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

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 in 2022 when 50.3% of homes sold over asking. In the October 2025 through September 2026 period, homes that sold above list went for an average of $18,790 more than the asking price. That is a meaningful gap, and it can be the difference between winning and losing a home in a multiple-offer situation.

Buyers should be aware that while 37.2% of homes sold over asking, another 21.0% sold right at the asking price. That means nearly 60% of buyers paid at or above list. In practical terms, buyers should be prepared for the possibility that a strong offer may need to include a price above the list, especially in the most competitive areas or for move-in ready homes. At the same time, with 42.8% of homes selling below asking, there are still opportunities for negotiation, particularly if a home has been on the market for a while or needs work.

Across all sales, the average sale price was 99.5% of the asking price. That means most buyers are paying close to what sellers are asking, but not always more. Compared to the previous year, when the average sale was 99.6% of asking, buyers are seeing only a slight shift in their favor.

What Selling Over Asking Means for Sellers

For sellers, the data shows that pricing strategy remains crucial. Setting a realistic asking price can still generate multiple offers and push the final sale above list. However, the days when more than half of homes sold over asking are behind us. The share of homes selling over asking has dropped each year since 2022, when it was 50.3%, to 45.3% in 2023, 41.1% in 2024, and now 37.8% in 2025. In 2026, the share ticked up slightly to 38.5%, but the overall trend is clear: the market is still strong, but no longer overheated.

For sellers, this means it is important to price homes at market value rather than aiming high and hoping for a bidding war. Overpricing can result in a home sitting on the market and eventually selling below asking. At the same time, with an average premium of $18,790 for homes that do sell over list, there is still real upside for well-prepared, well-marketed properties.

• St Louis County, Missouri: 41.0% sold over asking
• St Charles County, Missouri: 38.5% sold over asking
• Jefferson County, Missouri: 43.1% sold over asking
• Madison County, Illinois: 33.7% sold over asking
• St Clair County, Illinois: 31.7% sold over asking
• The City of St. Louis: 33.3% sold over asking
• Franklin County, Missouri: 32.7% sold over asking
• Lincoln County, Missouri: 34.4% sold over asking

These numbers show that the likelihood of selling over asking varies by county, with Jefferson County leading the way at 43.1% and Franklin County at the lower end with 32.7%.

How Agents and Clients Can Use This Data

Whether you are a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, understanding these trends is essential for setting expectations and strategy. Agents can use this data to help sellers set realistic prices and to guide buyers on when and how much to offer. For buyers, knowing that more than a third of homes still sell over asking can help avoid disappointment and ensure competitive but informed offers. For sellers, it is a reminder that while the market remains strong, careful pricing and preparation are more important than ever.

With 35,150 closed sales in the past year and an average sale price at 99.5% of asking, the St. Louis market remains active and competitive. Both buyers and sellers benefit from understanding the numbers and working with professionals who know how to interpret them in real time.