Dad eventually came out, looked around and wanted to know why they’d left all that junk behind. Apparently, we had confused longevity with sentiment. Some of those things hadn’t survived decades because Dad treasured them. They had survived because Dad hadn’t Continue Reading →]]> This fall, my sister and her adult sons were helping our dad clean out his garage and workshop. As things headed toward the discard pile, my sister kept rescuing certain items. We’d grown up seeing them in Dad’s workshop, so the fact that they had been there for as long as we could remember made them seem important.

Dad eventually came out, looked around and wanted to know why they’d left all that junk behind. Apparently, we had confused longevity with sentiment. Some of those things hadn’t survived decades because Dad treasured them. They had survived because Dad hadn’t cleaned out the garage.

It was funny, but it also made me think about how much we assume about the things that fill our parents’ homes. The chair that has always been in the corner must mean something. The tools Dad has had forever must be special. The dishes that came out every Thanksgiving must surely be something one of the kids will want. Maybe they are, or maybe nobody ever got around to getting rid of them.

My mother, who has since passed away, handled some of her possessions very differently. When she realized she was developing dementia, there were certain belongings she knew she wanted specific people to have. She didn’t wait. She gave them away herself while she could still make those decisions, and it gave her genuine pleasure to know they were in the hands she had chosen. She was also able to give something else along with those possessions: their stories.

That’s easy to overlook when we think about inheritance. An object can pass from one generation to another, but the story that made it important doesn’t always go with it. If nobody knows why an old watch was saved, who is in a photograph or where a piece of furniture came from, eventually it can become impossible to distinguish a family treasure from something that simply occupied the house for a very long time. Sometimes the family gets it exactly backward. We may throw away something that mattered because we don’t know its story, or preserve something that never mattered because we’ve invented one.

For longtime homeowners, all of this can eventually become part of a real estate decision. A house doesn’t become empty simply because it’s time to move, downsize or transfer it to the next generation. Decades of living still have to go somewhere. Moving from a larger home to a smaller one isn’t just a decision about square footage. It can mean confronting every closet, basement shelf, kitchen cabinet, box of photographs and corner of the garage. From the outside, that can look like a project waiting to be tackled. From inside the house, it may feel very different.

I see that with my dad too. My parents built a life together, and much of that life is still represented by the things in their home. I suspect that what can look like procrastination from my side isn’t always that simple. Sorting through a house after losing the person who shared it with you isn’t necessarily the same thing as cleaning out a closet. Some things really are junk. Dad has already established that. Others may hold memories, and sometimes figuring out which is which is part of the work.

I don’t think the answer is telling older homeowners to get rid of their stuff so their children won’t have to deal with it later. If someone enjoys a home and the things in it, that’s reason enough to keep them, and adult children don’t get to decide what their parents should consider valuable. But there may be value in talking about it while everyone can still participate.

Rather than assuming we know what matters, we can ask. Is there a reason something has been kept? Is it intended for a particular person? Does anyone else in the family actually want it? The answers may be surprising. An ordinary-looking object may have a story no one else has heard, while something the family has been mentally preserving for the last 20 years may be something Dad would happily toss tomorrow.

There can also be something wonderful about not waiting. My mother got to choose where certain things went, explain their significance and see them received. The people she gave them to didn’t have to wonder later whether she would have wanted them to have them. They knew.

Not every possession needs that treatment, and that’s probably the point. A house full of belongings doesn’t have to become a house full of heirlooms. The goal doesn’t have to be deciding the fate of everything years in advance. It may simply be identifying the exceptions: the things with stories that shouldn’t be lost, the things intended for particular people and the things someone else genuinely wants.

Eventually, every house changes hands, and someone will decide what happens to everything inside it. Maybe it’s worth having some of those conversations while the people who know the stories are still there to tell them.

Karen Moeller
STLKaren.com
Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
314.678.7866

About the Author:
Karen Moeller is a St. Louis area REALTOR® with MORE, REALTORS® and a regular contributor to St. Louis Real Estate News, helping clients make informed, data-driven decisions.

That gap raises a question that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as grab bars, stair-free entrances and first-floor bedrooms: What does it actually take to keep a Continue Reading →]]> “Aging in place” sounds wonderfully simple. Stay in the house you know, in the neighborhood you know, surrounded by the things and people that make life familiar. It is also what most people say they want. AARP’s latest Home and Community Preferences Survey found that 75% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, although 44% expect they will eventually have to move.

That gap raises a question that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as grab bars, stair-free entrances and first-floor bedrooms: What does it actually take to keep a life in place?

The National Institute on Aging points out that remaining at home may eventually require help with transportation, household chores, meals, personal care, health care and safety. Staying connected matters too. The CDC identifies limited transportation as one factor that can contribute to social isolation among older adults. A house can remain perfectly familiar while someone’s world outside it gradually becomes smaller.

That complicates what we mean by independence. Someone may live in her own home while family handles the lawn, a housekeeper cleans and a transportation service provides rides. She may still have considerable independence because she retains meaningful control over how and where she lives. The question is whether the support around that independence is sustainable. Some needs may be handled by family or friends, others by paid services or community resources. As those needs change, the arrangement may need to change with them.

Real estate tends to approach aging in place through the physical house. Are there stairs? Is there a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor? Is there a safe way to enter and move through the house? Those questions matter, but a house that works physically can still become difficult if it is far from health care, shopping, friends and activities and driving is no longer an option. Conversely, a house with some physical challenges may remain workable because services and support are nearby.

The suitability of a house for aging isn’t entirely contained within its property lines. That gives “location, location, location” a different meaning. A walkable neighborhood that was enjoyable at 55 may become important at 85 because daily life doesn’t depend entirely on a car. Proximity to health care, groceries, family, friends and community resources can matter more as mobility changes.

Families can also fall into thinking there are only two choices: stay or move. In reality, services can be brought into the home, paid assistance can supplement family help, an older parent can move in with an adult child, or an adult child can move into the parent’s home. The right arrangement may also change over time. The National Institute on Aging recommends revisiting aging-in-place decisions as needs change and checking in regularly on caregiving arrangements rather than assuming that what works today will continue to work indefinitely.

Before deciding whether a house is suitable for aging in place, perhaps the first inspection shouldn’t be of the property. It should be of how the home, its location and daily life work together.

I created an Aging in Place: Home Reality Check to help with that conversation. Rather than looking only at accessibility features, it walks through the home’s layout and condition, transportation, maintenance, cost, available help, community connections and the point at which modifying a home may no longer make as much sense as considering another housing option. It also asks you to look at the home under three different circumstances: an ordinary day, a period of limited mobility and a longer-term need for help.

The checklist is designed to turn the items that “need work” into an action plan, whether that means a relatively simple fix, a contractor project or a larger decision about the home.

For additional guidance, the National Institute on Aging provides caregiver resources covering home safety, caregiving responsibilities and changing living arrangements.

There are local resources too. Aging Ahead serves St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin counties and can connect older adults and caregivers with transportation, in-home services, caregiver support, Meals on Wheels and other programs.

If the person you’re helping lives elsewhere in Missouri, the state’s ten Area Agencies on Aging provide similar connections to local resources. The Missouri Senior Resource Line at 1-800-235-5503 can direct callers to the appropriate agency based on ZIP code. Services and eligibility vary by area.

Aging in place has never really been only about the place. The harder question is whether the house, its location and the support available around it can continue to provide the life the person wants to live.

Sometimes that means changing the house. Sometimes it means bringing in help. Sometimes it means moving.

And sometimes the person who moves isn’t the older homeowner.

Karen Moeller
STLKaren.com
Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
314.678.7866

About the Author:
Karen Moeller is a St. Louis area REALTOR® with MORE, REALTORS® and a regular contributor to St. Louis Real Estate News, helping clients make informed, data-driven decisions.

On September 2, Fannie Mae introduced new guidelines for using short-term rental income when qualifying for a mortgage on a one-unit investment property. The change gives lenders a specific way to evaluate income from properties rented for short stays rather than through a traditional long-term lease. Fannie Mae’s September income-assessment changes

One of the more interesting parts is what isn’t Continue Reading →]]> A buyer considering a house as a short-term rental may start with two numbers: What can I charge per night, and how often can I rent it? Fannie Mae now has a much more specific calculation in mind.

On September 2, Fannie Mae introduced new guidelines for using short-term rental income when qualifying for a mortgage on a one-unit investment property. The change gives lenders a specific way to evaluate income from properties rented for short stays rather than through a traditional long-term lease. Fannie Mae’s September income-assessment changes

One of the more interesting parts is what isn’t enough: a projected nightly rate. For a purchase, lenders can still use a traditional rent schedule based on long-term rentals. But when short-term rental data is used, Fannie Mae requires validated data from an MLS or property management company. That means three comparable short-term rentals, including not only their rental rates but also the number of days they were actually rented during the previous calendar year. When possible, those comparables should be in the same market area as the property being purchased. Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-3.8-03

That makes sense when you think about it. A property might rent for $300 a night, but there is a big difference between getting that rate 10 nights a month and getting it 25 nights a month. The nightly rate alone doesn’t tell you what the property actually produces.

Fannie Mae’s calculation goes further. After using the comparable properties to establish monthly gross rent, the lender uses 50% of that amount, with the other 50% accounting for vacancy and maintenance. The property’s principal, interest, taxes, insurance and association dues, or PITIA, are then subtracted. If the calculation leaves positive adjusted rental income, that amount can be used to offset the property’s PITIA. It doesn’t simply get added to the buyer’s salary as additional qualifying income. If the calculation produces a loss, however, that loss has to be included in the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio.

That distinction is important. A short-term rental that looks terrific on a buyer’s spreadsheet may not provide nearly the mortgage-qualification benefit the buyer expects.

There is another wrinkle that hits particularly close to home. Before short-term rental income can be considered under these guidelines, Fannie Mae says the property must be legally permitted to operate as a short-term rental, including meeting applicable local registration and licensing requirements. That matters because those requirements continue to change locally.

This summer, St. Charles County adopted new rules for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas of the county. Operators are required to obtain a business license and the property must pass a safety inspection. The rules also require a local contact who is available around the clock and able to respond to the property within 45 minutes. The county requirements apply to properties in unincorporated St. Charles County, not homes inside individual municipalities, which may have their own rules.

That creates a connection buyers might not immediately make. Whether a property can legally be operated as a short-term rental isn’t just something to investigate after closing. If a buyer plans to rely on projected short-term rental income to qualify under Fannie Mae’s new guidelines, the legality of that use can become part of the financing question too.

The new policy has limits. It applies to one-unit investment properties, and short-term rental income from an accessory dwelling unit isn’t eligible under this provision. Borrowers and properties still have to meet the other requirements of the loan. Fannie Mae introduced the changes September 2 and is allowing lenders to implement them immediately. Lenders are required to have the September rental-income changes in place by November 1. That is an implementation deadline, not an expiration date.

For someone considering a short-term rental purchase, the takeaway is fairly simple: don’t build the investment around the nightly rate alone. Find out what comparable properties are actually producing, whether the intended use is allowed at the property, and talk with the lender about how much of that projected income can actually be used for qualification. The income potential may still make the deal work, but don’t assume your spreadsheet and your lender’s spreadsheet will look the same.

Karen Moeller
STLKaren.com
Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
314.678.7866

About the Author:
Karen Moeller is a St. Louis area REALTOR® with MORE, REALTORS® and a regular contributor to St. Louis Real Estate News, helping clients make informed, data-driven decisions.

For those looking to purchase or refinance in the St. Louis market, the impact of these rising rates is substantial. Higher Continue Reading →]]> Mortgage rates in St. Louis have continued their upward trajectory, creating a challenging environment for both buyers and sellers in the area. As of September 24, 2026, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed to 7.26%, marking a significant increase of 0.09% from earlier this month. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has risen to 6.87%, up by 0.04%. This consistent rise in rates is reflective of broader economic pressures and has resulted in elevated borrowing costs for potential homeowners.

For those looking to purchase or refinance in the St. Louis market, the impact of these rising rates is substantial. Higher mortgage rates mean increased monthly payments, reducing affordability and potentially sidelining some buyers. Sellers may also feel the pinch as demand softens, leading to longer listing times and potential adjustments in pricing strategies. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to review historical rate trends by clicking the chart button below for a comprehensive understanding of market movements.

According to MORE, REALTORS®, these shifts highlight the importance of staying informed and working closely with financial advisors to navigate the current landscape. As rates push higher, prospective buyers might consider locking in rates sooner rather than later, while sellers may need to adjust expectations in a more challenging market environment.

*Rates shown are national averages from Mortgage News Daily’s Rate Index and are updated as of September 24, 2026. Individual rates may vary based on factors including loan amount, down payment, credit score, property type, occupancy status, and market conditions. Contact a licensed mortgage professional for personalized rate quotes.

In the past month, 217 new tours have been added to the map, with 28 of those added in just the last week. Notably, St. Louis, MO, leads the way with 67 Continue Reading →]]> The St. Louis metro home tour video map now boasts an impressive 8,643 video tours, covering 311 distinct markets. This extensive catalogue provides home buyers with a unique perspective on properties, offering insights that photographs alone cannot. Video walkthroughs allow potential buyers to see the flow of rooms, assess the steepness of staircases, and gauge the actual size of spaces, which are crucial elements in making informed decisions.

In the past month, 217 new tours have been added to the map, with 28 of those added in just the last week. Notably, St. Louis, MO, leads the way with 67 new tours, followed by Saint Charles, MO, with 15, and St Charles, MO, with 11. Other active markets include Chesterfield, MO, and Florissant, MO, each adding 8 new tours, and Wentzville, MO, contributing 7 new tours. These additions reflect a dynamic market where video tours serve as a vital tool for both buyers and sellers.

Among the most watched tours, the property at 1410 Fournier Dr in Crestwood, MO, stands out with a staggering 187,422 views. Other popular tours include 1225 Woodside Drive in Arnold, MO, with 35,126 views, and 3537 Crittenden St in St Louis, MO, with 32,952 views. Even properties that have already sold offer value, as they provide a realistic glimpse into what various streets and neighborhoods look like from the inside, helping buyers make comparisons and plan their next steps.

For those interested in exploring the St. Louis real estate market further, the home tour video map offers a comprehensive tool to search by address and discover the diverse range of properties available.

Newest St. Louis area tours

• 4303 Martyridge Court in St Louis, MO (Sep 19)
• 9026 W Swan Circle in Brentwood, MO (Sep 18)
• 1021 Alpine Ridge Drive in Ballwin, MO (Sep 18)
• 6170 Suntan Drive in St Charles, MO (Sep 18)
• 22 Marsally Drive in St Louis, MO (Sep 18)
• 9186 Wrenwood Lane in St Louis, MO (Sep 18)

Markets adding the most tours

• St Louis, MO: 67 new tours in the last 30 days
• Saint Charles, MO: 15 new tours in the last 30 days
• St Charles, MO: 11 new tours in the last 30 days
• Chesterfield, MO: 8 new tours in the last 30 days
• Florissant, MO: 8 new tours in the last 30 days
• Wentzville, MO: 7 new tours in the last 30 days

Search the St. Louis home tour video map

In terms of sales volume, there were 110 home sales in August 2026, reflecting an 11.29% drop compared to 124 sales in August Continue Reading →]]> The Franklin County real estate market experienced notable shifts in August 2026. Homes sold for a median price of $272,500, marking a 7.00% decrease from the previous year’s median of $293,000 in August 2025. This figure also represents a 1.45% decline from July 2026, where the median sold price was $276,500. Despite the decrease in sold prices, the median list price in August 2026 rose to $317,400, a significant 17.12% increase from $271,000 in August 2025.

In terms of sales volume, there were 110 home sales in August 2026, reflecting an 11.29% drop compared to 124 sales in August 2025. These statistics illustrate the current dynamics of the Franklin County real estate market, highlighting the changing landscape for both buyers and sellers. For a visual representation of these trends, refer to the chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®, your trusted partner in St. Louis, MO real estate.

Interestingly, while the selling prices have risen, the median list price for homes in August 2026 was $240,000, marking a 17.24% decrease from the $290,000 median list price recorded in August 2025. This divergence between sold and list prices highlights a Continue Reading →]]> The St Louis County real estate market saw notable shifts in August 2026, with homes selling for a median price of $325,000. This represents a significant increase of 12.11% from the median sold price of $289,900 in August 2025. Additionally, the median sold price in August 2026 rose by 1.56% from July 2026, where it stood at $320,000.

Interestingly, while the selling prices have risen, the median list price for homes in August 2026 was $240,000, marking a 17.24% decrease from the $290,000 median list price recorded in August 2025. This divergence between sold and list prices highlights a competitive market environment.

Moreover, the number of home sales in St Louis County decreased, with 1,173 homes sold in August 2026, down 10.80% from the 1,315 homes sold in the same month last year.

For a detailed breakdown of these figures, refer to the chart below, available exclusively from MORE, REALTORS®. This data provides valuable insights into the current trends and dynamics of the St Louis County real estate market.

For the St. Louis real estate market, these rising rates could mean a slowdown in buyer activity, potentially impacting home Continue Reading →]]> In September 2026, St. Louis homebuyers are witnessing a notable rise in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate climbing to 7.24%, reflecting an increase of 0.02%. Similarly, the 15-year fixed rate has inched up to 6.84%. These elevated levels, now surpassing 7%, signal a challenging environment for potential homebuyers seeking financing options. The upward trend is consistent across various mortgage products, including the 30-year Jumbo Rate, which stands at 7.40%, and the Adjustable Rate (7/6 SOFR ARM) at 6.69%.

For the St. Louis real estate market, these rising rates could mean a slowdown in buyer activity, potentially impacting home prices and market dynamics. Sellers may need to adjust their expectations as buyers grapple with higher monthly payments. Conversely, these conditions might benefit cash buyers or those with fixed-rate mortgages secured before the rate hikes. Prospective buyers and sellers are encouraged to analyze historical rates, available through the chart button below, to better understand market trends and make informed decisions. The data, provided by MORE, REALTORS®, underscores the importance of staying informed in this fluctuating financial landscape.

*Rates shown are national averages from Mortgage News Daily’s Rate Index and are updated as of September 17, 2026. Individual rates may vary based on factors including loan amount, down payment, credit score, property type, occupancy status, and market conditions. Contact a licensed mortgage professional for personalized rate quotes.