Cathy Lirette - St Louis Real Estate News

Why the St. Louis 5-County Core Market Is Outperforming Much of the U.S.

By Cathy Lirette, on March 24th, 2026

By Cathy Lirette

In a national housing environment defined by volatility, affordability challenges, and uneven demand, the St. Louis 5-county core market continues to stand out as one of the most stable and attractive real estate regions in the United States. While many coastal and Sunbelt markets are correcting after years of rapid appreciation, St. Louis is demonstrating something far more valuable: sustainable growth, relative affordability, and long-term market balance.

Affordability Remains a Major Competitive Advantage

One of the most compelling reasons the St. Louis core market outperforms other regions is simple: affordability. The median home price in St. Continue Reading →

VA Loan Myths vs. Facts in the St. Louis Real Estate Market

By Cathy Lirette, on March 16th, 2026

In today’s St. Louis market, VA buyers are still competing, winning, and closing — yet misconceptions about VA financing continue to circulate.

As a real estate broker and Air Force veteran serving the St. Louis metro area, I’ve seen firsthand how inaccurate assumptions can unnecessarily complicate transactions. Understanding how VA loans work helps both buyers and sellers make confident decisions.

Let’s clear up the most common myths.

Myth #1: VA Loans Take Longer to Close

Fact: VA loans close on timelines similar to conventional and FHA financing. In our St. Louis market, a well-prepared VA file typically Continue Reading →

Thinking About Buying Land in Franklin County? Here’s Why Price Per Acre Can Be Misleading

By Cathy Lirette, on February 13th, 2026

Buying Land - Price per acre can be deceptive

If you’ve been looking at land in Franklin County for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed something confusing. The price per acre can be wildly different from one listing to the next.

A common question from buyers is, “Why is this 20-acre parcel cheaper per acre than that 10 acre one?”

The short answer is simple. Land doesn’t price like houses do. In Franklin County especially, value depends far more on what the land can be used for than how many acres it has.

The First Mistake Buyers Make. Focusing Only Continue Reading →

Living Here Matters: A Local Look at the Proposed Gray Summit Data Center and How it May Affect Area Real Estate

By Cathy Lirette, on January 26th, 2026

I don’t just work in Gray Summit, I live here. Like many of my neighbors, I chose this area for the open land, quiet setting, and small-community feel. That’s why the proposed data center off Robertsville Road has sparked so many conversations, both personally and professionally.

As a local resident and real estate broker, I’ve been hearing the same questions from homeowners and buyers alike: What does this mean for our community? And how could it affect home values? Unlike a factory or corporate campus, a data center doesn’t bring a large permanent workforce once construction is complete. That means Continue Reading →

Why I’m Thankful to Be a Realtor

By Cathy Lirette, on November 26th, 2025

Real estate moves fast. Between showings, negotiations, inspections, and closings, it’s easy to stay focused on the next task. But when I slow down and look at the work I get to do, I’m reminded how grateful I am for this career. It’s shaped me, challenged me, and given me a deeper sense of purpose than I ever expected.

What means the most to me is the trust my clients place in me. They invite me into one of the biggest decisions of their lives and rely on me to guide them honestly, protect their interests, and help steady things Continue Reading →

As a Veteran and Realtor, I’m Tired of Seeing This Benefit Wasted

By Cathy Lirette, on November 11th, 2025

Veterans Don't Waste your VA Loan Benefits

After serving our country, no veteran should struggle to own a home, especially when one of the best loan programs in America was created just for us. Yet every year, I meet veterans in the St. Louis area who either don’t know they qualify for a VA loan or were told it’s too complicated to use.

As both a veteran and a real estate broker, that frustrates me. The VA Home Loan isn’t a handout; it’s a benefit earned through service. It’s also one of the most powerful tools available for building financial security and homeownership.

Continue Reading →