July 2023 - Affordability constraints have continued to limit homebuying activity this summer, with existing-home sales falling 3.3% month-over-month nationwide as of the last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Mortgage rates have approached 7% in recent months, leading many prospective buyers to put their home purchase plans temporarily on hold. But higher rates have also kept many existing homeowners from listing their homes for fear of giving up the low-rate mortgages they locked in a few years ago when rates were significantly lower. The median home sale price in St. Louis continued to increase for the 6th consecutive month in 2023 with July up by 3.5% compared to July 2022. Year-to-date, the median sale price is at $277,500, while the month of July 2023 clocked in at $300,000.

Premiums are skyrocketing (50%-100% increases over the last 3 years) for a lot of reasons. The bottom line with insurance companies right now is that they do not want to write new business because it’s unprofitable. In St. Louis and much of the country, this is due in large part to the growing number of claims made for hail-damaged roofs. Insurers have handed the keys to underwriting telling them to bring profitability out of the red and into the black, resulting in significant changes to eligibility and coverages for consumers.

Making your house a home really is a lot of fun! It’s so rewarding to find the perfect paint color or area rug after months, even years, of searching for it. It’s incredible how one piece can sometimes bring together a whole room and make it feel complete. This is the fun and sexy side of homeownership! The not-so-fun and way less sexy side is that of maintenance and resale. But as your trusted St. Louis real estate agent, I have to ask you to think about these things, no? What kind of pal would I be if I didn’t? When it comes to selling your St. Louis home, your goal will very likely be to get as much money out of it as you possibly can, which will come down to two very important things.

June 2023 - What’s happening in St. Louis Real Estate including data, statistics, graphs and a summary of what the data are telling us by St. Louis REALTOR® John Voirol.

Many people are uncertain whether to order a survey when they are purchasing a home in St. Louis, Missouri. The sale contract includes a Survey Contingency allowing buyers the option to order a survey, at their own expense, typically within 25 days, and work with the seller to resolve any issues. By conducting a survey, you can determine the precise location of your property boundaries and identify any encroachments.

May 2023 - What’s happening in St. Louis Real Estate including data, statistics, graphs and a summary of what the data are telling us by St. Louis REALTOR® John Voirol.

As housing prices continue to rise in St. Louis, Missouri, many homeowners are finding themselves facing higher real estate tax assessments. While rising property taxes can put a strain on your budget, there is a glimmer of hope. Did you know that you have the right to appeal your property tax assessment? In this blog post, we'll review the process of appealing your assessment, ensuring that you have the knowledge and tools to potentially reduce your real estate tax burden.

Embarking on a journey to relocate to a new city and purchase a home remotely can be both thrilling and daunting. Here’s how to navigate the challenges of moving to St. Louis and buying a home without being there in-person.

April 2023 - What’s happening in St. Louis Real Estate including data, statistics, graphs and a summary of what the data are telling us by St. Louis REALTOR® John Voirol.