By Dennis Norman, on March 12th, 2025 
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, the top three school districts with the fastest home sales are Valley Park in Valley Park, MO, Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Wood River, IL, and Crystal City 47 in Crystal City, MO.
In Valley Park, homes are flying off the market with an average of just 1 day on the market for 4 active listings. With an average list price of $239,475, this district Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on February 25th, 2025 
January 2025 saw the lowest average number of showings before a home went under contract in over a decade—just 12 showings per pending sale. This marks a significant shift in the St. Louis real estate market, signaling strong demand and motivated buyers. To put this in perspective, the average number of showings needed in January has historically ranged from 13.1 in 2024 to as high as 15.9 in 2022 and 15.8 in 2015. This downward trend suggests that buyers are acting quickly and decisively, making it a prime time for sellers to enter the market.
For Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on February 19th, 2025 
According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index (HPI) Forecast, U.S. home prices are expected to rise 4.1% year-over-year through December 2025. Nationally, home prices rose 3.4% from December 2023 to December 2024, showing a steady upward trend despite affordability concerns. In Missouri, home values have already reached record highs, and with mortgage rates still elevated, local buyers and sellers should prepare for a competitive market.
In the St. Louis metro area, the median home price was $255,000 in December 2024. Applying CoreLogic’s 4.1% projected price increase, that would push the median home price to approximately $265,500 by December Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on February 16th, 2025 
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 latest real estate data. According to recent statistics, the fastest selling zip codes in the area are 62035 in Madison-IL, IL, 63021 in St. Louis, MO, and 63055 in Franklin, MO.
In 62035, homes are selling at lightning speed with an average of only 15 days on the market. This district boasts 6 active listings with an average list price of $324,250. Close behind is 63021, where homes are selling in an average of 17 days. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on February 12th, 2025
Are you in the market for a new home in the St. Louis metropolitan area? As you search for the perfect place to call home, it’s important to consider the school district that your future home will fall under. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the top three fastest selling school districts in the area.
Topping the list is Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Illinois, where homes are selling at lightning speed. With only 2 listings on the market, the average time on the market is just 4 days. This district boasts an Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on February 10th, 2025 
St. Louis, take a look at our live, interactive chart for January YTD home sales—a snapshot that tells quite a story. Here’s a breakdown of what the numbers are saying and why they matter to you.
A Look at the Data
January 2025: YTD home sales came in at 1,674. That’s an 8% drop from January 2024’s 1,820 sales. Recent Year-Over-Year Shifts: 2020 to 2021: Sales surged from 2,060 to 2,539—a jump of roughly 23%. 2021 to 2022: A cooling set in with a decline of about 7.7% (from 2,539 down to 2,343). 2022 to 2023: We saw a dramatic Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on February 5th, 2025 
Homeowners in the St. Louis metro area might be hearing about skyrocketing insurance premiums, but there’s some good news—our region is in a much better position than many others. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) shows that while homeowners insurance costs are up 33% nationwide since 2020, much of that increase is hitting high-risk disaster zones and areas heavily reliant on reinsurance. Unlike coastal states dealing with hurricanes and wildfires, Missouri and Illinois have far less exposure to these risks, and insurers here aren’t nearly as dependent on expensive reinsurance policies. That means while we’re Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 27th, 2025 
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recently released its 2024 Member Profile, offering valuable insights into the business activity of REALTORS®. One of the most compelling findings is in Chapter 2, particularly Exhibit 2-6, which sheds light on the number of residential transaction sides completed by agents. Here’s what the data reveals and why it matters.
Residential Sides: A Snapshot of REALTOR® Activity
In 2023, the median number of residential transaction sides completed by REALTORS® was 10, a decline from prior years, reflecting the challenges of the current housing market. The breakdown of residential sides highlights the disparity in activity Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 24th, 2025 
As wildfires devastate parts of Los Angeles, it’s a sobering reminder to St. Louis homeowners to assess their own fire insurance coverage. While wildfires aren’t a concern here, house fires caused by electrical malfunctions, kitchen accidents, or lightning strikes are an ever-present risk. Ensuring you have the right coverage in place can make all the difference in protecting your home and your financial future.
What to Know About Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Fire damage is typically covered by most homeowners insurance policies, but understanding the details of your coverage is critical:
Policy Limits: Are the coverage limits sufficient to rebuild Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 22nd, 2025 
When it comes to understanding home prices, many consumers focus on the dollar amounts they see in headlines. However, these numbers don’t always tell the whole story. A fascinating perspective emerges when we compare home prices not just in U.S. dollars but in terms of gold, a historical store of value. The chart below reveals that when measured in gold, home prices have remained relatively stable since the late 1980s, with the exception of the housing bubble and its subsequent crash.
While the dollar-based chart shows an upward trajectory in home prices, surging over 250% since the year 2000, the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 22nd, 2025 
Recent data from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) charts below reveal interesting insights about St. Louis home prices in relation to the M2 money supply. Over the last several years, St. Louis home prices, represented by the red line, have steadily risen, reaching their current index value of 302.78 in Q3 2024. At the same time, the M2 money supply, shown by the blue line, has seen a more dramatic fluctuation, particularly during and after the pandemic, with a current value of over $21 trillion.
Historically, as the M2 money supply increases, home prices tend to rise as well, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 21st, 2025
The latest months supply data for the St. Louis metro area reveals a tale of two markets: cities with high inventory signaling better opportunities for buyers and areas with low supply creating an advantage for sellers. For homebuyers and investors flexible on location, cities like Breckenridge Hills and Gerald, each with 8 months of inventory, could offer more negotiating power. In contrast, fast-moving areas like Webster Groves and Ballwin, with less than one month of supply, reflect strong demand and competition.
For sellers, being in a low-supply market is good news. A tighter inventory means fewer homes for buyers to Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 16th, 2025
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area? Look no further! According to recent data, the fastest selling zip codes in this region are 63630 in Washington, MO, 63044 in St. Louis, MO, and 62095 in Madison-IL, IL. These zip codes have an average of 8-11 listings on the market for just 25-30 days, making them prime locations for buyers and sellers alike.
If you’re a potential home buyer, these zip codes offer a competitive market with a variety of options to choose from. And for sellers, the fast turnover rate Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 12th, 2025
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 latest data on the fastest selling school districts in the area. According to recent statistics, the top three districts with the shortest average time on the market are Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Wood River, IL, Kingston K-14 in Unincorporated, MO, and Pontiac-W Holliday DIST 105 in , IL.
With only 6 active listings and an average of 19 days on the market, Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 takes the top spot. This district boasts a diverse Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 10th, 2025 
In the world of residential real estate, there’s an interesting contradiction that’s worth exploring. Investors spend significant time, money, and effort targeting homeowners before their properties ever reach the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Why? Because off-market properties often yield the best deals, allowing investors to avoid competition and negotiate favorable terms. Yet, at the same time, we see a growing trend among listing agents—professionals with a fiduciary duty to act in their clients’ best interests—choosing strategies that keep properties off the MLS as well. This curious alignment of methods raises important questions about the motives and implications of such practices.
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 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 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 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 
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 Michael Abernathy, on November 20th, 2024 
A recently released documentary sheds light on St. Louis’s rich architectural heritage, centered around its iconic use of brick. The film traces the city’s brick legacy, revealing how local clay, craftsmanship, and historical events like the 1849 fire shaped the city’s skyline. It explores not only the artistry and resilience of St. Louis’s brick buildings but also the challenges posed by neglect and urban decay. The full documentary is available below, offering an immersive dive into this fascinating history.
One highlight of the film is its emphasis on the unique aesthetic qualities of brick, as one contributor notes: “Brick 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 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 14th, 2024 
The St. Louis real estate market has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 25 years, highlighted by two notable peaks that suggest a “double bubble” phenomenon. The trend chart, based on a rolling 12-month sales data, captures these market dynamics clearly. The first peak in 2005 saw home sales reach approximately 38,039 units, coinciding with the national housing bubble. This peak was followed by a substantial decline, with sales dropping by about 25.5% by 2008. The second peak occurred in 2021, with home sales climbing to around 43,058 units, driven by low interest rates and shifts in housing demand due Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 13th, 2024
The term “REALTOR®” is one of the most recognized in the real estate industry, but its meaning is often misunderstood. While many people assume all real estate agents are REALTORS®, that’s not the case. The distinction goes beyond holding a license—it’s tied to a specific organization, a shared history, and a professional designation with legal and ethical implications. Let’s explore where the term comes from, how it’s protected, and what it means today.
A Brief History of the Term
The term “REALTOR®” was coined in 1916 by Charles N. Chadbourn, a real estate agent who sought to create a professional Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on November 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, the top three districts with the shortest average days on market are located in Illinois.
Topping the list is MOUNT OLIVE DIST 5, with an average of just 15 days on the market for its four current listings. With an average list price of $199,325, this district offers a great value for families looking to settle down. Following closely behind is Wolf Branch DIST 113, Continue Reading →
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