their sides. Which I have no doubt will be delicious!
5. Gallagher’s Located in Waterloo. Is a local favorite for everyone thru out the year and this year there Thanksgiving feast will be sure to please!
6. Whole Foods They have tons of different sides to choose from along with an amazing turkey to boot!
7. And finally Schnucks Grocery stores. They have tons of locations thru out the entire St Louis and metro east area and also are able feed small or larger gatherings.
With this list I am sure you will be able to find a Thanksgiving dinner fit for a King or a Queen. Whether for just the two of you or more. All these locations will be able to fit the bill!
To avoid missing a single episode. Please click the Subscribe button and Ring the Bell.
Until the next episode…
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
www.crackebarrel.com
www.eckerts.com
www.bobevens.com
www.bobevans.com
www.sugarfiresmokehouse.com
www.gallagherswaterloo.com
www.wholefoods.com
www.schnucks.com
4 min
November 06, 2020 What is Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle?
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/what-is-living-the-st-louis-metro-east-lifestyle-2/
Hi Everyone! I’m Bryan Vogt and welcome to Living the St. Louis Metro East lifestyle!
Growing up in the St Louis area I know a good thing! That’s why I have lived here all my life!
I am a graduate of Belleville East High School and then went onto attend BAC College better known now as SWIC!
I learned about hard work from my father who owned the local Waste Collection company.
I love attending Cardinals and Blues games whenever possible. And I along with my entire family was fortunate to be in the stands when the Cardinals won the 2006 World Series! That was utterly amazing!
Along with watching the Blues make their storybook drive to win their first-ever Stanley Cup!
As an adult, I am proud to say I raised my family here and they all still live in the area. Along with my sister and mom!
I eventually bought my dad’s company and built it up until Waste Management bought it for top dollar.
In 2002 I decided to become a professional realtor and now I spend my time helping others move here and build a life for their families
Over the years I have seen amazing changes to the area that makes this one of the best places to live, not just in the Midwest, but the entire country!
That’s why I decided to create this podcast. To showcase the absolute best that the St. Louis/ Metro East has to offer.
From our award-winning schools,
Fine dining
Home to one of the largest military bases in the country
Our Historical homes
Premier subdivisions
Incredible Parks
Amazing Restaurants
The unbelievable Night Life
The one-of-a-kind specialty foods we offer
I’ll also be interviewing State, County and local leaders, not to mention a few celebrities and other movers and shakers in the community
And that is literally just the tip of the Ketchup Bottle! Which happens to be the largest one in the world!
I didn’t even mention
Our drive-ins
The water parks
The sightseeing opportunities
Our incredible festivals and parades
The fourth of July Celebrations
Scott air force day
And other fantastic family events!
Plus, much much more!
My goal is for you to have as much fun watching and learning about the St. Louis Metro East lifestyle from each episode as I will have to bring them to you!
Until the next episode! Make a great day!!!
4 min
October 26, 2020 What is Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle?
View the Video version of this Episode at: https://www.bryanvogt.com/what-is-living-the-st-louis-metro-east-lifestyle/
Hi Everyone! I’m Bryan Vogt and welcome to Living the St. Louis Metro East lifestyle!
Growing up in the St Louis area I know a good thing! That’s why I have lived here all my life!
I am a graduate of Belleville East High School and then went onto attend BAC College better known now as SWIC!
I learned about hard work from my father who owned the local Waste Collection company.
I love attending Cardinals and Blues games whenever possible. And I along with my entire family was fortunate to be in the stands when the Cardinals won the 2006 World Series! That was utterly amazing!
Along with watching the Blues make their storybook drive to win their first-ever Stanley Cup!
As an adult, I am proud to say I raised my family here and they all still live in the area. Along with my sister and mom!
I eventually bought my dad’s company and built it up until Waste Management bought it for top dollar.
In 2002 I decided to become a professional realtor and now I spend my time helping others move here and build a life for their families
Over the years I have seen amazing changes to the area that makes this one of the best places to live, not just in the Midwest, but the entire country!
That’s why I decided to create this podcast. To showcase the absolute best that the St. Louis/ Metro East has to offer.
From our award-winning schools,
Fine dining
Home to one of the largest military bases in the country
Our Historical homes
Premier subdivisions
Incredible Parks
Amazing Restaurants
The unbelievable Night Life
The one-of-a-kind specialty foods we offer
I’ll also be interviewing State, County and local leaders, not to mention a few celebrities and other movers and shakers in the community
And that is literally just the tip of the Ketchup Bottle! Which happens to be the largest one in the world!
I didn’t even mention
Our drive-ins
The water parks
The sightseeing opportunities
Our incredible festivals and parades
The fourth of July Celebrations
Scott air force day
And other fantastic family events!
Plus, much much more!
My goal is for you to have as much fun watching and learning about the St. Louis Metro East lifestyle from each episode as I will have to bring them to you!
Until the next episode! Make a great day!!!
4 min
October 07, 2020 What are three amazing golf courses in the Metro East?
Hi everyone! Thanks for joining me today!
The Orchards golf club in an amazing course to play! It’s a terrific course. I have played it many times. The fairways are in great shape along with the greens! It’s a great golf course. And it’s located in the city limits of Belleville.
The staff is amazing, and it has everything a golfer would want. A pro shop and bar. Along with a great dining area!
They also have amazing homes surrounding the entire golf course.
What is so great about the course is that it’s a challenge for the low handicappers, but it is also great for those golfers that aren’t. Which is me many times during a round!
If you haven’t played the Orchards,
Then do yourself a favor and book a round today!
Next is the Stone wolf golf course!
I am at Stonewolf golf course and I love this course. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus and you better bring you’re A-game! The greens and fairways are emasculate. The staff is phenomenal, and the golf course has a huge pro shop along with a beautiful bar and dining area. This course has it all!
If you haven’t been to this golf course, then what or you are waiting for!
Next we're going to Far Oaks Golf Course in Caseyville!
Were at Far Oaks Golf Course and I love this golf course! It’s a challenging golf course but a fair one. The greens and fairways are in great shape It’s absolutely beautiful all year round
The staff is wonderful, and I can tell you the log cabin clubhouse is one of kind! The homes that surround this course are amazing. It’s a great place to live and golf
This a course you want to come out and play. If you have then you know how good of a golf course, it is!
These are my top 3 golf courses in St. Clair County. I know the metro-east is a big area filled with great golf courses thru-out Madison & Monroe counties along with others. But these are my top ones for St. Clair County.
Maybe you have a different choice? If you do I would love it if you would drop it in the comments below.
If you know of anyone wanting to live in any one of these golfing communities. I would love to help them out!
Until next time! Make it a great day!
5 min

About Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle with Bryan Vogt

From the publisher's feed

Bryan Vogt is a lifelong resident of the Metro East Illinois communities of St. Louis. As a licensed real estate broker for almost two decades, Bryan has seen and heard it all and now his book “Ready,…

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Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle with Bryan Vogt

Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle with Bryan Vogt episodes

About Living the St. Louis Metro East Lifestyle with Bryan Vogt