Real Estate Market - St Louis Real Estate News

St. Louis Buyer Agent Commission Rates Hit 25-Year Low, Then Recovered — What’s Next?

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 →

Why a Vacant House Won’t Sell Itself — And What to Do About It

By Sandie Hea, on May 19th, 2025

Benefits of staging your home when listing it for sale

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 →

Fed Report Sheds Light on Real Estate Commissions as St. Louis Data Reveals Long-Term Downtrend

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 →

St. Louis Foreclosure Activity Creeps Higher but Still a Fraction of What It Once Was

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 →

Back on Market ≠ Broken: Why Smart Buyers Shouldn’t Skip BOM Listings

By Karen Moeller, on May 14th, 2025

Back on Market Listings - Great Opportunities for buyers

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 →

What St. Louis Influencers Reveal About Our City’s Character

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 →

Wait… THAT Affects My Appraisal?” — 8 Surprising Factors That Can Change What Your Home Is Worth

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 →

Out With the Old: What Exterior Trends Are Officially Over in 2025 (and What to Do Instead)

By Karen Moeller, on May 8th, 2025

The latest St Louis trends in home design

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 →

Is St. Louis Still Affordable? See How Missouri and Illinois Stack Up in New Housing Report

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 →

St. Louis Sellers: Why MLS Listings Still Beat “Office Exclusive Listings” and Private Networks in 2025

By Dennis Norman, on May 6th, 2025

Why Private Listing Networks and Office Exclusive Listings are not as good as the MLS

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 →

211 Midland: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

By Giuseppe Accardi, on April 28th, 2025

211 Midland Ave, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043

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 →

St. Charles vs. St. Louis: Where the Real Estate Momentum Is Heading This Spring

By Karen Moeller, on April 24th, 2025

Karen Moeller - St Charles vs St Louis Market

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 →

Discover St. Louis’s Fastest Selling Zip Codes for Real Estate

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 →

More Renters Choosing to Stay Put for the Long Haul in 2025

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 →

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

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 →

Zillow’s New Listing Policy Raises Bigger Questions About Control and Competition

By Dennis Norman, on April 12th, 2025

Zillows listing policy vs Clear Cooperation, Compass, NAR and the consumer??

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 →

Spring Surge: Contracts Soar as Buyers Snap Up St. Louis Homes

By Dennis Norman, on April 11th, 2025

St Louis Housing Market Snapshot March 2025 - St Louis Realtor

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 →

Mortgage Rates Rebound After Brief Dip—Here’s What It Means for St. Louis Buyers

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 →

Survey: Market Pressures Still Weigh on Buyers, But Outlook Is Cautiously Upbeat

By Dennis Norman, on April 2nd, 2025

Consumers concerned about the real estate market

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 →

The Growing Push for Private Listing Networks: What Home Sellers Need to Know

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 →

Discover the Hottest Zip Codes for Buying and Selling Homes in St. Louis Metro Area

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 →

Discover the Top 3 Fastest Selling School Districts in the St. Louis Metro Area

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 →

St. Louis Homes Requiring Fewer Showings to Sell Than Any Time in Over a Decade!

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 →

St. Louis Housing Market Outlook: What 2025 Price Forecasts Mean for You

By Dennis Norman, on February 19th, 2025

St Louis Realtors - St Louis Real Estate

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 →

Discover the Hottest Zip Codes in St. Louis: Where Homes are Flying Off the Market in Record Time

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 →

Discover the Top 3 Fastest Selling School Districts in the St. Louis Metro Area

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 →

From Record Peaks to New Norms: January Home Sales Trends in St. Louis

By Dennis Norman, on February 10th, 2025

St Louis YTD Home Sals January 2025 by St Louis Realtors

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 →

What’s Driving Home Insurance Increases—and Why St. Louis Is in a Good Spot

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 →

How Many Homes Are Agents Really Selling?

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 →

Is Your St. Louis Home Protected from Fire? Essential Insurance Tips for Homeowners

By Dennis Norman, on January 24th, 2025

What homeowners insurance covers in the case of a fire to a home in St. Louis?

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 →