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 19th, 2025 
The St. Louis County real estate market displayed mixed signals in April 2025, with home prices continuing to climb even as sales volumes decreased. According to the latest data, the median sold price for homes in St. Louis County reached $285,000, marking a 7.55% increase from April 2024’s median of $265,000. This price also shows a growth of 3.64% compared to March 2025, where the median was $275,000. Meanwhile, the median list price saw a rise to $275,000, up by 7.86% from the previous year.
However, the number of home sales tells a different story. April 2025 saw 811 homes Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 17th, 2025 
The St. Louis metropolitan area, encompassing counties in both Missouri and Illinois, has experienced a shift in its real estate market dynamics as of April 2025. This year, the region recorded a total of 7,926 homes sold, marking an 8.59% decrease compared to the 8,671 homes sold during the same period in the previous year. This change reflects various factors influencing the local market, providing potential home buyers and sellers with critical insights into current trends.
Despite the year-over-year dip, the St. Louis real estate market continues to offer diverse opportunities for both buyers and sellers. For those interested in 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 
The Jefferson County real estate market witnessed a notable increase in home prices during April 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $285,000, marking a 7.26% rise from April 2024 when the median sold price was $265,700. This price also represents a significant 11.76% increase compared to March 2025, where the median sold price stood at $255,000. The median list price followed suit, reaching $279,900, which is a 6.62% increase from the previous year’s $262,527.
However, despite the rising prices, the number of home sales experienced a downturn. There were 187 home sales in April 2025, showing a decrease Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 15th, 2025 
As of May 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is experiencing shifts in mortgage rates that are essential for both potential home buyers and current homeowners considering selling. The 30-Year Fixed Rate has seen a slight increase to 6.99%, a change of +0.07% from previous figures. Similarly, the 15-Year Fixed Rate has risen to 6.34%, marking an increase of +0.08%. These adjustments might influence buyer affordability and seller market timing in the region.
For those looking into larger, more expensive properties, the 30-Year Jumbo Rate stands at 7.10%, while the more accessible FHA loans are available at a rate 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 Dennis Norman, on May 14th, 2025 
If you’re buying or selling a home in 2025, there’s a hidden threat you need to be aware of: wire fraud. According to the newly released State of Wire Fraud 2025 report by CertifID, 1 in 4 consumers reported receiving suspicious or fraudulent communication during their real estate transaction—and nearly 1 in 20 fell victim.
In 2024 alone, these scams resulted in nearly $500 million in losses. The method? Criminals impersonate trusted figures in the transaction—with real estate agents being the top target, mentioned by 58% of victims. Title agents were 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 Dennis Norman, on May 12th, 2025 
In the 12-month period ending March 31, 2025, there were 3,492 permits issued for new single-family homes in the St. Louis area, a 16.55% decrease from the 4,070 permits issued during the prior year, according to the Home Builders Association of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri. Five of the seven counties in the report showed double-digit drops in new home permit activity. However, Franklin County and Warren County saw double-digit increases, indicating continued strong interest in those markets.
This data is one of the many reasons buyers and investors rely on the expertise and insights from MORE, REALTORS®
See Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 9th, 2025 
The Metro East real estate market has shown notable growth in April 2025, with the median home selling price reaching $193,000, a 5.46% increase from April 2024. This upward trend is also evident from the month-to-month comparison, where there was a 4.64% rise from March 2025’s median sold price of $184,450. While sales prices are climbing, the number of homes sold in April 2025 experienced a slight decrease, with 595 homes sold compared to 635 in the same month last year, reflecting a 6.30% drop.
The median list price for homes also saw an increase, reaching $192,500 in April 2025, 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 8th, 2025
As we navigate the complexities of the St. Louis real estate market in May 2025, understanding the current mortgage rates is crucial for both potential home buyers and sellers. The latest data provided by MORE, REALTORS® indicates a slight decrease in interest rates, which could influence decision-making processes in the housing market. The 30-Year Fixed Rate now stands at 6.86%, showing a minor reduction of 0.02%. Similarly, the 15-Year Fixed Rate has also decreased by 0.02%, currently at 6.19%. These small changes suggest a relatively stable interest rate environment.
For those considering more substantial home purchases, the 30-Year Jumbo Rate Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 8th, 2025 
The real estate market in St. Charles County has demonstrated robust growth as of May 2025, with significant increases in both median sold and list prices compared to the previous year. In April 2025, homes in St. Charles County sold for a median price of $375,000, marking a 4.17% increase from April 2024, when the median sold price was $360,000. This figure also represents a 1.35% rise from March 2025, where the median sold price was $370,000.
The median list price in April 2025 reached $374,400, up by 6.97% from $350,000 in April 2024. Additionally, the number of home sales 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 Franklin County real estate market experienced a notable increase in home prices in April 2025, with the median sold price reaching $267,500. This reflects an 8.98% rise from April 2024, where the median price was $245,450, and a slight increase of 0.13% from March 2025. Meanwhile, the median list price also saw a growth, setting at $270,950 in April 2025, up by 9.03% from the previous year.
Despite the rise in prices, the number of homes sold in Franklin County decreased by 16.36% year-over-year, with 92 homes sold in April 2025 compared to 110 in the same month last 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 Dennis Norman, on May 1st, 2025 
On April 22, 2025, a court issued a temporary restraining order preventing the City of St. Louis from enforcing Ordinance 71729, which governs short-term rentals in the city. As a result, the city has paused all activity related to the permitting and regulation of short-term rentals, including accepting new applications, conducting inspections, issuing permits, and collecting associated fees. This pause also affects the recently passed Proposition S, halting the collection of the 3% fee approved by voters in November 2024.
While the legal dispute continues, short-term rentals can continue to operate in the City of St. Louis without permits as Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 1st, 2025
As of May 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is experiencing a variety of mortgage rate options that cater to different types of buyers and refinancing needs. The 30-Year Fixed Rate remains steady at 6.81%, indicating a stable lending environment. On the other hand, the 15-Year Fixed Rate has seen a slight decrease to 6.15%, down by 0.02%, which might appeal to homeowners looking to refinance and pay off their loans faster.
For those considering larger, more expensive properties, the 30-Year Jumbo Rate is currently at 6.95%. This rate is slightly higher than the standard fixed rates, reflecting the 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 Dennis Norman, on April 28th, 2025 
In Missouri, it’s an eye-opener that companies managing homeowners associations (HOAs), condominium associations, and subdivisions are not required to hold any type of state license—not even a real estate broker’s license. Yet, just across the river in Illinois, community association managers must be licensed under their Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act. This gap in regulation here in Missouri leaves condo owners and homeowners vulnerable, particularly when it comes to the management of large associations that handle millions of dollars in dues and are responsible for common ground and major infrastructure like private streets and utilities.
Think about it: Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 27th, 2025 The latest Independent Landlord Rental Performance Report from Chandan Economics, covering April 2025, shows on-time rental payments nationally hitting 86.3% — an improvement of 45 basis points from the prior month, and notably the first year-over-year increase in on-time payments since July 2023. While this is encouraging news overall for small to medium landlords, the story for Missouri and Illinois isn’t quite as rosy when you dig into the state-level data.
Missouri posted an on-time payment rate of just 83%, putting us at 42nd out of the 47 states and districts that met reporting 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 24th, 2025
As of April 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is experiencing a shift in mortgage rates that potential home buyers and sellers should consider. The 30-Year Fixed Rate has climbed slightly to 6.95%, marking an increase of 0.10% from previous figures. Similarly, the 15-Year Fixed Rate has risen to 6.37%, up by 0.13%. These changes indicate a trend towards rising mortgage costs in the region, which could influence buying decisions and market dynamics.
For those considering more substantial home purchases, the 30-Year Jumbo Rate stands at 7.05%, while the 30-Year FHA Rate is notably lower at 6.42%. Additionally, the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 21st, 2025 
The St. Louis City real estate market demonstrated a robust increase in home prices during March 2025, according to the latest data. Homes sold for a median price of $220,000, marking a significant 4.76% rise from the previous year’s median of $210,000. This upward trend is further highlighted by a 10.03% increase from February 2025, where the median sold price was $199,950. Additionally, the median list price in March climbed to $222,450, up 11.23% from $200,000 in March 2024.
Despite the increase in prices, the number of home sales experienced a slight decline. There were 206 homes sold in March Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 19th, 2025
The St. Louis County real estate market has experienced notable growth in property values, according to the latest data. In March 2025, homes in St. Louis County sold for a median price of $275,000, marking a substantial increase of 16.92% compared to March 2024, when the median sold price was $235,200. This rise also reflects a 10.00% increase from February 2025, which had a median sold price of $250,000.
Furthermore, the median list price for homes was $271,000 in March 2025, up by 17.88% from $229,900 in the same month the previous year. Despite these higher prices, the number of Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 17th, 2025
As of April 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is experiencing a dynamic shift in mortgage rates, crucial for both potential homebuyers and current homeowners considering refinancing. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has seen a slight increase to 6.95%, up by 0.10% from the previous month. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has risen to 6.37%, marking a 0.13% increase. These changes reflect broader economic trends impacting borrowing costs.
For those looking at more substantial properties, the 30-year jumbo loan rate stands at 7.05%, slightly higher than conventional loan rates, indicating a premium for higher loan amounts. Conversely, more affordable Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on April 17th, 2025
The St. Louis metropolitan area, spanning counties in both Missouri and Illinois, has experienced a slight shift in its real estate market this year. Through the end of March 2025, the region recorded 6,018 homes sold, marking a 6.25% decrease compared to the 6,419 homes sold during the same period in the previous year. This change reflects the dynamic nature of the local real estate market, which can fluctuate due to a variety of economic and environmental factors.
Despite the recent dip, the St. Louis real estate market continues to offer substantial opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Those interested Continue Reading →
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