St Louis Real Estate News - Page 9 of 109 - Daily St. Louis real estate news, market analysis, home prices, and mortgage rate updates from local industry professionals.

5 Renovation Lessons From the Trump-Era White House Overhaul

By Karen Moeller, on November 25th, 2025

The White House is one of the most recognized historic residences in the country, and like many older homes in the St. Louis region, it requires continual upkeep. During Donald Trump’s presidency, several major renovation projects took place. Regardless of politics, these updates offer valuable lessons for anyone who owns or is planning to renovate an older home.

Here are five practical takeaways.

1. Old homes need real infrastructure work

The West Wing’s major HVAC replacement showed how essential it is to update aging systems. St. Louis homeowners in pre-1960 homes face similar challenges with older ductwork, undersized returns, and Continue Reading →

St. Louis Opens Impacted Tenants Fund for Renters Displaced by Condemnation or Tornado Damage

By Karen Moeller, on November 24th, 2025

The City of St. Louis has begun accepting applications for the new Impacted Tenants Fund, a relief program created to support renters who were forced to relocate after their homes were condemned or damaged beyond habitability during the May 16 tornado. The program provides a one-time payment equal to one month of rent, calculated using the 2025 HUD Fair Market Rate for the size of the former unit. Applications are processed through Employment Connection.

The fund was established under Ordinance 71840 and financed through federal American Rescue Plan dollars. Although the program was authorized in 2024, Continue Reading →

Missouri Law Lets Condo Associations Intercept Tenant Rent

By Dennis Norman, on November 24th, 2025

If you’re a landlord renting out a condo in Missouri, you need to understand a key risk that can cost you, even if your mortgage is current. Missouri Statute 448.3-116 gives the condo association an automatic lien for unpaid assessments or fines. This lien attaches from the moment the debt becomes due and can be foreclosed like a mortgage. And yes, this applies even when the tenant is the one supposed to be paying the fees.

The statute goes further. If the unit owner is more than 60 days delinquent on assessments, the association has the right to demand that Continue Reading →

The Silent Supply Squeeze: Why Tear Down Lots Are Drying Up in St. Louis

By Karen Moeller, on November 24th, 2025

St. Louis buyers, builders, and longtime residents have been asking a quiet question over the last few years: Why does it feel like there are fewer tear down opportunities in the older suburbs?

You would think that with aging housing stock, the supply of buildable lots would naturally increase over time. But the opposite is happening, and the reason has nothing to do with builders, zoning boards, or construction trends. It starts inside the homes themselves.

Homeowners in their seventies and eighties are staying put longer than any previous generation. They have stable tax Continue Reading →

November 2025 St Louis City Real Estate Market Update: Trends and Insights

By Dennis Norman, on November 21st, 2025

The St Louis City real estate market showed a dynamic shift in October 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $223,000. This marks a 6.19% increase compared to October 2024’s median of $210,000. However, it also reflects an 8.98% decrease from September 2025, when the median sold price was $245,000. The median list price for homes in October 2025 was $205,000, representing a 10.87% drop from $230,000 in October 2024. Additionally, home sales totaled 255, down 16.12% from 304 sales in October 2024.

The chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, illustrates these market trends and provides further Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Ease to 6.36% in November 2025 – 30-Year Fixed Declines Slightly

By Dennis Norman, on November 20th, 2025

In November 2025, St. Louis homebuyers are seeing a slight reprieve in mortgage rates as the 30-year fixed rate dips to 6.36%, down by 0.02% from previous levels. This decrease, along with a minor reduction in the 15-year fixed rate to 5.85%, reflects a downward trend in the market, offering potential buyers a modestly improved borrowing cost environment. The 30-year Jumbo and FHA loans also experienced slight declines, with rates at 6.44% and 5.99%, respectively. However, the 30-year VA rate saw an increase, demonstrating a mixed bag for specific loan products.

For those considering entering the St. Louis housing market, Continue Reading →

November 2025 Franklin County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on November 20th, 2025

The Franklin County real estate market continues to show robust growth as we move into November 2025. Homes in the area sold for a median price of $273,500 in October 2025, marking a 7.25% increase from the previous year when the median price was $255,000. This upward trend also reflects a 2.43% rise from September 2025’s median price of $267,000.

The median list price in October 2025 was $303,000, a significant 14.34% jump from $265,000 in October 2024. The number of home sales also saw a notable increase, with 133 homes sold in October 2025 compared to 112 in Continue Reading →

November 2025 St. Louis County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Sales and Prices

By Dennis Norman, on November 19th, 2025

The St. Louis County real estate market saw notable changes in October 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $292,950. This marks an increase of 4.63% compared to October 2024, when the median sold price was $280,000. However, this figure represents a slight decrease of 0.69% from September 2025, when the median sold price was $295,000.

The median list price in October 2025 was $239,999, showing a significant decrease of 13.51% from $277,500 in October 2024. Despite this drop in list prices, the number of home sales increased, with 1,246 homes sold in October 2025, up 7.51% from Continue Reading →

St. Louis Metro Home Sales Show Slight Decline, Offering Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on November 17th, 2025

As we approach the end of October 2025, the St. Louis metropolitan area has witnessed the sale of 28,890 homes, marking a slight decline of 0.85% compared to the 29,137 homes sold during the same period last year. This stable market environment presents both challenges and opportunities for potential home buyers and sellers. For those considering entering the market, this minor dip in sales may suggest a more balanced market, offering a window of opportunity for families to explore available housing options without the intense competition seen in previous years.

Despite the slight decrease from last year, the market remains Continue Reading →

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

By Dennis Norman, on November 16th, 2025

The St. Louis metropolitan area is seeing a surge in real estate activity, with certain zip codes standing out for their rapid home sales. Leading the pack is a zip code in St. Clair County, Illinois, where homes are selling at lightning speed. With an average of just 23 days on the market, this area boasts six active listings with an average list price of $62,167, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for quick transactions.

Following closely are two zip codes in St. Louis, Missouri. The first, with 57 active listings, sees homes spending an average of Continue Reading →

Jefferson County Real Estate Market Sees Steady Growth in November 2025

By Dennis Norman, on November 16th, 2025

The Jefferson County real estate market continues to show positive trends as of November 2025. In October 2025, homes in the area sold for a median price of $290,000, reflecting a 1.31% increase from the median price of $286,250 in October 2024. This price also remained stable compared to September 2025, with no change in the median sold price, indicating a consistent market performance.

Furthermore, the median list price for homes in Jefferson County rose significantly to $329,900, marking a 15.75% increase from $285,000 in October 2024. This rise in list prices suggests a strong demand for homes in the Continue Reading →

A New Era for Downtown Kirkwood: Redevelopment Between S. Taylor and S. Fillmore

By Karen Moeller, on November 15th, 2025

If you live in Kirkwood—or you’re thinking about making it home—there’s a major project you’ll want to keep an eye on. The City of Kirkwood has officially selected Double Eagle Development to transform the former Public Works site, a 5.9-acre parcel tucked between South Taylor Avenue and South Fillmore Avenue, into a vibrant mixed-use community.

This redevelopment follows the momentum of other downtown improvements, including the restoration of the historic Kirkwood Train Station—a project I covered earlier this year. Together, these efforts are reshaping how Kirkwood grows while preserving the small-town character that residents love.

What’s happening

On October 31, Continue Reading →

Humidity in Your Home: Protecting What’s Precious Below Ground

By Karen Moeller, on November 14th, 2025

Basements in the St. Louis area are both a blessing and a balancing act. They give us extra space — perfect for storage, projects, or play — but they also tend to trap moisture. The air might feel comfortable upstairs while, below ground, humidity is quietly hard at work, warping doors, feeding mold, and threatening everything you’ve tucked away for safekeeping.

The Clues You Might Miss

In our own home, we’d never had an issue with doors sticking — until suddenly we did. First, the pantry door wouldn’t close properly. Then the bathroom door followed. Within days, nearly every door Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Fall to 6.29% in November 2025 – A Welcome Relief for Homebuyers

By Dennis Norman, on November 13th, 2025

In November 2025, St. Louis homebuyers are seeing a favorable shift in mortgage rates as the trend continues downward. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased to 6.29%, a slight drop of 0.05% from last week. This reduction offers a slight reprieve in what has been a challenging market for prospective homeowners. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has decreased to 5.80%, down by 0.04%, providing additional options for those looking to finance or refinance their homes.

These falling rates are a positive development for the St. Louis market, potentially easing monthly payments for buyers and improving affordability. Sellers may also Continue Reading →

When Home Isn’t Safe: How Realtors Can Protect What “Home” Really Means

By Karen Moeller, on November 13th, 2025

Before I was ever a REALTOR, a friend of my husband’s bought a small bungalow to rent out. He was proud of the renovation, every shingle and fixture chosen by hand, and eager to start earning after the bills stacked up.

His first tenant seemed ideal. A well-spoken man explained that his niece was coming to St. Louis for college and needed housing. Nice car, polished demeanor, the kind of tenant every landlord hopes for.

The rent came on time. Everything looked fine.

Three months later, my friend got a call from the police. The “niece” didn’t exist. The home Continue Reading →

Discover St. Louis’ Fastest Selling School Districts: An Essential Guide for Home Buyers and Sellers

By Dennis Norman, on November 12th, 2025

In the dynamic real estate market of the St. Louis metropolitan area, understanding which school districts are experiencing rapid home sales can provide a competitive edge for both buyers and sellers. Currently leading the pack is Wolf Branch DIST 113 in St. Clair County, Illinois, where homes are being snapped up in an average of just 28 days. With 7 active listings and an average list price of $366,943, this district is attracting families looking for both quality education and a swift home-buying process.

Following closely is the Wood River-Hartford DIST 15 in Madison County, Illinois, with homes on the Continue Reading →

Real Estate Mythbusters: “It’s Just Paint”….The Lie That’s Costing Sellers Thousands

By Karen Moeller, on November 12th, 2025

Every seller has said it—or heard it: “It’s just paint—buyers can always repaint.”

That little phrase has tanked more first impressions (and offers) than shag carpet and avocado appliances combined. Because here’s the real story: paint isn’t just decoration—it’s persuasion.

The Hype

“Buyers can look past color.” Sure—in theory. But humans don’t buy houses in theory; they buy them emotionally. And color hits emotion before logic even shows up.

When a home feels heavy, dark, or dated, buyers don’t say, “We could fix that.” They say, “Let’s keep looking.” And they do—usually toward a home that looks bright, fresh, and Continue Reading →

The Property Manager Problem: How Out-of-Town Investors Can Protect Themselves in St. Louis

By Karen Moeller, on November 11th, 2025

When an out-of-state investor hired a St. Louis property management company to handle her “passive income” portfolio, she pictured auto-deposits and serenity. Instead, she got unpaid utilities, tenants who’d gone AWOL, deferred maintenance, and an electrical shut-off on inspection day. (There’s nothing like meeting your buyer by flashlight to remind you how active “passive income” can get.)

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Roughly one in five St. Louis rental properties is owned by someone who lives outside Missouri — and too many assume “property management” means “set it and forget it.” Spoiler: it doesn’t.

When Property Managers Drop the Ball Continue Reading →

As a Veteran and Realtor, I’m Tired of Seeing This Benefit Wasted

By Cathy Lirette, on November 11th, 2025

Veterans Don't Waste your VA Loan Benefits

After serving our country, no veteran should struggle to own a home, especially when one of the best loan programs in America was created just for us. Yet every year, I meet veterans in the St. Louis area who either don’t know they qualify for a VA loan or were told it’s too complicated to use.

As both a veteran and a real estate broker, that frustrates me. The VA Home Loan isn’t a handout; it’s a benefit earned through service. It’s also one of the most powerful tools available for building financial security and homeownership.

Continue Reading →

Real Estate Mythbusters: “Open Houses Sell Homes” — The Marketing Myth That Won’t Die

By Karen Moeller, on November 10th, 2025

The Open House Myth: Why Most Homes Don’t Sell on Sunday Afternoons

Ask ten sellers how they plan to sell their home, and at least half will say, “We’ll do an open house — that’s how you get buyers in the door.”

It sounds logical. People walk in, fall in love, and write an offer before dessert. But here’s the truth: open houses rarely sell the house they’re hosted in.

The Hype

Open houses feel productive. There’s movement, conversation, cookies on the counter, and maybe a nosy neighbor or two peeking in. Sellers love Continue Reading →

Real Estate Mythbusters: “I’ll Save Money Without an Agent”…..Why DIY Selling Costs More Than It Saves

By Karen Moeller, on November 9th, 2025

It sounds simple: skip the agent, skip the commission, keep more money. In practice, the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route often costs sellers time, money, and peace of mind — and usually nets less than they expect.

The Hype

On paper, the math looks tempting. Why pay a percentage when you can put up a sign, post online, and wait for offers? The problem: that commission also covers massive marketing reach, pricing expertise, negotiation, and risk management — the exact places where DIY sellers tend to lose ground.

The Reality

Independent surveys consistently show that FSBO homes sell for Continue Reading →

November 2025 Metro East Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on November 9th, 2025

The Metro East real estate market continues its upward trajectory as of November 2025, with significant gains in both home prices and sales volume. In October 2025, homes in the Metro East area sold for a median price of $220,000, marking a 7.32% increase from the previous year when the median was $205,000. This also represents a 2.33% rise from September 2025’s median sold price of $215,000. The median list price reached $232,500, a notable 13.41% increase from October 2024’s $205,000.

The market’s vitality is further highlighted by the 678 home sales recorded in October 2025, a 7.45% increase compared Continue Reading →

Real Estate Mythbusters: “Spring Is the Only Time to Sell” — Debunking the Market-Timing Obsession

By Karen Moeller, on November 8th, 2025

The Spring Real Estate Market Myth

Every year, right around Valentine’s Day, someone says it: “We’ll wait until spring to list — that’s when everyone buys.”

It sounds logical. The grass is greener, flowers bloom, and families want to move after the school year. But in reality, this well-worn belief doesn’t hold up in the St. Louis market. Spring might be busy, but it’s not the only season that sells homes — and in many cases, it’s not even the best one.

The Hype

For decades, national media and marketing campaigns have painted Continue Reading →

November 2025 Real Estate Market Update: St. Charles County Sees Steady Growth

By Dennis Norman, on November 8th, 2025

The St. Charles County real estate market demonstrated steady growth in October 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $365,000. This marks a 1.39% increase from October 2024, when the median sold price was $360,000. Additionally, the current median sold price reflects a 2.82% rise compared to September 2025’s $355,000. The median list price also saw a significant increase, reaching $437,163, up 21.77% from $359,000 in October 2024.

The market activity in St. Charles County remained strong, with 517 homes sold in October 2025, a 1.77% increase from the 508 homes sold during the same period last year. Continue Reading →

Real Estate Mythbusters: “New Construction = No Problems” — The Hidden Headaches Behind a Brand-New Home

By Karen Moeller, on November 7th, 2025

The Myth of the Perfect New-Build Home

Few things feel more exciting than walking through a brand-new home. Fresh paint. Perfect grout lines. Not a fingerprint on the fridge. For many buyers, it’s the dream — a house no one has ever lived in, with that new-home smell and the promise of zero surprises.

But here’s the myth worth busting: new construction doesn’t mean problem-free. It just means different problems.

The Hype

When buyers hear “new,” they often picture worry-free living — no leaky roofs, no ancient HVAC systems, no mid-century electrical panels Continue Reading →

November 2025 St. Louis MSA Real Estate Market Update: Rising Home Prices and Sales

By Dennis Norman, on November 7th, 2025

The St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) real estate market continues to show robust growth as of November 2025. Homes in the region sold for a median price of $290,000 in October 2025, marking a 3.57% increase from the $280,000 median price recorded in October 2024. This upward trend is further highlighted by a 1.75% rise from September 2025, where the median sold price was $285,000.

The median list price for homes also saw a significant increase, reaching $300,000 in October 2025. This represents a 7.14% growth compared to October 2024, when the median list price was $280,000. Additionally, Continue Reading →

St. Louis Mortgage Rates Climb to 6.37% in November 2025 – Rising Trend Challenges Homebuyers

By Dennis Norman, on November 6th, 2025

In November 2025, mortgage rates for the St. Louis real estate market have continued their upward trajectory, presenting new challenges for prospective homebuyers and sellers. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has increased to 6.37%, up by 0.04% from previous levels. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate saw a more significant rise of 0.06%, now sitting at 5.86%. These increases reflect a broader trend of climbing rates, with the 30-year FHA and Jumbo loans also experiencing hikes, reaching 6.09% and 6.40%, respectively. Notably, the adjustable-rate mortgage (7/6 SOFR ARM) has risen to 6.03%, further narrowing the options for those seeking lower initial payments.

Continue Reading →

Real Estate Mythbusters: “Buy Now, Refinance Later” — The Fairy Tale That Needs a Reality Check

By Karen Moeller, on November 6th, 2025

If you’ve toured a home lately, you’ve probably heard it: “Don’t worry about the rate — you can always refinance later.”

It’s catchy, comforting, and — unfortunately — a little too convenient.

The “buy now, refinance later” pitch became the industry’s favorite lullaby as rates rose. It was meant to calm nervous buyers, but it’s drifted into wishful thinking disguised as strategy.

The Hype

The logic goes like this: get in the market now, build equity, and when rates drop (soon!), you’ll simply refinance and cut your payment. Easy math, right?

But that promise assumes a crystal ball. Rates Continue Reading →

Are AI Home Values All Hype? Why St. Louis Still Needs a Human Touch

By Karen Moeller, on November 5th, 2025

Everywhere you look, there’s a new “AI-powered” home-value tool promising to tell you what your property is worth before you’ve even finished your morning coffee. Just type in your address and, like magic, you’ve got a number. It feels efficient, even futuristic.

But here’s the truth: those instant valuations might be sleek, but they’re often missing the very thing that makes real estate human — context.

The algorithms behind these estimates pull from public data, recent sales, and square footage, but they can’t sense the difference between updated and well-loved versus 1970s time capsule. They don’t know that the home Continue Reading →