By Dennis Norman, on January 3rd, 2025 
The Risks of HELOC Wire Fraud: A Case Study for St. Louis Homeowners
A recent lawsuit, Skertich vs. Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing and Alliant Credit Union, highlights alarming vulnerabilities in Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) when it comes to wire fraud. According to the complaint, a fraudulent wire transfer amounting to $425,650 was authorized using counterfeit documents and improper verification processes. Despite clear red flags, such as mismatched signatures and suspicious IP addresses, the financial institutions involved processed the transaction. This serves as a stark reminder for homeowners in St. Louis and beyond to exercise caution with HELOC accounts.
The Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 1st, 2025 
As we welcome the new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past and set our sights on the opportunities ahead. Whether you’re planning to buy your dream home, sell your current property, or invest in the thriving St. Louis real estate market, 2025 promises to be an exciting year full of possibilities.
The St. Louis real estate market has remained a dynamic and diverse one, with opportunities for homeowners, buyers, and investors alike. From charming historic neighborhoods to bustling new developments, there’s something for everyone. As we kick off the year, now is the perfect time to Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 26th, 2024 
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a federal lawsuit against Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC and the Jason Mitchell Group, alleging violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). The complaint, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, accuses the defendants of participating in a scheme involving kickbacks and steering practices that compromised the trust consumers place in their real estate agents.
According to the CFPB’s allegations, Rocket Homes pressured real estate agents and brokers to steer clients toward its affiliate, Rocket Mortgage, and other related services, often at the expense of offering clients competitive alternatives. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 24th, 2024 
As we approach this special time of year, we want to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah. May your celebrations be filled with joy, warmth, and the love of family and friends.
Here’s to a season of peace, happiness, and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey this year, and we look forward to serving you in the year to come!Christ
By Dennis Norman, on December 21st, 2024 
As of November 2024, the St Louis City real estate market continues to show strong growth and stability. According to data exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the St Louis City update was $205,000, representing a 3.80% increase from November 2023 when the median sold price was $197,500. However, this is a 4.65% decrease from October 2024 when the median sold price was $215,000.
The median list price for homes in the St Louis City update also saw an increase, rising to $209,000 in November 2024, a 4.55% increase from $199,900 in November 2023. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 19th, 2024 
The real estate market in St Louis County continues to thrive, with homes selling for a median price of $268,000 in November 2024. This marks a significant increase of 15.27% from November 2023, when the median sold price was $232,500. However, there was a slight decrease of 10.07% compared to October 2024, when the median sold price was $298,000.
According to the chart below, exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, the median list price for homes in St Louis County was $269,900 in November 2024. This represents a 17.40% increase from November 2023, when the median list price was $229,900.
Despite Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 18th, 2024 
A recent LendingTree survey sheds light on Americans’ sentiment toward the housing market, with 38% of respondents believing the market is at risk of crashing in the next year. This concern cuts across various demographics, reflecting broader economic uncertainty.
The survey, conducted in October 2024, highlights generational and financial divides in perceptions. Younger generations and households with lower incomes are more likely to fear a downturn, while higher-income earners and older respondents appear less concerned. With headlines still buzzing about affordability challenges and mortgage rates, these results suggest lingering worries about market stability.
As always, whether the market soars or Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 16th, 2024 
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area? Look no further than the fastest selling zip codes for your next move. According to recent data, the top three zip codes with the shortest average days on market are 63043 in St. Louis, MO, 63074 in St. Louis, MO, and 62095 in Madison-IL, IL.
With only 11 active listings and an average of 30 days on the market, 63043 takes the top spot for the fastest selling zip code in St. Louis. And with an average list price of $273,836, it’s an Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 16th, 2024 
The real estate market in Jefferson County continued to show strong growth in November 2024, with the median home price increasing by 6.78% compared to the same time last year. According to the latest data from , homes in the Jefferson County area sold for a median price of $260,000, up from $243,500 in November 2023.
While this represents a significant increase in home prices, it is important to note that there was a slight decrease compared to the previous month. In October 2024, the median sold price was $276,000, making November’s median price a 5.80% decrease. However, this Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 13th, 2024 
During the 12-month period ending October 31, 2024, a total of 3,789 building permits were issued for new single-family homes in the St. Louis area. This marks a 3.64% decrease from the previous 12 months, which recorded 3,932 permits. According to the latest data from the Home Builders Association of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri (St. Louis HBA), four of the seven counties covered in the report experienced an increase in permits. Lincoln County continues to show great growth in new construction with an increase of a whopping 154%.
Search St Louis Homes For Sale Search St Louis Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 12th, 2024 
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area? If so, you’ll want to pay attention to the fastest selling school districts in the region. According to recent data, Wolf Branch DIST 113 in Illinois takes the top spot with an average of only 16 days on the market for its 3 active listings. This district boasts a desirable location and an average list price of $314,300, making it a hot spot for families looking to settle down.
But Wolf Branch DIST 113 isn’t the only school district with a quick turnaround time. Coming Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 9th, 2024 
As of November 2024, the real estate market in the metro east area showed strong growth with an increase in median sold prices. According to data exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, homes in the metro east update sold for a median price of $206000, a significant 21.18% increase from November 2023 when the median sold price was $170000. This also marks a slight decrease of 0.96% from October 2024, when the median sold price was $208000.
The median list price in the metro east update also saw a significant increase of 20.59% from $170000 in November 2023 to $205000 in Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 9th, 2024 
The latest data from the St Charles County real estate market is in, and it’s showing positive signs for both buyers and sellers. According to the chart below, exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the update during November 2024 was $360,500. This represents a 3.00% increase from November 2023, when the median sold price was $350,000.
While the median sold price saw a slight decrease of 2.57% from October 2024, when it was $370,000, the overall trend is still on the rise. Additionally, the median list price for homes in the update was $359,900, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 7th, 2024 
The St. Louis real estate market continues to show strong growth as we head into the end of 2024. According to the latest data from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the stl msa update was $265,000 in November 2024. This represents a significant increase of 11.60% from November 2023, when the median sold price was $237,450.
However, there was a slight decrease in median sold price from the previous month, with October 2024 showing a median sold price of $277,000. This decrease of 4.33% is likely due to seasonal fluctuations and is not indicative of a Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 7th, 2024 
For St. Louis homeowners considering selling their homes, the 2024 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers offers valuable insights into current trends. According to the report, the median time a home spends on the market remains a swift three weeks, with 49% of all homes selling within just two weeks. For sellers, this indicates that pricing your home competitively and working with an experienced agent can lead to quick and successful sales.
Additionally, the median sales price continues to align with the listing price, holding steady at 100% of the asking price. This consistency underscores the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 6th, 2024 
RealPage, Inc., a key provider of software solutions for rental property management, has filed a motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuits brought against it by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and several states. These suits allege that RealPage’s revenue management software violates the Sherman Act by encouraging landlords to set higher rents. In its motion to dismiss, RealPage refutes these claims, arguing that its software operates within the bounds of the law and that plaintiffs fail to show sufficient evidence of harm or illegal coordination.
The crux of RealPage’s argument is that their software merely provides aggregated data and Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 6th, 2024 
As of November 2024, the real estate market in Franklin County has seen a decrease in median sold price compared to the same time last year. According to data exclusively provided by MORE, REALTORS®, homes in the county sold for a median price of $237500, a 3.04% decrease from November 2023 when the median sold price was $244950.
This decrease in median sold price is also reflected in the month-over-month data, with a 6.31% decrease from October 2024 when the median sold price was $253499. The median list price for homes in Franklin County also saw a slight decrease of Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 6th, 2024 
The National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers provides fascinating insights into the evolving preferences and demographics of today’s real estate market. As reflected in the charts below, buyers continue to seek homes and neighborhoods that align with their lifestyles and values, while trends in home size, type, and location highlight shifting priorities.
Key Highlights from the Report Family Dynamics in Home Purchases: The share of homebuyers without children under 18 in the home has risen significantly, reaching 73% in 2024, compared to just 41% in 1981. This trend underscores how demographic changes are shaping the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 5th, 2024 
The 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), provides a detailed look at the trends shaping the real estate market. One of the most striking takeaways is the continued rise in the age of first-time home buyers. In 2024, the median age of first-time buyers is 38 years—a dramatic jump from 29 yearsin 1981. This increase reflects the growing challenges young buyers face, including rising home prices, student loan debt, and tighter lending standards. The chart below vividly illustrates this trend over the past four decades.
In contrast, repeat buyers now have Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 5th, 2024 
As of November 2024, year-to-date (YTD) home sales in the St. Louis metro area reached 28,672, marking a slight decline compared to the 29,072 homes sold by this time last year. This represents a reduction of 400 homes sold year-over-year, a modest dip of approximately 1.37%.
While this year’s figures are down slightly, the broader picture of the St. Louis housing market remains resilient, even amidst shifting economic and market conditions. To put this in perspective, the YTD home sales in November 2024 are still significantly higher than in some prior years, particularly during market troughs like 2010.
For home Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 29th, 2024 
While many rush to snag the best deals on TVs and appliances this Black Friday, savvy homebuyers know the real bargains might be waiting in the St. Louis real estate market. Homes with price reductions or fresh opportunities after a contract falls through can offer a golden chance to snag a deal on your dream home. Instead of battling holiday shoppers, consider browsing the incredible opportunities on WillingToNegotiate.com.
This website features homes in the St. Louis metro area where sellers are showing flexibility. Whether you’re eyeing a property with a recent price cut or one that’s back on the market, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 28th, 2024 
As we gather this Thanksgiving, St. Louis Real Estate News and MORE, REALTORS, the company behind the news, want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our readers, clients, and the St. Louis community. Whether you’re celebrating in a cozy brick bungalow, a historic Victorian, or a newly built home, the warmth of family and friends reminds us why real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about the lives we build within them.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on blessings, and as a local real estate leader, we’re thankful for the opportunity to help families achieve their dreams of homeownership. Just Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 27th, 2024 
The landmark settlement in the Burnett (Sitzer) v. National Association of Realtors (NAR) class action lawsuit has officially received final approval from U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on November 27, 2024. This settlement is set to impact millions of homeowners across the U.S., offering substantial financial restitution and mandating significant changes in real estate practices. The full details of the court’s order and settlement terms are provided in the document below.
Judge Bough emphasized the fairness of the settlement, noting that it provides “substantial benefits to the class” while ensuring equitable treatment of all members. Over 491,000 claims have Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 26th, 2024 
A recent Notorious P.O.D. interview with Wilson Fauber, a Virginia real estate broker and ordained minister, has brought renewed attention to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) controversial Standard of Practice 10-5. The rule prohibits hate speech, epithets, and harassing language by Realtors® at all times, including outside their professional lives.
Fauber faces an ethics hearing over social media posts he made years before the rule’s enactment, including one quoting scripture. Supporters argue the rule ensures a welcoming environment for all, while critics believe it infringes on personal freedoms and is being selectively enforced.
Why This Matters to Agents
The Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 25th, 2024 
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is turning up the heat on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the real estate industry at large. In a Statement of Interest filed in the class-action lawsuit Burnett v. NAR, the DOJ highlighted ongoing concerns about antitrust practices that could harm buyers, sellers, and competition within the real estate market.
The DOJ took particular aim at the current practice of unilateral offers of compensation to buyer brokers. These practices, the filing explains, pressure sellers to offer high commissions—often 2.5-3%—to buyer brokers to avoid “steering,” ultimately driving up home prices. This arrangement benefits neither Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 21st, 2024
As of October 2024, the St Louis City real estate market is showing signs of stability, with a slight decrease in median sold price compared to the same time last year. According to data exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, homes in the St Louis City area sold for a median price of $215,500, a decrease of 0.05% from October 2023. This also represents a 2.82% decrease from September 2024, when the median sold price was $221,750.
However, it’s not all bad news for homeowners in the St Louis City update. The median list price for homes in the area increased Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 19th, 2024 
The New York Times published a detailed investigation yesterday into the spending practices of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), raising significant questions about the organization’s leadership and its stewardship of member dues. The report, titled “Chauffeured Cars and Broadway Tickets: Inside the National Realtors Group,” written by Debra Kamin, explores what some describe as a culture of excess and self-interest within one of the largest trade associations in the United States.
The investigation reveals that NAR’s top executives and elected leaders have enjoyed a range of extravagant perks, from luxury hotel suites and first-class travel to private club memberships Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 19th, 2024
The latest data from the St Louis County update shows a strong real estate market, with a significant increase in median sold prices compared to last year. According to the chart below, exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, homes in the St Louis County sold for a median price of $298,000 in October 2024, a 26.81% increase from October 2023. This also represents a 4.56% increase from September 2024, when the median sold price was $285000.
The median list price in October 2024 was $295,000, a 31.11% increase from October 2023’s median list price of $225,000. Despite this increase, there were Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 16th, 2024
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area? If so, you’ll want to pay attention to the fastest selling zip codes in the region. According to recent data, the top three fastest selling zip codes in St. Louis are 63043, 63128, and 63040.
In the top spot is 63043, located in St. Louis, MO, where homes are selling at lightning speed with an average of only 21 days on the market. With an average list price of $274,338, this zip code offers affordable options for families looking to settle down in a bustling Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 15th, 2024
A federal court recently denied a request from eXp Realty to pause ongoing litigation while a settlement in a related case was being finalized. This ruling highlights growing concerns over settlement practices in the real estate industry, particularly in cases involving alleged anti-competitive behaviors. Plaintiffs in the case argued that the proposed settlement in the related Hooper lawsuit failed to adequately address claims or consider eXp’s financial resources, potentially leaving affected homebuyers and sellers shortchanged.
For consumers, this decision underscores the importance of accountability and fairness in real estate dealings. As cases like this challenge longstanding industry norms, buyers and Continue Reading →
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