If you plan on selling your house in 2026, you shouldn’t have much trouble. Affordability is expected to improve as interest rates drop. Inventory, however, is limited, so sellers need to use every available tool to attract buyers and get top dollar. Home staging is one of those tools.
Homeowners who locked into near-3% interest rates during 2020–2021 are now hesitant to sell, because it means buying another property that could require a 6% rate or higher. This “mortgage lock-in effect” is causing many would-be sellers to stay put, which means a smaller housing supply in St. Louis — and fewer options for eager buyers.
Do homes sell in the winter? They sure do! In fact, last December in St. Louis, more than 1,200 homes sold within about a month, and almost all of them sold at or very near list price. Many sellers are reluctant to list in colder months, but if the price point and size of the house are right, buyers are willing to move any time of year.
Scrolling through Instagram and TikTok can certainly make homeowners nervous if they’re thinking about selling. It seems that every home on social media is straight out of a Magnolia magazine, with trending paint colors, perfect decor, and kitchen remodels that must have cost a fortune. Not everyone has the budget, time, or energy to make their home look like that in order to attract buyers.
Should I sell my home now or wait? It’s a question many St. Louis homeowners are asking, especially with mixed news about mortgage rates and the uncertain state of the economy. The truth is that for some homeowners, now is the perfect time to sell, while others may be better off waiting. An honest real estate agent will be able to walk you through the pros and cons, and keep your best interest at heart while helping you make a decision.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in St. Louis anytime soon, you’re in luck, as St. Louis was recently named one of the hottest housing markets of 2025 by Zillow. With homes selling in less than a month on average, it pays to have a solid strategy whether listing your home or making your next offer.