By Dennis Norman, on September 27th, 2024 
The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy has been a contentious topic since its inception in 2019. The rule, which mandates that listings must be added to the MLS within one day of being publicly marketed, aims to provide transparency and equal access to all agents and homebuyers. However, as highlighted in anInman News article today, the policy is now facing strong opposition from major real estate firms like Compass and Anywhere Real Estate, both of which are calling for changes that would provide more flexibility to sellers.
This isn’t the first time the Clear Cooperation Policy has Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 24th, 2024 
There was an opinion piece published today on Inman News by Eric Bramlett that suggests that fears of a widespread shift in commission payments from sellers to buyers are overblown. Bramlett argues, “Sellers are primarily concerned with the net proceeds they’ll receive and the overall terms of the contract.” While I agree that many sellers will still “pay” the buyer’s agent commission, I don’t believe the traditional commission structure will endure. In fact, the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® is in the process of updating the forms that most of the St Louis area REALTORS®, including listing agreement. In this Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 19th, 2024 
St. Louis’ connection to the Manhattan Project might be a footnote in history books, but for residents of North County, its legacy is still felt today. Decades after uranium processing for the first atomic bombs took place at Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in downtown St. Louis, the environmental and health effects continue to affect North County communities.
The Manhattan Project’s Reach in St. Louis County
During World War II, Mallinckrodt processed uranium for the development of atomic bombs, storing the radioactive waste near the St. Louis Airport and along Latty Avenue. Unfortunately, the waste wasn’t properly contained, which led to contamination Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 18th, 2024 
The Federal Reserve made an important announcement today that could have a ripple effect on the real estate market in St. Louis and beyond. In their latest meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to lower the federal funds rate by half a percentage point, bringing the target range down to 4.75% to 5%. This move comes as the Fed notes continued solid economic activity but acknowledges that job gains have slowed, and inflation, while improving, still remains above their 2% target.
For homebuyers and real estate investors, this rate cut could lead to a slight reduction in borrowing Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 17th, 2024 
As of August 2024, year-to-date (YTD) home sales in St. Louis have reached 20,885, marking the lowest YTD level since August 2012, when sales were at 19,181. This represents a significant decline compared to more recent years, reflecting a slowdown in the real estate market. Various factors, including rising interest rates and affordability challenges, have contributed to this dip, and it’s clear that buyers are feeling the pressure.
This decline is even more striking when compared to the peak years, such as 2021, where YTD sales in August reached over 27,900. This downward trend indicates that we may be entering Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 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 fastest selling zip codes in the region. According to recent data, the top three zip codes for quick home sales are 63043, 63126, and 63040. These areas are seeing homes fly off the market in an average of just 21-24 days, making them hot spots for both buyers and sellers.
In 63043, the fastest selling zip code, there are currently 9 active listings with an average list price of $268,656. The second and third fastest selling Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 12th, 2024 
Attention all home buyers and sellers in the St. Louis metropolitan area! Are you looking to make a move and want to know which school districts are the hottest on the market? Look no further, because we have the data for you.
According to recent statistics, the top three fastest selling school districts in the St. Louis metro area are Franklin Co. R-II in None, MO, Lonedell R-XIV in None, MO, and East Alton-Wood River DIST 14 in , IL. These districts have an average of only 13 days on the market, making them highly desirable for families looking Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 11th, 2024 
The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage fell to 6.22% yesterday, according to the MND rate index as shown in the chart below. This marks the lowest rate in nearly a year and a half! The last time rates were this low was back on April 6, 2023 when they dropped to 6.18% for the day. This drop in rates comes in advance of the anticipated rate reduction when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings next week.
See Current (and historical) Mortgage Rates Get a REAL Pre-Approval Now
Mortgage Interest Rates – 30-Year Fixed Rate Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 11th, 2024 
During the 12-month period ending July 31, 2024, a total of 3,877 building permits were issued for new single-family homes in the St. Louis area. This marks a 2.93% decrease from the previous 12 months, which recorded 3,994 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 a decline in permits. Lincoln County continues to show great growth in new construction with an increase of a whopping 103.39%. Conversely, the City continues to show the largest decline in new Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 9th, 2024 
The latest real estate market data for the Metro East area has just been released, and it shows promising trends for homeowners and potential buyers alike. According to the chart below, exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the metro east update during August 2024 was $200000, marking an impressive 8.11% increase from the same time last year when the median sold price was $185000.
However, compared to July 2024, there was a slight decrease of 2.44% in the median sold price, dropping from $205000 to $200000. Despite this decrease, the overall trend of increasing Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 8th, 2024 
As of August 2024, the St Charles County real estate market saw a slight decrease in median sold price compared to the same time last year. According to data exclusively available from MORE, REALTORS®, homes in the St Charles County update sold for a median price of $363,500, a 0.41% decrease from August 2023. This also represents a 2.94% decrease from July 2024, when the median sold price was $374,500.
However, the median list price for homes in St Charles County showed an increase of 1.36% from $360,000 in August 2023 to $364,900 in August 2024. This indicates that sellers Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 8th, 2024 
The St. Louis real estate market saw a slight increase in median home prices during August 2024, with homes selling for a median price of $275,000. This is a 3.77% increase from August 2023, when the median sold price was $265,000. However, compared to July 2024, there was a decrease of 3.51% in median sold price, when it was $285,000.
According to the chart below, provided exclusively by MORE, REALTORS®, the median list price for homes in the St. Louis MSA also saw an increase of 7.84% from August 2023, with a current median list price of $275,000. However, there Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 6th, 2024 
In a groundbreaking analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research, a recent report has challenged some prevailing assumptions about the impact of lowering real estate agent fees on home prices. According to the findings, a reduction in agent fees, contrary to what some might expect, could lead to higher house prices. This is because lower future transaction costs enhance the overall value of housing as a durable asset, increasing consumer welfare, primarily benefiting current homeowners over prospective buyers.
For homeowners in St. Louis, this suggests a more complex real estate landscape where the benefits of lowered agent fees might Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 6th, 2024 
As of August 2024, the real estate market in Franklin County has shown some interesting trends. According to data exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, the median sold price for homes in the county remained steady at $250,000, the same as August 2023. However, this represents a 9.26% decrease from July 2024 when the median sold price was $275,500.
On the other hand, the median list price for homes in Franklin County saw a slight increase of 1.00% from $250,000 in August 2023 to $252,500 in August 2024. This could indicate that sellers are still confident in the market and are willing Continue Reading →
By Sandie Hea, on September 5th, 2024 
A significant change in property tax law took effect in Missouri on August 28, 2024, offering financial relief to many of our senior residents. The newly implemented Homestead Property Tax Credit is designed to help senior citizens manage their property tax liabilities more effectively. Here are the key points of the new law:
Eligibility: Missouri residents who are 62 years or older, own their home, and are liable for real property taxes. Credit Amount: The credit equals the difference between the current tax liability and the tax liability during the taxpayer’s initial credit year. Local Adoption: Counties can adopt the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 4th, 2024 
In a newly released report by the Center for Demographics and Policy at Chapman University, St. Louis has been ranked the third most affordable housing market in the world for 2024. The Demographia International Housing Affordability report highlights that St. Louis continues to offer buyers some of the best value when it comes to housing, beating out major cities across the U.S. and globally.
For homebuyers in St. Louis, this is exciting news. While inflation and rising costs are still on the minds of many, the fact that the metro area remains such an affordable place to own a home Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 4th, 2024 
As housing costs rise in St. Louis, many are worried about the price of owning or renting a home. However, a recent Gallup poll reveals that 41% of Americans now rank inflation and the high cost of living as their top financial concern, far outpacing housing costs, which are the main issue for 14%. A Gallup spokesperson noted, “For the third year in a row, the percentage of Americans naming inflation or the high cost of living as the most important financial problem facing their family has reached a new high.”
Despite these concerns, the St. Louis metro area remains Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 3rd, 2024 
Buying a condominium in the St. Louis metro area offers a unique lifestyle, but it’s important to understand that the process, and ownership structure, is different from purchasing a single-family home. Condominiums come with their own set of challenges and risks, especially in today’s market. If you’re considering buying a condo, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and make a sound investment.
Understanding the Challenges
Buying a home comes with its own set of challenges and risks, which is why most people choose to work with a buyer’s agent. It’s crucial to use an agent with the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 30th, 2024 
Recent changes in the real estate industry have left many home buyers wondering if they need to sign an agreement before visiting an open house. The confusion stems from new practices that have emerged as a result of recent legal settlements affecting how agents work with buyers. The good news? If you’re just visiting an open house on your own, you don’t need to sign any kind of written agreement. The agent hosting the open house is there to represent the seller, not to bind you into a contract.
However, if you decide to work with an agent—meaning they start Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 23rd, 2024 
The latest Chandan Economics report reveals a worrying trend for landlords in Missouri, where only 83.1% of tenants made their rental payments on time in August 2024. This figure is slightly below the national average of 84.9%, indicating that Missouri is feeling the strain more acutely. The state’s on-time payment rate reflects a broader decline seen across the country, with national rates dropping 50 basis points from July and 332 basis points from their post-pandemic peak.
For a more granular look at these trends, explore the live, interactive chart that tracks on-time payment rates by property type. This tool is Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 20th, 2024 
The real estate industry is undergoing significant changes, especially concerning how commissions are handled between sellers and buyers’ agents. Recent legal settlements have led to new transparency rules, which clarify that sellers are not required to pay the commission for the buyer’s agent. This has raised concerns among potential homebuyers about the financial burden of paying their agent directly. However, these changes don’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying more out of pocket.
Understanding the Changes:
No Increase in Home Prices: The overall cost of homes hasn’t increased simply because of these rule changes. Home values remain the same. In fact, Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 19th, 2024 
In a recent telephone interview with an Inman News reporter, Michael Ketchmark, lead plaintiffs’ counsel in the groundbreaking Sitzer | Burnett case, emphasized the importance of strict compliance with the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) proposed settlement. Ketchmark and his team are keeping a close eye on how the real estate industry rolls out these changes, warning that any attempts to evade the new rules will be met with swift legal action. “If anyone thinks they’re going to be able to avoid the application of this settlement agreement and the law by creating some new forms or hiding this cooperation Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 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 in the region. According to recent statistics, the top three zip codes with the shortest time on the market are 62215 in Clinton-IL, IL, 62047 in Calhoun-IL, IL, and 63055 in Franklin, MO. These zip codes have an average of only 18 days on the market, making them highly desirable for both buyers and sellers.
In 62215, homes are selling at lightning speed with an average of just Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 13th, 2024 
During the 12-month period ending June 30, 2024, a total of 4,017 building permits were issued for new single-family homes in the St. Louis area. This marks a 2.34% decrease from the previous 12 months, which recorded 3,923 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 a decline in permits. Lincoln County saw the largest percentage increase at a whopping 88.69%. Conversely, the City of St. Louis experienced the largest decrease, with an 27.93% decline.
Search St Continue Reading →
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 →
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