By Dennis Norman, on September 9th, 2025 
The August 2025 housing data from Realtor.com® shows the national housing market gradually shifting toward balance, but here in St. Louis, we continue to stand out as one of the tightest markets in the country. While inventory is rising across much of the U.S., St. Louis saw just a 13.6% increase in active listings year-over-year—well below the national 20.9% gain. Even more telling, our market had only 2.9 months of supply in June, a strong indicator that sellers still have the upper hand locally, despite the broader cooling trend.
Across the 50 largest metros, St. Louis ranks among those with Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 9th, 2025 
The Metro East real estate market continues to show robust activity, as evidenced by the latest data from August 2025. Homes in the area sold for a median price of $210,000, marking a 5.00% increase from the median sold price of $200,000 in August 2024. However, this figure represents an 8.70% decline from July 2025, when the median sold price was $230,000. The median list price also saw an uptick, reaching $209,900, which is a 5.11% rise from $199,700 in August 2024.
Home sales volume has also increased, with 675 homes sold in August 2025, up 3.53% from 652 sales Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 8th, 2025 
The St. Charles County real estate market experienced notable shifts in August 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $357,195, marking a 1.55% increase from the median price of $351,750 in August 2024. However, this figure represents a 2.80% decrease compared to July 2025, when the median sold price was $367,500. The median list price remained stable at $350,000, unchanged from August 2024.
In terms of sales volume, there were 475 home sales in August 2025, reflecting an 8.30% decline from the 518 homes sold in August 2024. For a visual representation of these trends, refer to the chart Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 8th, 2025 
The real estate market in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced notable changes in August 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $285,000, marking a 5.24% increase from the median price of $270,800 in August 2024. However, this represents a slight decrease of 2.56% from July 2025, when the median price was $292,500. The median list price saw a similar trend, rising to $284,900 in August 2025, up 5.52% from $270,000 in August 2024.
In terms of sales volume, there were 3,306 home sales in the St. Louis MSA during August 2025, a slight decrease of 1.52% Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on September 8th, 2025 
As of early September 2025, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a favorable shift in mortgage rates, with notable decreases across several categories. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage has dipped to 6.49%, down by 0.04%, marking a significant drop below the 6.5% threshold that had been maintained in recent months. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate now stands at 5.85%, showing a slight decrease of 0.03%. These reductions reflect a broader trend of falling rates in the market, offering potential buyers and refinancers in the St. Louis area a more attractive environment for securing home loans.
For those considering larger homes, the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 28th, 2025
In August 2025, the St. Louis real estate market is witnessing a slight yet noteworthy decline in mortgage rates, providing a glimmer of hope for potential homebuyers. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased marginally by 0.01%, settling at 6.51%. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has dropped by 0.02% to 5.88%. These small reductions, although modest, are a positive signal for those looking to enter the housing market in a period where rates have consistently hovered above 6.5%.
For local buyers and sellers in St. Louis, these rate adjustments could have significant implications. Buyers may find this dip an encouraging Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 25th, 2025
In August 2025, St. Louis homebuyers and sellers are witnessing a continued rise in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 6.54%, marking a 0.02% increase. This upward trend is mirrored across other mortgage products, including the 15-year fixed rate which rose to 5.93%, and the 30-year jumbo rate now standing at 6.55%. These rate increases are indicative of a tightening mortgage market in St. Louis, further evidenced by the 30-year FHA rate at 6.12% and the adjustable 7/6 SOFR ARM at 5.99%.
For prospective buyers in St. Louis, these rising rates may impact affordability and purchasing power, potentially Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 21st, 2025
In August 2025, St. Louis mortgage rates have continued their upward trajectory, with the 30-year fixed rate nudging up to 6.61%, a small increase of 0.01% from previous levels. This shift follows a pattern of rising rates, impacting the affordability of home loans within the region. The 15-year fixed rate also saw a modest increase, reaching 5.97%. However, not all rates followed the same path; the 30-year Jumbo rate decreased slightly, signaling mixed movements in the mortgage landscape.
For prospective homebuyers in St. Louis, these rising rates could mean higher monthly payments, potentially affecting purchasing power in an already competitive Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 21st, 2025 
The St. Louis City real estate market has experienced notable shifts as of August 2025. Homes in the area sold for a median price of $247,250 in July 2025, marking a 9.89% increase from July 2024 when the median price was $225,000. However, this figure also represents a 4.52% decrease compared to June 2025, when the median sold price was $258,965. The median list price in July 2025 was $248,950, up 13.16% from $220,000 in July 2024, indicating a robust increase in seller expectations.
Despite the rise in prices, the number of home sales has decreased. In July 2025, there Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 19th, 2025 
In July 2025, the St. Louis County real estate market saw a notable increase in home prices, with homes selling for a median price of $299,250. This represents a 6.78% increase from the median price of $280,250 recorded in July 2024. However, the median sold price in July 2025 shows a slight decrease of 0.75% from June 2025, when it was $301,500. The median list price in July 2025 was $289,900, marking a 5.42% rise compared to $275,000 in July of the previous year.
The number of home sales in St. Louis County experienced a minor decline, with 1,310 homes Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 19th, 2025 
In the latest update for the Franklin County real estate market, July 2025 saw homes selling for a median price of $260,000. This marks a 5.80% decrease from the median price of $276,000 recorded in July 2024. Additionally, the July 2025 median price represents a slight decline of 0.57% compared to June 2025’s median of $261,500. The median list price for homes in July 2025 was $269,000, down 3.76% from $279,500 in July 2024.
Despite the decrease in prices, home sales in Franklin County have seen a notable increase. In July 2025, there were 119 home sales, a significant rise Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 18th, 2025
As of August 18, 2025, mortgage rates in the St. Louis area have seen a notable rise, with the 30-year fixed rate now at 6.58%, up by 0.02%. This marks a continued trend of increasing mortgage costs, pushing rates to levels above 6.5%, a significant milestone for potential homebuyers and refinancers. The 15-year fixed rate also experienced a slight uptick, now standing at 5.95%, reflecting a broad upward trajectory across various loan products including the 30-year FHA and Jumbo options.
For those navigating the St. Louis real estate market, these climbing rates could impact purchasing power and monthly affordability. Buyers Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 16th, 2025 
The St. Louis metropolitan area is experiencing a vibrant real estate market, with certain zip codes leading the charge in rapid home sales. Topping the list is zip code 63012 in Jefferson County, Missouri, where homes are flying off the market with an average listing duration of zero days. This area currently boasts nine active listings, with an average list price of $376,089, making it an attractive option for families seeking swift transactions and competitive pricing.
Following closely are zip codes 63074 and 63126, both located in St. Louis, Missouri. Each of these areas also sees homes selling within zero Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 16th, 2025 
The Jefferson County real estate market continues to show strong growth as of August 2025, with significant increases in both home prices and sales activity. In July 2025, homes in Jefferson County sold for a median price of $305,000, marking a 9.71% increase from July 2024, when the median sold price was $278,000. This upward trend is further highlighted by a 7.02% rise from June 2025’s median sold price of $285,000, indicating a robust demand for homes in the area.
The median list price also saw a notable increase, reaching $299,950 in July 2025, up 11.13% from $269,900 in July Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 14th, 2025
As of mid-August 2025, mortgage rates in the St. Louis real estate market continue their upward trajectory, with the 30-year fixed rate now at 6.56%, marking a 0.03% increase. This rise places the rate well above the 6.5% threshold, a level not seen in recent months, signaling a challenging environment for prospective homebuyers. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate has also seen an increase, settling at 5.94%, up by 0.04%. These adjustments reflect a broader trend of rising interest rates, affecting various loan types, including FHA, Jumbo, and VA mortgages, all of which have seen increases.
For buyers in the St. Continue Reading →
By Michael Abernathy, on August 13th, 2025 
Buying a condo may seem straightforward, but the reality is that it comes with layers of complexity that most buyers—and frankly, many agents—don’t fully understand. Recently, I represented an investor client who was purchasing an off-market condo through a wholesaler. On the surface, it looked like a quick, easy, all-cash deal. But within days, it became clear that without an experienced condo buyer’s agent, this transaction could have ended in a $160,000 disaster.
From the beginning, I raised the question of the condo resale certificate—a critical document that Missouri law requires sellers to provide. This certificate includes essential information about Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 8th, 2025
The St. Charles County real estate market demonstrated a robust performance in July 2025, with the median home selling price reaching $367,500, marking a 2.08% increase from the previous year. This figure slightly dipped by 0.68% from June 2025’s median selling price of $370,000. Despite the month-to-month fluctuation, the overall trend indicates healthy growth, as reflected in the median listing price of $365,000, up by 2.82% compared to July 2024.
The volume of home sales also showed positive momentum, with 577 homes sold in July 2025, an increase of 6.65% from 541 sales in the same month last year. This Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 7th, 2025
In St. Louis, the real estate market is experiencing nuanced shifts in mortgage rates as of August 2025, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate slightly decreasing by 0.01%, settling at 6.57%. This minor adjustment reflects a mixed pattern in rate movements across different mortgage products, highlighting a complex landscape for potential homebuyers and sellers. The 15-year fixed rate remains steady at 5.93%, showing no change, while the 30-year FHA rate saw a decrease, which could be advantageous for first-time home buyers opting for government-backed loans.
The impact of these mixed rate movements on the St. Louis real estate market is Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 7th, 2025
The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market demonstrated sustained growth in July 2025, with notable increases in both home sales and prices. Homes sold for a median price of $295,000, marking a 5.36% rise from the previous year’s median of $280,000, and a 1.72% increase from June 2025’s median of $290,000. This consistent upward trend underscores a robust housing market in the region.
In terms of sales volume, the market remained stable with 3,484 homes sold in July 2025, slightly up by 0.09% compared to 3,481 sales in July 2024. The median list price also saw a Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on August 5th, 2025 
Mortgage debt across the U.S. has continued its steady climb, reaching nearly $13 trillion by mid-2025. While this growth might seem alarming, the current lending standards remain significantly stricter than those seen before the 2008 financial crisis, reducing overall risk.
Government-backed loans from agencies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac account for over half of the total mortgage balances, offering stability to the market. However, loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), popular for their low down payment requirements, represent a disproportionate share of delinquencies. Although FHA loans make up just 12% of all mortgage Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 31st, 2025
In a subtle yet welcome shift for prospective homebuyers in St. Louis, the 30-Year Fixed mortgage rate has decreased slightly to 6.75% as of July 2025, marking a modest drop of 0.02%. This change, though slight, contributes to an overall trend of falling rates in the region, offering a glimmer of relief in a market that has seen rates hovering above the 6.5% mark for some time. On the other hand, the 15-Year Fixed rate remains steady at 6.03%, indicating stability in shorter-term financing options.
This mixed pattern in rate adjustments could influence both buyers and sellers in the St. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 24th, 2025
The St. Louis real estate market is experiencing a modest rise in mortgage rates this July, with the 30-Year Fixed rate now reaching 6.78%, a slight increase of 0.01%. Similarly, the 15-Year Fixed rate has also edged up to 6.04%. These incremental changes mark a continuing trend of rising rates in the region, impacting both prospective homebuyers and sellers. The increase, though minor, continues to push the rates to some of the highest levels seen this year, particularly affecting the affordability and buying power of those looking to enter the housing market.
For potential buyers in St. Louis, these rising Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 21st, 2025
The St. Louis City real estate market witnessed notable fluctuations in June 2025. Homes sold for a median price of $259,000, marking a 5.13% decrease from June 2024, when the median sold price was $273,000. However, this figure also represents a significant increase of 12.61% compared to May 2025, where the median sold price stood at $230,000. The median list price in June 2025 was $255,000, showing a decrease of 5.52% from $269,900 in June 2024.
In terms of sales volume, the St. Louis City market experienced a growth, with 291 homes sold in June 2025—an increase of 7.78% from Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 19th, 2025
The Franklin County real estate market has shown promising growth as of July 2025, with significant increases in home prices and sales compared to the previous year. In June 2025, homes in Franklin County sold for a median price of $261,500, marking a 7.84% increase from June 2024, when the median sold price was $242,500. This increase is also slightly higher than the median sold price in May 2025, which was $259,900, demonstrating a steady month-over-month growth of 0.62%.
The median list price in June 2025 was $259,950, reflecting a 4.40% rise from $249,000 in June 2024. Additionally, the number Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 17th, 2025
In the ever-evolving real estate market of St. Louis, mortgage rates are showing nuanced movements as of July 2025. The 30-Year Fixed mortgage rate has experienced a slight decrease to 6.83%, down by 0.02%. Conversely, the 15-Year Fixed rate has inched up by 0.01%, settling at 6.08%. These shifts reflect a broader rising trend in the market, with other mortgage types like the 30-Year FHA and Jumbo rates also climbing, indicating a mixed yet predominantly upward trajectory in rate changes.
For potential homebuyers and sellers in the St. Louis area, these fluctuations could have significant implications. The slight drop in Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 16th, 2025
The St. Louis metropolitan area, spanning across Missouri and Illinois, is witnessing a remarkable trend in its real estate market, particularly in the speed at which homes are being sold. The zip code 62239 in St Clair-IL, IL, leads the pack with an impressive average of 0 days on the market for its 7 active listings, each at an average list price of $158,614. This indicates a robust demand in this locale, making it a hotspot for potential buyers looking for quick closings and sellers aiming for swift transactions.
Following closely are zip codes 63012 in Jefferson, MO, and 63074 Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on July 15th, 2025 
A Satirical Look at Cut-Rate Real Estate Models—and Why Smart Agents Still Matter
[Opening: Observational Humor with a Mission]
You ever notice how people will spend hours reading Amazon reviews for an $18 waffle maker but choose a real estate agent—or worse, skip one entirely—because “the website made it easy”?
Lately, a growing number of online platforms are pitching a new real estate model: a one-stop shop where you can get pre-approved, pick a house, choose an agent, and close the deal without ever leaving your couch—or, let’s be honest, putting on pants.
It sounds convenient. Until you realize the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2025
The Jefferson County real estate market experienced a slight dip in home prices in June 2025, with the median sold price settling at $285,000, a decrease of 1.48% from June 2024’s median of $289,295. This price also reflects a notable 4.98% drop from May 2025, where the median was higher at $299,950. Despite the decrease in sold prices, the median list price in June 2025 saw a modest rise to $284,900, up 1.79% from the previous year, indicating a resilient listing confidence among sellers.
The volume of home sales remained steady with 249 homes sold in June 2025, mirroring the Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on July 15th, 2025 
Yesterday, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law House Bills 595 and 596, bringing significant changes that will impact landlords, tenants, property managers, investors, and real estate professionals across the state. This newly enacted legislation strengthens private property rights and tightens requirements for agency relationships in real estate transactions, two key areas anyone involved in Missouri real estate should pay close attention to.
For landlords and investors, HB 595 limits how local governments can regulate rental housing. Specifically, the law prohibits cities and counties from setting rent control measures, imposing restrictions on how landlords screen tenants, or mandating specific lease Continue Reading →
By Karen Moeller, on July 14th, 2025 
That new-home smell? It’s intoxicating. Brand-new everything, sparkling finishes, no mystery stains from owners past. For many first-time buyers in St. Louis, new construction feels like a dream in drywall. A clean slate. A chance to create something that’s all yours.
But while it may look like smooth sailing, the new construction journey comes with its own set of speed bumps—some financial, some emotional. This guide is here to help you move forward with eyes wide open, heart full, and budget intact.
Let’s explore five unexpected costs that can sneak up on new construction buyers—and pair them with a few Continue Reading →
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