By Dennis Norman, on August 13th, 2024 
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released a comprehensive report highlighting the risks and challenges associated with “contracts for deed,” a form of seller financing often used as an alternative to traditional mortgages. While these contracts can provide a pathway to homeownership for some, the report underscores the significant dangers they pose, particularly to vulnerable populations, including low-income, Black, Hispanic, and immigrant communities.
Contracts for deed are often characterized by substandard housing, inflated prices, and a lack of consumer protections. Buyers assume all responsibilities of homeownership, yet they do not gain legal title until all payments are completed, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 12th, 2024 
John Pound, a former alderman of Des Peres, Missouri, has been sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to repay $292,305 after pleading guilty to embezzling funds from clients of his real estate management company, Commercial Realty Management Inc. Pound’s fraudulent activities spanned a decade, during which he manipulated financial records to siphon off larger commissions and management fees than authorized from a commercial property on North Euclid Avenue in St. Louis’ Central West End. His actions, which included falsifying QuickBooks entries and misrepresenting budgets, resulted in significant financial losses for his clients. Pound’s sentencing serves as a stark Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 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, Signal Hill DIST 181 in Illinois takes the top spot with an average of just 19 days on the market for its 5 active listings. With an average list price of $2,611,780, this district is clearly in high demand.
Coming in at a close second is East Alton-Wood River DIST 14, also in Illinois, with an average of 21 days on the market for its Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 9th, 2024 
The latest data from MORE, REALTORS® shows that the metro east real estate market is continuing to see strong growth. In July 2024, the median sold price for homes in the metro east update was $205,000, a 10.81% increase from July 2023 when the median sold price was $185,000. While this represents a slight decrease of 2.38% from June 2024, when the median sold price was $210,000, it is still a significant increase year-over-year.
The median list price for homes in the metro east update also saw a strong increase, rising to $200,000 in July 2024, an 11.17% jump from Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 8th, 2024 
forAs a homeowner in the St. Louis metro area considering selling your property, one of the most pressing questions in the current real estate landscape is whether you should offer compensation to a buyer’s agent upfront. This question has gained significant importance due to the recent shifts in industry norms, especially following the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement of the Sitzer lawsuit and subsequent MLS rule changes. The outcome of these changes has dramatically altered how real estate transactions are approached, and it’s crucial to understand their implications on your selling strategy.
The Sitzer lawsuit settlement has made it Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 8th, 2024 
The real estate market in St Charles County continues to show steady growth as we enter the month of August. According to the latest data from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the county was $375,000 in July 2024, a 4.17% increase from the same time last year. This also marks a slight decrease of 4.03% from June 2024.
The median list price for homes in St Charles County was $369,900, a 5.69% increase from July 2023. This indicates a strong demand for homes in the area, as sellers are able to list their homes at higher Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 7th, 2024 
The St. Louis real estate market continues to show strong growth, with the median sold price for homes in the stl msa update reaching $288,500 in July 2024. This represents a 6.89% increase from the same time last year when the median sold price was $269,900. However, there was a slight decrease of 3.80% from June 2024, when the median sold price was $299,900.
The median list price for homes in the stl msa update also saw an increase, reaching $280,000 in July 2024, up 5.70% from July 2023. This indicates that sellers are able to command higher prices for Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 6th, 2024 
When it comes to investing, we all want to make the smartest choice possible. We’ve all heard that age-old advice: “Invest in what you know.” For many of us here in St. Louis, what we know best is our homes. But how does investing in a home stack up against other common investments? Let’s take a look at the data below and find out.
Over the past two decades, the price of gold has skyrocketed by a whopping 786.57%, leading the pack with an annualized increase of 9.71%. While that’s impressive, not all that glitters is gold. Houses have also Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 6th, 2024 
The real estate market in Franklin County, as of July 2024, continues to show strong growth and a steady increase in median home prices. According to data exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the county during July 2024 was $275,500, marking an 18.52% increase from July 2023 when the median sold price was $232,450.
Furthermore, last month’s median sold price of $275,500 also represents a 14.79% increase compared to June 2024, when the median sold price was $240,000. The median list price for homes in Franklin County also saw a significant increase, rising to Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 5th, 2024 
?agent_id=02107As of the end of July 2024, the St. Louis metro area has recorded 17,801 homes sold. This marks a slight increase from the same period last year, which saw 17,683 homes sold. Despite this year-over-year growth, the current sales figure represents a 7.6% decline from the median year-to-date home sales of 19,267 homes recorded between 1999 and 2020. Furthermore, when compared to the average year-to-date home sales of 18,855 homes from 1999 through 2024, this year’s performance is still trailing by approximately 5.6%. These statistics underscore a complex landscape for the St. Louis real estate market, balancing modest recent Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 5th, 2024 
According to a recent study by LendingTree, Missouri ranks 9th in the nation for the lowest monthly mortgage payment. The report reveals that while the average monthly payment on a new mortgage in the U.S. is $2,317, Missouri’s average monthly payment is $1,792. This makes Missouri’s payments approximately 23% less than the national average, positioning it favorably among states with more affordable housing costs. This is particularly notable considering the current economic climate, where mortgage rates remain relatively high, and home prices continue to be steep.
The LendingTree analysis, which examined mortgages offered across the nation from January 1 through Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 30th, 2024 
UPDATE: Friday, August 2, 2024…Today, after the jobs report and other economic data was released, mortgage interest rates fell to 6.40% on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, the lowest level in nearly 16 months…the last time rates were this low was in early April 2023.
The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage fell to 6.80% today, according to the MND rate index as shown in the chart below. This marks the lowest rate in over six months, since January 9th of this year when rates were at 6.80% as well. This drop in rates comes as the Federal Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 30th, 2024 
The latest homeownership rates released by the U.S. Census Bureau illustrate a stable housing market across various regions, with the Midwest continuing to lead in homeownership. The Midwest, where St. Louis is a prominent hub, saw a slight decrease from 70.2% in the second quarter of 2023 to 69.9% in the second quarter of 2024. This marginal decline still places the Midwest at the highest homeownership rate among all regions, underscoring the area’s enduring appeal and stability. As St. Louis continues to develop and attract new residents, the robust homeownership rate in the Midwest highlights the region’s Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 30th, 2024 
The latest rental vacancy rates released by the U.S. Census Bureau highlight a significant shift in the housing market dynamics across various regions. Here in the Midwest, we experienced a noteworthy decline in vacancy rates, dropping from 6.9% in the second quarter of 2023 to 5.5% in the second quarter of 2024. This decrease suggests a tightening rental market in the Midwest, contrasting with the national trend where the overall vacancy rate slightly increased. As the Midwest continues to attract more residents and stabilize its housing market, St. Louis stands to benefit from this positive momentum.
The rental vacancy rates Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 29th, 2024 
In a recent deep dive into the world of “office exclusive” listings, we uncovered some surprising trends within the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our previous analysis revealed that 22.6% of listings in St. Charles County and 28.8% in St. Louis County were classified as “office exclusive”, sparking a conversation about who truly benefits from these types of listings.
Unveiling St. Louis MSA Stats
MARIS, the regional MLS, holds the key to the actual number of office exclusive listings, a piece of data that remains hidden from public view and member brokers alike. However, through meticulous data compilation over the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 25th, 2024
In today’s competitive real estate market, “office exclusive” listings have become a notable, and at times, rather heated, topic of discussion among agents. Recently, we took a closer look at the prevalence of these listings in St Charles County and St Louis County, Missouri. Our findings, illustrated in the chart below, reveal that 22.6% of listings in St Charles County and 28.8% in St Louis County are “office exclusive” listings.
Understanding Office Exclusive Listings
According to MLS rules, office exclusive listings cannot be advertised or listed on the MLS. This means they are not visible on the thousands of real Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 24th, 2024 
This week, on July 23rd, the St. Louis REALTORS® Association implemented new and revised contract forms and agreements for use by Realtors throughout St. Louis and the surrounding areas. These updates are a direct response to significant changes in industry practices resulting from the settlement of massive class action lawsuits by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). For a detailed breakdown of these changes, you can refer to the settlement agreement below.
The revisions aim to align current practices with the legal outcomes of these settlements, ensuring compliance and fostering transparency in real estate transactions. One of the pivotal changes Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 21st, 2024 
Nestled in the western suburbs of St. Louis, Wildwood, MO, is a thriving community known for its picturesque landscapes, top-rated schools, and a blend of suburban and rural charm. Established in 1995, Wildwood offers residents a high quality of life with its extensive parks, trails, and outdoor activities, making it a sought-after location for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Popular Communities in Wildwood High School Areas Lafayette High School Area Real Estate Search Eureka High School Area Real Estate Search Marquette High School Area Real Estate Search Rockwood Summit High School Area Real Estate Search Middle School Areas Wildwood Middle Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 19th, 2024 
During the 12-month period ending May 31, 2024, a total of 4,004 building permits were issued for new single-family homes in the St. Louis area. This marks a 2.72% increase from the previous 12 months, which recorded 3,898 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, two of which were in double digits. The leading winner and loser were the same this month as last, with Lincoln County seeing the largest percentage increase at Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 19th, 2024 
President Biden’s recent proposal for a 5% corporate rent cap has stirred significant debate among housing experts. The Housing Solutions Coalition (HSC) has criticized the plan, labeling it as “typical election year rhetoric” and warning that rent caps exacerbate housing shortages, leading to higher rents and lower quality housing. They argue that the nation’s massive housing deficit requires solutions that prioritize building more housing, not restricting development.
The HSC advocates for regulatory and financial incentives for home builders and multifamily owners/operators, along with increased subsidies for low-income families. They contend that these measures would effectively address affordability issues, whereas rent Continue Reading →
By Tim Branneky, on July 18th, 2024 
Tim Branneky
Before graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri; I’d had my mind set on my career path which was in real estate! I decided after breaking multiple school and conference football kicking records, to hang up the cleats and focus on handing over keys to new home buyers and game-plan with sellers! In my first full year of working in real estate post graduation; In 2023, I successfully closed on 18 sides totaling $5,355,500 while working with multiple first time home buyers!
As a young home buyer, it might seem overwhelming as you’re given the task Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 16th, 2024
Mortgage interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 6.81% this week, the lowest level since February 1 when the rate fell to 6.63%. The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate FHA loan fell to 6.26%. This has a significant impact on the cost of a home. For example, a change of just 0.5% in the interest rate can alter the house payment on a typical median-priced home in St. Louis by nearly $100.
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Mortgage Interest Rates
(click image below for live, interactive chart)
Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 16th, 2024 
President Biden has announced a plan to cap rent increases at 5% per year for corporate landlords with more than 50 units. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to lower housing costs and address the housing shortage. The plan also includes repurposing public land for affordable housing and rehabilitating distressed properties. The Biden administration emphasizes that these actions will help protect tenants from excessive rent hikes and promote the development of new affordable housing units.
However, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has expressed significant concerns about this proposal. Carl Harris, chairman of the NAHB, argues that Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2024 
In a significant move to address racial discrimination in housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged an appraiser, an appraisal management company, and a lender with discriminatory practices. This case involves allegations against Maksym Mykhailyna, Maverick Appraisal Group, Solidifi U.S. Inc., and Rocket Mortgage, LLC, for issuing a biased appraisal that undervalued a Black homeowner’s property in Denver, Colorado. According to HUD, “The Fair Housing Act protects all of us from discrimination throughout the process of buying a home or securing a home loan,” emphasizing the severity of the charges and HUD’s commitment to enforcing Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 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 latest data on the fastest selling zip codes. According to recent statistics, the top three zip codes with the shortest average days on the market are 62084 in Madison-IL, IL, 63146 in St. Louis, MO, and 63034 in St. Louis, MO. This means that homes in these areas are in high demand and selling quickly, making them ideal locations for both buyers and sellers.
In 62084, the average listing stays on the market for just 11 Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 12th, 2024 
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area? If so, it’s important to know which school districts are experiencing the fastest home sales. According to recent data, the top three fastest selling school districts in the area are Wolf Branch DIST 113, Lebanon CUSD 9, and HILLSBORO DIST 3.
With an average of only 4 days on the market, Wolf Branch DIST 113 in Illinois takes the top spot. This district boasts 7 active listings with an average list price of $284,357. Coming in at second place is Lebanon CUSD 9 with an Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 9th, 2024
The metro east area of St. Louis, MO continues to see a strong real estate market, with the latest data from June 2024 showing a steady increase in home prices. According to the chart below, exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the metro east update was $210,000, a 2.44% increase from June 2023. This also represents a 10.24% increase from May 2024, when the median sold price was $190,500.
The median list price for homes in the metro east update was $200,000, a slight increase of 0.05% from June 2023. However, there was a Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 8th, 2024
The real estate market in St Charles County has continued to show strong growth and stability as of July 2024. According to the latest data from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the county during June 2024 was $391,500, representing an increase of 7.26% from the same time last year when the median sold price was $365,000. This also marks a 6.41% increase from May 2024, when the median sold price was $367,900.
The median list price for homes in St Charles County was $379,900 in June 2024, a significant increase of 8.54% from $350,000 in June Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 7th, 2024
As of June 2024, the stl msa real estate market continues to show strong growth. According to data exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the stl msa update was $299950, a 9.07% increase from June 2023. This also marks a 9.07% increase from May 2024, when the median sold price was $275000.
The median list price for homes in the stl msa update was $290000, a 9.43% increase from June 2023. Despite the increase in prices, there were 2800 home sales in June 2024, a decrease of 18.60% from June 2023.
The chart below illustrates Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 7th, 2024
According to the latest data from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the franklin county update was $240000 in June 2024. This represents a 1.23% decrease from June 2023 when the median sold price was $243000. Additionally, last month’s median sold price of $240000 also saw a decrease of 5.51% compared to May 2024.
Despite the decrease in median sold price, the median list price for homes in the franklin county update saw a slight increase of 0.81% from $247000 in June 2023 to $249000 in June 2024. However, there were 14.95% fewer home sales in June Continue Reading →
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