St Louis Real Estate Search

Home Buying 101:  A Buyer's Agent

In buying a home, recent years have seen the positive evolution ofSchedule a buyer's consultation the real estate industry to include buyer's agency.  Simply put, this is a Realtor that works to promote the best interest of the buyer in a real estate transaction.  The concept seems pretty basic, sort of like how attorneys represent the plaintiff and the defendant in a trial.  While it seems simple, it has taken years for this concept to be employed.

Historically, all agents represented the seller.  The listing agent agreed to allow other agents in to show the property, but they were sub-agents of the seller.  By law, they still were obligated to report back to the seller any information that might help the seller to get a better price and terms in the sale.  Having an agent responsible to the buyer has only been in practice since the 1990's.

Generally speaking, the buyer's agents are still paid by the sellers through a 'split' of the listing agents commission.  

 

5 Jobs of a Good Buyer's Agent

1.  The Home Search 

Many home buyer's think that buyer's agency is all about opening doors and searching for homes.   A good buyer's agent does have two things that the general public does not have, and can really make the buyer's life much easier.  a.  a more specific and dynamic searchable database of homes, and b. lots of experience in home searching for various buyers.  In the home search, this experience and technical tools can make the process MUCH MORE SIMPLE & MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE!

2.  The Price Determination

Buyer's often 'set the value' of homes based on their comparison to all the 'active' listings that they see when shopping for a home.  This naturally occuring tendency shouldn't overshadow the fact that the more relevant comparison should be at what price area homes are actually SELLING for, not their listing price.

Probably the most useful thing a buyer's agent can do for the home buyer is provide an accurate market analysis for the subject property PRIOR TO MAKING AN OFFER.  

Q. What about an appraisal? 

The bank almost always hires an APPRAISER, but that part of the transaction usually isn't available until the loan is being underwritten after the contract is written.  

Q.  I see what things sell for on tax records and Zillow. Isn't that the same?

Information on tax records and other advertising websites can be helpful, but is never as complete and accurate.

3.  The Purchase Agreement

Once the buyer and buyer's agent have discussed pricing and have an idea of what they should pay, the offer is 'written'.  The Sales Contracts that are used mostly in St Louis have a nice advantage.  They are approved by the St Louis Association of Realtors and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St Louis;  both Realtors and Lawyers use the same forms.  The buyer's agent is allowed to complete the forms specifying the offering price, closing date and spelling out all the other terms such as Contingencies and other SPECIAL AGREEMENTS.  

4.  NEGOTIATIONS

A good buyer's agent is usually an experienced negotiator.  This is helpful, particularly in helping set the buyer's expectations.

Getting a great deal is important to everyone, but knowing what is common is useful so that buyer's don't expect more than can be delivered.  In the current BUYER'S MARKET, sometimes buyer's expect 20-30% off the asking price. What they usually don't realize is that the asking prices are already 20-30% less than what prices were in 2007.  

Besides helping buyer's understand what is realistic, the buyer's agent works as hard as possible to negotiate as aggressively as the buyer wishes.  A good buyer's agent realizes that regardless of their own opinions, they work at the direction of the buyer, as long as it is consitent with Missouri Law and the Realtor Code of Ethics.

5.  Execution

Once the offer has been negotiated and all sides come to an agreement, the property is said to be "UNDER CONTRACT".  It is now the top priority of each side to "PERFORM" their obligations as agreed by the written contract.  

Often times, where the 'rubber meets the road' with a good buyer's agent is how well they work with the buyers through the execution phase of the accepted sales contract.  

Educating  and assisting the buyer about the inpections available, how the lending process works, and how contingencies are resolved  can make or break the deal.  Some people think that negotiations are over as soon as the contract is accepted....THINK AGAIN.  

 

 

  

Latest St Louis Homes for Sale

$369,000
2 Beds 3 Baths 26059164 MLS COMING SOON Status Netherby Hall Condo BLDG.
Welcome to sophisticated urban living in the heart of the Central West End! This stunning third floor, two bedroom, 2.5 bath condo overlooks Lindell Boulevard and offers an exceptional blend of timeless elegance, modern updates, and effortless convenience. Beautiful wood flooring flows throughout the main living areas, complemented by custom crown molding, 5.25” baseboards, and recessed lighting. An abundance of natural light streams though the beautifully cased windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the open floor plan. The spacious Family Room features a gas fireplace with an elegant marble surround and custom mantle, while the generous Formal Dining area showcases a beautiful chandelier, crown molding, and recessed lighting. The Kitchen is perfectly designed for entertaining, featuring 42” maple cabinetry, granite countertops with coordinating backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar with seating – all seamlessly connected to the main living spaces. A private office with French glass doors provides the perfect work-from-home retreat and could easily serve as a third bedroom when needed. The luxurious Primary Suite offers custom motorized blinds, recessed lighting, a walk-in closet, and an updated En Suite bath with tile flooring, jetted tub, and stylish vanity. The spacious second bedroom features custom blinds, recessed lighting, and its own private bath, providing an ideal retreat for family or guests. Additional conveniences include in-unit laundry with washer/dryer included, secure double-entry access with coded entry, an inviting lobby and elevator service. The unit includes one parking space in the private garage. Condo fees are $611/mo and include water, sewer, trash, snow removal and common ground maintenance. Enjoy a truly walkable lifestyle just steps away from restaurants, bars, shopping, Whole Foods, and iconic Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. This exceptional residence offers the best of Central West End living!

4540 Lindell Blvd Unit 301, St Louis

$259,900
2 Beds 2 Baths 26059618 MLS ACTIVE Status Syndicate Bldg Condos BLDG.
Premier luxury living in downtown’s premier location, The Syndicate puts an extraordinary collection of restaurants, entertainment, culture and everyday conveniences virtually at your doorstep. From the building, you can stroll to Citygarden, Kiener Plaza, Ballpark Village and the Gateway Arch, while the grocery store is conveniently accessible by elevator without ever having to step outside. Add to that one of downtown’s most impressive packages of resident amenities including fitness, art galleries, workshop, club room, meeting room, rooftop deck and more, it is easy to understand why The Syndicate has long been regarded as one downtown's premier addresses. Inside, this thoughtfully designed two-bedroom residence offers something surprisingly difficult to find downtown: privacy, excellent lighting and a peaceful outdoor retreat. Located within the building rather than along its exterior, the home trades skyline views for a tranquil outlook over the beautifully landscaped courtyard below. A private balcony extends the living space outdoors and creates a quiet escape from the energy of downtown, while windows in both bedrooms along with the double glass doors to the balcony bring welcome natural light into the home. The floor plan is among the more desirable in The Syndicate, with a generously sized living room flowing into an open kitchen with center island and an adjoining area that works equally well for a dining table or comfortable home office. Both bedrooms are generously proportioned and feature large walk-in closets, while full-height walls and doors provide the kind of complete bedroom privacy that is increasingly rare in open-concept downtown living. The primary suite includes a well-appointed bath with a large soaking tub and separate glass-enclosed walk-in shower. A dedicated utility room adds even more functionality with side-by-side washer and dryer and room for additional storage. Completing the package are a private storage space and a desirable parking space in the heated garage with EV capability. It is a residence that combines the convenience and energy of downtown with the comfort, privacy and sense of retreat that make it feel like home. And there may be no better time to be part of downtown. A new era of investment and activity is taking shape, with the highly anticipated Wash Ave Food Hall expected to open this fall, adding another destination for dining and entertainment just blocks away. Downtown has also taken another important step forward with the establishment of the Downtown St. Louis Sports & Entertainment Community Improvement District, while new state legislation signed by Governor Mike Kehoe expands development incentives designed to encourage investment and redevelopment in downtown St. Louis. Together, these initiatives signal a renewed commitment to downtown’s future—and make The Syndicate an especially compelling place to call home as that momentum continues to build.

915 Olive St Unit 1112, St Louis

$3,400,000
4 Beds 5 Baths 26052654 MLS COMING SOON Status
The result of a masterfully executed, comprehensive transformation, this property functions as a virtually new, private modern estate in the heart of Frontenac within the Ladue School District. With architectural and design contributions from Space Architects, Palermo Group, and Pooltron, alongside custom execution by Artizan Builders, the property reflects an exceptional standard of craftsmanship, sophisticated entertaining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Positioned at a premium elevation within the neighborhood yet engineered for effortless single-level living, the estate offers 6,499 square feet of finished main-level interiors between the 4,690-square-foot primary residence and the 1,809-square-foot pool house. More than 5,500 square feet of finished outdoor living space—including the expansive open-air terraces and the custom gunite pool—extend directly beyond, establishing an extraordinary 12,000-square-foot continuous entertaining environment across a single main-level footprint—with the scale, privacy, and amenities of a private resort. Defined by an uncompromising level of investment, virtually every surface, system, and architectural detail has been executed to an extraordinary standard. An extensive collection of custom appointments, curated materials, and highly considered design elements underscores the remarkable depth of this investment. Far beyond a conventional renovation, this is a comprehensive reinvention of the property—an exceptionally rare, move-in-ready modern compound offering a caliber of design, construction, and resort-level living seldom available in Frontenac’s premier corridor.

522 Tregaron Pl, Frontenac

$989,900
3 Beds 4 Baths 26059513 MLS COMING SOON Status
Welcome HOME to 615 W Jewel Avenue. This Stunning Kirkwood Custom home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an incredible open layout designed for effortless daily living and spectacular entertaining. Sink into the Great Room; beamed ceilings, stone fireplace, so much natural light…the HEART of this home. Step into the Gourmet Kitchen; SO much detail was put into this space! Built-in Wolf cooktop & range, kettle faucet, sub-zero refrigerator, wine fridge & ice maker, custom cabinets, counter space galore, & center island with additional seating. A second fireplace accompanies the kitchen dining area along with walk-in pantry & mud room. Slip out the double french doors from the kitchen to your screened porch or enjoy dining al fresco on the stone patio and cool evenings around the built in stone fire pit. The Main Floor Master Suite is an absolute retreat; custom wardrobe built-ins, double vanity, walk-in steam shower, expansive walk-in his/her closet with direct access to the laundry room. The second level boasts 2 generous sized bedrooms, walk-in closets and full bath. An unfinished Bonus room also awaits upstairs, perfect for a 4th bedroom, private office or media room. The expansive unfinished basement is a blank canvas for your personal touch; full egress windows & plumbing rough-ins make this space perfect for an additional bedroom or bright living area. Attached 2-car garage, large front porch with ample seating, beautiful landscaped yard and in the Heart of ALL things Kirkwood! 615 W Jewel is TRULY a Gem. First Available Friday, September 18 @9am.

615 W Jewel Ave, Kirkwood

$2,400,000
5 Beds 5 Baths 26055481 MLS COMING SOON Status
Set on a private, beautifully landscaped lot along mature, tree-lined Broadview in coveted Claverach Park, this exceptional full-brick residence embodies the enduring appeal of a home built with permanence in mind. A clay tile roof, classic center-hall floor plan, gracious proportions and light-filled gathering spaces create a timeless backdrop for elevated, move-in-ready living. A marble-tiled entry welcomes you inside, where high ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors establish an immediate sense of refinement. At the center of the home, the open cook’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, a walk-in pantry and a fabulous bar with a full-size wine refrigerator. From here, the home unfolds naturally into extraordinary spaces designed for both intimate evenings and effortless entertaining. Upstairs, the expansive primary wing offers a private retreat, complete with a spa-like bath featuring a walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub, two walk-in closets and a private gym. Four additional bedrooms, two beautifully updated full baths and a full laundry room complete the second floor. The finished lower level extends the home’s living and entertaining space with another exceptional gathering area and a full bath. An expansive, upgraded three-car garage provides three full-size bays along with abundant additional storage. The outdoor spaces are equally compelling. Manicured landscaping, mature gardens and picturesque walkways surround the residence, while a covered walkout terrace leads to a beautiful patio with a built-in brick fireplace, ideally shaded by a magnificent magnolia tree. There is ample room for a future pool, and the expansive driveway serves as the neighborhood basketball court. Beyond the property, Claverach Park offers a lifestyle defined by connection and convenience: children riding bikes, welcoming neighborhood gatherings, sidewalks, nearby parks and restaurants, and award-winning Clayton Schools. Updated, move-in ready and beautifully presented, this is more than a home—it is a rare opportunity to experience the Claverach Park lifestyle at its very best!

44 Broadview Dr, St Louis

$240,000
2 Beds 2 Baths 26056403 MLS ACTIVE Status
OPEN Thurs. 9/17 4-6 p.m for a sneak peek open house before showings begin on Friday! Warning: this house may cause an unreasonable amount of movie nights, backyard lounging, and "I could totally live here" conversations. :) This modern, open concept 2 bedroom/1.5 bath ranch in Affton has the good stuff where it counts! The flow on the main level is excellent for entertaining as the living room transitions seamlessly into the breakfast room, kitchen and sunken dining room, complete with it's own wet bar and wine fridge! No choppy walls here making the area where you will spend most of your time feel very spacious. Refinished hardwoods and modern hardware give the space a clean crisp feel. The bright, happy kitchen is a standout with marble countertops, stainless appliances, pantry and a view above that sink that everyone wants: your backyard. Round the floor out with two bedrooms and an updated full bathroom. And then there's the basement...Partially finished and featuring a big cinema room with its own bar, it's basically begging for popcorn, sports, binge-watching and questionable karaoke decisions. This finished space adds almost 800 sq. ft. making the total finished space just about 2000 sq. ft! You'll also find laundry and plenty of storage. An attached one-car garage makes coming and going easy, while the big, level backyard is ready to let the doggos burn off some energy! Modern while still warm is what everybody is looking for! HVAC systems are 8 years old and the roof is three years young! All of this is minutes away from Tower Tee Golf and a short bike ride to the River Des Peres Greenway to meet your recreational needs. Come and make this one home before it gets away!

8440 New Hampshire Ave, Affton

$350,000
3 Beds 2 Baths 26023135 MLS COMING SOON Status
Stunning ranch-style home sitting on a 0.31 acre lot located in the sought after subdivision of Heege View in the Affton school district! This home boasts 1,800 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. The front door opens to the entry foyer with tile floors, a cedar coat closet, and opens to the living room. The living room features a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, and opens to the formal dining room with hardwood floors and a built-in China cabinet. The updated kitchen boasts granite countertops, a tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, tile floors, and opens to the spacious family room. The family room features a newer Heat & Glo fireplace, built-in bookshelves, bay window, vaulted ceiling, canned lights, wainscoting, barn door to a closet, and dining area. Three bedrooms, a stylish powder room, and full hall bathroom with a jetted tub/shower and linen closet complete the main level. The lower level features ample storage space. Other highlights include: 2 car attached garage, paver walkway to the front door, marble window sills throughout, newer toilets throughout, ceiling fans in all bedrooms, newer gutter guards, new HVAC (2023), new roof (2025), upgraded thermostat, heat pump, and newer windows. Relax outside on the new aggregate, covered porch (2022), and enjoy the incredible backyard! The backyard boasts professional landscaping, a custom stone wall, and a concrete grilling area. Location could not be better – close to major highways, restaurants, shops, schools, and walking distance to Tower Tee Golf & Recreation!

8015 New Haven Ave, Affton

$995,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 26047122 MLS COMING SOON Status
Welcome to 1517 Indian Hill Lane, located just south of Manchester off Dietrich Road. This extraordinary home will WoW you with over 4,566 sf of well-maintained, enormous living space. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home is perfect for your plans to create and build your own perfect pool with its ½ acre level private yard, enclosed with black aluminum fencing. Stepping through the front door into the 21 x 7 soaring foyer, you're impressed by the size and space of this livable home, painted and carpeted in neutral linen colors (August 2026), it is completely ready for its next homeowners. The entire house has been trimmed in crown molding with deep baseboards giving you the feeling that every detail has been addressed, and it has! Amazing closets, pantries, and utility space are all professionally organized and offer room for everyone and everything. The first floor has a formal Dining Room, Front Office/Living Room, bonus bar area, Family Room with a beautiful brick gas fireplace, large Breakfast Room overlooking the composite deck and inviting Kitchen with center island and gorgeous built-in cabinetry. You can store everything away in the 10 x 5 pantry, serve meals and drinks from the Butler’s Pantry bar with commercial-grade ice maker, water dispenser, and cabinet storage. The main floor 11 x 7 Laundry Room has Laundry Chute access, organized cubbies for school and sports and is right next to the rear entry/mudroom area from the 3-car garage. An additional 15 x 12 Office allows two work-from-home lifestyles and is perfectly tucked away near the kitchen from the home’s activities. The upstairs is truly unbelievable with its jumbo 18 x 15 loft, the 29 x 20 Primary Suite with its two sets of enormous walk-in closets (11 x 5 and 15 x 6) and private Bath with separate vanities, jet tub, and shower. The other three upstairs bedrooms are all 15 x 12 and each has its own large organized walk-in closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a bath, and Bedroom 4 shares a large tub/shower bath with the upstairs guests. The unfinished LL is a 9 ft pour with two separate walk-out entrances, 2 HVACs, and a back-up generator with dedicated 240-volt line. The residence is conveniently fitted with a BEAM central vac and Rain Bird irrigation system for easy care of the home inside and out. Sports enthusiasts will love their regulation-sized basketball goal with court just steps away from the home and the walking trails to Love Park. Recent improvements: 2 TRANE HVACs with Humidifiers (2025); All Windows and exterior entry Doors (2020); ROOF (2016) with commercial-grade 30-yr shingles for strong hail protection; COMPOSITE DECK (2008). With PARKWAY SCHOOLS and so much more, this is the home you have been searching for in this 2026 market! Make your appointment today for 1517 Indian Hill Lane.

1517 Indian Hill Ln, Ballwin

$499,900
4 Beds 3 Baths 26059361 MLS COMING SOON Status
If Kirkwood is the destination, this is the opportunity! Looking for a way into Kirkwood without stretching into the $700K+ price range? This home puts you in the heart of one of St. Louis' most sought-after communities, with the schools, neighborhood feel and everyday convenience that make Kirkwood such a standout. It's an ideal fit for downsizers, empty nesters, or anyone who has been holding out for a true ranch in Kirkwood. Inside, you'll find a spacious layout with plenty of room to live, gather and make the home your own. This home was taken down to the studs and fully renovated, blending modern comfort with its mid-century modern roots. The updated kitchen features sleek quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, offering both style and everyday function for anyone who loves to cook or entertain. The bathrooms carry that same renovated feel, with specifically curated tile that elevates the space while staying true to the home's MCM character. Downstairs, the walkout basement adds valuable flexibility with an additional bedroom and full bath — perfect for guests, multigenerational living, a home office, or extra recreation space, all with the convenience of walkout access. And then there's the location. Enjoy everything that makes Kirkwood special—from local restaurants and shopping to parks, community events and highly sought-after schools. With convenient access to major highways, getting across St. Louis is easy while still coming home to the established neighborhood feel buyers love about Kirkwood. If you've been on the fence or waiting for the right time in Kirkwood UNDER $500K, THIS IS IT!

2431 Trossock Ln, Kirkwood

$349,900
3 Beds 3 Baths 26059312 MLS COMING SOON Status
Step into a home that's been thoughtfully reimagined from top to bottom. Fresh paint and new flooring flow throughout, giving every room a crisp, cohesive feel and making the whole space feel brand new while holding onto its early-1900s character. The main level is made for gathering — a welcoming living room leads into a stunning kitchen where solid surface counters, stainless steel appliances, and a large island create a natural hub for cooking and conversation. Just beyond, a separate dining area invites everyday meals or entertaining to spill over comfortably. A half bath and laundry round out the first floor, keeping daily life simple and convenient. Head upstairs and you'll find three bedrooms tucked away from the activity below, including a private primary retreat with its own ensuite bath. A second full bathroom, also freshly renovated, serves the remaining bedrooms with plenty of room for family or guests. Outside, a fenced backyard offers a private space to relax, while a two-car parking pad adds welcome everyday convenience. That same sense of ease extends beyond the front door. Set in St. Louis's Tiffany neighborhood, the home sits on a walkable, tree-lined street. Classic brick architecture gives the area its character, and nearby Tiffany Park offers a shady, community-focused green space. While being conveniently located near Cardinal Glennon and SLU Hospitals, you're also minutes away from a nice mix of local shops and restaurants. A rare combination of full modern updates and a truly central location — this one won't last long!

3818 Blaine Ave, St Louis

Start Your Search