Mortgage and Finance - St Louis Real Estate News

Can You Fight a FEMA Flood Zone? Yes. But It’s Not Simple.

By Karen Moeller, on May 12th, 2026

Few words create panic for homebuyers faster than “flood zone.” Sometimes the concern comes from insurance costs. Sometimes it comes from lending requirements. And sometimes it comes from the assumption that a flood zone designation automatically means a property floods regularly.

That last part is where many buyers get confused.

FEMA flood maps are not predictions about whether a specific home will flood tomorrow. They are risk models based on elevation data, topography, drainage patterns, historical information, and projected flood behavior. Like any large-scale risk model, flood maps are periodically updated and refined as new data becomes available.

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St. Louis Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.44% in May 2026 – 7/6 SOFR ARM Sees Significant Decline

By Dennis Norman, on May 7th, 2026

St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a favorable shift as mortgage rates trend downward this May 2026. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage has decreased by 0.10%, settling at 6.44%, which remains moderately above the 6% threshold. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate has seen a slight decrease to 6.00%, down by 0.04%. The most notable change is observed in the 7/6 SOFR Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), which experienced a significant drop, now standing at 6.11%.

For buyers in the St. Louis area, these falling rates translate into potentially lower monthly payments and increased purchasing power. Sellers might see an uptick in interest Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Surge to 6.50% in April 2026 – Buyers Face Rising Costs

By Dennis Norman, on April 30th, 2026

In April 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a significant uptick in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate climbing to 6.50%, marking a 0.12% increase. The 15-year fixed rate also rose, now standing at 6.03% after a 0.09% hike. These increases signal a rising trend across the board, affecting all major mortgage categories including 30-year jumbo, FHA, and VA loans. The adjustable rate (7/6 SOFR ARM) similarly saw a rise to 6.12%, indicating a broad upward movement in borrowing costs.

For potential buyers and sellers in the St. Louis area, these rate hikes could impact purchasing power and market Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Dip Slightly in April 2026: 30-Year Fixed Sits at 6.32%

By Dennis Norman, on April 23rd, 2026

St. Louis homebuyers have a small reason to celebrate as mortgage rates continue their downward trend this April 2026. According to the latest data, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate now stands at 6.32%, a subtle decrease of 0.01% from the previous rate. Additionally, the 15-year fixed rate has dropped by 0.02%, now at 5.90%. However, not all rates followed this downward trajectory; the 30-year Jumbo rate saw a slight increase, reaching 6.52%, while the adjustable rate (7/6 SOFR ARM) has risen to 5.97%.

For St. Louis buyers and sellers, these changes present a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. The Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Edge Upward: 30-Year Fixed Hits 6.32% in April 2026

By Dennis Norman, on April 16th, 2026

As of April 16, 2026, mortgage rates in the St. Louis area have continued their upward trajectory, with the 30-year fixed rate now standing at 6.32%, marking a slight increase of 0.01% from the previous day. The 15-year fixed rate also saw a similar rise, now at 5.97%. These subtle yet steady increases reflect broader trends in the national market, with all major rate categories experiencing hikes, including the 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans, as well as the 7/6 SOFR ARM, which now stands at 5.98%.

For potential homebuyers and sellers in St. Louis, these rising rates could have significant Continue Reading →

Mortgage Rates Aren’t Dropping—Here’s a Reason Most Buyers Aren’t Seeing

By Karen Moeller, on April 10th, 2026

What’s happening overseas is quietly influencing mortgage rates here at home—and most buyers don’t realize it

Buyers across the St. Louis market have been watching mortgage rates closely, waiting for signs of relief. Many expected those signs to show up by now. They haven’t.

Part of the reason is playing out far from St. Louis, and most buyers never see it. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the bond market, particularly long-term Treasury yields and mortgage-backed securities, but not always in the way people expect. In simple terms, when investors demand higher returns to lend money, borrowing becomes Continue Reading →

A Major Condo Rule Just Changed—But Financing Isn’t Getting Easier

By Karen Moeller, on April 9th, 2026

The 50% owner-occupancy rule is evolving, but a deeper shift is quietly making condos more complex to buy

If you’ve spent any time around the condo market lately, you’ve probably heard some version of this: “They got rid of the 50% owner-occupancy rule.” For years, that benchmark has been one of the key gatekeepers in condo financing. If too many units in a building were rented, it could limit or even block conventional financing, which in turn affected demand, pricing, and resale. So when word started circulating that the rule is “gone,” it sounded like a turning point. More Continue Reading →

What Actually Qualifies You for Down Payment Assistance in Missouri?

By Karen Moeller, on March 31st, 2026

Part 2 of a 2-part series on down payment assistance and fair housing compliance

In Part 1, we looked at the legal questions surrounding how homebuyer assistance programs are structured and where those lines may be shifting. Here, we bring it back to what matters most for buyers on the ground in Missouri. What does it actually take to qualify for down payment assistance?

Clearing Up a Common Misconception

Many buyers assume these programs are limited to very low-income households or are difficult to qualify for. In practice, many programs are designed for buyers with moderate incomes, depending on the specific program Continue Reading →

The Hidden Fee Most Homebuyers Don’t Know They’re Paying Is Going Up

By Karen Moeller, on March 30th, 2026

Credit report and scoring costs are rising and now drawing regulatory attention, adding yet another layer to today’s affordability challenge.

The Hidden Cost of Getting a Mortgage Is Getting More Attention

At a time when affordability is already stretched, there is growing scrutiny around a cost most buyers never think twice about: the price of their credit score.

Recent attention from policymakers, including Josh Hawley, has brought new focus to how credit scores are priced and used in mortgage lending. A request has also been made for the Federal Trade Commission to review whether current practices limit competition.

This Continue Reading →

Can Down Payment Programs Legally Limit Who Qualifies?

By Karen Moeller, on March 30th, 2026

Part 1 of a 2-part series on down payment assistance and fair housing compliance

A program designed to expand access to homeownership is now under federal review, and the question it raises is bigger than any one state.

Can a homebuyer assistance program legally limit who qualifies based on race or ethnicity?

That question is at the center of a recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development into Washington State’s Covenant Homeownership Program. The program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time buyers, but eligibility is tied to specific racial and ethnic groups.

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Can You Buy a Home With Crypto?

By Karen Moeller, on March 29th, 2026

For years, the answer has technically been yes, but practically no. Not in the way people imagined.

You could sell your crypto, convert it to dollars, and buy a home. That part was never the issue. The idea of showing up to closing and transferring cryptocurrency directly to a seller has remained more headline than reality. What has changed recently is not the transaction itself. It is what sits behind it, and that shift is worth paying attention to.

The Old Way: Convert then Buy

Up until now, using crypto in a real estate transaction has followed a predictable path. The Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Dip Below 6.5% in March 2026 – Homebuyers See 30-Year Fixed at 6.48%

By Dennis Norman, on March 26th, 2026

In March 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a favorable shift in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate decreasing to 6.48%, down by 0.07% from previous levels. This decline marks a continued easing in rates, offering potential savings for those entering the housing market. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has subtly reduced to 6.09%, providing additional options for buyers looking to pay off their homes more quickly. These rate reductions reflect a broader trend of falling interest rates across the board, including decreases in 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans, as well as adjustable-rate mortgages like the 7/6 SOFR ARM.

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Myth: Seller Financing Is Too Risky for Home Sellers… Or Is It?

By Karen Moeller, on March 21st, 2026

Seller financing is one of those ideas that tends to get dismissed quickly. For many homeowners, the reaction is immediate. It sounds complicated. It feels uncertain. And in some cases, it raises concerns about what could go wrong if a buyer does not follow through. But like many things in real estate, the perception and the reality are not always the same.

What Seller Financing Actually Means

Seller financing simply means the seller acts as the lender.

Instead of receiving the full purchase price at closing from a bank-funded loan, the seller allows the buyer to make payments over time based Continue Reading →

Can You Buy a Home With Gold? A Look at Non-Traditional Payments in Real Estate

By Karen Moeller, on March 21st, 2026

From time to time, a question comes up that sounds more like a thought experiment than a real estate transaction, but recently, a St. Louis area buyer asked me whether it would be possible to purchase property using gold instead of dollars. It is not as far-fetched as it sounds. In fact, the short answer is YES. But the longer answer explains why it rarely happens in practice.

What the Law Allows vs. What the Market Uses

At its core, a real estate transaction is a contract. The buyer and seller agree to exchange something of value, known as consideration, Continue Reading →

Missouri’s Tax Shift Proposal: What It Could Mean for the Housing Market

By Karen Moeller, on March 21st, 2026

Recent discussions in Missouri have focused on a proposed constitutional amendment that would gradually phase out the state income tax and shift more of the state’s revenue toward consumption-based taxes. If advanced, the proposal would ultimately be decided by Missouri voters through the ballot process.

While proposals like this often generate strong opinions, the details are still evolving. As with any policy change, the structure of the final legislation would determine how it plays out in practice.

From a real estate perspective, the more useful question is simple: how could a shift in how the state collects revenue influence buying, selling, 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 →

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.

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A Mortgage Preapproval Is Only As Strong As The Lender Behind It

By Karen Moeller, on March 15th, 2026

One of the more common misunderstandings in real estate happens early in the home buying process. A buyer provides a preapproval letter from a lender and their agent suggests speaking with someone else as well. At that point many buyers understandably wonder: if I am already preapproved, why would I need to talk to another lender?

In many cases, the buyers asking that question are the ones who have done exactly what they were supposed to do. They took the time to speak with a lender before house hunting and arrived prepared. When an agent suggests another conversation, it can feel 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 →

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 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 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 →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Maintain Steady Climb at 6.20% in February 2026 – What This Means for Buyers

By Dennis Norman, on February 5th, 2026

As of February 5, 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are facing a steady climb in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate holding firm at 6.20%. This rate stability, despite the overall rising trend, indicates that the market is maintaining moderate levels just above the 6% mark. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate remains unchanged at 5.76%, offering a slightly more affordable option for those looking to pay off their loans more quickly. In contrast, the 30-year Jumbo and FHA rates have seen increases, now at 6.36% and 5.84% respectively. The adjustable 7/6 SOFR ARM also rose, now sitting at 5.64%.

For Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Edge Up to 6.16% in January 2026 Amid Rising Trend

By Dennis Norman, on January 29th, 2026

As of January 29, 2026, mortgage rates in St. Louis reflect a rising trend, with the 30-year fixed rate inching up to 6.16%, marking an increase of 0.01% from the previous rate. Despite the modest change, this movement keeps rates at moderate levels above 6%, which may influence homebuyers to act sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate remains steady at 5.75%, providing an alternative for those looking to minimize interest payments over a shorter term.

For St. Louis area buyers and sellers, these rate changes may have significant implications. Buyers might face slightly higher monthly payments, which Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Market Sees Mixed Rate Changes: 30-Year Fixed Dips to 6.20% in January 2026

By Dennis Norman, on January 22nd, 2026

The St. Louis real estate market is experiencing mixed movements in mortgage rates as of January 22, 2026. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has seen a slight decrease, now standing at 6.20%, down by 0.01%. In contrast, the 15-year fixed rate has edged up to 5.76%, reflecting a minor increase of 0.01%. These subtle shifts in rates can influence the decision-making process for both homebuyers and sellers in the region.

For prospective buyers in St. Louis, the marginal drop in the 30-year fixed rate presents a slight relief, potentially lowering monthly payments and overall interest costs. However, those considering a 15-year Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Hold Steady with a Twist: 15-Year Fixed Dips to 5.58% in January 2026

By Dennis Norman, on January 15th, 2026

In the St. Louis real estate market, mortgage rates showcase a mixed yet predominantly falling trend as of January 2026. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains stable at 6.07%, maintaining its position slightly above the 6% mark. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate has seen a slight decrease, now sitting at 5.58%. This subtle shift may provide some relief for prospective homebuyers looking to finance their homes over a shorter term.

The current market dynamics present both opportunities and challenges for St. Louis area buyers and sellers. While the stability of the 30-year fixed rate suggests a level of predictability Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Dip Slightly: 30-Year Fixed at 6.19% in January 2026

By Dennis Norman, on January 9th, 2026

St. Louis homebuyers can breathe a small sigh of relief as mortgage rates continue to trend downward, albeit slightly. As of January 8, 2026, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased by 0.01%, settling at 6.19%. This marks a modest but notable shift in the market, providing some relief for buyers facing higher borrowing costs in recent months. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate also saw a decrease, down to 5.73%.

For those considering different mortgage options, the 30-year FHA rate is now at 5.80%, while the adjustable-rate mortgage (7/6 SOFR ARM) has decreased to 5.70%. However, the 30-year jumbo rate Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Hold Steady at 6.20% in January 2026 Amid Rising Trend

By Dennis Norman, on January 1st, 2026

As the new year unfolds, St. Louis homebuyers and sellers are navigating a mortgage market characterized by rising trends, albeit with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage holding steady at 6.20% as of January 1, 2026. This rate, while unchanged from its previous level, reflects a stable yet elevated plateau above the 6% mark, signaling ongoing challenges for those entering the housing market. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate has inched upward to 5.76%, a slight increase of 0.01%, indicating a subtle upward pressure across the board.

For prospective homebuyers in the St. Louis area, these rates mean careful consideration of financial plans Continue Reading →

December 2025: St. Louis Mortgage Rates Ease to 6.21% – Homebuyers See Relief as Rates Fall

By Dennis Norman, on December 26th, 2025

In a welcome holiday gift for St. Louis homebuyers, mortgage rates have edged lower in December 2025, continuing a downward trend that brings some relief amid persistent economic fluctuations. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate now stands at 6.21%, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.03% from earlier in the month. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate has also dipped, albeit marginally, now at 5.74%, down by 0.01%.

These rate reductions, though modest, signal a positive shift for potential buyers in the St. Louis area, offering improved affordability in a market that had seen rates hovering at higher levels for much of the Continue Reading →