The 2025 Shift in the St. Louis Housing Market: What It Means for Franklin County Buyers & Sellers

The 2025 Shift in the St. Louis Housing Market: What It Means for Franklin County Buyers & Sellers

If 2023–24 was defined by sticker shock and scarce inventory, 2025 is the year the market starts to rebalance—carefully. Mortgage rates have eased off last year’s peaks and leveled out, and national home sales have inched higher as buyers test the waters again. Inventory is still tight in many metros (including St. Louis), but it’s gradually improving in others, creating pockets of opportunity for well-prepared buyers and strategic sellers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Big Picture: A Calmer (But Competitive) Market

Rates: The 30-year fixed rate is holding near mid-6% territory as of late August, after drifting down over the summer. That has lowered typical monthly payments from their highs and brought some buyers back into the conversation. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Sales & Supply: Existing-home sales rose in July as buyers found a bit more choice. National inventory is up year over year, though months’ supply still signals a market that rewards good listings. Price growth has cooled, with some regions flat to modestly up. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Local Reality Check: St. Louis & Franklin County

Zoom in on our region and one theme stands out: desirable homes still move. In July, St. Louis city/metro data show prices running higher than last year in many segments, with days on market that remain brisk compared to national norms—evidence that well-priced, move-in-ready homes continue to draw strong attention. Inventory has improved in places, but remains tighter than the U.S. overall, which helps support values. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Buyer Playbook: Win Without Overpaying

Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. With more listings than a year ago but still-selective supply, clarity helps you act quickly when the right home appears.

Watch pricing patterns by neighborhood. Micro-trends matter—some areas are flat, others are still rising. A local agent who tracks live activity can help you calibrate offers accordingly.

Be offer-ready. In competitively priced segments, clean terms, flexible timing, and realistic contingencies can beat a slightly higher number.

When you’re ready to move, partner with a team that lives and breathes this market. Browse listings with Dolan REALTORS® and get guidance from agents who work Franklin County and the greater St. Louis region every day. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Seller Playbook: Price Smart, Present Flawlessly

Lead with the right list price. As rates float down, buyers are active—but they’re value-sensitive. A data-driven price maximizes exposure in the first 10–14 days and reduces the risk of chasing the market.

Dial in presentation. Fresh paint, light landscaping, pro-level photos, and clear disclosures help your home stand out in a feed with more options than last year.

Negotiate like it’s 2025, not 2021. Incentives and repair credits are back on the table in some scenarios. The goal is net proceeds, not just the top line.

See how Dolan’s marketing and guidance help you sell with confidence: dolanrealtors.com/selling. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Investors & Landlords: Where the Math Is Improving

Rising active listings in parts of Missouri are giving investors more to choose from, while rental demand remains resilient in key submarkets. If you’re weighing a buy-and-hold or upgrading a portfolio property, Dolan’s leasing & property management services can help you protect NOI and reduce vacancy. Explore options at dolanrealtors.com/services/leasing. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Commercial & Relocation: Purpose-Built Support

Need space for a growing business or relocating across town (or across the country)? Dolan handles commercial buying, selling, and leasing and offers relocation assistance through a nationwide referral network to make moves smoother for buyers and sellers alike. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

The bottom line: 2025 is balanced enough to create real opportunities—but still competitive where it counts. Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or relocating, Dolan REALTORS® aligns strategy to today’s market so you can move with confidence.