St Louis Real Estate News - Daily St. Louis real estate news, market analysis, home prices, and mortgage rate updates from local industry professionals.

St. Louis Homes Sell in 21 Days Median, but Time on Market Swings Sharply by Price

By Dennis Norman, on October 18th, 2026

The median time a home spent on the market in the St. Louis area was just 21 days, according to data from MORE, REALTORS® covering October 2025 through September 2026. For anyone buying or selling a home, that number is the real benchmark of what to expect. It means that half of all homes sold in three weeks or less.

For sellers, this number is a clear signal: if your home is priced right and marketed well, you should expect to see serious offers within a few weeks. For buyers, it means that homes move quickly, especially in the Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Up 3.66 Percent Year-to-Date: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on October 17th, 2026

Through the end of September 2026, the St. Louis metro area has seen 26,661 homes sold, reflecting a 3.66 percent increase compared to the 25,720 homes sold over the same period last year. This uptick in transaction volume is a key signal for both buyers and sellers, indicating a subtle but meaningful shift in the local real estate landscape. For those actively navigating the market, understanding how these changes in sales activity affect inventory, competition, and opportunity is essential.

How This Year Compares to Recent Years

One of the most common questions from both consumers and agents is whether Continue Reading →

Compass Sues CRMLS: Is This About Homeowner Choice or Giving Big Brokerages More Control Over Listings?

By Dennis Norman, on October 17th, 2026

Well, as expected, Compass has followed through on its threat to sue California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS). On October 16, 2026, Compass filed a 49-page federal antitrust lawsuit in California, accusing CRMLS of unlawfully restricting competition by requiring publicly marketed properties to be submitted to the MLS. Compass is seeking substantial damages, potentially tripled under federal antitrust law, and a court order preventing CRMLS from enforcing the rules it is challenging. This comes just 11 days after CRMLS beat Compass to the courthouse by filing its own federal lawsuit in New York.

As I reported in my October 6 Continue Reading →

Fastest Selling Zip Codes in St. Louis: Where Homes Are Moving Quickest Right Now

By Dennis Norman, on October 16th, 2026

The St. Louis real estate market continues to show brisk activity, with certain zip codes standing out for their exceptionally fast-moving listings. Topping the list this month is zip code 63143 in St. Louis City, where homes are selling at a remarkable pace. With 15 listings averaging just 23 days on the market and an average asking price of $296,240, 63143 demonstrates the kind of demand that both buyers and sellers need to pay attention to in today’s market.

Top Five Fastest Selling Zip Codes

The data, compiled by MORE, REALTORS®, ranks only those areas with at least 15 Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates: Current Averages, Payment Examples, and Loan Type Comparisons

By Dennis Norman, on October 15th, 2026

30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Overview

The 30 year fixed mortgage rate currently stands at 7.45%. Compared to the previous reading, this rate has moved by -0.01%. Mortgages across all tracked products are at elevated levels above 7%, reflecting a national trend of rising rates as reported by Mortgage News Daily. These average rates offer a clear reference point for both St. Louis home buyers and real estate professionals weighing financing, pricing, and affordability in the local market.

How Current Mortgage Rates Affect St. Louis Buyers and Sellers

For home buyers in St. Louis, a 30 Continue Reading →

Jefferson County Home Prices Rise 3.97 Percent to $301,500, Inventory Up in October 2026 Market Update

By Dennis Norman, on October 15th, 2026

Jefferson County homes sold for a median price of $301,500 in September 2026, up 3.97 percent from $290,000 in September 2025, according to the chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®. This steady year-over-year price growth shows market resilience even as monthly figures show a decrease from August 2026, when the median was $315,000. For buyers and sellers alike, these numbers underscore the importance of understanding current market dynamics before making a move.

Supply and Demand: A Seller’s Market, But with a Shift

With 841 homes currently on the market and 2,991 homes sold over the past twelve months, Continue Reading →

37.2% of St. Louis Homes Sold Over Asking: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on October 14th, 2026

In the past year, 37.2% of homes sold in the St. Louis metropolitan area closed for more than their asking price, according to data from MORE, REALTORS®. With over one in three sales topping the list price, both buyers and sellers face a market that still rewards strong pricing strategies and competitive offers, even as the frenzy of recent years has cooled.

What Selling Over Asking Means for Buyers

For buyers, the fact that more than a third of homes are selling above asking means competition is still real, even if it is not as intense as it was Continue Reading →

St. Louis Home Tour Video Map Sees Surge in New Additions and Views

By Dennis Norman, on October 14th, 2026

The St. Louis home tour video map now features a remarkable 8,984 video tours across 313 markets, offering potential buyers and curious viewers an extensive look into the region’s real estate. With 201 new tours added in the last 30 days, including 56 in the past week alone, the map continues to expand its reach and utility.

Video walkthroughs have become an invaluable tool for homebuyers. Unlike traditional photographs, these videos provide a comprehensive view of a property. They allow viewers to understand how rooms connect, assess the steepness of stairs, and gauge the true size of spaces. This visual Continue Reading →

Affton 101 Tops List of Fastest Selling School Districts in St. Louis Metro

By Dennis Norman, on October 12th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan real estate market continues to move at a brisk pace, with some school districts seeing homes sell much faster than others. According to the latest data compiled by StLouisRealEstateNews.com, Affton 101 in St. Louis leads the pack with homes spending an average of just 29 days on the market. This ranking is based strictly on areas with at least 15 homes currently listed for sale, ensuring that the results reflect meaningful market activity rather than being skewed by a single quick sale in a very small area.

St. Louis Metro’s Fastest Selling School Districts

Here Continue Reading →

Nearly Half of St. Louis Sellers Cut Asking Prices, with Average Reductions Over $24,000

By Dennis Norman, on October 11th, 2026

Nearly half of all homes listed for sale in the St. Louis metropolitan area have had to cut their asking price at least once, according to a snapshot of current listings provided by MORE, REALTORS®. Out of 7,684 active listings, 3,290, or 42.8%, have seen a price reduction. The average cut is $24,842, which is 8.1% off the original asking price.

What Price Cuts Mean for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, these numbers signal a market where negotiation is alive and well. With 42.8% of sellers lowering their expectations, buyers may find opportunities to purchase homes below the initial Continue Reading →

O’Fallon Home Prices Hold at $380,000 Median as Sales Volume Rises: Market Update September 2026

By Dennis Norman, on October 10th, 2026

The O’Fallon housing market continues to show stability, with the median sold price over the past twelve months holding at $380,000. This figure reflects a total of 1,409 home sales in O’Fallon, an increase of 7.8 percent compared to the 1,307 sales recorded in the previous twelve-month period. For buyers and sellers in O’Fallon, these numbers provide a solid foundation for understanding current market dynamics, especially when compared to the wider St. Louis metropolitan area.

O’Fallon in Context: How the Local Market Compares

O’Fallon’s median sold price of $380,000 stands 21.3 percent above the St. Louis metro area’s median Continue Reading →

Metro East Home Prices Jump 6.98 Percent to $230,000, Inventory Remains Tight in October 2026

By Dennis Norman, on October 9th, 2026

The median sale price for homes in the Metro East area reached $230,000 during September 2026, according to the chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®. This marks a significant 6.98 percent increase from September 2025, when the median was $215,000. Even compared to just last month, prices are up 6.73 percent from the August 2026 median of $215,500. For buyers and sellers alike, these numbers signal a market that continues to move upward, despite some shifts in activity.

Inventory and Market Balance: Still a Seller’s Market

For those considering entering the market, whether to buy or to sell, Continue Reading →

Missouri Statute Limits Real Estate Agent Liability for Third-Party Inspection Reports

By Dennis Norman, on October 8th, 2026

Missouri real estate licensees are generally immune from liability for statements made by third-party inspectors and experts, according to the statutory language of RSMo § 339.190. This provision is particularly relevant for buyers, sellers, and agents in the St. Louis area, as it clarifies when a real estate agent can and cannot be held responsible for information provided by outside professionals during a real estate transaction.

Key Protections for Real Estate Licensees

The most consequential aspect of RSMo § 339.190 is its broad protection for real estate agents against lawsuits based on statements made by professionals such as home Continue Reading →

St Charles County Median Home Price Hits $370,000, Up 4.23 Percent Year Over Year, October 2026 Market Update

By Dennis Norman, on October 8th, 2026

St Charles County homes sold for a median price of $370,000 in September 2026, marking a 4.23 percent increase from $355,000 in September 2025. This median price also matches August 2026, indicating a steady plateau in home values as we move into fall. The chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, provides a detailed visual breakdown of these trends.

Sales Activity and Inventory: A Market in Motion

September 2026 saw 501 homes sold in St Charles County, a significant rise of 9.15 percent from the 459 homes sold in September 2025. This uptick in closed sales suggests robust demand Continue Reading →

St. Louis Home Tour Video Map Sees Surge in New Additions

By Dennis Norman, on October 7th, 2026

The most watched home tour video in the St. Louis metro area, with an impressive 187,422 views, is located at 1410 Fournier Dr in Crestwood, MO. This data point highlights the growing interest in video walkthroughs among prospective homebuyers and real estate enthusiasts. As of October 7, 2026, the St. Louis metro catalogue features a total of 8,912 video tours across 311 markets.

Video walkthroughs offer a distinct advantage for buyers. Unlike static photographs, these tours provide a comprehensive view of a property’s layout, including how rooms connect, the steepness of stairs, and the true scale of spaces. This detailed Continue Reading →

October 2026 St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Update: Steady Growth in Home Prices

By Dennis Norman, on October 7th, 2026

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show resilience, with homes selling for a median price of $305,000 in September 2026. This marks a 6.71% increase compared to the same period last year, when the median sold price was $285,825. Notably, the median sold price remained stable from August 2026, holding steady at $305,000.

The median list price in September 2026 was $299,900, reflecting a 3.06% rise from $291,000 in September 2025. Despite the increase in median prices, the number of home sales slightly decreased by 0.97%, with 2,973 homes sold compared to 3,002 in Continue Reading →

CRMLS Sues Compass First in Battle Over Private Listings and MLS Cooperation

By Dennis Norman, on October 6th, 2026

UPDATE: October 17, 2026

Compass has now fired back. On October 16, Compass filed a 49-page federal antitrust lawsuit against CRMLS in California, alleging that its MLS cooperation rules unlawfully restrict competition and homeowner choice. Compass is seeking significant damages and a court order preventing enforcement of the challenged rules. With both sides now having filed federal lawsuits, this legal battle has escalated considerably and could have implications for MLS organizations and real estate markets throughout the country, including St. Louis.

READ MY LATEST ARTICLE: Compass Sues CRMLS: Is This About Homeowner Choice or Giving Big Brokerages More Control Continue Reading →

So, What’s Happening at the Auffenberg Site in Kirkwood?

By Karen Moeller, on October 3rd, 2026

If you’ve been wondering what happened to the proposed condominium development around the former Auffenberg dealership on North Kirkwood Road, there’s an update. The original rezoning proposal did not ultimately move forward, but the developer behind it says the condominium plans are not going away.

I spoke with Lorenzo Debrecht of Debrecht Properties, who told me the company expects to resubmit, although he would not give me a specific date. Debrecht said controversy surrounding the design contributed to the decision to pull back. He said the company is working with the City toward a condominium development that better fits the Continue Reading →

What If the Home You Want Is for Sale, but Your Agent Can’t Show It?

By Dennis Norman, on October 1st, 2026

UPDATE: This dispute has now moved into federal court. On October 5, 2026, CRMLS filed suit against Compass in the Southern District of New York, asking the court to declare its MLS cooperation rules lawful and to block Compass’s threatened antitrust claims involving those rules. Read my follow up on the CRMLS lawsuit against Compass here.

Not long ago I thought the Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit might be the biggest and most disruptive issue I would see hit the real estate industry. Apparently, we were just warming up. The battle over private listings, office exclusives, delayed marketing and who gets access Continue Reading →

St. Louis Home Tour Video Map Sees Thousands of Views and New Additions

By Dennis Norman, on September 30th, 2026

With 187,422 views, the video tour of 1410 Fournier Dr in Crestwood, MO, stands as the most watched home tour in the St. Louis metro area. This highlights the growing interest in video walkthroughs, a tool that offers potential homebuyers a comprehensive view of properties beyond what static photographs can provide. Video tours allow viewers to understand the flow of a home, assess the gradient of staircases, and appreciate the true dimensions of spaces, all of which are crucial for making informed decisions.

As of September 30, 2026, the St. Louis metro home tour video catalogue boasts a total of Continue Reading →

When a House Changes Hands, What Happens to Everything Inside It?

By Karen Moeller, on September 29th, 2026

This fall, my sister and her adult sons were helping our dad clean out his garage and workshop. As things headed toward the discard pile, my sister kept rescuing certain items. We’d grown up seeing them in Dad’s workshop, so the fact that they had been there for as long as we could remember made them seem important.

Dad eventually came out, looked around and wanted to know why they’d left all that junk behind. Apparently, we had confused longevity with sentiment. Some of those things hadn’t survived decades because Dad treasured them. They had survived because Dad hadn’t Continue Reading →

Aging in Place: The House Is Only Part of the Equation

By Karen Moeller, on September 26th, 2026

“Aging in place” sounds wonderfully simple. Stay in the house you know, in the neighborhood you know, surrounded by the things and people that make life familiar. It is also what most people say they want. AARP’s latest Home and Community Preferences Survey found that 75% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, although 44% expect they will eventually have to move.

That gap raises a question that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as grab bars, stair-free entrances and first-floor bedrooms: What does it actually take to keep a Continue Reading →

Buying a Short-Term Rental? Fannie Mae Just Changed How the Income Can Count

By Karen Moeller, on September 25th, 2026

A buyer considering a house as a short-term rental may start with two numbers: What can I charge per night, and how often can I rent it? Fannie Mae now has a much more specific calculation in mind.

On September 2, Fannie Mae introduced new guidelines for using short-term rental income when qualifying for a mortgage on a one-unit investment property. The change gives lenders a specific way to evaluate income from properties rented for short stays rather than through a traditional long-term lease. Fannie Mae’s September income-assessment changes

One of the more interesting parts is what isn’t Continue Reading →

Consumer Groups Ask State Attorneys General to Investigate Zillow, Compass and the Real Estate Referral Fee Model

By Dennis Norman, on September 23rd, 2026

A coalition of 19 consumer advocacy groups, including the Consumer Federation of America, American Economic Liberties Project and Open Markets Institute, has sent a letter to the National Association of Attorneys General asking state attorneys general to investigate a broad range of practices involving Zillow, Compass and other major players in the real estate industry. The September 16 letter goes well beyond the ongoing battle between Zillow and Compass over private listings. It raises questions about referral fees, the way online portals route consumers to agents, mortgage relationships, private listing networks, dual representation and the increasing concentration of power among Continue Reading →

St. Louis Home Tour Video Map Sees Over 8,600 Tours Catalogued

By Dennis Norman, on September 23rd, 2026

The St. Louis metro home tour video map now boasts an impressive 8,643 video tours, covering 311 distinct markets. This extensive catalogue provides home buyers with a unique perspective on properties, offering insights that photographs alone cannot. Video walkthroughs allow potential buyers to see the flow of rooms, assess the steepness of staircases, and gauge the actual size of spaces, which are crucial elements in making informed decisions.

In the past month, 217 new tours have been added to the map, with 28 of those added in just the last week. Notably, St. Louis, MO, leads the way with 67 Continue Reading →

September 2026 Franklin County Real Estate Market Update: Trends and Insights

By Dennis Norman, on September 20th, 2026

The Franklin County real estate market experienced notable shifts in August 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $272,500, marking a 7.00% decrease from the previous year’s median of $293,000 in August 2025. This figure also represents a 1.45% decline from July 2026, where the median sold price was $276,500. Despite the decrease in sold prices, the median list price in August 2026 rose to $317,400, a significant 17.12% increase from $271,000 in August 2025.

In terms of sales volume, there were 110 home sales in August 2026, reflecting an 11.29% drop compared to 124 sales in August Continue Reading →

September 2026 St Louis County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices Amid Fewer Sales

By Dennis Norman, on September 19th, 2026

The St Louis County real estate market saw notable shifts in August 2026, with homes selling for a median price of $325,000. This represents a significant increase of 12.11% from the median sold price of $289,900 in August 2025. Additionally, the median sold price in August 2026 rose by 1.56% from July 2026, where it stood at $320,000.

Interestingly, while the selling prices have risen, the median list price for homes in August 2026 was $240,000, marking a 17.24% decrease from the $290,000 median list price recorded in August 2025. This divergence between sold and list prices highlights a Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Surge in 2026: A Promising Market for Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on September 17th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is experiencing a notable increase in home sales, marking a positive trend for the real estate market this year. As of the end of August 2026, a total of 23,643 homes have been sold, reflecting a 4.07% rise compared to the 22,718 homes sold during the same period in 2025. This growth indicates a stable and robust market, providing opportunities for both buyers and sellers to engage confidently in real estate transactions. The increase in sales is a promising sign for families and individuals looking to invest in the St. Louis metro area, which spans Continue Reading →

Discover the Fastest Selling Zip Codes in the St. Louis Metro Area

By Dennis Norman, on September 16th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a dynamic real estate market, with certain zip codes standing out for their rapid property sales. Leading the pack is Washington, where homes are flying off the market with an average listing period of just 4 days. Currently, Washington boasts an active listing with an average price of $527,500, making it an attractive area for both buyers and sellers seeking swift transactions. This trend reflects a high demand, indicating that properties here are not only desirable but also competitively priced for the market.

Following closely are the zip codes in Jefferson and Madison, Continue Reading →

St. Louis Home Tour Video Map Sees Surge in New Additions

By Dennis Norman, on September 16th, 2026

The St. Louis metro area now boasts an impressive 8,643 home tour videos in its catalogue. This figure underscores the growing reliance on video walkthroughs in real estate, offering potential buyers a comprehensive view of properties that traditional photographs simply cannot provide. Video tours allow viewers to understand the flow between rooms, assess the steepness of stairs, and gauge the true scale of spaces, enhancing the home-buying process significantly.

In the past 30 days alone, 211 new video tours have been added to the St. Louis metro catalogue, with 49 of these additions occurring in just the last week. Leading Continue Reading →