St. Charles and St. Louis County FAQs
Your Questions Answered
5
6
What are current home prices like in St. Louis and St. Charles County?
1
The St. Louis metro area offers diverse pricing depending on location and property type. In St. Louis County, the median home price typically ranges from $250,000 to $350,000, with premium areas like Clayton, Ladue, and Town and Country commanding $500,000 to well over $1 million. St. Charles County generally offers more affordable options, with median prices around $300,000 to $375,000, though desirable neighborhoods in O'Fallon, St. Peters, and Lake St. Louis can reach $400,000 to $600,000 for newer construction and larger properties.
Historic neighborhoods in the city of St. Louis, such as the Central West End, Soulard, and Lafayette Square, vary widely from $200,000 for smaller renovated homes to $800,000+ for larger historic estates. The market has shown resilience with steady appreciation, making both counties attractive for long-term investment. Property taxes in St. Charles County are generally lower than St. Louis County, which factors into overall affordability for homeowners.
Is now a good time to sell my home in this market?
2
The St. Louis area continues to experience strong seller conditions, particularly for well-maintained homes in desirable school districts. Inventory remains relatively tight compared to buyer demand, especially for move-in-ready properties priced appropriately for their neighborhoods. Homes in the $250,000 to $450,000 range typically see the most competition among buyers, often receiving multiple offers when priced correctly.
The market stays active year-round. Current interest rates and local economic stability mean qualified buyers are actively searching. The key to maximizing your sale price is proper preparation: addressing deferred maintenance, strategic staging, and working with an agent who understands neighborhood-specific pricing nuances. Even in a seller's market, overpricing can cause your home to sit while appropriately priced comparable properties sell quickly.
I represent homeowners in the entire state of Missouri, currently specializing in St. Louis and St. Charles County, Missouri. I grew up in St. Louis County and currently reside in St. Charles County.
What neighborhoods or areas in St. Louis and St. Charles are most popular with buyers right now?
3
*As a licensed Realtor in the state of Missouri, I can NOT steer buyers to one direct area in any area. These results are based on an internet search and are solely based on the internet, not my personal opinion.
In St. Charles County, O'Fallon and Lake St. Louis continue to attract families seeking newer construction, excellent schools, and community amenities. Cottleville and Dardenne Prairie are also hot spots for buyers wanting a blend of suburban convenience and small-town feel. These areas offer modern homes with updated features and are popular with first-time buyers and growing families.
In St. Louis County, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and Brentwood remain highly sought-after for their walkable downtowns, strong schools, and character homes. Maplewood and Richmond Heights are popular with younger buyers and professionals seeking affordability with urban amenities and easy highway access. The Central West End and Tower Grove neighborhoods in the city appeal to those wanting historic charm, cultural attractions, and vibrant community life. Chesterfield maintains strong appeal for executives and families wanting newer homes with excellent schools and corporate proximity. Buyers prioritize school ratings, commute times, walkability, and neighborhood character when making decisions.
How long does it typically take to sell a home in St. Louis and St. Charles County?
4
Should I buy or sell first in this market?
What should I do to prepare my home for sale to get the best price?
Market time varies significantly based on price point, condition, and location. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in desirable school districts often sell within 15 to 30 days, sometimes receiving offers within the first week. Homes priced between $250,000 and $400,000 in popular areas like O'Fallon, Chesterfield, or Webster Groves typically move fastest. Properties requiring significant updates or repairs, or those priced above market value, can take 60 to 90+ days.
Luxury homes above $750,000 naturally have a smaller buyer pool and may take 90 to 180 days to find the right buyer. Seasonal factors also play a role—spring listings (April through June) generally sell faster than winter listings. The key factors affecting your timeline include competitive pricing based on recent comparable sales, home condition and presentation, professional photography and marketing, and school district reputation. Homes that sit on the market beyond 60 days often need price adjustments or improvements to attract serious buyers. Working with a knowledgeable local agent who understands micro-market conditions can significantly impact your selling timeline.
This decision depends on your financial position, local inventory levels, and risk tolerance. If you're selling a desirable property in a strong school district, you'll likely receive competitive offers quickly, but that same market heat means you'll face competition when buying your next home. Selling first provides certainty about your budget and eliminates the stress of carrying two mortgages, but you may need temporary housing during your transition.
Buying first allows you to move on your timeline without rushing, but requires financial capacity to carry both properties if your current home takes longer to sell than expected. In today's St. Louis market, many homeowners successfully use contingent offers—making an offer on a new home contingent upon selling their current property. However, in competitive situations, sellers may favor non-contingent offers. Consider bridge loans or home equity lines of credit if you have significant equity and strong finances, as these provide flexibility to purchase before selling.
Work with an experienced agent who can help you navigate both transactions strategically. They can structure offers to protect your interests, advise on timing based on current inventory in both your selling and target buying neighborhoods, and potentially negotiate favorable contingencies. Many successful transitions involve close coordination of closing dates, sometimes even occurring on the same day. The right answer varies by individual circumstances, but having a clear financial picture and expert guidance makes either approach manageable.
First impressions matter tremendously in today's market where buyers begin their search online. Invest in professional photography and consider virtual tours, as these are often a buyer's first interaction with your property. Address any deferred maintenance; leaky faucets, chipped paint, worn carpets, and outdated fixtures can signal neglect and justify lower offers. Deep clean every room, including windows, baseboards, and often-overlooked areas like garage spaces and laundry rooms.
Declutter and depersonalize to help buyers envision themselves in the space. Consider neutral paint colors if your walls feature bold or dated choices. Enhance curb appeal with fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping, a clean entrance, and perhaps a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Kitchen and bathroom updates offer strong returns; even minor improvements like new cabinet hardware, updated light fixtures, and modern faucets can make a significant difference. If your home has outdated features from the 1980s or 1990s, focus upgrades on the kitchen and primary bathroom where buyers notice quality most. Stage key rooms to highlight functionality and flow. *Your agent can provide specific recommendations based on current buyer preferences in your neighborhood and price range. Remember, you're competing with other listings, so presentation directly impacts both sale price and time on market.