New Laws Signed in Missouri Give Landlords More Power—And Require Written Buyer Agreements

By , on July 15th, 2025
HB 595 rE Landlord - Tenant Rights and Buyers Agent Representation Signed Into Law by Governor Kehoe

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 →

Back to the Future? Why Subagency Might Not Be as Crazy as It Sounds

By , on June 5th, 2025
Buyers agency vs Subagency

The recent discussion stirred up by Rob Hahn’s piece, “A Modest Proposal: Bring Back Subagency,” hit a nerve,not because I necessarily agree with everything he said, but because it made me think. As someone who’s long been a supporter of buyer agency,especially the idea that buyers deserve representation,I have to admit, Rob raises some points that are hard to ignore. Especially when it comes to the reality that many agents, despite their good intentions, don’t fully grasp what fiduciary duty really means.

Let’s be honest: fiduciary responsibility is a big deal. It’s not just a label,it’s a legal and ethical Continue Reading →

St. Louis Buyer Agent Commission Rates Hit 25-Year Low, Then Recovered — What’s Next?

By , on May 23rd, 2025
2025 Buyer Agent Commission Trends

In today’s real estate market, buyers face more complexity than ever, especially when it comes to representation and how buyer agent commissions are handled. While some buyers still consider working directly with the listing agent or using a neutral transaction agent, the reality is that only a dedicated buyer’s agent offers true advocacy for the buyer’s interests throughout the process. This includes identifying properties, evaluating pricing, negotiating inspections and repairs, and advising all the way through closing. Since the Sitzer-Burnett lawsuit settlement—which fundamentally changed how commissions are disclosed and negotiated—MLS listings no longer include advertised offers of compensation to buyer’s Continue Reading →