As we step into the new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all that 2025 broughtâand to say THANK YOUÂ from the bottom of my heart.
This past year, I had the privilege of helping 25 families take big steps toward their dreams. Whether it was buying their first home, selling a special place, or making a fresh start, each story reminded me why I love what I do.
Homeowners who locked into near-3% interest rates during 2020â2021 are now hesitant to sell, because it means buying another property that could require a 6% rate or higher. This âmortgage lock-in effectâ is causing many would-be sellers to stay put, which means a smaller housing supply in St. Louis â and fewer options for eager buyers.Â
One of the first questions people ask when getting ready to sell is âWhat is my home worth?â Setting the right asking price is crucial. Price it too high and it could be left on the market with no buyer in sight; ask too little, and youâre leaving money on the table.Â
Do homes sell in the winter? They sure do! In fact, last December in St. Louis, more than 1,200 homes sold within about a month, and almost all of them sold at or very near list price. Many sellers are reluctant to list in colder months, but if the price point and size of the house are right, buyers are willing to move any time of year.
Scrolling through Instagram and TikTok can certainly make homeowners nervous if theyâre thinking about selling. It seems that every home on social media is straight out of a Magnolia magazine, with trending paint colors, perfect decor, and kitchen remodels that must have cost a fortune. Not everyone has the budget, time, or energy to make their home look like that in order to attract buyers.
Everyone knows that buying a house is expensive, but few buyers are well-aquainted with the laundry list of expenses involved. Even if youâve saved up for a nice down payment on your home, youâll still have to consider all of the hidden costs to budget in before going through with the purchase.
Hereâs a look at some of the costs buyers encounter when buying a house, and some tips for staying within budget.
Every buyer has a dream neighborhood or dream home, but not everyone has a dream budget. If youâve been driving by houses for sale that you canât afford â and feeling defeated â it may be time to figure out what it is that makes it appealing to you. Chances are, thereâs a neighborhood in St. Louis that offers something similar to what you desire for a more manageable price.Â
Figuring out where to live in St. Louis can be complicated, especially for newcomers. It might be hard for some to wrap their head around the fact that the city itself is small (with a population of about 280,000), but has 79 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own name and vibe.Â
Should I sell my home now or wait? Itâs a question many St. Louis homeowners are asking, especially with mixed news about mortgage rates and the uncertain state of the economy. The truth is that for some homeowners, now is the perfect time to sell, while others may be better off waiting. An honest real estate agent will be able to walk you through the pros and cons, and keep your best interest at heart while helping you make a decision.
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