Dennis Norman - St Louis Real Estate News

Home Prices Have Soared…But Have They Really? A Deeper Look at the Data

By Dennis Norman, on March 20th, 2026

When people say home prices are out of control, they are usually looking only at the price in dollars. Your chart shows why that can be misleading. In St. Louis, the median home price rose from about $39,000 in 1975 to about $340,000 today, and gold also went up about 8 to 10 times over that same period. That does not necessarily mean houses became dramatically more expensive in real terms. It shows how much buying power the dollar has lost.

The gold comparison is what really changes the picture. In 1975, it took about 274 ounces of gold to Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on March 20th, 2026

The Franklin County real estate market continues to show signs of growth as we move through March 2026. In February, homes sold for a median price of $262,500, marking a 0.96% increase from both February 2025 and January 2026, when the median sold price was $260,000. This steady rise in home prices reflects a robust demand in the area.

Additionally, the median list price in February 2026 was $303,000, representing a significant 13.91% increase from $266,000 in February 2025. This surge in list prices suggests sellers are optimistic about the market’s strength and are positioning their properties accordingly.

February 2026 Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.36% in March 2026 – 30-Year Fixed Sees Notable Rise

By Dennis Norman, on March 19th, 2026

As of March 19, 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a continued upward trend in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate mortgage now reaching 6.36%, marking a 0.07% increase. This moderate rise in rates signifies a broader pattern of escalating costs for financing in the region. The 15-year fixed rate also experienced a slight uptick, now standing at 5.97%, an increase of 0.04%. These changes are part of a larger trend affecting various loan products, including the 30-Year FHA and Jumbo loans, as well as adjustable rate mortgages such as the 7/6 SOFR ARM, all of which have seen Continue Reading →

The Neighborhoods Where Homes Are Still Under 200K – A St. Louis First-Time Buyer Map for 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 19th, 2026

Exploring Affordable Neighborhoods in St. Louis for First-Time Buyers

In a housing market that’s constantly evolving, finding a home within budget can be a daunting task for first-time buyers. Fortunately, even in 2026, the St. Louis metro area offers dozens of neighborhoods where median home prices remain under $200,000. This provides an accessible entry point into homeownership without breaking the bank. We have pulled the latest 12-month sales data from the MLS to identify the best options, scattered across the entire MSA on both the Missouri and Illinois sides.

To explore the full interactive data for every municipality and zip Continue Reading →

March 2026 St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices Amid Decreased Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 19th, 2026

The St. Louis County real estate market continues to show resilience as home prices rise despite a slight dip in sales. In February 2026, homes in the area sold for a median price of $250,001, marking a 3.79% increase from February 2025, when the median sold price was $240,875. This price also represents a negligible increase from January 2026, where the median was $250,000.

However, the median list price saw a significant decrease, dropping 14.29% to $240,000 from $280,000 in February 2025. This shift indicates a potential adjustment in seller expectations or market conditions. Additionally, there were 768 home sales Continue Reading →

Missouri Homeowners Hit With Nearly 34% Insurance Spike…Lawsuit Abuse May Be Part of the Problem

By Dennis Norman, on March 18th, 2026

lawsuit abuse and homeowners insurance cost

Homeowners across Missouri, including many in the St. Louis area, are feeling the squeeze from sharply rising insurance premiums, and a newly released report suggests legal system abuse may be playing a bigger role than many realize. According to the report, Missouri homeowners insurance premiums have jumped 33.9% from 2021 to 2024, adding yet another affordability challenge for buyers, sellers, and real estate investors.

While severe weather and rebuilding costs are often blamed for rising premiums, the report points to increasing litigation tied to property claims, particularly involving roofing, wind, and hail damage. These lawsuits can drive up claim costs Continue Reading →

Housing Bill Gains Momentum…But Will It Actually Lower Prices?

By Dennis Norman, on March 18th, 2026

Congress Advanced a Big Housing Bill…But It Has Not Become Law Yet

If you are a homeowner, homebuyer, builder, or real estate investor, this is a bill worth watching…but let’s get the facts straight first. H.R. 6644 has not passed Congress yet. The House passed its version of the bill in February, then the Senate passed an amended version in March and sent it back to the House. So, while this housing package has real momentum, it is not law at this point.

The reason this matters is because the Senate did not just rubber-stamp the House bill. It replaced Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Experience Steady Growth in Early 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 17th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a steady increase in home sales as 2026 unfolds, with 4,038 homes sold by the end of February. This represents a slight yet positive growth of 0.62% compared to the same period last year, when 4,013 homes were sold. This upward trend indicates a resilient housing market, offering opportunities for both home buyers and sellers to engage in a dynamic real estate environment. The real estate market in the St. Louis metro area, spanning counties in both Missouri and Illinois, continues to be a focal point for families seeking to settle in a Continue Reading →

No, Credit Score Requirements Didn’t Suddenly Change in 2026, But This Did

By Dennis Norman, on March 17th, 2026

I have been hearing a lot lately from buyers who think something major changed with credit score requirements this year. The short answer is no, there was no big overhaul that suddenly made it easier to qualify for a mortgage. If your credit was a problem last year, it is still a factor today.

That said, there have been a couple of changes on the conventional loan side that are worth understanding, especially if you are close to qualifying. They are not game changers for everyone, but they could make a difference for some buyers in the St. Louis market.

Continue Reading →

The Aging Homeowner Problem and St. Louis’ Hidden Inventory Crunch

By Dennis Norman, on March 16th, 2026

Aging St Louis Homeowners - Silver Tsunami

For years housing analysts talked about the coming “silver tsunami.” The idea was that as baby boomers aged, millions of homes would eventually hit the market as owners downsized, moved to retirement housing, or passed homes on to their heirs. Because baby boomers own such a large share of the nation’s housing stock, many believed this transition would release a wave of inventory that would help relieve housing shortages, especially for entry level buyers.

That wave has not arrived, at least not yet, and the St. Louis market illustrates why.

A large portion of Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on March 16th, 2026

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area, knowing where the market is hottest can give you a significant advantage. Currently, the fastest selling zip code is in Jefferson, Missouri, where homes are flying off the market in just 15 days on average. With six active listings, the average list price here stands at $249,816, making it an attractive option for families looking for a swift transaction in a competitive market.

Following closely is a zip code in Lincoln, Missouri, where homes spend an average of 26 days on the market among the 10 Continue Reading →

Jefferson County Real Estate Market Sees Rising Prices Amid Fewer Sales – March 2026 Update

By Dennis Norman, on March 15th, 2026

The Jefferson County real estate market continues to exhibit growth in home prices as of March 2026. According to the latest data, homes sold for a median price of $290,000 in February 2026, marking a 5.47% increase from the median price of $274,950 in February 2025. This upward trend is also reflected in a month-over-month increase of 3.59% from January 2026, when the median sold price was $279,950.

The median list price in February 2026 was $339,900, a significant rise of 17.25% compared to $289,900 in February 2025. Despite these price increases, the number of home sales in Jefferson County Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Surge: 30-Year Fixed Climbs to 6.24% in March 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 12th, 2026

March 2026 is seeing a notable increase in mortgage rates in the St. Louis real estate market, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbing by 0.15% to reach 6.24%. This uptick marks a significant rise above the 6% threshold, indicating a challenging environment for potential homebuyers. Similarly, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage has also increased by 0.15%, now standing at 5.84%. The upward trend is consistent across other mortgage products as well, including the 30-year FHA and VA loans, as well as the 7/6 SOFR ARM, all of which have seen significant hikes.

For St. Louis area buyers, these rising rates could Continue Reading →

Discover St. Louis’ Hottest School Districts for Home Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 12th, 2026

In the bustling St. Louis metropolitan real estate market, Crystal City 47 in Jefferson County emerges as the fastest selling school district. With only 6 active listings, homes in this area are on the market for an average of just 19 days, boasting an average list price of $248,166. This rapid turnover indicates a high demand, making it an attractive option for families looking to settle quickly in a vibrant community. Just behind is the Grandview R-II district, also in Jefferson County, where homes spend an average of 34 days on the market, highlighting its appeal to potential buyers.

Meanwhile, Continue Reading →

March 2026 Metro East Real Estate Market Sees Rising Home Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 9th, 2026

The Metro East real estate market continues to show strong growth as of March 2026, with significant increases in both home prices and sales volume. In February 2026, homes in the Metro East area sold for a median price of $205,000, marking a 14.53% rise from the median price of $179,000 in February 2025. This increase also represents a 13.89% jump from January 2026, when the median sold price was $180,000.

The median list price for homes in February 2026 was $215,000, up 4.49% from $205,770 in February 2025. Additionally, the number of home sales reached 483, a 5.92% increase Continue Reading →

St. Charles County Real Estate Market Update: March 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 8th, 2026

The St. Charles County real estate market shows stability and growth as we analyze the latest data for February 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $350,000, remaining unchanged from February 2025. However, this represents a 1.55% increase from January 2026’s median sold price of $344,655. The median list price also saw a significant rise, reaching $456,500 in February 2026, up 26.81% from $360,000 in February 2025.

Additionally, home sales have increased, with 336 homes sold in February 2026, marking a 17.48% rise from 286 sales in February 2025. For a detailed visual representation of these trends, refer Continue Reading →

March 2026 St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices and Increased Sales Activity

By Dennis Norman, on March 7th, 2026

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show strong growth as of March 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $269,950 in February 2026, marking a 7.98% increase from the same period last year when the median price was $250,000. This upward trend is further highlighted by a 5.90% rise in median sold prices from January 2026, which stood at $254,900.

The median list price also saw a significant increase, reaching $299,900 in February 2026, up 6.16% from $282,500 in February 2025. Additionally, the market experienced a boost in home sales, with 2,092 transactions Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Fall to 6.07% in March 2026 as 30-Year Fixed Sees Notable Dip

By Dennis Norman, on March 5th, 2026

In March 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a significant shift in mortgage rates as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased to 6.07%, dropping by 0.06% since last reported. This downward trend offers a slight relief for potential homebuyers in the area, making it a more opportune time to lock in rates on long-term loans. However, the 15-year fixed rate saw a marginal increase to 5.73%, indicating a mixed movement in shorter-term loan options.

These fluctuations have notable implications for the St. Louis housing market. For buyers, the decrease in 30-year fixed rates could mean more affordable monthly payments, Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.00% in February 2026 – Rising Trend Continues for 30-Year Fixed

By Dennis Norman, on February 27th, 2026

St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a gradual climb in mortgage rates this February 2026, as the 30-year fixed rate ticks up to 6.00%, marking a modest 0.01% increase from the previous rate. This rise is part of a broader upward trend affecting various mortgage products in the region. The 15-year fixed rate has also seen an uptick, now standing at 5.62%, a 0.04% increase that could influence the decision-making process for potential buyers looking at shorter loan terms. Other products, including the 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans, as well as the 7/6 SOFR adjustable-rate mortgage, have similarly experienced rate increases.

Continue Reading →

St. Louis City Real Estate Market Update: February 2026 Overview

By Dennis Norman, on February 21st, 2026

The St. Louis City real estate market has experienced notable shifts as of February 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $200,500 in January 2026, marking a 7.79% decrease from January 2025’s median of $217,450. This price also reflects a 14.68% decline from December 2025, when the median price was $235,000. The median list price in January 2026 stood at $199,700, down 15.02% from $235,000 a year earlier.

In terms of sales volume, there were 154 home sales in January 2026, representing an 8.33% decrease from the 168 homes sold in January 2025. These statistics, along with other key Continue Reading →

February 2026 Franklin County Real Estate Market Update: Home Prices and Sales Trends

By Dennis Norman, on February 20th, 2026

In February 2026, the Franklin County real estate market experienced notable shifts in both home prices and sales activity. Homes sold for a median price of $260,000 in January 2026, marking a 9.57% decrease from January 2025’s median price of $287,500. This recent median price also represents a 7.64% decline compared to December 2025, when the median sold price was $281,500. Despite the drop in sold prices, the median list price saw a significant increase, reaching $310,000 in January 2026—a 16.54% rise from $266,000 in January 2025.

The number of home sales in Franklin County also saw an uptick, with Continue Reading →

Missouri-Based Veterans United Sued in Federal Class Action…Same Attorneys Behind Sitzer and Moehrl Cases

By Dennis Norman, on February 19th, 2026

A newly filed federal class action lawsuit in Missouri is taking aim at Columbia, Missouri based Veterans United Home Loans, alleging illegal steering practices, undisclosed kickbacks, and violations of federal consumer protection laws. Because the company is headquartered in Missouri and operates nationwide, this case could have meaningful implications for home buyers, agents, and lenders right here in the St. Louis area.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, claims Veterans United and related entities engaged in practices that allegedly steered VA borrowers to affiliated real estate agents and back to Veterans United Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Edge Upwards to 6.05% in February 2026 – 15-Year Fixed Also Sees Uptick

By Dennis Norman, on February 19th, 2026

February 2026 brings with it a slight rise in mortgage rates for the St. Louis area, with the 30-year fixed rate now standing at 6.05%, marking a 0.01% increase from previous levels. This upward movement is mirrored in the 15-year fixed rate, which also experienced a 0.01% uptick, now at 5.62%. These increases indicate a steady climb in borrowing costs, reflecting broader market trends and economic conditions.

For potential homebuyers in St. Louis, the gradual rise in rates means higher monthly payments, which could impact affordability and purchasing decisions. Sellers may also feel the effects, as rising rates could dampen Continue Reading →

St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: February 2026 Overview

By Dennis Norman, on February 19th, 2026

The St. Louis County real estate market has shown notable shifts as we enter February 2026. In January, homes sold for a median price of $250,500, marking an 8.68% increase from the $230,500 median price in January 2025. However, this figure represents a 4.39% decrease compared to December 2025, where the median sold price was $262,000.

The median list price in January 2026 was $209,950, significantly lower by 25.02% compared to $280,000 in January 2025. Additionally, there were 679 home sales recorded, a 7.99% decrease from the 738 sales in January of the previous year.

For a detailed visual representation Continue Reading →

St. Louis Earthquake Risk Remains High as Missouri Expands Insurance Options but Coverage Falls Below 20 Percent

By Dennis Norman, on February 18th, 2026

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is encouraging homeowners across the state to review their preparedness plans and consider earthquake insurance as more coverage options become available statewide. February is Earthquake Awareness Month, and according to DCI, insurers are expanding their presence, even in higher risk areas such as the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

In a recent news release, DCI Director Angela Nelson emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “It’s not something we like to think about, but Missouri has a significant risk for another major earthquake. Being prepared means having a plan for how you will recover when Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales See Slight Dip in Early 2026

By Dennis Norman, on February 17th, 2026

As of January 2026, the St. Louis metropolitan area, spanning counties in both Missouri and Illinois, has experienced a slight decline in home sales compared to the previous year. A total of 1,918 homes have been sold, marking a 2.59% decrease from the 1,969 homes sold during the same period in 2025. This subtle shift in the market indicates a potential opportunity for both buyers and sellers to reassess their strategies as the year progresses. Despite the dip, the market remains relatively stable, offering families and individuals a wide range of options to explore when considering a move within this Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on February 16th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area, spanning both Missouri and Illinois, is experiencing a dynamic real estate market, with certain zip codes standing out for their rapid sales. Leading the pack is a zip code in St. Clair County, IL, where homes are selling at lightning speed, averaging just -19 days on the market. This area offers affordability with an average listing price of $43,113, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers and investors alike.

Following closely is a zip code in Jefferson County, MO, where listings average 24 days on the market, and another in Madison County, IL, with Continue Reading →

February 2026 Jefferson County Real Estate Market Update: Key Trends and Insights

By Dennis Norman, on February 16th, 2026

The Jefferson County real estate market saw notable shifts in January 2026, as homes sold for a median price of $280,000. This marks a slight decrease of 1.75% from January 2025, where the median price stood at $285,000. However, there was a modest increase of 0.92% compared to December 2025, when the median sold price was $277,450.

The median list price in Jefferson County surged to $334,900, a significant 16.69% rise from $287,000 in January 2025. This increase in listing prices indicates a competitive market environment. Additionally, the number of home sales in January 2026 climbed to 185, reflecting Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.14% in February 2026 – Rising Trend Continues

By Dennis Norman, on February 12th, 2026

February 12, 2026 – Homebuyers and sellers in the St. Louis area are seeing continued upward movement in mortgage rates as the 30-year fixed rate reaches 6.14%, marking an increase of 0.03% from previous figures. This trend reflects a broader rise in mortgage rates across various loan types, including the 15-year fixed rate which has edged up to 5.71%, and the 30-year jumbo rate now at 6.30%.

For St. Louis buyers, these rate increases mean potentially higher monthly payments, influencing the affordability of homes in the area. Sellers may also feel the impact, as rising rates could temper buyer Continue Reading →

Discover St. Louis’ Fastest Selling School Districts: A Guide for Home Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on February 12th, 2026

In the competitive St. Louis real estate market, understanding which school districts are in high demand can be crucial for both home buyers and sellers. Currently, the Columbia DIST 4 in Monroe and St Clair Counties, Illinois, leads the pack as the fastest selling school district. With only 8 listings on the market for an average of 36 days and an average list price of $454,963, this area is attracting families looking for quick transactions and desirable homes. Columbia DIST 4’s appeal is evident in its swift market movement, making it a prime location for those looking to buy or Continue Reading →