By Dennis Norman, on November 13th, 2025 
In November 2025, St. Louis homebuyers are seeing a favorable shift in mortgage rates as the trend continues downward. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased to 6.29%, a slight drop of 0.05% from last week. This reduction offers a slight reprieve in what has been a challenging market for prospective homeowners. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has decreased to 5.80%, down by 0.04%, providing additional options for those looking to finance or refinance their homes.
These falling rates are a positive development for the St. Louis market, potentially easing monthly payments for buyers and improving affordability. Sellers may also Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 12th, 2025 
In the dynamic real estate market of the St. Louis metropolitan area, understanding which school districts are experiencing rapid home sales can provide a competitive edge for both buyers and sellers. Currently leading the pack is Wolf Branch DIST 113 in St. Clair County, Illinois, where homes are being snapped up in an average of just 28 days. With 7 active listings and an average list price of $366,943, this district is attracting families looking for both quality education and a swift home-buying process.
Following closely is the Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Madison County, Illinois, with homes on the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 9th, 2025 
The Metro East real estate market continues its upward trajectory as of November 2025, with significant gains in both home prices and sales volume. In October 2025, homes in the Metro East area sold for a median price of $220,000, marking a 7.32% increase from the previous year when the median was $205,000. This also represents a 2.33% rise from September 2025’s median sold price of $215,000. The median list price reached $232,500, a notable 13.41% increase from October 2024’s $205,000.
The market’s vitality is further highlighted by the 678 home sales recorded in October 2025, a 7.45% increase compared Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 8th, 2025 
The St. Charles County real estate market demonstrated steady growth in October 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $365,000. This marks a 1.39% increase from October 2024, when the median sold price was $360,000. Additionally, the current median sold price reflects a 2.82% rise compared to September 2025’s $355,000. The median list price also saw a significant increase, reaching $437,163, up 21.77% from $359,000 in October 2024.
The market activity in St. Charles County remained strong, with 517 homes sold in October 2025, a 1.77% increase from the 508 homes sold during the same period last year. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 7th, 2025 
The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show robust growth as of November 2025. Homes in the region sold for a median price of $290,000 in October 2025, marking a 3.57% increase from the $280,000 median price recorded in October 2024. This upward trend is further highlighted by a 1.75% rise from September 2025, where the median sold price was $285,000.
The median list price for homes also saw a significant increase, reaching $300,000 in October 2025. This represents a 7.14% growth compared to October 2024, when the median list price was $280,000. Additionally, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 6th, 2025
In November 2025, mortgage rates for the St. Louis real estate market have continued their upward trajectory, presenting new challenges for prospective homebuyers and sellers. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has increased to 6.37%, up by 0.04% from previous levels. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate saw a more significant rise of 0.06%, now sitting at 5.86%. These increases reflect a broader trend of climbing rates, with the 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans also experiencing hikes, reaching 6.09% and 6.40%, respectively. Notably, the adjustable-rate mortgage (7/6 SOFR ARM) has risen to 6.03%, further narrowing the options for those seeking lower initial payments.
Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 30th, 2025
As of October 30, 2025, St. Louis homebuyers are seeing a consistent upward trend in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising by 0.14% to reach 6.27%. This significant increase signals a shift in the St. Louis real estate market, where rates have consistently moved higher. The 15-year fixed rate also saw a rise, now at 5.82%, marking a 0.10% increase. These changes reflect broader economic trends impacting borrowing costs.
The implications for buyers and sellers in the St. Louis area are considerable. With higher mortgage rates, potential homebuyers may face increased monthly payments, prompting some to reconsider Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 30th, 2025 
A pending bill in the Illinois Senate, HB3564, aims to limit rental fees and increase transparency, but it raises real concerns for landlords and property managers. While I’m fully in favor of transparency and clear disclosure of fees, this bill adds unnecessary restrictions that could reduce housing availability and create inequities in how different types of tenants are treated.
The bill would prohibit landlords from charging move-in fees on top of security deposits and would require that any non-optional fees be listed on the first page of the lease. It also limits background check fees to the **actual cost or Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 23rd, 2025
As October 2025 progresses, the St. Louis mortgage market is experiencing mixed movements in interest rates, offering both opportunities and challenges for potential homebuyers and current homeowners. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remains stable at 6.17%, maintaining its position at a moderate level above 6%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage saw a slight decrease, dipping by 0.02% to stand at 5.73%. These subtle shifts highlight a market in flux, where buyers can still find favorable conditions depending on their financial strategy.
For St. Louis buyers, the unchanged 30-year fixed rate presents an opportunity to lock in a long-term mortgage at a Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 23rd, 2025 
Good news for Missouri home sellers and real estate agents. On Monday (October 20th), the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a long-running lawsuit that could have changed how listings are marketed. The lawsuit, filed by a Columbia, Missouri-based home designer, claimed that a real estate brokerage broke copyright law by posting a floorplan online to help sell a home. After years of back and forth, the courts decided that using a floorplan in this way is legal under the “fair use” rule. That decision now stands for good.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re selling your Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 21st, 2025 
The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a dynamic real estate market, with certain zip codes standing out for their rapid home sales. Leading the pack is zip code 63119 in St. Louis, MO, where homes are flying off the market in an average of just 4 days. With 55 active listings, this area boasts an average list price of $488,575, making it a hot spot for both buyers and sellers looking to make swift transactions. The appeal of 63119 lies in its vibrant community and convenient location, attracting families and professionals alike.
In Illinois, the pace is brisk in Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 21st, 2025 
The St. Louis City real estate market continues to show dynamic changes as of October 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $245,000 in September 2025, marking an impressive 11.36% increase from the median price of $220,000 in September 2024. This upward trend also reflects a 4.26% rise from August 2025, when the median sold price was $235,000.
Interestingly, while the median sold price has increased, the median list price in September 2025 was $220,000, down 4.35% from $230,000 in September 2024. Additionally, the number of home sales in St. Louis City decreased by 9.93%, with 245 homes sold Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 20th, 2025 
The Franklin County real estate market continues to show dynamic changes as of October 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $267,000 in September 2025, marking an 8.54% increase from the median price of $246,000 in September 2024. However, this represents an 8.87% decrease from the previous month’s median of $293,000 in August 2025. The median list price for September 2025 was $295,000, which is an 11.45% rise compared to $264,703 in September 2024.
Home sales in the county saw a significant boost, with 117 homes sold in September 2025, a substantial 34.48% increase from the 87 homes Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 20th, 2025 
The St. Louis County real estate market continues to show robust growth as of October 2025. In September 2025, homes sold for a median price of $295,000, marking a significant increase of 9.26% from September 2024, when the median price was $270,000. This upward trend also reflects a 1.72% rise from August 2025, where the median sold price was $290,000.
Interestingly, while the median sold price has climbed, the median list price has seen a decline. In September 2025, the median list price was recorded at $235,000, a decrease of 14.55% compared to $275,000 in September 2024. Despite this Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 16th, 2025
In a positive shift for the St. Louis real estate market, mortgage rates have continued their downward trend, offering some relief to prospective homebuyers. As of mid-October 2025, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased to 6.27%, dropping by 0.04%. The 15-year fixed rate has also seen a slight reduction, now standing at 5.82%. This consistent decline across various loan types, including FHA, Jumbo, and VA loans, indicates a broader easing in borrowing costs.
For St. Louis buyers and sellers, these rate reductions could signal a more favorable environment for purchasing and refinancing. Lower rates can enhance affordability, potentially boosting Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 15th, 2025 
The Jefferson County real estate market has shown notable activity as of October 2025. In September 2025, homes in the area sold for a median price of $290,000. This marks a 5.96% increase from September 2024, when the median sold price was $273,700. However, this also reflects a slight decrease of 3.33% from August 2025, when the median price was $300,000. Additionally, the median list price in September 2025 was $280,000, a 3.74% rise from $269,900 in the previous year.
The county saw a total of 241 home sales in September 2025, which is a 9.55% increase from the 220 Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 14th, 2025 
Missouri Insurance Department halts cancellations for storm-damaged homes
If your Missouri home was damaged in the spring 2025 storms and you’re still working through repairs, your insurer cannot cancel or non-renew your policy because of the storm damage or related claims. In a new directive, DCI ordered companies to keep coverage in force for storm-affected residential properties statewide for weather losses occurring after March 1, 2025. The department also told insurers to reverse any cancellations or non-renewals already sent out for this reason. Normal exceptions still apply, such as cancellations for non-payment and properties that weren’t damaged. The bulletin notes Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 12th, 2025
In the bustling St. Louis metropolitan area, finding a home in a top-performing school district can be a competitive endeavor. Currently leading the charge is the Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Illinois, where homes are being snapped up in an average of just 18 days. With seven active listings, the average list price stands at an attractive $117,814, making it a hotspot for families looking to settle quickly in a vibrant community.
Not far behind, the Bayless district in Unincorporated, Missouri, boasts 15 listings with homes averaging 25 days on the market. Meanwhile, BUNKER HILL DIST 8 in Illinois Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 12th, 2025
St. Louis homebuyers received a bit of good news this October 2025, as mortgage rates have seen a slight decline. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has fallen to 6.32%, marking a decrease of 0.06% from previous levels. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has dropped to 5.84%, down by 0.04%. This trend of falling rates extends across various mortgage products, including the 30-year FHA rate at 6.03% and the 30-year Jumbo rate at 6.25%. Adjustable rates, such as the 7/6 SOFR ARM, also saw a decrease, now sitting at 5.82%.
For potential homebuyers in the St. Louis area, these changes could Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 9th, 2025
As of October 9, 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is witnessing a favorable shift for potential homebuyers, with mortgage rates trending downward across the board. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dipped slightly to 6.36%, reflecting a modest decrease of 0.02% from the previous week. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate has seen a more noticeable drop of 0.03%, bringing it down to 5.87%. This decline in rates is mirrored in other loan types, including the 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans, as well as the 7/6 SOFR adjustable-rate mortgages.
For buyers and sellers in the St. Louis area, these Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 9th, 2025
The Metro East real estate market has shown significant growth as of October 2025, with home prices and sales volume both on the rise. In September 2025, homes sold for a median price of $215,000, marking a 7.47% increase from September 2024, when the median price was $200,050. This upward trend continued from August 2025, with a 4.88% increase from the previous month’s median price of $205,000.
The median list price in September 2025 was $219,000, up 8.42% from $202,000 in September 2024. Additionally, the region saw 677 home sales, an 11.35% rise from 608 sales in September 2024. These Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 8th, 2025
The St. Charles County real estate market has shown a slight upward trend in home prices as of September 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $355,000, marking a 1.43% increase from the median price of $350,000 in September 2024. However, this also represents a 1.39% decrease compared to August 2025, when the median sold price was $360,000. The median list price for homes was $353,769, reflecting a 2.54% rise from $345,000 in September 2024.
In terms of sales volume, there were 453 home sales in September 2025, which is a 3.00% decline from the 467 homes sold in Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 8th, 2025 
Solar panels are becoming an increasingly common feature in homes, but according to the 2025 REALTORS® Residential Sustainability Report, they may not always be a clear selling point. Nearly half of REALTORS® said they believe having solar panels makes it more difficult to sell a home. For buyers and sellers in the St. Louis Metro area, where energy costs and resale value are major considerations, this is an important insight to be aware of.
Adding to the uncertainty is how solar impacts the transaction itself. The top two challenges REALTORS® reported in dealing with sustainable properties were understanding how solar Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 7th, 2025
The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show robust activity as of October 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $283,000 in September 2025, marking a 4.81% increase from the median price of $270,000 in September 2024. However, this represents a slight decrease of 0.70% compared to August 2025, when the median sold price was $285,000. The median list price in September 2025 was $285,000, a significant increase of 7.55% from $265,000 in the same month last year.
Sales activity has also picked up, with 3,041 homes sold in September 2025, an increase of Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 2nd, 2025
As of October 2, 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is experiencing a varied trend in mortgage rates, providing both opportunities and challenges for homebuyers and sellers. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains unchanged at 6.37%, maintaining a moderate level above the 6% threshold. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate has seen a slight decrease, now at 5.88%, down by 0.01%. This shift suggests a potential opportunity for those considering shorter-term financing options.
The market’s mixed movement is also reflected in other mortgage categories. The 30-year jumbo rate has decreased to 6.27%, offering relief for buyers looking at higher-priced properties. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 2nd, 2025 
On October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government officially shut down after lawmakers failed to reach a deal to fund operations. The shutdown affects a wide range of federal agencies and services, many of which are relevant to the residential real estate market. One immediate impact is the lapse in authority for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which prevents new or renewed flood insurance policies from being issued. This directly affects home closings in flood zones, including parts of the St. Louis region where flood insurance is mandatory for federally backed loans.
While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 30th, 2025 
FTC Lawsuit Alleges Zillow-Redfin Deal Stifles Competition and Hurts Renters
In what could be a major shake-up for the rental housing market, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Zillow and Redfin, claiming the two companies struck an illegal agreement that essentially kills off competition in the online rental advertising space. According to the FTC, Zillow paid Redfin $100 million earlier this year to abandon its multifamily rental advertising business, hand over key customer data, and even help Zillow poach Redfin employees. The result? Redfin stopped selling rental ads and now only displays Zillow’s listings on its Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 25th, 2025
As of September 25, 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is experiencing a mixed trend in mortgage rates. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains unchanged at 6.37%, maintaining its position above 6% and indicating ongoing stability despite the overall rising trend in the market. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate saw a slight decrease, dropping by 0.01% to 5.89%. This minor reduction in the 15-year rate could offer some relief to potential homebuyers looking for shorter-term financing options.
For St. Louis homebuyers and sellers, these rate movements bring both challenges and opportunities. The unchanged 30-year fixed rate suggests a Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 21st, 2025
The St. Louis City real estate market in August 2025 saw notable changes compared to the previous year. Homes sold for a median price of $235,000, marking a 7.55% increase from August 2024’s median of $218,500. However, this figure reflects a 5.05% decrease from July 2025, when the median sold price was $247,500. The median list price in August 2025 also rose to $235,000, up 6.82% from $220,000 in August 2024.
Despite these price increases, the number of home sales in St. Louis City decreased. In August 2025, there were 285 sales, a 6.25% drop from the 304 sales recorded Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 20th, 2025 
A federal class-action lawsuit filed September 19, 2025, claims Zillow uses its dominant position in online real estate to mislead home buyers and conceal referral-based payments. The complaint states that Zillow “tricks [buyers] into signing up with a Zillow agent,” describing a system that hides Zillow’s involvement behind user-friendly website buttons and misleads consumers into thinking they are contacting the listing agent.
The lawsuit states: “Zillow’s website has a big button in bright blue lettering posted next to the house listing that says ‘Contact Agent’… Buyers, however, naturally believe they are contacting the listing agent. Instead, they are routed to Continue Reading →
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