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

New Report Targets Real Estate “Junk Fees” In Real Estate, but the Real Issue May Be Transparency

By Dennis Norman, on July 29th, 2026

St Louis Real Estate Transaction Fees and Admin Fees

A July 2026 report from the Consumer Policy Center, “Junk”Fees Charged to Both Home Sellers and Buyers: An Overview”, written by Stephen Brobeck and Wendy Gilch, raises concerns about administrative, transaction, technology, and other fees charged to home buyers and sellers. The report says these fees are commonly between $400 and $600, although some reported examples exceed $1,000 and a few were above $2,000. Those numbers deserve attention, but they also need to be viewed in the proper context because the report does not establish the national frequency or average amount of these fees through a comprehensive database or statistically Continue Reading →

Congress Adds to Growing Scrutiny of Private Listing Networks

By Dennis Norman, on July 23rd, 2026

Private listing networks continue to attract increasing attention from lawmakers, regulators and the courts. What was once primarily an industry debate has become the subject of lawsuits, requests for federal investigations and now congressional interest. While none of these developments establish that anyone has violated antitrust laws, they do suggest that policymakers are taking a much closer look at where the industry is headed.

The latest development came this week when the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust requested briefings from Compass CEO Robert Reffkin and MRED CEO Rebecca Jensen regarding their Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Edge Higher at 6.77% in July 2026 – Rising Trends Persist

By Dennis Norman, on July 23rd, 2026

As of July 23, 2026, mortgage rates in the St. Louis area continue their upward climb, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 6.77%, marking a 0.02% increase from the previous rate. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate saw a slight rise to 6.23%, up 0.03%. These changes highlight a persistent trend of rising rates, affecting all major mortgage categories, including the 30-year FHA at 6.35% and the 30-year jumbo at 6.90%. The adjustable-rate mortgage (7/6 SOFR ARM) also increased to 6.55%, reflecting broader market adjustments.

For homebuyers and sellers in St. Louis, these rising rates signify increased borrowing costs, which could Continue Reading →

St. Louis City Real Estate Market Update: July 2026

By Dennis Norman, on July 21st, 2026

In June 2026, the St. Louis City real estate market saw homes selling for a median price of $261,000. This represents a modest increase of 0.77% from June 2025, when the median sold price was $259,000. Furthermore, the median sold price in June 2026 marks a 2.35% rise from May 2026, when it was $255,000. However, the median list price in June 2026 was $209,950, reflecting a 12.48% decrease from $239,900 in June 2025.

The number of home sales in St. Louis City also saw a slight decline, with 292 homes sold in June 2026, down 1.02% from 295 sales Continue Reading →

Franklin County Real Estate Market Sees Significant Growth in June 2026

By Dennis Norman, on July 20th, 2026

The Franklin County real estate market continues its upward trajectory, as evidenced by the latest data for June 2026. Homes in the area sold for a median price of $285,000, marking a 9.62% increase from the $260,000 median price recorded in June 2025. Additionally, this figure represents a slight rise of 0.53% from May 2026, where the median sold price was $283,500. The median list price also saw a notable increase, reaching $320,000 in June 2026, up 17.11% from $273,250 in June of the previous year.

The market’s activity is further highlighted by the 131 home sales in June 2026, Continue Reading →

St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: July 2026 Sees Rising Home Sales and Prices

By Dennis Norman, on July 19th, 2026

The St. Louis County real estate market experienced notable growth in June 2026, with homes selling for a median price of $325,000. This represents a 6.56% increase from June 2025’s median price of $305,000 and a 4.54% rise from May 2026’s median of $310,900. Meanwhile, the median list price saw a decrease, coming in at $259,000, down 9.12% from $285,000 in June 2025.

Home sales in St. Louis County also surged, with 1,451 transactions completed in June 2026, marking a significant 19.82% increase from the 1,211 sales recorded in June 2025. The chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, provides Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on July 17th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area has experienced a robust increase in home sales through the first half of 2026. By the end of June, 16,703 homes were sold across the metro region, marking a 4.57% rise compared to the 15,973 homes sold during the same period in 2025. This growth highlights the dynamic nature of the real estate market in both Missouri and Illinois sections of the metro area, offering promising opportunities for both potential home buyers and sellers. The increase in sales activity suggests a healthy demand for homes, with families and individuals alike looking to invest in the Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Dip Below 6.7% in July 2026 – 30-Year Fixed Falls to 6.64%

By Dennis Norman, on July 16th, 2026

In a welcome shift for homebuyers in the St. Louis area, mortgage rates have experienced a slight decline as of mid-July 2026. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased by 0.06%, settling at 6.64%, while the 15-year fixed rate has seen a minor drop of 0.02%, now at 6.18%. Despite these declines, both rates remain at relatively high levels, particularly the 30-year fixed rate, which continues to hover above the 6.5% mark.

For prospective homebuyers and sellers in St. Louis, this downward trend offers a glimmer of hope amid a challenging market. Lower rates can improve affordability, potentially easing the Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on July 16th, 2026

The real estate market in the St. Louis metropolitan area is heating up, with certain zip codes standing out for their rapid pace of sales. Leading the charge is Madison-IL, where homes are flying off the market in just 2 days. This swift movement is accompanied by an attractive average list price of $110,000, making it an appealing option for both buyers and investors. Following closely are the zip codes in Franklin and Washington, each boasting an impressive average of just 2 days on the market as well. These areas are proving to be hot spots for families looking to Continue Reading →

Discover the Fastest Selling School Districts in the St. Louis Metro Area

By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a dynamic real estate market, particularly in certain school districts where homes are selling at a remarkable pace. Leading the charge is CHRISTOPHER DIST #99 in Franklin, where properties are flying off the market in just 1 day on average. With only 1 active listing priced at $20,500, this district tops the list for the shortest time on the market, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy or sell quickly.

Following closely is St Libory DIST 30 in St Clair-IL, where homes spend an average of 14 days on the Continue Reading →

St. Louis Housing Shortage Shrinks as Affordability Improves

By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2026

America is still short nearly 4.7 million homes, but St. Louis is moving in the right direction. The St. Louis metro housing deficit fell by 392 homes in 2024 to 16,976, according to a new Zillow analysis. That may not sound like a dramatic change, but it stands out when the national shortage increased by more than 43,000 homes during the same period.

The more interesting number for St. Louis buyers is affordability. In May 2026, 59.1% of St. Louis homes listed for sale were considered affordable to a household earning the area’s median income, up from 54.5% a year Continue Reading →

Metro East Real Estate Market Sees Steady Growth in June 2026

By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2026

The Metro East real estate market continues to show steady growth as of July 2026, with homes selling for a median price of $235,000 in June. This represents an increase of 4.44% compared to June 2025, when the median sold price was $225,000. However, the median sold price experienced a slight decrease of 1.26% from May 2026, which had a median price of $238,000.

The median list price for homes in the Metro East reached $229,900 in June 2026, marking a 6.93% increase from $215,000 in June 2025. Additionally, the number of home sales rose to 791, an 8.65% increase Continue Reading →

Jefferson County Real Estate Market Update: July 2026

By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2026

The Jefferson County real estate market continues to show strong performance as of July 2026. Homes in the area sold for a median price of $305,000 during June 2026, marking a 7.02% increase from the median price of $285,000 in June 2025. However, this figure represents a slight decrease of 1.61% compared to May 2026, when the median sold price was $310,000.

The median list price in June 2026 was reported at $329,900, reflecting an 11.83% rise from $295,000 in June 2025. The number of home sales also saw a significant increase, with 294 properties sold in June 2026, Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Ease to 6.7%: July 2026 Sees Falling Trend in Fixed Rates

By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2026

In July 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a slight reprieve as mortgage rates take a downward turn. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased by 0.05%, settling at 6.70%, while the 15-year fixed rate has nudged down to 6.20% with a 0.01% decline. This shift indicates a slight easing in borrowing costs for potential homeowners, although rates remain significantly above the 6.5% mark, presenting both opportunities and challenges in the current market environment.

For buyers in St. Louis, the reduction in rates could mean slightly lower monthly payments compared to previous months, offering a breath of relief amid a Continue Reading →

St. Louis Rents Are Falling, But a Shortage of New Apartments Could Change That

By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2026

There is some good news for St. Louis renters. The median asking rent in the St. Louis metro fell to $1,292 in June, a decline of 1.4% from a year ago. That puts St. Louis rents about $400 below the national median of $1,692 and makes our market look relatively affordable compared with many of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.

The part of the report that caught my attention, however, was not the decline in rent. It was the lack of new apartment construction. According to Realtor.com’s June 2026 Rental Report, the St. Louis metro permitted just 0.5 new multifamily Continue Reading →

St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Sees Steady Growth in June 2026

By Dennis Norman, on July 13th, 2026

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show positive trends as of July 2026. Homes in the area sold for a median price of $310,000 in June 2026, marking a 5.08% increase from the median sold price of $295,000 in June 2025. This also represents a slight increase of 0.02% from May 2026, when the median sold price was $309,950.

The median list price for homes in the St. Louis MSA was $304,999, reflecting a 6.12% rise from $287,400 in June 2025. Additionally, the market experienced a notable increase in activity, with 3,689 homes sold Continue Reading →

St. Charles County Real Estate Market Sees Continued Growth in July 2026

By Dennis Norman, on July 12th, 2026

The St. Charles County real estate market continues to demonstrate robust growth as of July 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $399,900 in June, marking an 8.08% increase from June 2025’s median of $370,000. This figure also reflects a 3.87% rise from May 2026, when the median sold price was $385,000. The median list price in June reached $411,900, an impressive 11.63% increase from $368,999 in June 2025.

In terms of sales volume, 587 homes were sold in June 2026, a significant 10.75% increase compared to the 530 homes sold in June 2025. The chart below, available exclusively Continue Reading →

Why I See Missouri Amendments 4 and 5 Differently Than Missouri REALTORS®

By Dennis Norman, on June 30th, 2026

Karen Moeller wrote a good article explaining why Missouri REALTORS® is opposing Amendments 4 and 5, and I think she fairly laid out the association’s reasoning. I see the issues differently, though, particularly when looking beyond the narrow real estate industry concerns and looking at the broader public policy questions involved.

On Amendment 4, I understand why Missouri REALTORS® is concerned. Missouri’s initiative petition process was used in 2010 to prohibit real estate transfer taxes, and that was a good outcome for homeowners, property owners, and the real estate industry. I was glad to see that protection put Continue Reading →

The Invisible Glass Shell That Shapes Every Property

By Karen Moeller, on June 29th, 2026

Most people assume designing a home begins with a blank sheet of paper. In reality, long before an architect sketches the first floor plan or a builder estimates construction costs, every property is already constrained by rules that define the largest home the city will allow. Those rules apply whether you’re building a new home, planning an addition, or evaluating the redevelopment potential of an older property. The challenge is that most homeowners never see those limits, even though they influence nearly every significant building decision.

The easiest way to picture those limits is to imagine the city has Continue Reading →

The Zoning Rules Changed. Your House Didn’t.

By Karen Moeller, on June 27th, 2026

Why older homes sometimes don’t meet today’s zoning standards, and why that usually isn’t a problem.

Driving through Glendale recently, I noticed signs inviting residents to an open house about the city’s zoning code update. Like most drivers, I could have continued on without giving it another thought. Instead, I found myself wondering what would prompt a city to rewrite its zoning code.

As I read through the planning documents, one statistic immediately caught my attention. Nearly 45% of Glendale’s residential lots no longer conform to today’s zoning regulations.

My first reaction was probably the same one many Continue Reading →

Why Is the Missouri REALTORS® Association Taking Positions on Amendments 4 and 5?

By Karen Moeller, on June 27th, 2026

Over the past several weeks, the Missouri REALTORS® association has publicly taken positions opposing Amendments 4 and 5. Because many consumers may not understand why a real estate trade association would become involved in statewide ballot measures, I thought it would be helpful to explain the association’s role, summarize what the amendments would do using the official ballot language and constitutional text, and explain why the association has taken those positions.

Every election season brings ballot measures that attract support and opposition from a wide range of organizations. This year, one of those organizations is the Missouri REALTORS® association, Continue Reading →

Why There Will Never Be One Fix for Housing Affordability

By Karen Moeller, on June 25th, 2026

The House’s new ROAD to Housing Act highlights an important truth: America’s housing challenges weren’t created by a single problem, and they won’t be solved by a single law.

Every few months, a new headline promises relief for America’s housing market.

Sometimes the proposed solution is lower mortgage rates. Sometimes it’s tax credits for first-time buyers. Other times it’s down payment assistance, zoning reform, or a program designed to make homeownership more accessible. Each proposal arrives with roughly the same promise: this could be the thing that finally makes housing affordable again.

The latest example is the 21st Continue Reading →

Have We Been Thinking About Manufactured Housing All Wrong?

By Karen Moeller, on June 20th, 2026

A proposed federal rule change announced by HUD this month may not sound particularly exciting at first glance. In fact, most people would probably stop reading somewhere around the phrase “updating the definition of manufactured housing.”

That would be a mistake.

Because hidden inside this technical regulatory proposal is a much bigger question: Have we spent the last 50 years defining housing in a way that no longer makes sense?

If you ask ten people to explain the difference between a manufactured home, a modular home, a mobile home, and a prefab home, you are likely to Continue Reading →

Your Home Is Worth More Than Ever. So Why Doesn’t It Feel That Way?

By Karen Moeller, on June 19th, 2026

A recent housing graphic showing home price growth by state caught my attention. According to the data, Missouri home prices have increased roughly 43% over the past five years.

For homeowners, that sounds like good news. In many cases, it is.

A house purchased for $250,000 several years ago may now be worth well over $350,000. That’s a significant increase in wealth for many Missouri families.

Yet if you’ve spent any time talking with homeowners lately, you may have noticed something curious.

Most don’t sound 43% richer.

In fact, many sound financially stressed.

That Continue Reading →

Repair by a Licensed Contractor. Licensed by Whom?

By Karen Moeller, on June 18th, 2026

Imagine you’re selling your home.

The buyer completes their inspection, reviews the report, and asks for several repairs. One of the requests states that the work must be completed by a “licensed contractor.”

Seems straightforward enough.

After all, most people would agree that repairs identified during a home inspection should be completed by someone who knows what they’re doing. The phrase sounds reassuring. It suggests professionalism, competence, and accountability. Yet the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what appears to be a simple request may not be nearly as simple as it sounds.

Continue Reading →

Harvard Report Sounds Alarm: Nearly Half of America’s Renters Are Struggling With Housing Costs

By Dennis Norman, on June 18th, 2026

Harvard Report Finds Nearly 1 In 2 U.S. Renters Struggling With Housing Costs

A new report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies confirms what many consumers in the St. Louis area already know. Housing affordability remains a challenge, not just for homebuyers dealing with higher mortgage rates and home prices, but also for renters who are seeing a larger share of their income go toward housing.

According to Harvard’s 2026 America’s Rental Housing report, nearly half of all renter households in the United States are now considered cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income Continue Reading →

What Happened to This House? A Real Estate Mystery I Couldn’t Ignore

By Karen Moeller, on June 17th, 2026

One of the things I enjoy most about real estate is that houses still surprise me.

After years of walking through homes, you develop a mental catalog of things that deserve a closer look. Sometimes it’s a crack in a foundation wall. Sometimes it’s an unusual odor. Sometimes it’s a renovation that appears to have been completed by someone who was very confident and only mildly qualified.

Recently, it was a set of dark markings that appeared throughout a home I was showing to a buyer.

The mystery began in the primary bedroom. The room had floral Continue Reading →

Discover the Fastest Selling School Districts in the St. Louis Metro Area

By Dennis Norman, on June 12th, 2026

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area, knowing which school districts are experiencing the fastest home sales can be a valuable asset. Leading the pack is the Spring Bluff R-XV district in Franklin County, Missouri, where homes are flying off the market in an average of just 2 days. With only one listing available at an average price of $485,000, this district is proving to be a hotbed of real estate activity, signaling strong demand and limited supply.

Hot on its heels is the GIRARD DIST 3 in Macoupin County, Illinois, with homes Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Market Sees Mixed Trends in June 2026: 30-Year Fixed Edges to 6.67%

By Dennis Norman, on June 11th, 2026

As June 2026 unfolds, the St. Louis mortgage market is witnessing a blend of slight changes across various loan types, reflecting a mixed movement in rates. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has inched down marginally to 6.67%, providing a small respite for prospective homebuyers in the area. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate remains steady at 6.20%, offering stability for those considering a shorter-term mortgage commitment.

These subtle shifts carry meaningful implications for St. Louis area buyers and sellers. For homebuyers, the slight decrease in the 30-year fixed rate could translate to more favorable monthly payments, which might encourage increased market Continue Reading →

June 2026 Metro East Real Estate Market Update: Significant Price Surge and Sales Growth

By Dennis Norman, on June 9th, 2026

The Metro East real estate market continues to exhibit robust growth as of June 2026, with notable increases in both home prices and sales volume. Homes in the Metro East region sold for a median price of $236,750 in May 2026, marking a significant 16.34% increase from May 2025, when the median price was $203,500. This figure also reflects an 11.41% rise from April 2026’s median sold price of $212,500.

In addition to rising home prices, the market has seen a substantial uptick in sales activity. May 2026 recorded 722 home sales, a remarkable 72.73% increase compared to the Continue Reading →