By Dennis Norman, on June 26th, 2025 
ATTOM’s latest U.S. Home Affordability Report for Q2 2025 puts numbers to what many already feel: homeownership just keeps getting tougher across the country. Nationally, median home prices hit a record $369,000, and the share of wages needed for typical homeownership expenses jumped to 33.7% , well above the 28% threshold generally considered affordable. But in the St. Louis metro area, affordability is holding up better than many might expect. According to ATTOM, most of the counties making up the St. Louis MSA still fall under the 28% affordability benchmark. Jefferson County, MO, St. Clair and Madison Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on June 18th, 2025 
Buried in a 1961 Sunday Post-Dispatch Newspaper, an ad by Income Investment Co. promised St. Louisans a new home for a price “everyone” could afford—$9,650 with just $350 down and a principal-and-interest payment of $54.31. The 3-bedroom ranches in Eureka’s brand-new “Shaw’s Garden” subdivision even came with five king-size closets and concrete streets. Chrysler’s Fenton plant was ramping up a few miles away, and the ad all but wrote the script for the blue-collar American Dream.
Fast-forward to 2025. That $9,650 price tag converts to roughly $99,000 in today’s dollars using the CPI, yet recent sales on the same streets: Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on June 17th, 2025 
The conversation around private or “off-MLS” listings is heating up again, and for good reason. With inventory climbing and more competition among sellers, maximizing exposure is more important than ever.
While private listings are sometimes positioned as a strategic move, the reality is that withholding a listing from the open market often limits a seller’s reach, potentially leaving money on the table. That’s the central warning in an Op-Ed by Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales, who writes:
“Private listings benefit agents and brokerages more than they do consumers… The more listings that are private, the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on June 11th, 2025 
MARIS Outperforms Its Associations in Stability, Solidifying Its Role in the St. Louis Real Estate Market
In a shifting real estate landscape marked by declining membership in many markets, MARIS (Mid-America Regional Information Systems) stands out as a model of stability and strength. Headquartered in St. Louis, MARIS is the MLS for the St. Louis metro area, and surrounding counties, serving 10 local associations across Missouri and Illinois. As of year-end 2024, MARIS recorded 15,014 subscribers—a decline of just 2.1% from the previous year. Compared to the drops seen in many of the associations it serves, this is a noteworthy Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on June 5th, 2025 
The recent discussion stirred up by Rob Hahn’s piece, “A Modest Proposal: Bring Back Subagency,” hit a nerve,not because I necessarily agree with everything he said, but because it made me think. As someone who’s long been a supporter of buyer agency,especially the idea that buyers deserve representation,I have to admit, Rob raises some points that are hard to ignore. Especially when it comes to the reality that many agents, despite their good intentions, don’t fully grasp what fiduciary duty really means.
Let’s be honest: fiduciary responsibility is a big deal. It’s not just a label,it’s a legal and ethical Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on June 4th, 2025 
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, NAR
Yesterday, I attended the Economic Forecast session during the NAR Mid-Year Meetings in Washington D.C., where National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun gave a sobering yet hopeful outlook for the housing market — and homeowners, sellers, and agents in the St. Louis area should take note.
Yun, recently ranked one of the nation’s top economic forecasters by The Wall Street Journal, admitted the recovery he had predicted hasn’t yet materialized. “I thought at this conference I would share some good news with you. Home sales are rising. Momentum Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 31st, 2025 
Just outside of St. Louis, tucked alongside the Meramec River, lies the forgotten town of Times Beach, Missouri. Or at least, what’s left of it. Today, it’s known as Route 66 State Park. But if you’ve ever walked the trails there and felt something unusual about the place, there’s a reason. Beneath the soil and forest sits the remains of an entire community that was evacuated and erased in the early 1980s due to dioxin contamination.
Recently, I came across a fascinating documentary about Times Beach created by a young filmmaker named Drew Walters. I’ve known Drew for a long Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 27th, 2025 
When you think of booming home prices, places like Ladue (63124) or Clayton (63105) probably come to mind. But looking at home price appreciation in the St. Louis area from 2000 to 2024 tells a different story… and it might surprise you. At the top of the list? Benton Park and St. Louis Hills. Yes, you read that right, 63118 and 63109 outpaced every other zip code on the list, including the ones most associated with wealth.
Homes in 63118 jumped a staggering 554% since 2000, while 63109 rose 184%. Meanwhile, Ladue came in at just 109% growth and Clayton Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 26th, 2025 
Today, as we observe Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This solemn day of remembrance has deep roots in American history, dating back to the years following the Civil War, and was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971. Here in St. Louis, a city rich in military tradition and home to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery—one of the oldest military cemeteries in the nation—Memorial Day carries an especially strong connection to our community and its history.
For many, homeownership represents more than just a financial investment—it Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 23rd, 2025 
In today’s real estate market, buyers face more complexity than ever, especially when it comes to representation and how buyer agent commissions are handled. While some buyers still consider working directly with the listing agent or using a neutral transaction agent, the reality is that only a dedicated buyer’s agent offers true advocacy for the buyer’s interests throughout the process. This includes identifying properties, evaluating pricing, negotiating inspections and repairs, and advising all the way through closing. Since the Sitzer-Burnett lawsuit settlement—which fundamentally changed how commissions are disclosed and negotiated—MLS listings no longer include advertised offers of compensation to buyer’s Continue Reading →
By Sandie Hea, on May 19th, 2025 
After 38 years in real estate, I’ve seen the same pattern again and again: vacant homes don’t just look empty—they feel empty. And they don’t sell as well.
When buyers scroll through listings online, they’re not just looking for square footage or appliance brands—they’re looking for a feeling. They want to imagine their life in the space. And that’s nearly impossible when a home is empty, stark, and echoing.
Without furniture, every flaw screams louder. Wall dings, floor scratches, awkward corners—they stand out because there’s nothing else to catch the eye. There’s no warmth, no sense of scale, and no Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 16th, 2025 
The Federal Reserve’s latest note on real estate commissions adds some national context to trends we’ve seen unfold in St. Louis for decades. While their report shows a national decline in buyer agent commissions from 3% in the late 1990s to around 2.7% in 2022, our local data shows this shift started much earlier and ran a bit deeper here.
In the St. Louis metro area, the median commission paid to buyer’s agents has been on a steady decline since peaking near 3% back in the early 2000s. By 2023, it had dropped to about 2.59%, just before MLS rules Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 15th, 2025 
According to ATTOM’s just-released April 2025 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, foreclosure activity across the U.S. continues to rise gradually. A total of 36,033 properties had a foreclosure filing last month, which includes default notices, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions. This marks a 0.4% increase from March and a 13.9% jump from April 2024. Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, commented that while foreclosure volume is still below historical norms, “the year-over-year increases may suggest that some homeowners are beginning to feel the effects of persistent economic pressures.”
In the Midwest, Illinois stood out with one of the highest foreclosure rates in Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on May 14th, 2025 
Let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood (and unfairly maligned) tags in real estate: Back on Market — aka BOM. For many buyers, seeing those three letters on a listing triggers a knee-jerk reaction:
“Yikes. What’s wrong with it?”
Totally fair question. But let me be your real estate decoder ring for a minute: a BOM home isn’t necessarily damaged goods. In fact, it might be the best house you haven’t seriously considered — yet.
What Does “Back on Market” Actually Mean?
All it means is this: the house was under contract with a buyer, and now it’s back Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on May 13th, 2025 
If you want to understand the heart of a city, don’t just study the map — listen to the voices shaping the conversation. In St. Louis, those voices are increasingly coming from local influencers who are not just entertaining followers, but reflecting the dynamic, diverse spirit of our neighborhoods.
Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or just considering your options, tapping into the content created by St. Louis’s most-followed personalities can give you a front-row seat to the lifestyle vibe that no MLS listing can capture.
Here are 10 standout social media figures helping to define St. Louis right now — and Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on May 12th, 2025 
If you’re a homeowner prepping to sell, chances are you’ve peeked at your Zestimate and done some mental math about how much your place might fetch. But when the appraiser shows up with a clipboard and a calculator (okay, it’s probably a tablet these days), they’re playing by a very different rulebook.
Here are eight things that surprise even seasoned sellers when it comes to how a home is appraised — and why it pays to have a pro guiding you through it.
1. Your ZIP Code Carries More Weight Than You Think
Even if your home backs to the Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on May 8th, 2025 
Let’s be honest — some home trends age like fine wine, and others… well, they start to feel like a VHS tape in a 4K world. And when it comes to your home’s curb appeal, especially in the ever-evolving St. Louis market, making smart design choices matters — not just for resale, but for loving where you live right now.
So, what exterior looks are heading out the door in 2025? Here’s what’s being quietly escorted off the style stage — and what’s stepping into the spotlight instead.
❌ The “Out” List: Trends Taking Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 7th, 2025 
According to a recent report by Realtor.com, Missouri and Illinois rank in the middle of the pack when it comes to home affordability, with Missouri landing at #22 and Illinois at #30 among all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While neither state earned a top grade, both remain relatively affordable compared to coastal and western markets. Missouri received a “C” grade with a REALTORS® Affordability Score of 0.82 and a median listing price of $298,696. Illinois, also graded “C”, had a slightly higher affordability score of 0.86, a median home price of $316,613, and a notably higher median Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 6th, 2025 
The latest data is in, and it confirms what many of us in the real estate business have long suspected: properties listed on the MLS consistently outperform those kept in private listing networks or “office exclusives.” As the practice of marketing homes privately grows, the question is more important than ever for sellers and agents alike: what’s really the better move?
According to Bright MLS’s analysis of over 100,000 home sales across six states and D.C., office exclusives take 85% longer to go under contract compared to homes listed in the MLS. That’s a 37-day median versus just 20 days Continue Reading →
By Giuseppe Accardi, on April 28th, 2025 
There are homes that you sell, and then there are homes that you carry.For me, 211 Midland was never just a listing. It was a story — and a continuation of one that started long before I ever stepped foot inside its hand-cut limestone walls.
Originally built in 1905 by John L. Miers — a streetcar magnate when Creve Coeur Lake was the weekend escape for St. Louisans — this grand estate stood as a symbol of an era. Designed by the renowned firm Barnett, Haynes & Barnett, it rose up from nearly 10 acres of untouched countryside, dressed in Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on April 24th, 2025 
As the spring market picks up speed, St. Charles and St. Louis counties are showing some interesting contrasts in real estate activity — and for both buyers and sellers, the opportunities (and strategies) vary depending on where you’re standing.
We dug into the most recent local data comparing February to March 2025, and here’s what you need to know:
🔻 Price Reductions Are Dropping — And That’s a Seller Signal
In both St. Charles and St. Louis, the number of listings with price reductions declined noticeably:
St. Charles saw a 24% Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 16th, 2025 
If you’re considering buying or selling property in the St. Louis metropolitan area, staying informed about the fastest moving markets is crucial. Leading the pack is zip code 63026 in Jefferson, St. Louis, MO, showcasing an impressive average market duration of just 16 days for its 12 active listings, with homes priced around $281,467 on average. Not far behind, zip code 63043 in St. Louis, MO, matches the 16-day market pace with 6 listings, demonstrating a high demand among potential homebuyers. Additionally, the 63038 area, also in St. Louis, MO, with its 6 listings, follows closely with homes averaging 17 Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 14th, 2025 
A recent survey from Knightvest Capital highlights a clear shift in the mindset of today’s renters—nearly half (48%) now view renting as a deliberate lifestyle choice rather than just a financial necessity. Even more telling, 42% of renters say they expect to remain tenants for five years or more. It’s a strong indication that the flexibility, lower maintenance, and built-in community aspects of renting are becoming more appealing—especially when compared to the demands of homeownership.
One of the more surprising takeaways from the report is that nearly a third (31%) of current renters previously owned a home. That tells Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 13th, 2025 
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area, understanding the local real estate dynamics can greatly influence your decision. The fastest selling school district currently is Pontiac-W Holliday DIST 105 in Fairview Heights, IL, showcasing an impressive average market time of just 5 days for its listings. With only 3 homes listed, and an average list price of $261,633, this district is a hotspot for rapid real estate transactions. Following closely is Richwoods R-VII in Missouri, where homes average just 6 days on the market, and Valley Park in Valley Park, MO, with homes Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 12th, 2025 
Zillow’s new policy, set to take effect in May 2025, takes a hard stance against listings that are marketed publicly without being listed on the MLS and displayed via MLS feeds. Zillow says it’s about fairness and protecting consumers. But is it? Or is it about consolidating control of listing visibility under the guise of transparency? And with Zillow now operating as a licensed brokerage—and a member of many MLSs—is this policy actually benefiting consumers, or simply solidifying Zillow’s role as a gatekeeper?
Zillow claims alignment with NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, but that claim Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 11th, 2025 
The St. Louis metro area housing market saw a meaningful uptick in activity this March, driven by rising inventory and strong buyer engagement. New listings rose 11% year-over-year, reaching 3,301 compared to 2,987 in March 2024. This increase was met with even more robust buyer response—newly accepted contracts surged by 26%, jumping from 3,503 to 4,424.
This demand-side strength is translating into higher prices. The median sold price over the past 12 months climbed 6.55% to $270,000. Even with slightly more inventory (a 1.5-month supply and 7,547 active listings), homes are still moving quickly, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 10th, 2025 
Mortgage interest rates have bounced back after briefly dipping earlier this month, but there’s more to the story—especially for St. Louis home buyers. One key factor keeping rates from climbing even higher? The recent postponement of tariffs, which has helped ease economic pressure and may be keeping mortgage rates from surging faster.
As of today, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan is around 6.95%, with FHA loans at 6.42% and VA loans at 6.45%. These numbers reflect an uptick from the recent low of about 6.40% on April 4th, but still sit below the 7.16% average we Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 2nd, 2025 
A new national survey of experienced real estate agents sheds light on what’s really happening in the market—and what it means for St. Louis buyers, sellers, and investors. According to the data, affordability remains the single biggest concern agents face when looking ahead. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) say it’s the top challenge over the next five years. With elevated interest rates and prices still outpacing income growth, the path to homeownership is tougher than ever for many buyers.
But it’s not just affordability. Inventory shortages remain a pain point, with 42.8% of agents citing low housing supply as Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on March 20th, 2025 
A growing number of real estate brokerages are steering sellers toward private listing networks rather than listing homes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). According to a January 2025 Harris/Zillow poll, this shift is happening despite a lack of consumer awareness about what private listings mean—and how they can impact a home sale.
The survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults highlights an alarming trend: most sellers aren’t being given all the facts about listing options. Here’s what you need to know before deciding where to list your home.
Most Sellers Are in the Dark About Private Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on March 16th, 2025
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis metro 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 zip codes with the shortest average time on the market are 63021 in St. Louis, MO, 62095 in Madison-IL, IL, and 63050 in Jefferson, MO.
In 63021, homes are selling at lightning speed with an average of only 13 days on the market. This zip code also boasts an average list price of $527,146, making it a desirable location for both buyers Continue Reading →
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