Considering the changes to business caused by the Coronavirus, the multiple listing service (MLS) has decided to implement new status definitions ahead of schedule, effective 4/1/2020. 

Ironically known as the "Clear Cooperative Policy," this is now implemented to comply with National Association of REALTORS standards.  Home sellers now have the choices of marketing their home under Active, Coming Soon, Withheld, Hold, Withdrawn, or Cancelled statuses.  These listings must be available in the local multiple listing service (MLS) within five (5) business days of the seller signing a listing contract with a real estate broker.

Within one (1) business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants.  Public marketing includes, but is not limited to, flyers displayed in windows, yard signs, digital marketing on public facing websites, brokerage website displays (including IDX and VOW), digital communications marketing (email blasts), multi-brokerage listing sharing networks, and applications available to the general public.

Explore a new (or old) neighborhood...   Each area in St. Louis has its own history, architectural styles, community and story to tell.  From Soulard to The Hill to Whitmoor, there are 100s of distinct areas in the St. Louis area.  Check out these homes in some of the area's most popular neighborhoods. 

You can call the selling agent to setup an appointment to view a home, but not having your own representation could be tricky...

When you speak to an agent at an open house, call an agent for more information about a house, or ask an agent to show you a home, you might be opening a can of worms for yourself if you don't intend to buy a home through any of these agents. Don't make the mistake of leading an agent on, even unintentionally, because it can come back to bite you.

The real estate agent and brokerage who have a home listed for sale represent the seller and that person's best interests. The listing agent is contractually obligated to report to the seller all activity & material facts they learn about the local market and potential buyers. 

Many buyers wonder if the listing agent of a home they are interested in will show the home to them. The answer is "yes", as the listing agent is obligated to show his or her client’s home. A listing agent is hired by the seller to work 100% for the seller’s best interests.  

Additionally some buyers wonder if they can save some money by going directly to that seller's agent to buy the home. On the surface, the thought of cutting out the "middleman (a buyer's agent)" may sound like a way to save time and money. While it may save time, the buyer will NOT save money on that specific purchase transaction.  

Interviewing potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire is a good idea. It’s in your best interest to ask them some or all of the following questions to gauge their knowledge and fit with your needs. Take a look below, and let us know if there are any other questions you’ve found valuable when interviewing agents.

Coming Soon listings continue to become more common as the local housing inventory tightens.  It causes concern among buyers, sellers and real estate professionals.  It has prompted real estate commissions across the country to issue guidance on the topic. Here’s what you need to know to keep informed and to understand all sides of the equation.

Can you schedule a showing for a home in Pending status? Does the Under Contract status mean that there is a chance the current offer on a home may fall through? Will the seller consider a back up offer from you in the case that the current buyer is unable to sell their current home soon? These are all fantastic questions and each property status requires these questions to be addressed in different possible ways.

Though your search for homes may start online, it won’t end there. You can do a lot of research on your own. The National Association of Realtors reported that 68% of home buyers found the home they ended up buying on their phone last year, but once you find your perfect home, you will need the help of an expert when it comes to actually securing it.  A buyer’s agent can help you navigate through the home-buying process. When it comes to making an offer, your agent will negotiate on your behalf so you don’t pay a penny more than you have to.