St Louis Real Estate News - Page 7 of 110 - Daily St. Louis real estate news, market analysis, home prices, and mortgage rate updates from local industry professionals.

Federal Court Blocks FinCEN Rule on Cash Real Estate Deals…Big Win for Investors

By Dennis Norman, on March 20th, 2026

A major federal court decision just delivered a significant win for real estate investors and anyone involved in cash transactions. A U.S. District Court has vacated the FinCEN rule that would have required nationwide reporting of most non-financed residential real estate transactions involving entities and trusts, effectively shutting down the rule before it could fully reshape the investment landscape.

The rule, finalized in 2024 and effective December 1, 2025, would have required reporting on an estimated 800,000 to 850,000 transactions annually, with projected compliance costs ranging from approximately $428 million to $690 million in the first year alone. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} The Continue Reading →

Home Prices Have Soared…But Have They Really? A Deeper Look at the Data

By Dennis Norman, on March 20th, 2026

When people say home prices are out of control, they are usually looking only at the price in dollars. Your chart shows why that can be misleading. In St. Louis, the median home price rose from about $39,000 in 1975 to about $340,000 today, and gold also went up about 8 to 10 times over that same period. That does not necessarily mean houses became dramatically more expensive in real terms. It shows how much buying power the dollar has lost.

The gold comparison is what really changes the picture. In 1975, it took about 274 ounces of gold to Continue Reading →

March 2026 Franklin County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 20th, 2026

The Franklin County real estate market continues to show signs of growth as we move through March 2026. In February, homes sold for a median price of $262,500, marking a 0.96% increase from both February 2025 and January 2026, when the median sold price was $260,000. This steady rise in home prices reflects a robust demand in the area.

Additionally, the median list price in February 2026 was $303,000, representing a significant 13.91% increase from $266,000 in February 2025. This surge in list prices suggests sellers are optimistic about the market’s strength and are positioning their properties accordingly.

February 2026 Continue Reading →

You’re Not Just Listing a Home. You’re Deciding Who Sees It

By Karen Moeller, on March 19th, 2026

If you have been following the recent headlines about a legal dispute between a major real estate platform and a national brokerage, it is easy to dismiss it as another round of industry tension. Different business models, different philosophies, and a disagreement over how listings should be handled. That would be missing the point.

What is actually happening is a shift in who controls how homes are introduced to the market, who gets to see them, and when that exposure happens. That is not an industry issue. It is a homeowner issue.

The policy at the center of the dispute attempted Continue Reading →

Myth: “Flood Plain” Means You Should Walk Away

By Karen Moeller, on March 19th, 2026

Reality: Some flood zone designations raise questions. Others simply need clarification.

Seeing “flood plain” on a disclosure can feel like an automatic no. In some cases, it is just the beginning of the conversation.

“House is in flood plain.”

A buyer recently said “hard pass” within minutes of reviewing a seller’s disclosure with that exact note without so much as a follow-up question. In a market where we are still seeing bidding wars and steep competition, a house they were excited about was off the table in seconds.

It is a common reaction, and an understandable one. Flooding is serious, Continue Reading →

The Neighborhoods Where Homes Are Still Under 200K – A St. Louis First-Time Buyer Map for 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 19th, 2026

Exploring Affordable Neighborhoods in St. Louis for First-Time Buyers

In a housing market that’s constantly evolving, finding a home within budget can be a daunting task for first-time buyers. Fortunately, even in 2026, the St. Louis metro area offers dozens of neighborhoods where median home prices remain under $200,000. This provides an accessible entry point into homeownership without breaking the bank. We have pulled the latest 12-month sales data from the MLS to identify the best options, scattered across the entire MSA on both the Missouri and Illinois sides.

To explore the full interactive data for every municipality and zip Continue Reading →

March 2026 St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices Amid Decreased Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 19th, 2026

The St. Louis County real estate market continues to show resilience as home prices rise despite a slight dip in sales. In February 2026, homes in the area sold for a median price of $250,001, marking a 3.79% increase from February 2025, when the median sold price was $240,875. This price also represents a negligible increase from January 2026, where the median was $250,000.

However, the median list price saw a significant decrease, dropping 14.29% to $240,000 from $280,000 in February 2025. This shift indicates a potential adjustment in seller expectations or market conditions. Additionally, there were 768 home sales Continue Reading →

Missouri Homeowners Hit With Nearly 34% Insurance Spike…Lawsuit Abuse May Be Part of the Problem

By Dennis Norman, on March 18th, 2026

lawsuit abuse and homeowners insurance cost

Homeowners across Missouri, including many in the St. Louis area, are feeling the squeeze from sharply rising insurance premiums, and a newly released report suggests legal system abuse may be playing a bigger role than many realize. According to the report, Missouri homeowners insurance premiums have jumped 33.9% from 2021 to 2024, adding yet another affordability challenge for buyers, sellers, and real estate investors.

While severe weather and rebuilding costs are often blamed for rising premiums, the report points to increasing litigation tied to property claims, particularly involving roofing, wind, and hail damage. These lawsuits can drive up claim costs Continue Reading →

Housing Bill Gains Momentum…But Will It Actually Lower Prices?

By Dennis Norman, on March 18th, 2026

Congress Advanced a Big Housing Bill…But It Has Not Become Law Yet

If you are a homeowner, homebuyer, builder, or real estate investor, this is a bill worth watching…but let’s get the facts straight first. H.R. 6644 has not passed Congress yet. The House passed its version of the bill in February, then the Senate passed an amended version in March and sent it back to the House. So, while this housing package has real momentum, it is not law at this point.

The reason this matters is because the Senate did not just rubber-stamp the House bill. It replaced Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Experience Steady Growth in Early 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 17th, 2026

The St. Louis metropolitan area is witnessing a steady increase in home sales as 2026 unfolds, with 4,038 homes sold by the end of February. This represents a slight yet positive growth of 0.62% compared to the same period last year, when 4,013 homes were sold. This upward trend indicates a resilient housing market, offering opportunities for both home buyers and sellers to engage in a dynamic real estate environment. The real estate market in the St. Louis metro area, spanning counties in both Missouri and Illinois, continues to be a focal point for families seeking to settle in a Continue Reading →

No, Credit Score Requirements Didn’t Suddenly Change in 2026, But This Did

By Dennis Norman, on March 17th, 2026

I have been hearing a lot lately from buyers who think something major changed with credit score requirements this year. The short answer is no, there was no big overhaul that suddenly made it easier to qualify for a mortgage. If your credit was a problem last year, it is still a factor today.

That said, there have been a couple of changes on the conventional loan side that are worth understanding, especially if you are close to qualifying. They are not game changers for everyone, but they could make a difference for some buyers in the St. Louis market.

Continue Reading →

The Aging Homeowner Problem and St. Louis’ Hidden Inventory Crunch

By Dennis Norman, on March 16th, 2026

Aging St Louis Homeowners - Silver Tsunami

For years housing analysts talked about the coming “silver tsunami.” The idea was that as baby boomers aged, millions of homes would eventually hit the market as owners downsized, moved to retirement housing, or passed homes on to their heirs. Because baby boomers own such a large share of the nation’s housing stock, many believed this transition would release a wave of inventory that would help relieve housing shortages, especially for entry level buyers.

That wave has not arrived, at least not yet, and the St. Louis market illustrates why.

A large portion of Continue Reading →

VA Loan Myths vs. Facts in the St. Louis Real Estate Market

By Cathy Lirette, on March 16th, 2026

In today’s St. Louis market, VA buyers are still competing, winning, and closing — yet misconceptions about VA financing continue to circulate.

As a real estate broker and Air Force veteran serving the St. Louis metro area, I’ve seen firsthand how inaccurate assumptions can unnecessarily complicate transactions. Understanding how VA loans work helps both buyers and sellers make confident decisions.

Let’s clear up the most common myths.

Myth #1: VA Loans Take Longer to Close

Fact: VA loans close on timelines similar to conventional and FHA financing. In our St. Louis market, a well-prepared VA file typically Continue Reading →

Discover the Fastest Selling Zip Codes in the St. Louis Metro Area

By Dennis Norman, on March 16th, 2026

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the St. Louis metropolitan area, knowing where the market is hottest can give you a significant advantage. Currently, the fastest selling zip code is in Jefferson, Missouri, where homes are flying off the market in just 15 days on average. With six active listings, the average list price here stands at $249,816, making it an attractive option for families looking for a swift transaction in a competitive market.

Following closely is a zip code in Lincoln, Missouri, where homes spend an average of 26 days on the market among the 10 Continue Reading →

A Mortgage Preapproval Is Only As Strong As The Lender Behind It

By Karen Moeller, on March 15th, 2026

One of the more common misunderstandings in real estate happens early in the home buying process. A buyer provides a preapproval letter from a lender and their agent suggests speaking with someone else as well. At that point many buyers understandably wonder: if I am already preapproved, why would I need to talk to another lender?

In many cases, the buyers asking that question are the ones who have done exactly what they were supposed to do. They took the time to speak with a lender before house hunting and arrived prepared. When an agent suggests another conversation, it can feel Continue Reading →

Jefferson County Real Estate Market Sees Rising Prices Amid Fewer Sales – March 2026 Update

By Dennis Norman, on March 15th, 2026

The Jefferson County real estate market continues to exhibit growth in home prices as of March 2026. According to the latest data, homes sold for a median price of $290,000 in February 2026, marking a 5.47% increase from the median price of $274,950 in February 2025. This upward trend is also reflected in a month-over-month increase of 3.59% from January 2026, when the median sold price was $279,950.

The median list price in February 2026 was $339,900, a significant rise of 17.25% compared to $289,900 in February 2025. Despite these price increases, the number of home sales in Jefferson County Continue Reading →

Discover St. Louis’ Hottest School Districts for Home Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 12th, 2026

In the bustling St. Louis metropolitan real estate market, Crystal City 47 in Jefferson County emerges as the fastest selling school district. With only 6 active listings, homes in this area are on the market for an average of just 19 days, boasting an average list price of $248,166. This rapid turnover indicates a high demand, making it an attractive option for families looking to settle quickly in a vibrant community. Just behind is the Grandview R-II district, also in Jefferson County, where homes spend an average of 34 days on the market, highlighting its appeal to potential buyers.

Meanwhile, Continue Reading →

New HUD Proposal Could Change Housing Assistance Rules. Here’s What St. Louis Needs to Know.

By Karen Moeller, on March 9th, 2026

On March 2, 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled “Establishing Flexibility for Implementation of Work Requirements and Term Limits.”

This is a proposed rule, not a final regulation. It does not immediately change eligibility for housing assistance. Instead, it would allow local housing authorities and certain HUD-assisted property owners to implement work requirements and time limits for some households receiving federal housing assistance if they choose to do so. Here is what that means and why it matters locally.

What HUD Is Proposing

If finalized, the rule would give Public Continue Reading →

March 2026 Metro East Real Estate Market Sees Rising Home Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on March 9th, 2026

The Metro East real estate market continues to show strong growth as of March 2026, with significant increases in both home prices and sales volume. In February 2026, homes in the Metro East area sold for a median price of $205,000, marking a 14.53% rise from the median price of $179,000 in February 2025. This increase also represents a 13.89% jump from January 2026, when the median sold price was $180,000.

The median list price for homes in February 2026 was $215,000, up 4.49% from $205,770 in February 2025. Additionally, the number of home sales reached 483, a 5.92% increase Continue Reading →

St. Charles County Real Estate Market Update: March 2026

By Dennis Norman, on March 8th, 2026

The St. Charles County real estate market shows stability and growth as we analyze the latest data for February 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $350,000, remaining unchanged from February 2025. However, this represents a 1.55% increase from January 2026’s median sold price of $344,655. The median list price also saw a significant rise, reaching $456,500 in February 2026, up 26.81% from $360,000 in February 2025.

Additionally, home sales have increased, with 336 homes sold in February 2026, marking a 17.48% rise from 286 sales in February 2025. For a detailed visual representation of these trends, refer Continue Reading →

March 2026 St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices and Increased Sales Activity

By Dennis Norman, on March 7th, 2026

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show strong growth as of March 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $269,950 in February 2026, marking a 7.98% increase from the same period last year when the median price was $250,000. This upward trend is further highlighted by a 5.90% rise in median sold prices from January 2026, which stood at $254,900.

The median list price also saw a significant increase, reaching $299,900 in February 2026, up 6.16% from $282,500 in February 2025. Additionally, the market experienced a boost in home sales, with 2,092 transactions Continue Reading →

Meet Me at the Boathouse (Again)

By Sandie Hea, on March 6th, 2026

If you’ve lived in St. Louis very long, chances are you have a Boathouse memory. I know I do. The Boathouse in Forest Park has been part of this city since 1876. The current building was rebuilt and expanded in 2003 so it could be both a restaurant and a place to rent boats. That’s when it really became more than just a stop by the water — it became a destination.

It sits on Post-Dispatch Lake, renamed in 1913 after the St. Louis Post-Dispatch helped fund improvements to the lake. You’re not just looking at water — Continue Reading →

STORM DAMAGE IN 2025? You May Be Owed Up to $5,000 Back on Your Missouri Taxes 💰

By Sandie Hea, on March 5th, 2026

If you own a home in Missouri and your home was hit by the March 2025 hailstorm — the one that left roofs and siding looking like they’d been blasted by a machine gun — or the devastating May 7, 2025 tornado, there is a significant tax opportunity you should not overlook.

Missouri offers a HOMESTEAD DISASTER TAX CREDIT AFFIDAVIT for homeowners who incurred an insurance deductible on their primary residence due to a qualifying 2025 disaster. The form is Missouri Department of Revenue Form 5926 – Homestead Disaster Tax Credit Affidavit

Here is what matters.

If you Continue Reading →

Myth: Property Taxes Are Always Higher in the City Than the County

By Karen Moeller, on February 25th, 2026

Property Taxes in St Loius City vs St Loius County

Reality: In St. Louis, the tax bill follows the districts, not the border

Buyers often compare taxes by location name. The numbers rarely work that simply.

Ask almost anyone in St. Louis where property taxes are lower and you will usually hear the same answer: the county. The assumption feels logical. The city has an earnings tax and dense services, so people expect housing taxes to follow the same pattern. But property taxes here do not work like a single switch you flip by crossing a municipal line. They behave more like a patchwork. For example, Continue Reading →

Myth: Old St. Louis Homes Are Money Pits

By Karen Moeller, on February 24th, 2026

Historic Charm vs Neglected Decay on St Louis Century Homes

Reality: Most problems come from neglect, not age

Buyers often worry about plaster cracks and radiators. The real warning signs are usually somewhere else.

“I love the character… I’m just afraid it’ll be a money pit.” If you spend any time touring homes in St. Louis, you will hear some version of that sentence sooner or later. Often while standing in a foyer with original millwork, pocket doors, or stained glass that newer construction rarely offers.

Buyers are right to be cautious. Older homes do require attention. But the mistake many buyers make is Continue Reading →

There Is No Such Thing as “Testing the Market”

By Karen Moeller, on February 23rd, 2026

Many homeowners start in the same place. They are not fully committed to moving, but they are curious what their home might bring. Somewhere in that conversation the idea of “testing the market” appears, and it sounds reassuringly reversible. Dip a toe in the water. See what happens. Decide later. But real estate does not really have a preview mode. There is a point where curiosity turns into an official step, and many homeowners do not realize when they cross it.

What Sellers Think It Means

When most homeowners hear “test the market” they assume: No Continue Reading →

The Square Footage Trap: How Layout, Updates, and Livability Shape Value

By Karen Moeller, on February 22nd, 2026

One of the first questions buyers ask about a house is simple:“How many square feet is it?”

It feels logical. More space should mean more value, and for decades price per square foot has been treated as a shortcut for comparing homes. Buyers gravitate toward the number partly because search sites place it right next to the price, making it feel like the most objective way to compare properties. But after walking through thousands of homes with buyers, one thing becomes clear. Two houses can have identical square footage and feel completely different to live in, Continue Reading →

St. Louis City Real Estate Market Update: February 2026 Overview

By Dennis Norman, on February 21st, 2026

The St. Louis City real estate market has experienced notable shifts as of February 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $200,500 in January 2026, marking a 7.79% decrease from January 2025’s median of $217,450. This price also reflects a 14.68% decline from December 2025, when the median price was $235,000. The median list price in January 2026 stood at $199,700, down 15.02% from $235,000 a year earlier.

In terms of sales volume, there were 154 home sales in January 2026, representing an 8.33% decrease from the 168 homes sold in January 2025. These statistics, along with other key Continue Reading →

February 2026 Franklin County Real Estate Market Update: Home Prices and Sales Trends

By Dennis Norman, on February 20th, 2026

In February 2026, the Franklin County real estate market experienced notable shifts in both home prices and sales activity. Homes sold for a median price of $260,000 in January 2026, marking a 9.57% decrease from January 2025’s median price of $287,500. This recent median price also represents a 7.64% decline compared to December 2025, when the median sold price was $281,500. Despite the drop in sold prices, the median list price saw a significant increase, reaching $310,000 in January 2026—a 16.54% rise from $266,000 in January 2025.

The number of home sales in Franklin County also saw an uptick, with Continue Reading →

Missouri-Based Veterans United Sued in Federal Class Action…Same Attorneys Behind Sitzer and Moehrl Cases

By Dennis Norman, on February 19th, 2026

A newly filed federal class action lawsuit in Missouri is taking aim at Columbia, Missouri based Veterans United Home Loans, alleging illegal steering practices, undisclosed kickbacks, and violations of federal consumer protection laws. Because the company is headquartered in Missouri and operates nationwide, this case could have meaningful implications for home buyers, agents, and lenders right here in the St. Louis area.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, claims Veterans United and related entities engaged in practices that allegedly steered VA borrowers to affiliated real estate agents and back to Veterans United Continue Reading →