Dennis Norman - St Louis Real Estate News

Franklin County Real Estate Market Sees Significant Growth in January 2026 Update

By Dennis Norman, on January 20th, 2026

The Franklin County real estate market has experienced notable growth as of January 2026, with December 2025 data revealing a substantial increase in home values and sales activity. Homes in Franklin County sold for a median price of $284,900 during December 2025, marking a 12.83% rise from December 2024’s median of $252,500. This figure also reflects a 13.51% increase compared to November 2025, when the median sold price was $251,000.

The upward trend extends to the listing prices as well, with the median list price reaching $311,900 in December 2025, up 16.42% from $267,900 in December 2024. Additionally, the market Continue Reading →

St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: January 2026

By Dennis Norman, on January 19th, 2026

The St. Louis County real estate market experienced notable changes as of December 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $262,000, marking a 2.75% increase from December 2024’s median of $255,000. This figure also reflects a slight rise of 0.77% from November 2025’s median price of $260,000. In contrast, the median list price decreased significantly to $224,900, down 19.39% from $279,000 in December 2024.

Home sales in St. Louis County totaled 1,043 in December 2025, a minor decrease of 2.07% compared to the 1,065 homes sold in December 2024. These statistics are illustrated in the chart below, available exclusively Continue Reading →

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembered

By Dennis Norman, on January 19th, 2026

Seventeen years ago, on the day we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I wrote the article below on a personal blog. This morning, while reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy, I revisited it and felt it was still as relevant and meaningful today as it was then. While a few of the statistics are now outdated, the message and intent remain important and timely. So, in honor of Dr. King’s birthday today, I’m republishing it with some updates and perspective for 2026.

Originally published January 19, 2009…

Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Hold Steady Amid Slight Decline

By Dennis Norman, on January 17th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area has witnessed a subtle shift in its housing market dynamics this year, with a total of 34,383 homes sold through December 2025. This figure marks a slight decrease of 0.60% from the 34,590 homes sold during the same period last year. Despite this modest reduction, the market remains robust, reflecting a stable environment for both buyers and sellers. The consistency in sales figures over the past year suggests a balanced market, offering opportunities for families looking to settle in this vibrant region spanning counties in both Missouri and Illinois.

For those interested in the most Continue Reading →

St. Louis Housing Market Finds Its Bottom; Is 2026 the Start of a Comeback?

By Dennis Norman, on January 17th, 2026

St. Louis Home Sales Hit Bottom — Will 2026 Bring a Rebound?

The SLT Market Chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, shows a full monthly history of St. Louis MSA home sales since 1999, and if you’re a data geek (like me) or just trying to get a real read on where this market is going, this chart is gold.

Here’s what stands out immediately: 2021 was the peak, no debate. In September 2021, the 12-month rolling total for home sales in the St. Louis metro hit 48,633 homes, an all-time high. For the calendar year 2021, sales totaled 48,328. Nothing before or after even comes close.

Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on January 16th, 2026

In the dynamic real estate market of the St. Louis metropolitan area, certain zip codes are experiencing rapid sales, making them hotspots for both buyers and sellers. Leading the pack is a zip code in St. Clair, Illinois, where homes are flying off the market in just 19 days on average. With five active listings, the average list price stands at an attractive $54,580, presenting a unique opportunity for families looking to settle in a vibrant community.

Close behind is a zip code in Clinton, Illinois, where properties spend an average of 37 days on the market, followed by a Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on January 15th, 2026

In December 2025, the Jefferson County real estate market saw notable activity, with homes selling at a median price of $277,450. This marks a 4.01% increase from December 2024, when the median price was $266,750. However, compared to November 2025, there was a slight decrease of 0.91% from the previous median price of $280,000. The market also experienced a significant rise in the median list price, reaching $334,100, which is a 16.11% increase from $287,750 in December 2024.

The number of home sales in December 2025 totaled 240, reflecting an 11.11% increase from the 216 homes sold in December 2024. Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on January 12th, 2026

Home buyers and sellers in the St. Louis metropolitan area, encompassing both Missouri and Illinois, are witnessing a dynamic real estate market, particularly in school districts where homes are selling rapidly. Leading the charge is the Bayless School District in St. Louis, boasting 14 active listings that typically spend just 38 days on the market, with an average list price of $209,571. This district’s swift turnover highlights its appeal to families seeking a vibrant community with accessible amenities.

Following closely is the Wolf Branch DIST 113 in St. Clair, Illinois, where properties average 42 days on the market, reflecting strong Continue Reading →

Metro East Real Estate Market Update: January 2026 Insights

By Dennis Norman, on January 9th, 2026

The Metro East real estate market experienced notable shifts as of January 2026, with homes selling for a median price of $191,500 in December 2025. This represents a 4.93% increase from the median price of $182,500 in December 2024. However, this figure also marks a 10.93% decrease from November 2025, when the median sold price was $215,000. The median list price for December 2025 was $215,000, showing a 4.88% rise from $205,000 in December 2024.

In terms of sales volume, there were 611 home sales in December 2025, a slight decrease of 0.33% from the 613 homes sold in Continue Reading →

January 2026 Real Estate Market Update: St. Charles County Sees Steady Growth

By Dennis Norman, on January 8th, 2026

The St. Charles County real estate market continues its upward trajectory as of January 2026, with homes selling for a median price of $369,500 in December 2025. This marks a 5.59% increase compared to December 2024, when the median sold price was $349,950. Additionally, the December 2025 median sold price reflects a 2.64% rise from the previous month of November 2025, which had a median sold price of $360,000.

The median list price in December 2025 was $439,750, showcasing a significant 22.15% increase from $360,000 in December 2024. The market also experienced a boost in activity, with 474 homes sold Continue Reading →

St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Update: January 2026

By Dennis Norman, on January 7th, 2026

The St. Louis MSA real estate market demonstrated notable resilience as 2025 came to a close. In December 2025, homes in the region sold for a median price of $275,000, marking a 5.77% increase from December 2024, when the median price was $260,000. However, this figure represents a slight dip of 3.51% from November 2025, when the median sold price was $285,000. The median list price also saw a significant rise, reaching $299,000 in December 2025, up 6.41% from $281,000 the previous year.

The volume of home sales in December 2025 was 2,816, a 1.99% increase from the 2,761 homes Continue Reading →

Happy New Year! Let’s Make 2026 a Great Year for Real Estate

By Dennis Norman, on January 1st, 2026

Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Happy and Blessed New Year. Whether 2025 brought you joy, challenges, or a little of both, today marks a fresh start filled with new opportunities and possibilities. Here’s to health, happiness, and success in the year ahead!

If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026, whether it’s buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing—this is a great time to start planning. The real estate market is always shifting, and having an experienced, knowledgeable team on Continue Reading →

Jim Edmonds’ Frontenac Mansion Tops List of Most Expensive Home Sales in St Louis for 2025

By Dennis Norman, on December 26th, 2025

The most expensive home sold in the St Louis metro area in 2025 (based on MLS data reported to MARIS) was the former home of St Louis Cardinals outfielder Jim Edmonds. Located at 16 Bridle Lane in Frontenac, this 17,200 square foot estate sold in May for $7.75 million, making it the top sale price for the year.

Built in 2020 and sitting on nearly 3 acres in the Ladue School District, this contemporary-style home features 7 bedrooms, 11 baths, a wine cellar that opens into the dining room, an 8-car garage, private putting green, resort-style pool, firepit, and even Continue Reading →

Merry Christmas!

By Dennis Norman, on December 25th, 2025

Wishing you and your family and loved ones a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7

DOJ Doubles Down on Real Estate Commission Structure in Davis v. Hanna Holdings

By Dennis Norman, on December 24th, 2025

DOJ Targets NAR Realtor Associations Rules - Antitrust implications

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has weighed in on the Davis v. Hanna Holdings case with a formal Statement of Interest, and it’s a clear signal to the real estate industry. The DOJ argues that real estate trade association rules, specifically those requiring sellers to offer compensation to buyers’ agents, may violate antitrust laws and deserve full scrutiny. For anyone who thought the pressure on commission practices might let up, this filing confirms the opposite.

What makes this noteworthy is the DOJ’s insistence that rules created and enforced by associations like the National Association of REALTORS® are not exempt Continue Reading →

December 2025 St. Louis City Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices Amid Fewer Sales

By Dennis Norman, on December 21st, 2025

The St. Louis City real estate market saw a significant increase in home prices during November 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $250,000. This marks a 25.00% rise from November 2024, where the median sold price was $200,000. Additionally, last month’s median price reflects a 12.16% increase from October 2025’s median of $222,900. Despite the rising prices, the market experienced a decrease in the number of home sales, with 211 homes sold in November 2025, down 14.57% from 247 sales in November 2024.

Interestingly, while sale prices have surged, the median list price saw a decline. In Continue Reading →

December 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Franklin County Sees Price Growth Despite Sales Dip

By Dennis Norman, on December 20th, 2025

The Franklin County real estate market experienced notable changes in November 2025, as highlighted by the chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®. Homes sold for a median price of $251,000, marking a 5.24% increase from the median price of $238,500 in November 2024. However, this figure also represents a 7.89% decrease from October 2025, when the median sold price was $272,500.

The median list price surged to $301,445, which is a 13.75% increase compared to $265,000 in November 2024. Despite the rise in prices, the number of home sales in Franklin County decreased to 85 in November 2025, down Continue Reading →

Could Missouri Ban Hedge Funds from Buying Homes? A Pre-Filed Bill Says Yes… But Don’t Bet on It Yet

By Dennis Norman, on December 19th, 2025

Could Missouri Block Hedge Funds and Institutional Buyers from buying property in Missouri under House Bill 2077?

A newly pre-filed bill in the Missouri House, HB 2077, aims to stop institutional investors, think hedge funds, private equity firms, and large REITs, from purchasing most residential properties in Missouri starting August 28, 2026. Known as the “End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act,” this bill would force institutional investors to divest any 1 to 4-family homes they already own within three years and ban them from acquiring new ones altogether.

There is no doubt this proposal will generate buzz, especially among real estate investors and professionals who have seen institutional capital change the landscape of the single-family Continue Reading →

December 2025 St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: A Closer Look at November’s Trends

By Dennis Norman, on December 19th, 2025

The St. Louis County real estate market experienced notable shifts in November 2025, as reflected in the latest data. Homes sold for a median price of $260,000, marking a slight decrease of 0.10% from November 2024’s median of $260,263. This figure also represents a significant decline of 10.68% from October 2025, when the median sold price was $291,100.

In terms of listing prices, the median list price in November 2025 was $225,000, showing a substantial decrease of 18.92% compared to $277,500 in November 2024. Additionally, the number of home sales in St. Louis County stood at 955, a 6.65% drop Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Show Slight Decline in 2025, Stability Over Four Years

By Dennis Norman, on December 17th, 2025

The St. Louis metropolitan area has experienced a slight dip in home sales this year, with a total of 31,498 homes sold through the end of November 2025. This marks a 1.04% decrease from the 31,829 homes sold during the same period last year. Despite this minor decline, the market shows remarkable stability when viewed over a longer timeline, as the number of homes sold this year remains unchanged from four years ago, when zero homes were sold by the end of November 2025. This consistency highlights the resilience of the St. Louis housing market amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

For Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on December 16th, 2025

The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a dynamic real estate market, with certain zip codes emerging as hotspots for quick sales. Leading the pack is a zip code in St. Clair County, Illinois, where homes are flying off the market in an average of just 26 days. This area currently has 7 active listings, with an average list price of $70,286, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking swift transactions.

Following closely is a zip code spanning Monroe and St. Clair Counties in Illinois, where the average time on the market is 31 days across 14 listings. Continue Reading →

December 2025 Jefferson County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices and Steady Sales

By Dennis Norman, on December 15th, 2025

The Jefferson County real estate market shows a dynamic shift as of December 2025, with notable changes in home prices and sales activity. In November 2025, homes sold for a median price of $280,000, marking a 5.86% increase from November 2024’s median price of $264,500. However, this also represents a 3.45% decrease from October 2025, when the median sold price was $290,000. Despite these fluctuations, the market remains robust with 228 home sales in November 2025, maintaining the same number of transactions as November 2024.

The median list price in Jefferson County rose significantly, reaching $329,900 in November 2025, a Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on December 12th, 2025

In the dynamic St. Louis metropolitan real estate market, certain school districts are standing out for their rapid home sales. Leading the charge is the Bayless School District in St. Louis, where homes are selling at an impressive pace. With 14 active listings, properties here spend an average of just 30 days on the market, boasting an attractive average list price of $213,914. This makes Bayless a hot spot for families looking to move quickly into their new homes.

Following closely is the Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Madison County, Illinois, where the average days on the market is 34, Continue Reading →

Metro East Real Estate Market Sees Price Increase Amidst Sales Decline as of December 2025

By Dennis Norman, on December 9th, 2025

The Metro East real estate market experienced notable changes in November 2025, with the median home sale price reaching $214,500. This marks a 4.89% increase from November 2024, when the median price was $204,500. However, when compared to October 2025, this represents a slight decrease of 2.50% from $220,000. The median list price for homes in the area also rose to $225,000, a significant 9.76% increase from $205,000 in the previous year. Despite the rise in prices, the number of home sales in Metro East saw a decline, with 533 homes sold in November 2025, down 4.14% from 556 sales Continue Reading →

December 2025 St. Charles County Real Estate Market Update

By Dennis Norman, on December 8th, 2025

The St. Charles County real estate market witnessed notable changes in November 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $360,000, marking a 3.23% increase from $348,750 in November 2024. However, this price reflects a slight decrease of 1.37% compared to October 2025’s median sold price of $365,000. The median list price in November 2025 was $440,900, showing a significant 22.47% rise from $360,000 in November 2024. Additionally, home sales totaled 422, a 4.95% decrease from the 444 homes sold in November 2024.

For a detailed visual representation of these statistics, refer to the chart below, available exclusively from MORE, Continue Reading →

December 2025 St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices Amid Decreasing Sales

By Dennis Norman, on December 7th, 2025

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market saw notable changes in November 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $285,000. This represents a 7.18% increase compared to November 2024, when the median sold price was $265,900. However, this figure also marks a slight decrease of 1.72% from the previous month of October 2025, when the median sold price was $290,000.

The median list price for homes in the St. Louis MSA also experienced a rise, reaching $295,500 in November 2025. This is a 5.54% increase from the $280,000 recorded in November 2024. Despite the increase Continue Reading →

St Louis Makes Top 10 for Rent Growth in 2025

By Dennis Norman, on December 6th, 2025

While rents have declined nationally over the past year, St. Louis is one of the exceptions. According to the December 2025 National Rent Report from Apartment List, the St. Louis metro saw a 4.3% year-over-year increase in rent prices, placing it among the top ten large U.S. metro areas for rent growth.

The national picture looks very different. Rents fell by 1.0% in November alone and are now down 1.1% compared to the same time last year. This marks the fourth straight month of nationwide rent declines. In fact, national median rent has dropped 5.2% from its August 2022 peak Continue Reading →

Investor Purchases Hit 5-Year High Nationally… What About Here in Missouri?

By Dennis Norman, on December 6th, 2025

St Louis home buyers losing out to investors on homes.

Real estate investors accounted for a record-high 33% of all single-family home purchases in the U.S. during the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Investor Pulse™ Report from BatchData. This marks the highest share in five years and reflects a growing trend of investor activity in the housing market, particularly from “mom-and-pop” buyers who now own over 90% of all investor-held homes. In contrast, large institutional investors have been net sellers for six straight quarters. Despite this national trend, Missouri’s investor footprint remains relatively modest, coming in just under the national average, based on visual analysis of the Continue Reading →

How Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation Made Thanksgiving a National Tradition

By Dennis Norman, on November 27th, 2025

While Thanksgiving has become a well-established American tradition, many people may not realize that it wasn’t always a national holiday. That changed in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation during the heart of the Civil War, calling on Americans to observe a national day of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November. This historic act laid the foundation for the holiday as we know it today.

Lincoln’s proclamation came at a time of deep division and suffering. Yet, he noted the many blessings still enjoyed by the nation: peace with foreign powers, growing industry and agriculture, and an Continue Reading →

Missouri Law Lets Condo Associations Intercept Tenant Rent

By Dennis Norman, on November 24th, 2025

If you’re a landlord renting out a condo in Missouri, you need to understand a key risk that can cost you, even if your mortgage is current. Missouri Statute 448.3-116 gives the condo association an automatic lien for unpaid assessments or fines. This lien attaches from the moment the debt becomes due and can be foreclosed like a mortgage. And yes, this applies even when the tenant is the one supposed to be paying the fees.

The statute goes further. If the unit owner is more than 60 days delinquent on assessments, the association has the right to demand that Continue Reading →