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 Radiation Compensation Has Become a Real Issue for Local Families

By Dennis Norman, on August 25th, 2026

For years, radioactive waste tied to the Manhattan Project has been a source of concern for many families in the St. Louis area. Now it is also a compensation issue, and for some people, a very real one. Under the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, some residents in parts of the St. Louis region may already qualify for federal compensation if they lived, worked, or went to school in certain ZIP codes for at least two years after January 1, 1949, and later developed a covered illness.

This matters because a lot of people still do not realize Continue Reading →

Is Not Owning a Home Really a Failure?

By Karen Moeller, on August 25th, 2026

A buyer I have been working with recently decided to put their home search on hold for a year. They were qualified to buy, but because they needed to ask sellers for closing-cost concessions, their offers weren’t as competitive as they wanted them to be. Their plan was straightforward: keep renting, save more cash and return to the market in a stronger position.

Then they called me. A friend was doing what they described as “renting to own” through a lease option program, and they wondered whether that might be another path.

The concept was familiar. Years ago, Continue Reading →

‘August 2026 St. Louis Mortgage Rates: 30-Year Fixed Falls to 6.72% Amid Decline’

By Dennis Norman, on August 20th, 2026

In August 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a slight relief as mortgage rates continue their downward trend. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased by 0.03%, bringing it to 6.72%, while the 15-year fixed rate saw a slightly larger drop of 0.04%, settling at 6.27%. These changes indicate a subtle but positive shift for potential buyers in the area, as rates remain above the 6.5% mark, yet show signs of easing.

The decline in rates offers a glimmer of hope for St. Louis buyers, who have been grappling with high borrowing costs in recent months. This latest dip may Continue Reading →

August 2026 Franklin County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices and Steady Sales

By Dennis Norman, on August 20th, 2026

The Franklin County real estate market continues to show signs of growth as of August 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $276,500 in July 2026, marking a 5.33% increase from the median price of $262,500 in July 2025. However, this represents a slight decrease of 2.98% compared to June 2026, when the median sold price was $285,000. The median list price saw a significant rise to $317,650, up 15.51% from $275,000 in July 2025, indicating strong seller confidence in the market.

Additionally, home sales in Franklin County remained steady, with 121 transactions in July 2026, a modest increase Continue Reading →

August 2026 St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: Home Prices and Sales Trends

By Dennis Norman, on August 19th, 2026

The St. Louis County real estate market continues to show dynamic changes as of August 2026. In July 2026, homes sold for a median price of $320,000, marking a significant increase of 8.47% from the median sold price of $295,000 in July 2025. However, this figure also represents a slight decrease of 1.54% compared to June 2026, when the median sold price was $325,000.

Interestingly, the median list price for homes in July 2026 was $250,000, reflecting a decrease of 13.76% from $289,900 in July 2025. This shift in listing prices may indicate changing seller strategies or market conditions. Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Surge in 2026: A Positive Trend for Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on August 17th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is experiencing a notable uptick in home sales this year. As of July 31st, 2026, a total of 20,366 homes have been sold across the metro area, marking a 4.86% increase compared to the 19,422 homes sold during the same period in 2025. This growth indicates a robust housing market, offering opportunities for both buyers looking to settle in the region and sellers aiming to capitalize on the rising demand. The increase in sales underscores the region’s appeal, with its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant communities attracting families and individuals alike.

For those interested in the Continue Reading →

Could This SpaceX-Inspired Homebuilder Change the Way We Build Starter Homes?

By Dennis Norman, on August 17th, 2026

For years we’ve heard plenty of talk about America’s housing affordability problem, but most of the proposed solutions seem to come down to some version of the same thing: lower interest rates, loosen zoning, subsidize buyers or somehow convince traditional homebuilders to build less expensive homes. A relatively new company in Austin, Texas, is taking a very different approach. The American Housing Corporation is trying to reinvent how the house itself is built.

What caught my attention is that this isn’t simply another modular-home manufacturer. American Housing is attempting to combine real estate development, manufacturing, software and engineering into one Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on August 16th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a dynamic real estate market, with certain zip codes in both Missouri and Illinois showing remarkable speed in home sales. Leading the pack is a zip code in Madison County, Illinois, where homes are selling at lightning speed, averaging just 2 days on the market. This zip code currently has one active listing with an average list price of $325,000. Hot on its heels is another Madison County zip code, with properties taking an average of 3 days to sell. Meanwhile, Monroe County, Illinois, also boasts a fast-moving market, with homes in one Continue Reading →

August 2026 Jefferson County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices and Market Trends

By Dennis Norman, on August 15th, 2026

The Jefferson County real estate market continues to show resilience with a steady increase in home prices. In July 2026, the median sold price for homes reached $312,250, marking a 2.38% rise from $305,000 in July 2025. This upward trend also reflects a 2.88% increase compared to June 2026, when the median sold price was $303,500. The market’s upward momentum is further highlighted by the median list price, which climbed to $324,950, representing a significant 10.15% increase from $295,000 in July 2025.

Despite the rising prices, the number of home sales in Jefferson County saw a slight decrease. In July Continue Reading →

The House Is a Relocation Sale. What Changes for the Buyer?

By Karen Moeller, on August 14th, 2026

I recently represented buyers in a multiple-offer situation. The house was being sold through a corporate relocation company, and before making their offer, my buyers had quite a bit of information about the property. They had read the Seller’s Disclosure completed by the people who had lived in the home and reviewed reports provided as part of the relocation transaction.

Given the competition for the house, they made a calculated decision to waive their own inspection to make their offer more attractive. Before they did, we talked more than once about the additional risk they would be taking on. Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Fall in August 2026: 30-Year Fixed Drops to 6.74%

By Dennis Norman, on August 13th, 2026

In an encouraging development for prospective homebuyers in the St. Louis area, mortgage rates have seen a downward trend this August 2026. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate now stands at 6.74%, reflecting a decrease of 0.05% from the previous level. This drop marks a significant movement away from the high levels above 6.5% that have characterized much of this year’s market. The 15-year fixed rate also edged down slightly to 6.27%, offering a more favorable option for buyers looking for shorter-term financing.

For those in the St. Louis real estate market, these rate reductions could translate into more manageable monthly Continue Reading →

Apparently, I Had a Squatter

By Karen Moeller, on August 12th, 2026

Earlier this spring, I was cleaning my house when I suddenly smelled skunk.

I have a much more sensitive nose than my husband, so when he couldn’t smell anything, I tried to talk myself out of it. Maybe someone had walked down the street smoking marijuana. Maybe a neighbor was outside smoking. But the smell persisted, and as I moved around the house, I became convinced it was strongest near my air vents.

That’s when my imagination went somewhere considerably less pleasant: What if an animal had gotten into the ductwork?

I went outside and inspected the Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on August 12th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area continues to attract home buyers with its diverse and thriving communities, and recent data highlights the fastest selling school districts in this dynamic region. Leading the charge is the Gasconade Co. R-I School District, straddling Gasconade and Montgomery counties, where homes are selling at lightning speed. With only one active listing averaging just 20 days on the market and a list price of $439,500, this district is a hot spot for families seeking a swift home buying process.

Following closely is the Columbia DIST 4 School District, serving parts of Monroe and St. Clair counties Continue Reading →

An Insurance Quote Doesn’t Mean Your House Is Insurable

By Karen Moeller, on August 10th, 2026

In a competitive real estate market, buyers sometimes waive inspections to make their offer more attractive. They may decide they’re comfortable accepting the house as it sits, including the aging roof, outdated electrical panel or other conditions they might otherwise have investigated during an inspection period.

That’s a decision the buyer can make. It doesn’t mean the insurance company has made the same one.

Obtaining homeowners insurance often feels like a simple item on the home-buying checklist. Call an insurance agent, provide the property address and some information, receive a quote, send it to the lender and move Continue Reading →

August 2026 Metro East Real Estate Market Update: Steady Growth in Home Sales and Prices

By Dennis Norman, on August 9th, 2026

The Metro East real estate market continues to show positive trends as of August 2026. In July, homes sold for a median price of $235,000, marking a 2.17% increase from July 2025, when the median sold price was $230,000. Interestingly, this price remains unchanged from June 2026, indicating a stable market environment. The median list price for homes in July 2026 was $225,000, reflecting a 4.65% rise from $215,000 in July 2025.

The market also saw an uptick in activity, with 829 homes sold in July 2026, a significant 11.28% increase from the 745 homes sold in July 2025. This Continue Reading →

August 2026 St. Charles County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices and Increased Sales

By Dennis Norman, on August 8th, 2026

The St. Charles County real estate market continues to show robust activity as of August 2026. In July 2026, homes in the area sold for a median price of $386,250, marking a 4.96% increase from the median sold price of $368,000 in July 2025. However, this figure represents a slight decrease of 2.83% from June 2026, when the median sold price was $397,500.

The median list price for homes in July 2026 was $404,950, reflecting a significant 9.45% rise from $370,000 in July 2025. This increase in list prices indicates a strong seller’s market, with demand continuing to drive prices Continue Reading →

August 2026 St. Louis Real Estate Market Update: Steady Growth in Home Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on August 7th, 2026

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to exhibit steady growth as of August 2026. Homes sold in July 2026 for a median price of $310,000, marking a 3.96% increase from the median sold price of $298,200 in July 2025. This median sold price also remained consistent with June 2026, showing no change from the previous month.

The median list price for homes in the St. Louis MSA was $300,000 in July 2026, reflecting a 3.45% increase from $290,000 in July 2025. Additionally, the number of home sales increased by 4.52%, with 3,604 homes sold in Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Hold Steady at 6.75% in August 2026 Amid Rising Trend

By Dennis Norman, on August 6th, 2026

August 2026 sees St. Louis mortgage rates holding steady at high levels, with the 30-year fixed rate maintaining its position at 6.75%. Despite no change from previous levels, this rate continues to reflect the overall rising trend seen across the national market. The 15-year fixed rate also remains unchanged at 6.29%, providing a slightly lower option for those looking to finance their homes over a shorter period.

For St. Louis homebuyers and sellers, these steady but elevated rates can influence purchasing power and selling strategies. Buyers may find themselves needing to adjust budgets to accommodate higher interest costs, while sellers Continue Reading →

Could Some Condo Buildings Become Increasingly Difficult to Finance?

By Karen Moeller, on August 3rd, 2026

Most buyers think getting approved for a mortgage means they’re ready to buy a home. With condominiums, that’s only half the equation.

Unlike a single-family home, purchasing a condo has always required lenders to look beyond the individual buyer. They also evaluate the condominium association itself. Recent changes by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac place even greater emphasis on the financial health of the community, making the association’s finances and management more important than ever during the lending process.

The changes reflect lenders’ growing concern about deferred maintenance, reserve funding, insurance coverage, and the long-term financial stability of Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Edge Up to 6.78% in July 2026 – What Rising Rates Mean for Homebuyers

By Dennis Norman, on July 30th, 2026

As of July 30, 2026, St. Louis mortgage rates continue their upward climb, with the 30-year fixed rate now standing at 6.78%, marking a slight increase of 0.02% from previous levels. This rise keeps the rate well above the 6.5% threshold that has been a critical point for many prospective buyers. The 15-year fixed rate also edged up to 6.32%, reflecting a similar trend of gradual increases across the board. Other mortgage products, including the 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans, along with the 7/6 SOFR ARM, have also seen upticks, suggesting a broader trend of tightening conditions in the mortgage Continue Reading →

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 →