Here’s Where To Start if You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time Are you evaluating the possibility of selling and buying a house at the same time in St. Louis?You are not alone. Many homeowners are happy with the amount of equity they have built up in their current homes and want to use […]
Good News for Buyers: Upfront Costs Are Coming Down
Down Payments Are Smaller Than They’ve Been Since 2021 Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. And with affordability as tight as it’s been lately, it’s fair to wonder how anyone manages it right now. Here’s something you may not have seen coming. Some people are getting […]
Home Prices are Rising in 71% of Markets What about St Louis?
What the Media is Saying is Not Necessarily True about St. Louis Recent Report from the National Association of Realtors Shows Prices Throughout the Country The report stated, “It reflects the growing regional divide in the housing market, with the Northeast and Midwest running hot, while the South and West lag behind.” See Full Article Here What St […]
Could Co-Buying Be the Answer for First-Time Buyers?
What Is Co-Buying a Home? For a lot of would-be first-time buyers, affordability is the thing that’s standing in the way. But some buyers are getting creative and finding a way to still make the numbers work – and that’s through co-buying. The Dream Is Still Alive. The Math Just Isn’t Working for Everyone. Young […]
Newest St Louis Housing Report Comparing This Year to Last Year
THE BIG PICTUREThe March 2026 report shows a market that’s still tilted toward sellers but softening and normalizing, with different dynamics for single‑family vs. townhouse/condo. Single-Family Homes-Summary & TrendsPending sales: 1,432, down 7.3%Closed sales: 1,128, down 5.6%Median price: $320,500, up 10.7%Months’ supply: 2.0, no changeActive inventory: 2,645, down 2.7%Days on market: 37 days, up from […]
Reasons to Be Optimistic for the 2026 Housing Market
Home Buying on a Budget: Flexible Wish List Tips
How Small Compromises Can Expand Your Homebuying Options One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today in the St. Louis Real Estate market is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list. Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs […]
How and Where to Witness the Northern Lights Tonight in Chesterfield
Tonight (November 12th Only) offers a rare and breathtaking opportunity for Chesterfield, Missouri, residents—the chance to witness the northern lights right from your own backyard. For one night only, the sky will be awash with vibrant colors as the aurora borealis graces our region with a display usually reserved for more northern latitudes. Your Guide […]
How First-Time Homebuyers Funded Their Down Payment in 2025
As of November 2025, the total number of homes purchased is estimated to be approximately 4.09 million according to Fannie Mae’s numbers and sales data from the National Association of Realtors.That’s a lot of Buyers! Let’s look at how first-time homebuyers funded their down payment in 2025.*If you’re on a mobile device, tap the screen […]
2025 Home Buying Trends: The Market is Split Between Cash Buyers and Cash-Strapped Beginners
The 2025 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reveals a housing market split between cash-rich repeat buyers and cash-strapped first-timers. Affordability and inventory shortages are keeping many newcomers out, while buyers with strong finances dominate the market. Here are a few takeaways from the original article. First-Time Buyers at Record Low First-time buyers now […]
Best Places to See Fall Colors in Missouri: Updated Fall National Color Forecast for 2025
2025 Update: The link below will show you exactly when and where the fall foliage will peak this year. https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-mapPeople who live in Missouri believe fall is the best season of the year. Why? The humidity is finally bearable and so is the heat! The Show Me State is one of the best places in […]
Why Waiting for Rates Below 6% May Not Save You as Much as You Think
Home Prices vs. Interest Rates: What Impacts Your Monthly Payment Most? Admit it – you’re kind of afraid of today’s mortgage rates, aren’t you? Here’s the bone-chilling truth. The difference between buying a home at today’s typical rate (around 6.2%) and waiting for 5.99% is about $50 a month on a $400,000 loan. That’s not […]
Thinking about Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know
If you’re a homeowner planning to move, you’re probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first: Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear. They know your local market, the […]
Ballwin, MO Ranked #4 Among America’s Hottest ZIP Codes in 2025
Ballwin Missouri (63021) Ranks #4 in Realtor.com’s 2025 Hottest Zip Codes Realtor.com just dropped their highly anticipated “Hottest ZIP Codes” report this Monday, and guess what? A familiar Missouri favorite has made the cut once again! Ballwin, Missouri (zip code 63021) claimed an impressive fourth place on this year’s national ranking, which evaluates areas based […]
Are You in a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market? 2025 Housing Trends by Region
“Images generated by Grok, created by xAI.” Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two […]
Why Waiting for a Recession Could Cost You Money in 2025
Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again. Fear of a recession is back in the headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move. A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting […]
Newest St Louis Housing Report
St Louis Housing Report April 2025 Discover the latest St. Louis housing market trends with our comprehensive St. Louis Housing Report April 2025 edition. Explore home prices, inventory levels, neighborhood insights, and expert forecasts to make informed real estate decisions in St. Louis County and City. This is a scrollable format. Put your cursor in […]
Why Pre-Approval Is So Important
Checklist for Selling Your House this Spring
Practical Checklist for Selling Your House this Spring Thinking about selling your home this season? A little preparation goes a long way! Here are some simple touches that can make a big difference: Finding Homes for You has worked for Homebuyers for over 20 years and we have an experienced idea of what potential Homebuyers […]
Pre-Listing Inspections: Should You Get One Before Putting Your Home on the Market?
If you’re considering selling your home you might want to explore this idea. Pre-listing inspections-should you get one before putting your home on the market? While it’s not required, a few hundred dollars now can get you information that’ll save you a lot of time and hassle later on. You’ll be able to get ahead […]
St. Louis Housing Market 2025:Ultimate Guide for Home Buyers
St. Louis Housing Market Snapshot: What Buyers Need to Know This is a scrolling report format. Use your mouse on the right side of the screen.) Is the St. Louis housing market finally becoming more buyer-friendly? The January 2025 Housing Market Report reveals surprising trends that every potential homebuyer needs to know. Whether you’re hunting […]
What Experts Are Forecasting for the 2025 Housing Market
The Biggest Perks of Buying a Home This Winter
Image Generated by Grok Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you’re ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too – and that works in your […]
What You Can Control if You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates
Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates Doesn’t it feel like so many things are outside of your control at the moment? Chill out. There are factors you can control if you’re worried about mortgage rates. Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to […]
2024 Home Buyer and Seller Profile Highlights
What is the Annual Home Buyer Profile? Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases their Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, providing insights into the U.S. housing market based on transactions between July 2023 and June 2024. Here are some of the key findings from their most recent report: View 2024 Profile of […]
Home Sales Trends After Presidential Elections: Historical Insights
Will Home Sales Bounce Back After the 2024 Election? With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, […]
CNBC Power Lunch Powerhouse Road Trip Focuses on the State of St. Louis Real Estate
Power Lunch is a television business news program that airs on CNBC from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The show is currently hosted by Tyler Mathisen, Melissa Lee, and Kelly Evans. It has been on air since March 4, 1996, and provides viewers with a comprehensive overview of the businesses, people, and trends that […]
What’s Better for Your Budget – New Construction or Existing Younger Homes?
Compare New Construction Homes to Homes 1-5 Yrs Old If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes […]
How to Find Homebuyer Opportunities in the Last Half of 2024
There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. And if you’re someone who has started the process of searching for a home, maybe you put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. A Bright MLS study found some of the top reasons buyers paused […]
The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making in 2024
Common Home Buying Pitfalls to Avoid Hey, let’s be real – buying a home these days can be a total headache. With those crazy mortgage rates shooting up and home prices going through the roof, not to mention the slim pickings out there, it’s enough to make your head spin. However, there’s a secret weapon […]
Using the New ChatGPT-4o from OpenAI to Help You Find the Best Type of Real Estate Agent for Your Home Search
Images credited to: https://aiheadshotgenerator.com OpenAI just introduced ChatGPT-4o and many believe it will completely change the AI assistant game. The question is can you use ChatGPT-4o to help you as a potential buyer find the right kind of agent for your home search? Putting ChatGPT-4o to the Test Regarding the Choice of a Real Estate […]
What Interest Rate Do You Need To Move?
Hey there, future homeowner! 🏡 If you’ve been daydreaming about picking out your dream home, you’re probably also keeping a close eye on those pesky mortgage rates. They’ve been a bit of a rollercoaster, right? Last year, when they nudged close to 8%, it might have felt like your home-buying dreams took a hit. If […]
Key Terms Every Homebuyer Should Learn
Key Terms Every Homebuyer Should Learn [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Buying a home is a big deal and can feel especially complicated if you don’t know the terms used during the process. If you want to become a homeowner this year, it’s a good idea to learn these key housing terms and understand how they relate to the current housing market. That will help you feel confident when […]
3 Keys to Reaching Your Homeownership Goals in 2024
3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024 If buying or selling a home is your goal for 2024, it’s important to understand today’s housing market, know your why, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus. Over the last year, the economy had a big impact on the housing […]
Key Milestones Buyers Will Encounter on Their Homebuying Adventure
Here are the key milestones you’ll encounter on your path to homeownership. After working with Buyers for 20+ years we were excited to find the above infographic to share with you.Here’s a recap of the steps you will be taking and the landmarks you will see as you get closer to your homebuying destination. Build […]
Who’s Buying Up Most of the Homes in America: Is it Wall Street?
Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America? If you are wondering who’s buying up most of the homes in America your first group to pop into mind might be Wall Street. This could make you pause and wonder how they’re impacting the housing market right now. This could leave you asking yourself […]
The Thrill of the Deal-Finding Black Friday Bargains and Real Estate Discounts
Why We Love Black Friday Bargains Everybody loves a good deal. There’s something psychologically satisfying about finding and scoring a bargain, whether it’s getting 50% off a big-screen TV you’ve been stalking for months or perhaps a home that has finally dropped into your affordable price range in a neighborhood or school district you’re interested […]
2024 Housing Market Forecast
Summary and Key Points Here is a summary of the key points from the 2024 Housing Market Forecast Housing experts forecast home prices will continue rising in 2023 and 2024, with increases of 2.8% and 1.5% respectively. This makes buying a home a good investment. Total home sales are also projected to increase slightly in […]
Why Do We Have a Housing Shortage?
Explaining Today’s Housing Shortage The current housing market is experiencing a severe shortage of available homes for sale. Several factors have contributed to this shortage. Key Factors Behind the Shortage There are some market conditions impacting this shortage. Here are a couple of the big ones: Decline in New Construction Builders have not been constructing […]
St. Louis Ranks in the Top 10 Metro Real Estate Markets in the Zillow Home Value Index Report
Recent reporting by Zillow’s Home Value Index shows St. Louis in the top 10 Metropolitan Real Estate Markets in their August report. In the middle of almost constant negative, end-of-the-world reporting this comes as welcome news to homeowners and potential sellers and maybe even potential buyers. Zillow Home Value Index Explained Here’s how Zillow explains […]
Expert Home Price Forecasts Revised Upward for 2023
Toward the end of last year, there were a number of headlines saying home prices were going to fall substantially in 2023. That led to a lot of fear and questions about whether there was going to be a repeat of the housing crash that happened back in 2008. But the headlines got it wrong. While there […]
First-Time Homebuyer $4000 Grant for Down Payment and Closing Costs
New Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers You read it correctly! There is a new First-Time Homebuyer $4000 Grant for your down payment or closing costs! In the midst of a not so easy market this is welcome news. Flex Funds Grant Details Flat Branch Home Loans (a local lender we have worked with for years) is […]
Understanding the News About Home Prices
Don’t Fall for the Next Shocking Headlines About Home Prices If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? And it’s no surprise you don’t have the clarity you need on that topic. Part of the issue is how headlines are talking about prices. They’re […]
The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners
What are the benefits of downsizing? It can prove to be an incredibly effective strategy when it comes to reducing costs, especially as you transition into retirement or as your needs gradually evolve over time. By consciously choosing to opt for a smaller house, you open yourself up to a multitude of benefits. Not only […]
Today’s Real Estate Market: The ‘Unicorns’ Have Galloped Off
Comparing the ‘Unicorn’ Years to Normal Real Estate Years for Perspective Comparing real estate metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market. That’s due to possible variability in the market making the comparison less meaningful or accurate. Unpredictable events can have a significant impact on the circumstances and outcomes […]
News about Home Prices-What You Need to Know
What You Need To Know About Home Price News The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released its latest Existing Home Sales Report.The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other […]
St. Louis is One of the 30 Largest Housing Markets-How We Compare
Exploring the St. Louis Housing Market: Growth and Stability (Chart source is the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) on Twitter by Lance Lambert @NewsLambert)Don’t let your eyes glaze over the chart above. We are going to keep it simple: St.Louis is one of only 4 housing markets with zero minuses (-) in any column across […]
Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals
The Benefits of Reading a Homebuyer Guide Before Buying a Home
Why You Should Read These Guides and What’s Being Covered Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lives. However, the process of buying a home can be daunting and overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. To navigate the complex process of buying a home, it’s crucial to […]
Homeowners-Do You Know How Much Equity You’ve Gained?
Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners As a homeowner, it’s important to stay informed about the value of your home. Knowing how much equity you’ve gained over the years can be a great way to plan for the future. Equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you still […]
The Housing Crisis: 2 Big Issues Facing Buyers and Sellers Now
The biggest challenge the housing market faces is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply: Two dynamics are keeping existing-home inventory historically low – rate-locked existing homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American Let’s break down […]
Unlocking the Benefits of a 2/1 Buydown Mortgage: A Guide to Lowering Your Interest Rate and Monthly Payments
What Is a 2/1 Mortgage Buydown Mortgage? A 2/1 mortgage buydown is a type of mortgage where the interest rate is temporarily lowered for the first two years of the loan. This results in lower monthly mortgage payments for the first two years, before adjusting to the original interest rate for the remaining life of […]
The 3 Factors that Impact Home Affordability
What’s Impacting the Price of Homes? If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares: “. . . with slowly improving […]
When the Most New Listings Come on the Market in St. Louis and Surrounding Counties
Expert Insights on the 2023 Housing Market
Wondering what housing experts are calling for in 2023 and how it impacts your plans? The links at the bottom of this page are the references for this video. Quotables from Industry Leaders While the slowing housing market has some expecting a crash in 2023, next year will likely be more humdrum, albeit still painful […]
Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does that Mean for You?
Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains it well […]
Highlights from the Profile of Home Buyers in 2022 from the National Association of Realtors
For most home buyers, the purchase of real estate is one of the largest financial transactions they will make. Buyers purchase a home not only for the desire to own a home of their own, but also because of changes in jobs, family situations, and the need for a smaller or larger living area. This […]
More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multi Generational Households
Millions of American families will soon be gathered around the Thanksgiving table. With the economic landscape shifting below our feet, discussions between family members might be a bit different this year. Finding a home has become more challenging for young and old alike. Many individuals and families are realizing living together and the pooling of […]
Top 5 Tips for Home Buying in Today’s Market
Key Takeaways: There’s plenty of strategies to successfully buy in today’s market. Lean in on the expertise of your local real estate—we’ve seen it all! Our team is ready to help you achieve your goals, so contact us today. Whether you’re shopping for your first home or relocating to a new area, purchasing a home […]
Why You Should Consider Condos as Part of Your Home Search
Exploring Condos Could Add Options to Fit Your Budget The historically low inventory over the past few years led to challenges for many buyers trying to find a home that met their needs and their budget. If you’re in the same boat, you should know the recent shift in the housing market may have opened […]
Watching the Stock Market? Check the Value of Your Home for GOOD News
Stock Market Values Compared to Home Equity Values While watching the stock market recently may have started to feel pretty challenging, checking the value of your home should come as welcome relief in this volatile time. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a big boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. […]
Three Things Buyers Can Do in Today’s Housing Market
Things Buyers Can Do in Today’s Housing Market It’s clear the 2022 housing market has been defined by rising mortgage rates. With rates on the rise, it’s also become more costly to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Compared to one year ago, the monthly mortgage payment rose to $1,944 from $1,265, an […]
What’s Happening with Home Prices?
One of the biggest questions people are asking right now is: what’s happening with home prices? There are headlines about ongoing price appreciation, but at the same time, some sellers are reducing the price of their homes. That can feel confusing and makes it more difficult to get a clear picture. Part of the challenge is […]
Experts Increase 2022 Home Price Projections
Why Are the Experts Changing Their Minds? If you’re wondering if home prices are going to come down due to the cooldown in the housing market or a potential recession, here’s what you need to know. Not only are experts forecasting home prices will continue to appreciate nationwide this year, but most of them also actually increased their projections for […]
3 Charts to Show We’re Not in a Housing Bubble
With all the headlines and buzz in the media, some consumers believe the market is in a housing bubble. As the housing market shifts, you may be wondering what’ll happen next. It’s only natural for concerns to creep in that it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. The good news is, there’s concrete […]
What Are People My Age Spending Their Money On?
A new tool from USAFacts.org shows you what people your age are spending on living expenses. It also shows how much inflation is bumping up the costs. People in different age groups spend money differently, so inflation rates vary by age, too. The interactive chart (demonstrated below) shows average spending for households at each age, […]
How to Find a Home’s Risk Factor for Flooding
New Flood Risk Tool for Home Owner and Homebuyer Research Risk Factor (also known as “Flood Factor”) connects individuals to comprehensive flood risk information specific to each individual property, including the FEMA flood zone and a risk score between 1 (minimal risk) and 10 (extreme risk). Key Points About Flood Factor According to the National […]
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year
The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help answer those questions, let’s turn to the experts for projections on what the second half of the […]
What Does an Economic Slowdown Mean for the Housing Market?
According to a recent survey, more and more Americans are concerned about a possible recession. Those concerns were validated when the Federal Reserve met and confirmed they were strongly committed to bringing down inflation. And, in order to do so, they’d use their tools and influence to slow down the economy. All of this brings up […]
Homeownership is a Great Hedge Against Inflation
Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): “Consumer prices accelerated again in May as shelter, energy and food prices continued to surge at the fastest pace in […]
Home Price Deceleration Doesn’t Mean Home Price Depreciation
What’s the Difference Between Deceleration and Depreciation? Experts in the real estate industry use a number of terms when they talk about what’s happening with home prices. And some of those words sound a bit similar but mean very different things. To help clarify what’s happening with home prices and where experts say they’re going, here’s a […]
Is the Housing Market Crashing or Making a Correction?
What You Need to Know If you’re following the news, all of the headlines about conditions in the current housing market may leave you with more questions than answers. Is the boom over? Is the market crashing or correcting? Here’s what you need to know. The housing market is moderating compared to the last two years, but what everyone […]
New Summer Homebuyer Guide
The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs to Know About a Recession
The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value. […]
Is May a Slower Month for New Listings?
Tips on How to Win in a Bidding War
Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look […]
Myths About Today’s Real Estate Market
Myths About Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions. Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions. Let’s connect so you […]
The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for You
Can Home Prices Keep Appreciating at this Rate? Not Everyone Thinks So Many consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up in home prices will lead to a situation similar to the housing crash 15 years ago. However, experts say the market is totally different […]
New St Louis Housing Statistics Show How the Market is Doing Compared to 2021
How is the St. Louis Housing Market Doing Compared to 2021? From closed sales, inventory of homes for sale, to average days on market things seem to be trending down compared to March of 2021. There’s only one category where the arrows are pointing up.Can you guess what category that might be? Click Here for […]
What You Can Expect from the St. Louis Spring Housing Market
What You Can Expect from the Spring Housing Market As the spring housing market kicks off, you likely want to know what you can expect this season when it comes to buying or selling a house. While there are multiple factors causing some uncertainty, including the conflict overseas, rising inflation, and the first rate increase from the Federal Reserve in over three years — […]
Understanding Closing Costs
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by Closing Costs As a homebuyer, it’s important to have a good understanding of closing costs as you plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home. While most people understand the need to save for a down payment, a recent survey found 41% of homebuyers were surprised by […]
How Global Uncertainty is Impacting Mortgage Rates
How Global Uncertainty Is Impacting Mortgage Rates If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ll want to keep a pulse on what’s happening with mortgage rates. Rates have been climbing in recent months, especially since January of this year. And just a few weeks ago, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac approached 4% for the first time […]
What’s Driving Today’s High Buyer Demand?
What’s Driving Today’s High Buyer Demand? [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights There’s an influx of buyers looking for homes today, and that means your house is in high demand. Here are a few reasons why so many people are looking to buy a home. Buyers are motivated to beat rising mortgage rates, and many want to escape rising rents. There’s also […]
How to Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market
How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big. Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your […]
January 2022 St Louis Housing Report
Discovering the Benefits of Multigenerational Households
If your needs are changing, you may be thinking about sharing a home with additional loved ones, such as grandparents, adult children, or other extended family members. Whether it’s for financial or health-related circumstances, or simply because you’ve reached a new phase of life, you might be wondering if living with multiple generations under the […]
Why a Home Inspection Matters
Things to Consider Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid costly surprises down the road. Over the last 18 years we have personally […]
St. Louis Housing Report for December 2021
2022 Housing Market Forecast Infographic
2022 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights What does the coming year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts project for 2022. Mortgage rates are projected to rise and so are home prices. Experts are forecasting buyer demand will remain strong as people try to capitalize on rates and prices before they climb, creating another strong year for home sales. Let’s […]
Will the Housing Market Slow Down This Winter?
Buyers Are Making Moves Right Now From the opportunity to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates to changing homeowner needs, Americans have more motivation than ever to buy a home. According to the experts, buyers are making moves right now, creating an unseasonably strong housing market for this time of year. As we wrap up the fall season and […]
Newest St. Louis Housing Report November 2021 Stats and Trends
Comparing the Current St. Louis Real Estate Market to 2020 The newest St. Louis Housing report was just released by the St. Louis Realtors shows the newest numbers comparing November 2021 to November 2020. For analysis and comments please visit our St Louis Market Trends page where you will find the following: How to Find […]
From Boomers to Zoomers: Home-Buying Tips for Every Generation
Key Takeaways: Buyers throughout all walks of life are wondering how to navigate today’s competitive housing market. Whether you’re a Gen Z first-time buyer or a Baby Boomer looking to downsize, you should consider making a move to lock in your real estate goals. Have questions about buying or selling? Contact us for personalized advice! […]
What You Need to Know about iBuyers-The Buzz and the Buzzkill
Key Takeaways: Some sellers have turned to iBuyers for instant cash offers on their properties, but they have consequently sacrificed the personalization of their home sale. iBuyers use outdated algorithms to value properties, whereas real estate agents use to-the-minute statistics to generate accurate, competitive prices. Work with our team of local agents to expertly price […]
What Will Future Home Prices Look Like?
What Supply and Demand Tell Us About the St. Louis Real Estate Market
What does supply and demand tell us about the St. Louis real estate market and the national market?There’s a well-known economic theory – the law of supply and demand – that explains what’s happening with prices in the current real estate market. Put simply, when demand for an item is high, prices rise. When the […]
Why Early October Could Be the Best Time to Buy a Home
Early October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers Are you looking to buy a home or tired of looking for a home? If you answered yes to either one of those questions, we’ve got good news for you. While there’s no denying the housing market is having a great year, many of the headlines are focused on the […]
2022 Best Public High Schools in Missouri
The 2022 Best Public High Schools in Missouri was published this week by Niche.com. Niche is the popular online resource that provides information on K-12 Schools, colleges, cities and neighborhoods across the United States. The company website states, “The 2022 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions […]
New 2021 Fall Homebuyer Guide
What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About the Appraisal Gap
What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About the Appraisal Gap It’s economy 101 – when supply is low and demand is high, prices naturally rise. That’s what’s happening in today’s housing market. Home prices are appreciating at near-historic rates, and that’s creating some challenges when it comes to home appraisals. In recent months, it’s become increasingly common […]
Options for First-Time Homebuyers
We know searching for a home can be very frustrating. You might be feeling that options for first-time homebuyers don’t even exist in this current real estate market. Our message to you is don’t give up! Having spent over 18 years in helping homebuyers we’ve seen a thing or two and have coached a lot […]
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Neighborhood When Buying a Home
Key Takeaways: If you’re thinking about moving, choosing the right neighborhood when buying a home is important, especially if you care about resale value. Certain neighborhood features can increase your home value—and make you feel right at home in your new community. When it comes to your home search, we have some features to keep […]
Today’s Real Estate Market Explained in 4 Trends
Today’s Real Estate Market Explained Through 4 Key Trends As we move into the second half of the year, one thing is clear: the current real estate market is one for the record books. The exact mix of conditions we have today creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a look at four key […]
How is the St Louis Real Estate Market Compared to 2020?
St Louis Housing Report June 2021 “How is the St. Louis Real Estate Market Compared to 2020?” is a question we get frequently. Here we are in July with school’s out, vaccination rates rising and America entering a new normal. The U.S. housing market continues along at a frenzied pace, with low-interest rates and limited […]
Are We in a Housing Bubble? Why Experts Say No
The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion. Yet, when it comes down to it, the opinions that carry the most weight are the ones based on experience and expertise. Here are four expert opinions […]
What is an Appraisal Gap and How it Can Impact a Home Purchase
What to Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates: “The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more […]
What’s the Difference Between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. […]
New Summer Homebuyer Guide Now Available for Free Download or Read Online
Read Online Or Download Your Own Copy The New Summer Homebuyer Guide is now available to read online or download without having to register or give up your email address. You read it right, no strings attached! Click Here to View or the Image Below and ramp up your knowledge about the real estate market
The Top 4 Questions to Ask When Buying a Home with a Pool
Key Takeaways: Pools are a highly coveted amenity, and having one of your own comes with quite a few perks. Want to know the ins and outs of pool ownership? We’ve outlined some must-ask questions that every homebuyer should consider. No matter what kind of home you’re looking to buy, you can always reach out […]
How Misunderstandings about Home Affordability Could Cost You
There’s a lot of discussion about home affordability as home prices continue to appreciate rapidly. Even though the most recent index on affordability from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows homes are more affordable today than the historical average, some still have concerns about whether or not it’s truly affordable to buy a home right now. When […]
5 Stages of Homeownership (Parody)
3 Things You Should Know About Sales Price to List Price Ratios
What Price Ranges Are Most Affected by the Inventory Shortage?
Price Ranges Feeling the Inventory Shortage You’ve heard the expression, “A picture is worth a 1000 words”. How true! The graphic above was shared recently at the National Association of Realtor’s Residential Economic Issues and Trends Forum at the trade group’s midyear conference, the Realtors Legislative Meetings, which has attracted some 15,000 attendees. The homes in […]
Newest St. Louis Housing Report Compares This Year to Last Year
Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?
Highlights If you’re thinking that waiting a year or two to purchase a home might mean you’ll save some money, think again. Mortgage interest rates are currently very low, but experts across the board are forecasting increases in both home prices and interest rates. Buying a home now means you’ll spend less in the long […]
What a Crazy Market-Are There Any Price Reductions?
How Much for that Apple? Multiple offers, waiving building inspections, paying way over list price, is all apart of today’s madness in the world of real estate. Sometimes you just need a little comic relief to balance things out and have a good laugh! How to Find St Louis Homes for Sale with Price Reductions […]
New Statistics Show What’s Happening in the St. Louis Real Estate Market
St. Louis Housing Report March 2021 Compared to March 2020 What’s happening in the St. Louis Real Estate market is a question we get on a daily basis. Normal spring increases in sales activity, coupled with relaxing COVID-19 policies, created a very busy March real estate market as buyer demand continued largely unabated in the […]
Listing Prices – How They’re Like an Auction’s Reserve Price
Why You Should Think About Listing Prices Like an Auction’s Reserve Price For generations, the homebuying process never really changed. The seller would try to estimate the market value of the home and tack on a little extra to give themselves some negotiating room. That figure would become the listing price of the house. Buyers would then […]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
New Spring 2021 Homebuyer’s Guide
6 Reasons Why the Real Estate Market is Not Like It Was Before the Crash of 2008
Last March, many involved in the residential housing industry feared the market would be crushed under the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Instead, real estate had one of its best years ever. Home sales and prices were both up substantially over the year before. 2020 was so strong that many now fear the market’s exuberance […]
Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait Until Next Year?
How Smart Is It to Buy a Home Today? Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current house, if your needs are changing and you think you need to move, the decision can be complicated. You may have to take personal or professional considerations into account, and only you can judge what impact […]
How is the St. Louis Real Estate Market Doing This Year Compared to 2020?
Even though it’s early in the year to compare to last year at this time there are some definite trends. The information in the chart above covers residential real estate activity in St. Louis City and County combined and is provided by Mid-America Regional Information Systems. Highlights For the full report head over to Market […]
Homes You Can Fall in Love With – Happy Valentines Day!
3 Real Estate Reality TV Myths Busted
Separating Truth from TV Hype There are 3 real estate reality TV myths in the media today. Have you ever been flipping through the channels, only to find yourself glued to the couch in an HGTV binge session? We’ve all been there… watching entire seasons of “Love it or List it,” “Fixer Upper,” “House Hunters,” […]
Why Moving May Be the Boost You Need
Do You Need a Change? As we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no […]
What’s the Difference Between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. […]
Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?
Have you wondered, “Should I wait for lower interest rates before I start hunting for a home?” Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering […]
What is Home Equity and How it Builds Wealth
The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is […]
2021 Housing Forecast-What Does the Future Look Like?
Highlights Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market. With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. In 2021 it will be important to stay connected to someone who has (and can interpret) real estate data to help […]
The Difference a Year Makes for Home Ownership
The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option […]
How to Win as a Buyer in a Seller’s Market
4 Ways to Successfully Position Yourself When Buying Your Home Work with an Exclusive Buyer’s Agent An Exclusive Buyers Agent is a type of real estate agent that only works for buyers and never for the seller. What is a Exclusive Buyer Agent? Make Firm Decisions About Your BudgetDecide about your price range and don’t […]
St. Louis Housing Report November 2020
St. Louis Housing Report Compares November 2020 Activity to November 2019 How is the St. Louis Housing market compared to last year at this time? You might be surprised, delighted, depressed, anxious or hopeful or a little bit of all of these emotions. You can dive into the full report by following the link below: […]
Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Home Winter 2021 Edition
Read Online or Download Your Own Copy Registration Not Required If you’re considering buying a home before the Spring rush, you will want to explore the St. Louis Home Buyer Guide 2021 Winter Edition. With 20 pages of content that will take you through the most important things you should know to prepare yourself for […]
Key Terms to Know About Buying a Home
Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process. To point you in the right direction, the above infographic is a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way. The best […]
How to Create a Festive Entrance to Your Home
https://www.houzz.com/houzz-tv/how-to-create-a-festive-entry-for-the-holiday-season-stshtvvw-vt~143168111 How to Cheer Up Your Entryway for the Holidays The creative people over at Houzz have collected some great ideas on how to give your porch a seasonal look both for fall and winter. The article below (credit Houzz.com)shows how you can save time by choosing decorations that can be transitioned between the seasons. […]
St. Louis Housing Report October 2020
Welcome to the St. Louis Housing report October 2020 edition. We are comparing real estate activity in St. Louis City and County combined to October of 2019. Is the market doing better, are home prices dropping or increasing and what are the local trends? Get the Full Report To see the full report visit our […]
Is Buyer Competition Holding You Back from Purchasing a Home?
This year’s record-low mortgage rates sparked high demand among homebuyers. Current homeowners, however, haven’t put their houses on the market so quickly. This makes finding a home to buy today challenging for many potential buyers. With an obstacle like this, those searching for their dream homes may be pressing pause on their searches as we […]
Why Working from Home Might Motivate Your Next Move
If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond. While the pandemic continues, […]
Busting the Biggest Home-Buying Myths of 2020
This year has been difficult for just about everyone, but if you were (or still are) thinking about buying a home in 2020, you might be feeling more than a little overwhelmed. An ongoing pandemic, the subsequent recession, and general uncertainty have forced many house-hunters to put their real estate dreams on hold. However, despite […]
VA Home Loans: Helping Heroes Find a Home
Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country and thank them for their continued dedication to our nation. In the United States, there are many valuable benefits available to Veterans, including VA home loans. For over 75 years, VA home loans have provided millions of Veterans and their families the opportunity to […]
Will Home Prices Continue to Increase in 2021?
Why Today’s Options Will Save Homeowners from Foreclosure
Many housing experts originally voiced concern that the mortgage forbearance program (which allows families impacted financially by COVID to delay mortgage payments to a later date) could lead to an increase in foreclosures when forbearances end. Some originally forecasted that up to 30% of homeowners would choose to enter forbearance. Less than 10% actually did, and […]
Should You Buy a Retirement Home Sooner Rather than Later?
Every day in the U.S., roughly 10,000 people turn 65. Prior to the health crisis that swept the nation in 2020, most people had to wait until they retired to make a move to the beach, the golf course, or the senior living community they were looking to settle into for their later years in life. This […]
What Increasing Home Prices Mean for Buyers and Sellers
6 Red Flags to Look for at an Open House That Could Spell Trouble in the Future
Is the Economic Recovery Beating Projections?
Earlier this year, many economists and market analysts were predicting an apocalyptic financial downturn that would potentially rattle the U.S. economy for years to come. They immediately started to compare it to the Great Depression of a century ago. Six months later, the economy is still trying to stabilize, but it is evident that the […]
Things to Consider When Buying a Home Fall 2020 Edition
Registration Not Required If you’re considering buying a home this fall, you will want to explore the St. Louis Home Buyer Guide 2020 Fall Edition. The contents of the e-booklet is outlined in the video above. Please note: Registration is NOT Required.Yep, you do not have to share your email to read the guide! You can […]
Why Are Homes Considered More Affordable Today When Prices Keep Going Up?
If you have been reading about the real estate market recently you can’t help but pick up on conflicting messages. “Wow homes are more affordable now than ever before!” mixed with … “Low inventory and bidding wars are driving home prices higher!” The two statements don’t seem to be compatible with each other. So which […]
Top Reasons People are Moving This Year
Today, Americans are moving for a variety of different reasons. The current health crisis has truly re-shaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending extra time where we currently live is enabling many families to re-evaluate what homeownership means and what they find most important in a home. According to Zillow: “In 2020, homes went from the […]
Latest Unemployment Report: Slow and Steady Improvement
Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest Employment Situation Summary. Going into the release, the expert consensus was for 1.58 million jobs to be added in July, and for the unemployment rate to fall to 10.5%. When the official report came out, it revealed that 1.8 million jobs were added, and the unemployment rate fell to 10.2% (from 11.1% […]
Record Low Mortgage Rates for Three Consecutive Weeks
Over the past several weeks, Freddie Mac has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way down to 3.03%. Last week’s reported record low mortgage rates reached the lowest point in the history of the survey, which dates back to 1971 (See graph below): What This Means for Buyers This is huge for […]
Buyers Are You Ready for a Bidding War?
Did You Know:On Average There Were About Three Offers on a Home that Closed in May The bidding war for homes is in full swing. With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated economic recovery, more homebuyers are actively entering the housing market this summer. Today, housing is truly […]
Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas?
Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas? The pandemic has caused consumers to re-examine the components that make up the “perfect home.” Many families are no longer comfortable with the locations and layouts of their existing homes. The allure of city life (more congested) seems to be giving way to either suburban […]
The Pros and Cons of Living in a Neighborhood with an HOA
As you search for your next home, you’ll probably encounter more than a few neighborhoods that have their own homeowners associations. Often abbreviated as HOAs, these groups usually consist of a few elected residents, although they may also be run by an outside management company or developer. While they tend to get a bad rap, […]
What Are the Experts Saying About Home Prices?
A worldwide pandemic and an economic recession have had a tremendous effect on the nation. The uncertainty brought about by both has made predicting consumer behavior nearly impossible. For that reason, forecasting home prices has become extremely difficult. Normally, there’s a simple formula to determine the future price of any item: calculate the supply of […]
Things to Consider When Buying a Home 2020 Summer Edition
If you’re considering buying a home this summer, you will want to explore the St. Louis Home Buyer Guide 2020 Summer Edition. The contents of the e-booklet is outlined in the video above. Please note: Registration is NOT Required. You can either read the content online or download the PDF file for your own copy. […]
Shocking News in the Unemployment Report
Last Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most experts predicted the unemployment rate would jump up to approximately 20% from the 14.7% rate announced last month. The experts were shocked. I don’t usually check my Twitter feed for good news, so I was surprised last Friday when […]
Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter: Which Home Buying Season Is Best?
You’ve probably heard that spring and summer are the best seasons for home buying. After all, there’s more inventory on the market, and the warm weather is ideal for showings. However, the ongoing global health crisis has shattered the idea of the “peak home buying season” and left many potential buyers wondering if now is […]
Why This Summer is the New Spring for Real Estate
Mortgage Applications Point to a Remarkable Recovery in Homebuying
CNBC Article Highlights Encouraging and Surprising Statistics about Buyer Demand Diana Olick, with CNBC.com, published an article this morning which probably surprised a lot of people … in a good way. The widely respected real estate reporter stated: If mortgage demand is an indicator, buyers are coming back to the housing market far faster than […]
How the Sale of a Home Boosts the Economy
Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned before, buying a home is a driving financial force in this process. […]
Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon
Tomorrow, the unemployment rate for April 2020 will be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It will hit a peak this country has never seen before, with data representing real families and lives affected by this economic slowdown. The numbers will alarm us. There will be headlines and doomsday scenarios in the media. There is […]
Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market
Given how we have seen more unemployment claims than ever before over the past several weeks, fear is spreading widely. Some good news, however, shows that more than 4 million initial unemployment filers have likely already found a new job, especially as industries such as health care, food and grocery stores, retail, delivery, and more increase […]
Here’s Why You Might Be Confused About the Economy
The 3 Sciences Used to Make Forecasts As we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While we look for signs that we’ve reached a plateau in cases of COVID-19, the concern and fear of what will happen as businesses open up […]
The Pain of Unemployment: Deep, But Not for Long
There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly unemployed when it was determined that the only way to defeat this […]
How COVID-19 Is Impacting Real Estate
If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home in the near future, the unprecedented events of the last few weeks might have left you feeling a bit uncertain. COVID-19 has undoubtedly affected all of our lives, but that doesn’t mean you need to press pause on your real estate dreams. We want to […]
Zolve: Everything You Need for Everything You Own
Get Product Info In a Snap Just take a picture of the label showing the brand and model on any product and get access to the world’s largest curated product support database. The company says it can deliver support for over 450,000 consumer products, such as appliances, electronics, power tools, outdoor equipment, and personal devices. […]
Will the Stock Market Correction Impact Home Values?
With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What’s taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent […]
How Home Prices Changed During the Last 5 Recessions
Does a potential recession always drive down the price of homes?Not necessarily, at least not according to history and how home prices changed during the last 5 recessions. Many people fear the stock market volatility from the pandemic is going to cause another recession. Whether or not that happens, it’s important to remember one very […]
5 Reasons Why We’re NOT Heading Towards Another Housing Crash
With all of the volatility in the stock market and uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), some are concerned we may be headed for another housing crash like the one we experienced from 2006-2008. The feeling is understandable. Ali Wolf, Director of Economic Research at the real estate consulting firm Meyers Research, addressed this point in a recent interview: “With […]
When Do The Most Homes Come on the Market in St. Louis?
Luxury Home Market Forecast for 2020
By the end of last year, many homeowners found themselves with more equity than they realized, and at the same time their wages were increasing. When those two factors unite, it can spark homeowners to think about making a move to a larger or more expensive home in the luxury space. That said, now is […]
Why Smaller Homes Are In Demand
Big Demand for Smaller Homes Movies, tv shows, and celebrities often have us dreaming of owning large homes, but the reality for most people is quite different. Smaller homes are in demand in today’s real estate market. Since 2015, the square footage of newly built houses has been shrinking, according to Yahoo Finances. This is not […]
2020 Real Estate Projections That May Surprise You
This will be an interesting year for residential real estate. These 2020 Real Estate Projections come from noted experts in the industry. With a presidential election taking place this fall and talk of a possible recession occurring before the end of the year, predicting what will happen in the 2020 U.S. housing market can be […]
St. Louis Home Buyer Guide 2020 Winter Edition
If you’re considering buying a home this winter you will want to explore the St. Louis Home Buyer Guide 2020 Winter Edition. The contents of the e-booklet is outlined in the video above. Please note: Registration is NOT Required. You can either read the content online or download the PDF file for your own copy. […]
Equity Gains Based on the Number of Years Sellers Have Lived in Their Home
St. Louis Housing Report October 2019
St. Louis Housing Report October 2019 Comparing This Year to Last Year How is the St. Louis Real Estate market doing this year compared to last year? The video below will answer this question and many others. Are things better or worse? Better for who, and why, and what’s projected for the future: St. Louis […]
What is a VA Home Loan? Who Qualifies and How it Can Be Used
What is a VA Home Loan? The Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loan is a benefit that is available to more than 22 million veterans and 2 million active duty service members to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. In 2018, $161 billion was loaned to veterans and their families through the program. In the same year, […]
You Need More Than a Guide-You Need a Real Estate Sherpa
In a normal housing market, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need an experienced guide to help you navigate the process. You need someone you can turn to who will tell you how to price your home correctly right from the start. You need someone who can help you determine what to offer […]
Here are 4 Tips on How to Choose a Neighborhood You’ll Love!
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard, “location, location, location!” Finding the perfect city or town is one thing, but you’ll need to take it a step further. The right neighborhood may matter more than you think, so before you start your search, we have some tips to help you find the […]
What Buyers Need to Know About Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
What Buyers Need to Know About HOAs When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you. According to a recent article on realtor.com, “In a nutshell, an HOA […]
What To Know Before Applying for a Mortgage
Everybody loves talking about mortgages. They’re fun, easy to understand, and a great icebreaker, right?….Wrong. Thanks to their lengthy process, technical jargon, and confusing options, mortgages have a bit of an intimidating reputation—but it doesn’t have to be that way! If you’re in the process of buying a new home and dreading the mortgage application […]
5 Real Estate Reality TV Myths Exposed
Have you ever been flipping through the channels, only to find yourself glued to the couch in an HGTV binge session? We’ve all been there, watching entire seasons of shows like “Property Brothers,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Love It or List It,” all in one sitting. When you’re in the middle of your real estate-themed TV show marathon, you might start […]
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
When Does the School Sales Tax Holiday Start? According to the state of Missouri Department of Revenue web site “Missouri establishes a sales tax holiday effective during a three-day period beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending at midnight on the Sunday following. Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school […]
Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Three Things to Know Today
Shifting trends and industry-leading research are pointing toward some valuable projections about the status of the housing market for the rest of the year in this midyear housing market update If you’re thinking of buying or selling, or if you just want to know what experts are saying is on the horizon, here are the […]
3 Local Schools in Parkway and Rockwood Recognized as National Schools of Character
Hanna Woods Elementary and Mckelvey Elementary located in the Parkway School district were listed as recipient of the National Schools of Character award by Character.org Lafayette High School and Blevins Elementary were also named as 2019 National Schools of Character. This is the second time Blevins Elementary has won this prestigious recognition. What is Character.org […]
St. Louis Housing Report June 2019
Monthly Indicators Note: The Comments below are from St. Louis REALTORS® (Highlighted Text Are My Highlights) As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve did not change the target range for the federal funds rate – currently set at 2.25 to 2.5 percent – during their June meeting. Although the economy is still performing well due […]
The Kind of Home a Man Would Like for Father’s Day
Things to Consider When Buying a Home Summer 2019 Edition
Summer Home Buyer Guide Providing Buyers With What They Need to Know If you are even slightly considering buying a home you don’t want to miss this Summer Home Buyer Guide. Education in any category is powerful and especially in real estate where you can win or lose time and money! Some of the Subjects […]
St Louis Homes for Sale with Walk Out Basement Backing to Common Ground
Walk Out Basement Backing to Common Ground is the Dream Home for Many What could be better than walking out of your basement and into a view of common ground? No neighbors close by, no traffic to watch, the convenience of not having to climb those basement stairs again just to get outside. Did we […]
St Louis Housing Report April 2019
St. Louis Housing Market Compared to April 2018 According to data released by Mid America Information Systems the April 2019 median sales price of residential single-family homes in St. Louis City and County was $195,000, reflecting a decrease of 1.1 percent from the prior April price. The year-to-date median sales price of 188,000 reflects an […]
20 Best High Schools in Missouri Chosen by 2019 US News and World Report
Why Aren’t There More Homes for Sale this Year?
New Study Reveals One Surprising Reason for the Inventory Shortage There has been a great amount written on millennials and their impact on the housing market. However, the headlines often contradict each other. Some claim this generation is becoming the largest share of first-time home buyers, while others claim millennials don’t want to own a […]
2019 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule
Chesterfield Amphitheater 2019 Summer Concert Series Schedule of Events The 2019 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule has just been announced. Hosted in the beautiful Central Park, the Chesterfield Amphitheater is nestled right behind Chesterfield Mall with plenty of parking available to the public. Fixed seating and lawn seating is open to the public FREE of […]
Wildwood Chosen as Best Place to Raise a Family in Missouri
If you’re looking for the best place to raise a family in Missouri consider Wildwood. Wildwood was ranked this week as the #1 Place to Raise a Family in Missouri by Niche.com the popular ranking and review site. Niche Ranked Wildwood on the Following Criteria: Quality of Schools – A+ Business – Growing Employment Growth […]
Saving up for a New Home? Here’s All the Costs You Need to Know
Once you’ve found the perfect home and secured the loan, all that’s left to do is start chipping away at those mortgage payments…right? In actuality, there are a handful of other, often-overlooked expenses that come with buying a home, but as long as you know what you’re getting into, they’re plenty manageable. Take a look […]
Could Your Tax Refund Be the Key to Owning a Home?
According to information released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $3,143 this year when filing their taxes. Many times tax refunds are often looked upon as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals. If you’ve considered buying a home in 2019, this can be a […]
Will Your Current Home Fit Your Needs in Retirement?
7 Factors You Should Consider As more and more baby boomers enter retirement age, the question of whether or not to sell their homes and move will become a hot topic. Will your current home fit your needs in retirement? In today’s housing market climate, with low available inventory in the starter and trade-up home […]
St. Louis-Lowest Gas Prices in the Country
Comparing Gas Prices in St.Louis to Other Cities Most cities do not like appearing on the lowest list of anything. Not so when it comes to gas prices, where St. Louis ranked as having the lowest gas prices in the country. Gas Buddy, a popular gas price tracking website, found St. Louis had the cheapest […]
Searching for a Smaller Home? Here are the Top Tips for Downsizing
Downsizing can be a great choice for homeowners looking to make a financial or lifestyle change. After all, a smaller amount of space means less money on utility bills and less stress from clutter. Are you a recent empty-nester? Moving for financial reasons? Or maybe you’ve watched a few episodes of Tidying Up with Marie […]
Top 3 Reasons to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you start your home search, you want to know how much you can afford, right? There are two ways to do this: with a mortgage pre-qualification and a mortgage pre-approval. As a home buyer, the pre-approval is more valuable to you during your home search. How Pre-Approval Helps You as a Home Buyer One […]
St. Louis Neighborhood InfoGraphics-Looking Beyond the Home and Into the Neighborhood
St. Louis Neighborhood InfoGraphics Location, location, location is one word that most people associate with the word real estate. Not to dethrone an accepted iconic phrase necessarily, but Convenience, Convenience, Convenience seems to be closing in at second place. There’s so much more to selecting a home than just the floor plan and curb […]
The Top Five Safest Cities in Missouri:Expectations Vs Reality
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SnMJXqBusg?rel=0] It might surprise you to find out that the top five safest cities in Missouri are located in St. Louis County according to The National Council for Home Safety and Security. In their annual list of states with towns with the least amount of violent and non-violent crimes per population all stats point to St. […]
When Do the Most Houses Go On the Market in St Louis?
Two Real Estate Trends to Watch if You Plan to Buy a Home This Year
As we kick off the new year, many families have made resolutions to enter the housing market in 2019. Whether you are thinking of finally ditching your landlord and buying your first home or selling your starter house to move into your forever home, there are two pieces of the real estate puzzle you […]
St. Louis Housing Report November 2018-Homes Selling Faster at Higher Prices
Homes in St. Louis Were Selling Faster for More Money A report just issued by St. Louis REALTORS covering St. Louis City and County combined shows the following when comparing November of 2018 to November of 2017: Single family homes were selling faster in November 2018 at 20 days on market versus 24 days on […]
St. Louis Home Buyer Guide Winter 2018 Edition
St. Louis Home Buyer Guide Winter 2018 Edition If you are considering purchasing a home this winter check out this info-packed St. Louis Home Buyer Guide. Approximately 25 pages covering many topics to help you understand the whole process of finding, sorting, and deciding on the best house for you. Topics include: Knowing What You […]
Packing App Helps Travelers Know What to Pack Based on Destination and Weather
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP5ngoLfROA] Do you dread packing for a trip? PackPoint is a packing app that helps travelers know what to pack. PackPoint will organize what you need to pack based on length of travel, weather at your destination, and what type of activities you have planned during your trip. PackPoint is a smart packing list […]
Why You Should Buy a Home During the Off Season
Your personal home-buying schedule doesn’t have to correspond with the real estate market! In fact, buying during the “off season” can yield tremendous advantages. The “off season” differs depending on your specific location, but always refers to the period of time during a calendar year when both inventory and competition are low. Usually, this corresponds […]
How to Sell Your Home (While Buying a New Home)
St. Louis Housing Report End of Summer Report:Median Sales Price Rise Alongside Growth in New Listings
St. Louis Housing Report August 2018- Rise in Median Sales Price with an Increase in New Listings “Although 2018 housing trends show we are in a sellers’ market, the rise in overall new listings compared to 2017 offers renewed optimism for buyers searching for their dream home,” said St. Louis REALTORS® President Marc Levinson. [vimeo 290577042 w=640 h=360] […]
Home Buying 101: The Service Providers You Need for Your Home Purchase
Who’s On Restaurant Row at Taste of St. Louis This Year?
Big Question: Who’s on Restaurant Row at Taste of St. Louis this Year? It’s all about the food. Seriously, it’s easy to find a crowd somewhere in St. Louis on the weekend. But where can you find over 30 eateries featuring out-of-this-world food and desserts … all in one place? Two of the most popular […]
St. Louis Home Buyer Guide Fall 2018 Edition
St. Louis Home Buyer Guide Fall 2018 Edition If you are considering purchasing a home this Fall check out this info-packed St. Louis Home Buyer Guide. Approximately 25 pages covering many topics to help you understand the whole process of finding, sorting, and deciding on the best house for you. Topics include: Knowing What You […]
Home Buying Terminology: A Cheat Sheet
Buying a home shouldn’t be rocket science. You find the perfect home, make an offer to the seller, pay a couple of fees, and bam! You just bought a home. However, there’s some home buying terminology that you should know before you start. Buying a home actually has a lot of moving parts which include […]
Historic Low Unemployment Rates Fuel Optimism for St. Louis Real Estate
Newest St. Louis Realtors 2018 Housing Report According to the St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce, the City of St. Louis’ 3.4 % unemployment rate is below both the State of Missouri unemployment rate and the national rate. Even more impressive, the city of St. Louis has its lowest unemployment rate in almost two decades. […]
St Louis Area Golf Course Homes for Sale
Topgolf Grand Opening in Chesterfield Missouri
above image credited to GolfBible Topgolf Celebrates Grand Opening in Chesterfield They did it! Topgolf has their grand opening in the beautiful Chesterfield Valley today, August 3, 2018. Just in time to greet not only local golfers, but the soon to be arriving golf fans from around the country attending the PGA 100th Anniversary Championship […]
St. Louis Housing Report June 2018-Tight Inventory as Interest Rates Increase
St. Louis Housing Report June 2018-Tight Inventory as Interest Rates Increase The St. Louis Housing Report June 2018 Report shows tight inventory as interest rates have increased says the St. Louis Realtors in their monthly report covering and comparing June 2018 statistics with June 2017 stats. [vimeo 279740996 w=640 h=360] “As little as two years […]
Should You Buy Now or Wait Until Next Year
Should You Buy Now or Wait Until Next Year? This has to be the big question running through many potential home buyers at the moment. Should you buy now or wait until next year? Homes are More Affordable Today Than in 1985-2000 Rising home prices have many concerned that the average family will no longer […]
St. Louis Housing Report May 2018-Supply of Homes Impact Market
St. Louis Housing Report May 2018-Prices Continue to Increase as Inventory Struggles to Maintain Demand The St. Louis Realtors April 2018 Housing report is consistent with the first four months of this year as increased competition among buyers trying to find their home in the low inventory levels of available listings. [vimeo 271155115 w=640 h=360] […]
What Kids Want In Their Next Home
2018 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule
Chesterfield Amphitheater 2018 Summer Concert Series Schedule of Events The 2018 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule has just been announced. Hosted in the beautiful Central Park, the Chesterfield Amphitheater is nestled right behind Chesterfield Mall with plenty of parking available to the public. Fixed seating and lawn seating is open to the public FREE […]
St. Louis Housing Report April 2018-You Snooze You Lose
St. Louis Housing Report April 2018-Buyers Forced to Act Quickly in a Competitive Market The St. Louis Realtors April 2018 Housing report shows the pressure on buyers trying to find and purchase homes in the midst of growing buyer competition. The median days on market dropped to only 12 days, the lowest point in 2018. […]
Voice Activated Mortgage Calculator-Why Type When You Can Talk?
Voice Activated Mortgage Calculator A voice activated mortgage calculator is one of the new digital personal assistants available to home and mortgage shoppers everywhere. Why fumble around typing numbers into your small keyboard … when you can just ask your phone the question and get an answer within seconds? Hound, a popular mobile voice activated […]
St. Louis Housing Report March 2018
St. Louis Housing Report March 2018 [vimeo 265273958 w=640 h=360] March 2018 Housing Report from St. Louis REALTORS® on Vimeo. The St. Louis Housing Report March 2018 just released by the St. Louis REALTORS® states, “St. Louis’ stubborn late winter slows new listing inventory and continues to drive average sales price up.” The March 2018 […]
How to Make a Wants Vs. Needs List for Your Home Search
It’s spring, which means home buying season has officially arrived! If you’re on the hunt for a new home, chances are you’ve already thought about the features you’d like to have. However, one important part of searching for homes is making a distinction between your needs and your wants. Needs are amenities or features you […]
The Safest City in St. Louis County:Ballwin
The Safest City in St. Louis County is Ballwin For the third consecutive year, Ballwin was ranked as the safest city in St. Louis County. Safest Cities in the U.S. The study performed by Neigborhood Scout, a real estate marketing site, analyzed the most recent FBI crime stats for cities with a population of at […]
Relationship Status of First Time Homebuyers
What is the Relationship Status of First Time Homebuyers? Have you ever wondered about the relationship status of first time homebuyers? Probably not, but since it’s Valentine’s Day today why not check into the relationship status of who’s buying homes? According to the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, married couples once again […]
Tax Reform and Housing Reference Guide
Tax Reform and Housing Reference Guide Disclaimer: This tax reform and housing reference guide is not meant to be a resource for tax advice but instead a resource for basic information concerning only certain aspects of the new tax code and how they may impact the real estate market. You should get tax advice from […]
A Quick Guide to Tax-Deductible Donations in Your Home
In the season of giving, many local organizations and businesses often accept donations of clothing, household goods, and other gently used items to help those in need. Homeowners looking to downsize or preparing for a move (or just clearing up some space at home) can not only pay it forward by donating to a local […]
St. Louis Neighborhoods Reporting the Biggest Drop in Crime
The 25 St. Louis Neighborhoods Reporting the Biggest Drop in Crime Recently the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported on the top 25 St. Louis neighborhoods who were documenting significant reductions in reported crimes. This is great news! So many times the national media has only focused on the negative side of things when it comes […]
How Low Interest Rates Have a High Impact on Your Purchasing Power
How Do Low Interest Rates Have Such a High Impact on Your Purchasing Power? According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are currently at 3.92%, which is still near record lows in comparison to recent history! The interest rate you secure when buying a home […]
Your Friends are Wrong If They’re Telling You Not to Buy
The current narrative is that home prices have risen so much so that it is no longer a smart idea to purchase a home. Your family and friends might suggest that buying a home right now (whether a first-time home or a move-up home) makes absolutely no sense from a home affordability standpoint. They are wrong! […]
Wildwood Missouri to Host 2018 Tough Mudder Event
Wildwood Missouri Hosts 2018 Tough Mudder Event The city of Wildwood just sealed the deal as the host city for the 2018 Tough Mudder Event to be held at Hidden Valley Ski Resort August 2018. Attention all you Mudders out there: Wildwood Missouri Hosts 2018 Tough Mudder Event! HOORAH! Jason Boyd, senior VP Operations […]
4 Reasons Home Buyers Should Stay in the Market This Fall
Frustrated With Trying to Find a Home? Here are 4 Reasons Home Buyers Should Stay in the Market this Fall During this past spring and summer, home buyers were out in force dealing with other buyers competing for homes that sold quickly at escalating prices. Now that we are in the fall season, some frustrated […]
St Peters 15th Best Place to Live in America-Money Magazine
St Peters 15th Best Place to Live in America According to Money Magazine Every year MONEY Magazine selects the top 100 spots that offer a healthy economy, affordable homes, and a high quality of life. Our own St. Peters came in at #15. According to the Money article, “St. Peters is an ideal place to […]
St Louis Housing Report August 2017-What’s Happening
St Louis Housing Report August 2017 Highlights According to the new St. Louis REALTORS® the St. Louis Housing Report for August, the median sales price in St. Louis city and county combined dipped 3 percent from $179,900 in August 2016 to $174,900 this year while the number of homes sold increased from 1,855 to 1,912, a 3 […]
St. Louis #4 In Top 20 Cities Where You Get the Most for Your Money
Projected Home Prices for Next Five Years
What are the Projected Home Prices for the Next 5 Years? Where are home prices heading over the next 5 years? That will depend on who you listen to. In the media world individual opinions often make headlines. I imagine even the Kardashians have a prediction or blog post about the subject somewhere. When it […]
If You Want to Keep Your Mortgage Payment Under $1000 a Month
Housing Report for St Louis City and County June 2017
Housing Report for St Louis City and County June 2017 Just Released The Housing Report for St. Louis City and County is released monthly providing a market snapshot of MLS sales activity covering the previous month for the city and county combined. It covers key performance indicators such as median sales price, number of homes […]
3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Home
Housing Report for St Louis City and County May 2017
Housing Report for St Louis City and County May 2017 Just Released The Housing Report for St. Louis City and County is released monthly providing a market snapshot of MLS sales activity covering the previous month for the city and county combined. It covers key performance indicators such as median sales price, number of homes […]
The Truth Behind the Rent vs Buy Debate
In a blog post published last Friday, CNBC’s Diana Olnick reported on the latest results of the FAU Buy vs. Rent Index. The index examines the entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major markets for comparison. The researchers at FAU use a “‘horse race’ comparison between an individual that is buying a home […]
Housing Report for St. Louis City and County April 2017
Housing Report for St. Louis City and County Show Increasing Prices Shrinking Inventory As predicted, the St. Louis housing market grows more challenging for homebuyers as inventory continues to diminish while prices continue to increase. Let’s look at a few highlights from the infographic above to see where the real estate market has been […]
Should You See a Home for Sale on a Rainy Day?
What To Do with Your Tax Return
Top 5 Reasons Why Millennials Choose to Buy a Home
Why Millennials Choose to Buy a Home According to NerdWallet’s Millenials and Homebuying Study, the top 5 reasons why millenials choose to buy a home are: To Have Control Over Their Living Space – 93% Many Millennials who rent a home or apartment prior to buying their own homes, dream of the day that they […]
2017 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule
Click Here for 2018 Schedule Chesterfield Amphitheater 2017 Summer Concert Series Schedule of Events The 2017 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule has just been announced. Hosted in the beautiful Central Park, the Chesterfield Amphitheater is nestled right behind Chesterfield Mall with plenty of parking available to the public. Fixed seating and lawn seating is open […]
Supply of Homes in St. Louis
St Louis Spring Home Buyers Guide 2017 Edition
St Louis Spring Home Buyers Guide 2017 Edition: Things to Consider When Buying a Home Spring 2017 Home Buyers Guide The new St Louis Spring Home Buyers Guide 2017 Edition presents a well-rounded view of buying a home in the Spring. Topics include: 4 Reasons to Buy a Home this Spring The Difference Between Cost […]
How the Home Inventory Mismatch Score Impacts Real Estate Markets
What is the Home Inventory Mismatch Score? The home inventory mismatch score measures the types of homes buyers are searching for against the category of homes that are available on the market. For example: “If 60% of buyers are searching for starter homes but only 40% of listings are starter homes, the market mismatch score […]
7 Tips for Locating the Right School
Tips for Locating the Right School When it comes time to buy your next home, your decision will be based on dozens of criteria. If you’re like many home buyers, good schools will be at the very top of your list. Even buyers without children are often concerned about the quality of schools. They know […]
Best High Schools in Missouri 2017 Report
US News and World Report Publishes Best High Schools in Missouri 2017 Report St. Louis is home to 8 of the 10 Best High Schools in Missouri according to the US News and World Report annual Best High Schools report. The 2016 Best High Schools rankings awards the top 6,517 public high schools with gold, […]
St Louis One of 6 Cities Where You Can Own a Home for Under $1,000 Month
St Louis:Metro Area Homes Under $1000 Month According to MarketWatch St Louis is ranked among 6 cities where you can own a home under a $1000 a month. The average monthly cost of home ownership in the Gateway city? $876.00 The minimum salary needed: $37,527. 6 Cities Where You Don’t Have to Make a Lot […]
Selling Your Home in 2017? Here are the Latest Market Predictions
It’s that time of year: Many homeowners are looking to the New Year and planning their 2017 real estate resolutions (sell the house, move to the suburbs, buy that dream vacation home, etc.). If you’re planning your own New Year’s real estate resolutions, you might be researching 2017 housing market predictions to figure out when […]
The Top Real Estate Resolutions (And How to Keep Them)
Want to visit the gym more? Finally complete the home improvement project you’ve been working on? Save money for that new watch/car/house/vacation? January 1 is the perfect time to jumpstart your goals. If you’re like most people, according to Money Magazine, you probably have “stay fit,” “spend less,” or “enjoy the most out of life” […]
Merry Christmas to All from Finding Homes for You Video
Merry Christmas from Finding Homes for You Enjoy our annual Christmas video starring some of wonderful people we’ve met this year. It has been a privilege to serve you. May you enjoy this special season in your new homes!
Top Middle School in Missouri and Homes for Sale Nearby
Where to Find Homes for Sale Near the Top Middle School in Missouri Parkway West Middle School, located in Chesterfield, was chosen as the top middle school in Missouri by StartClass, an educational research site.The school has 1,034 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. If you’re a parent looking to move your family to […]
Happy Thanksgiving!
Amazon Adds Package X-Ray Vision to See Inside Your Package
Amazon Introduces Package X-Ray Vision App In Time for the Holidays Have you ever wanted to peek into an Amazon box that arrives at your door? Have you ever forgotten what you ordered from Amazon? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you’ll love the new Package X-Ray Vision button now on the […]
Biggest First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes-According to Real Estate Agents
Real Estate agents respond to poll asking What Are the Biggest First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes Inman News, a provider of real estate information, recently conducted a poll asking agents “What Are the Biggest First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes” they have seen in their careers. Close to 600 agents responded. Here in order are some of the top results, […]
HSH.com Study-St Louis Fourth-Most Affordable City for Homeownership
Nation’s Largest Publisher of Mortgage and Consumer Loan Information Ranks St Louis as Fourth Most Affordable City for Homeownership St. Louis came in fourth just behind Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Cincinnati as the most affordable city for homeownership in the nation. When a buyer is considering purchasing a home and/or relocating ,the most common question is, […]
The Great Debate:Should You Hang a TV Over the Fireplace?
Design Debate: Is It OK to Hang the TV Over the Fireplace? Should You Hang a TV Over the Fireplace Debate The most interesting debates come from two opposing sides that believe adamantly that they’re in the right. Millions of eyeballs will be focusing in on the Presidential debates over the next couple of weeks […]
Should You Trust Zillow and Trulia Real Estate Estimates?
Should You Trust Zillow and Trulia Real Estate Estimates? There’s no denying the popularity of Zillow and Trulia. The question is should you trust in Zillow and Trulia Real Estate Estimates? If you just love looking at homes online and are not actually considering buying or selling a home this might not be an issue […]
St Louis Housing Report July 2016
St Louis Housing Report July 2016 Shows St Louis Remaining Number 2 in Affordability in Top 10 Hottest Housing Markets St Louis Housing Report July 2016 edition shows how St Louis has remained the second-most affordable city in which to purchase a home. In December 2015, St. Louis was ranked No.2 among the hottest real estate […]
What Price Home Could You Buy for $1000 Monthly Mortgage?
Potential Home Buyers: What Price Home Could You Buy for $1000 Monthly Mortgage? Do you know the impact your interest rate makes? Interest rates have come a long way in the last 30 years. At current interest rates what price home could you buy for a $1000 monthly mortgage payment? The Infographic below illustrates a […]
Despite Record-Low Inventory St Louis Home Sales Soar
Second Quarter St Louis Home Sales Surpass Economic Predictions Approximately around the middle of each month the Housing Report for St Louis City and County is published by the St. Louis Association of REALTORS®. This report analyzes MLS St Louis Home sales data from the previous month and Year-Over-Year comparisons. The infographic below covers some […]
7 Things You Must Do When Relocating to St Louis
6 Resources You Must Use When Buying a Home
Scrolling through online listing photos, scouting for the best neighborhoods, and pondering decor in your new home is fun. But the home search itself is not the only enjoyable experience; the entire home buying process can be pleasant when you have access to the best tools. Here are the top six resources you should use to make buying a home […]
Chesterfield Amphitheater 2016 Summer Concert Series Schedule
UPDATE: Click Here for 2017 Schedule Chesterfield Amphitheater 2016 Summer Concert Series Schedule of Events The 2016 Chesterfield Amphitheater Concert Series Schedule has just been announced. Hosted in the beautiful Central Park, the Chesterfield Amphitheater is nestled right behind Chesterfield Mall with plenty of parking available to the public. Fixed seating and lawn seating is […]
April 2016 Housing Report for St Louis
April 2016 Housing Report for St Louis City and County Just Released by the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® Approximately around the middle of each month the Housing Report for St Louis City and County is published by the St. Louis Association of REALTORS®. This report analyzes MLS sales data from the previous month and […]
How the Buy vs Rent Index Helps Potential Homebuyers
Should You Buy or Rent? New Buy vs Rent Index Helps Answer Question [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJmm2hg0KB4&w=560&h=315] The introduction of the new Buy vs Rent Index is a welcomed tool for anyone deciding if they should buy a home or rent. The typical approach to this decision are the generic online calculators. The New York Times has […]
How to Use Homesnap on Apple TV
App Brings Real Estate Map Searching to TV-How to Use Homesnap on Apple TV Finding Homes for You announced today that St Louis Real Estate map searching is now possible on your TV with Homesnap’s Apple TV app. Download Here The Apple TV app lets users search for listings on their TV and sync searches […]
Spring Home Buying Trends Survey-How the Nation Responds
What Does the Spring Home Buying Trends Survey Show? The 2016 Spring Home Buying Trends Survey takes the pulse and reports Buyer preferences and sentiments about the Real Estate market. Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, here’s what’s trending in the current national mindset. The National Association of Realtors in January through early March […]
Should You Buy New Construction in St. Louis or Newer Existing Home?
What’s Better? Buy New Construction in St Louis or a Newer Existing Home? Should you buy new construction or a home that has been lived in? Trulia conducted a survey where 2,048 Americans were asked in late March and early April 2014 about their preferences for new versus existing homes. Trulia then analyzed recent home-purchase […]
Rockwood School District Wins AAA Rating from Standard and Poor’s
Rockwood School District Wins AAA Rating Award for 9th Consecutive Year from Standard and Poor’s Once again the Rockwood School District wins AAA Rating as awarded by Standard & Poor’s. This award is reserved for organizations with the utmost financial strength and discipline in meeting all obligations. According to Standard & Poor’s, a district rated […]
Home Prices Are Rising-Is a New Housing Bubble Forming?
Are Rising Home Prices Creating a New Housing Bubble? We recently reported that home prices are continuing to rise across most of the nation. This has created concern in some pundits that a new housing bubble, like we saw ten years ago, is forming again. We want to explain why these concerns are unfounded. […]
St Louis Homes for Sale with Virtual Tours
St Louis Homes for Sale with Virtual Tours If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a virtual tour worth? Enjoy our collection of St Louis Homes for Sale with Virtual Tours. Matterhorn is one of the leaders in high quality rapid 3D visualization of homes featured in the above video. Why We Love […]
St Louis Real Estate Market Trends by Zip Code
Reports on St Louis Real Estate Market Trends by Zip Code How is the St Louis Real Estate Market Performing in 2016 compared to 2015? The answer depends on what zip code areas you’re interested in. The St Louis Real Estate Market Trends by Zip Code Report will provide you with the critical market indicators […]
Flooding in St Louis:What to Do In The First 24 Hours After a Flood
2015 Year in Review: The Economy and National Real Estate Market
This time of year, many people like to take a moment and reflect on the year that has passed, whether it’s reflecting on good memories or how the nation is doing financially. Today, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the economy and what this year’s trends meant for real estate. A Brief Look […]
Developer Introduces The Place:Luxury Garage Project in Chesterfield MO
The Place-Luxury Garage Project Starts in Chesterfield Call it the ultimate man cave, or a condo-for cars development, or call it “The Place” the luxury garage project. With a planned opening in the spring of 2016.According to the Post Dispatch, “The Place” will feature 35 tricked-out-to-the-max garages for exotic cars, boats, RVs, or any other […]
What Men Would Like In Their Next Home
What Men Would Really Like to Have for Christmas Open floor plan, spacious kitchen, hardwood floors, main floor laundry are always a requested feature from women looking for a home. Men, however have different needs. More often than not, husbands are willing to fall on their swords for the good of the family … while subduing some of their deepest desires. Guys, […]
St Louis Predicted As Top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2016
Slaying the Most Common Myths About Buying a Home
Destroying the Most Common Myths About Buying a Home Every child at some point fantasizes about being a Dragon Slayer. Today we are going to slay some common myths about buying a home. Dragon Slaying movies are exciting but can also be the source of nightmares for many youngsters. One of the ways a child […]
St Louis Homes for Sale Backing to Common Ground
Rockwood School District Tax Rate Lowered for 2015
Rockwood School District Tax Rate to Actually Decrease Here’s a headline you won’t see too often. You read it right. The Rockwood school district tax rate is decreasing for 2015. The Rockwood School District has set a 2015 property tax rate of $4.60 per $100 of assessed valuation, a decrease from the 2014 rate of $4.72. […]
Buying a Home? 4 Things You Should Know About Home Appraisals
How to Find Homes for Sale with Multiple Garages
Top 3 Reasons to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you start your home search, you want to know how much you can afford, right? There are two ways to do this: with a mortgage pre-qualification and a mortgage pre-approval. As a home buyer, the pre-approval is more valuable to you during your home search. How Pre-Approval Helps You as a Home Buyer One of […]
Maryland Heights Makes Money Magazine’s Top 50 Best Places to Live List
Maryland Heights Chosen as 33rd Best Place to Live by Money Magazine Maryland Heights makes Money Magazine’s Top 50 Best Places to Live in America coming in at #33. With a population of 28,452 people enjoying a job growth of 5.6% and located only 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis this community has some an […]
The Home Buying Process in Plain English with Elizabeth Banks
Wouldn’t it be great to hear about the home buying process in plain English? No spin, easy-to-understand, straight talk sprinkled with sarcasm and comedy to keep it fun? Here it is! The National Association of Realtors, and their website realtor.com, put together a 5 episode series starring Elizabeth Banks. Elizabeth, who has appeared in the […]
How to Sort Through Real Estate Listings to Find Your Gold Nugget
2015 U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools Ranking Lists 11 St. Louis Schools
11 St. Louis Schools Listed in U.S. News and World Report Best High School Rankings The statewide annual report found 11 of the top 20 Missouri High Schools in the St. Louis area. The U.S. News and World Report Best High School Rankings online only report stated; “With today’s launch, U.S. News has published detailed […]
18 Most Challenging High Schools in Missouri
What are the 18 Most Challenging High Schools in Missouri? 14 of the most academically challenging high schools are right here in St. Louis. Challenge produces excellence in all areas of life perhaps none more important than education. These schools were selected by the Washington Post recently as having the most rigorous curriculum. How Did the […]
3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a House
New 3% Down Payment Mortgage Options for Homebuyers
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Introduce 3 Percent Down Payment Mortgage Options Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have just announced that they will start backing mortgages with down payments of as little as 3% of the home’s price. Fannie Mae’s plan will be effective December 13, 2014 while the Freddie Mac plan will be available […]
Debunking The 4 Biggest Myths About Buying a Home
What Are the 4 Biggest Myths about Buying a Home? The 4 biggest myths about buying a home? A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed when renters were asked why they do no plan to own in the future, financial constraints were a more common response than the […]
Ballwin Listed in Top 50 American Suburbs
Ballwin Listed in Top 50 Suburbs to Live in America Ballwin, Missouri was just selected as one of the Top 50 Suburbs to live in the United States by Business Insider. Ballwin won the distinct honor of being the only suburb from Missouri ranking at #46. This recently released study looked at 300 communities and picked […]
What Your Zip Code Says About You and What You’ll Buy
Find Out What Your Zip Code Says About You and PredictsWhat You’ll Buy We are a nation of ZIP Codes and neighborhoods. Your zip code gives a good indication of who you are, attitudes, and brand preferences. See how the next generation of data called Tapestry describes yours. Plug in your zip code and see […]
How to Find St. Louis Open Houses with Your Smartphone
Find St. Louis Open Houses and Price Reductions with Your Smartphone How can you find St. Louis open houses with your smartphone? If you enjoy going to open houses but hate wasting time driving around looking for them … this post is for you! Let’s face it most of life (and opportunities) happens away from […]
Renting is Now More Expensive than Buying in St. Louis
New Report Shows Renting is More Expensive than Buying in St. Louis:Dangers of the Renter’s Trap Renting is now more expensive than buying a home in St. Louis according to a new report. Unlike the rest of the housing market, rentals did not suffer a drop in price over the last decade. In fact, rental […]
What’s the Difference Between a 1.5 Story Home and 2 Story Home?
Seven St. Louis High Schools Rank in Top 10 Missouri Best High Schools Report
Seven Local High Schools Honored by U.S. News and World Report’s Best High School Rankings U.S. News and World Report recently announced the top ten High Schools for Missouri with seven of the ten are located right here in St. Louis. These Best High Schools were listed in the annual report as being one of […]
2014 St. Louis Magazine 5 Star Agent Award Winners
Finding Homes for You Wins 2014 St. Louis Five Star Real Estate Agent Award The final list of the 2014 St. Louis Five Star Real Estate Agents is a select group representing less than 4 percent of real estate agents in the area. We are happy to announce that Alexis Haglin Richert, Mark Richert, and […]
Safest Places to Live in St. Louis
New Study Reveals the Safest Places to Live in St. Louis and Missouri Where are the safest places to live in St. Louis and Missouri and where are the most dangerous places to live in Missouri? The answers to these questions were recently published in a detailed study performed by a national real estate company […]
How to Find The Commute Time from Any St. Louis Home For Sale
When Is Your First Mortgage Payment Due? A Big Surprise
When the First Mortgage Payment is Due:One of the Biggest Surprises a St. Louis Home Buyer will Discover When is your first mortgage payment due? After working with buyers for more than a decade, it’s always fun to give someone good news. One of the biggest pieces of good news about the home buying process […]
Can Starbucks Help You Find Your St Louis Home?
Could Starbucks Help You Locate Your Home in an Up and Coming Neighborhood? Starbucks is one of the most successful franchises of all time. They got where they are by doing their homework. How does Starbucks decide where to place their stores? Watch the video below and see how you might benefit from their research. St […]
Is That Home for Sale or Under Contract?
St Louis Real Estate:3 Ways to Know if You’re In a Buyers or Sellers Market
3 Things that Indicate Whether You’re In a Buyers or Sellers Market Are we in a Buyer’s or Seller’s market? It’s been several rough years in the St. Louis real estate market. We’ve seen home prices drop throughout the area and it is understandable if potential home buyers have been a little uneasy about making a home […]
St. Louis Subdivisions with a Swimming Pool
St. Louis Subdivisions with a Pool Looking for a St. Louis Home for sale in a subdivision with a pool? View real-time search results for St. Louis and St. Charles homes for sale in neighborhoods and subdivisions with access to a pool. If you are not sure about handling the cost (anywhere from $500-$1000 annually) and upkeep of […]
St. Louis Homes for Sale With 4 Car Garage
Savvy St. Louis Home Buyers Learn the Value of a Survey
St Louis Homes for Sale with a Pool
St Louis Homes for Sale with a Swimming Pool As temperatures rise, St. Louis home buyers wonder if their next home should have a pool. Here’s a quick and easy way to view St. Louis homes for sale with an inground pool. Have fun looking … and don’t forget your sun screen! St. Louis County Homes for Sale […]
Locating the Right St. Louis School for Your Child
Tips for Home Buyers-Finding the Right Schools in St. Louis How do you find the right school for your child? When it comes time to buy a home, your decision will probably be based on dozens of criteria. If you are like many of the home buyers that we have assisted over the years, good schools will […]
St. Louis Homes for Sale by School District
New Way to Discover St. Louis Homes for Sale by School District You can now reduce your search time by getting an overview of school districts with maps, district lines and current homes for sale all on one page. Property values often reflect the reputation of local schools-both public and private-and a home near good […]
















































































































































































































































































































