This guide walks you through buying a home in the St. Louis area, from pre-approval to closing day. It is written by Tracey De Simon, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has represented buyers in the St. Louis area since 2006.
Start with your budget, not the listings. Talk to a lender early and get pre-approved so you know what you can borrow and what your monthly payment would look like. Factor in a down payment and closing costs alongside the purchase price. A pre-approval also tells sellers you are a serious buyer when you make an offer.
Make a list of must-haves before you start touring: location, commute, schools, home style, and the features you cannot live without. In the Affton area near 9607 Reavis Rd, for example, the Affton 101 School District serves the area, downtown St. Louis is 15 to 20 minutes away, and the neighborhood is car-dependent with a Walk Score around 17. Knowing your priorities keeps every tour focused.
A good buyer's agent handles the search, the negotiations, and the paperwork, and they help you avoid costly mistakes. Tracey De Simon has represented buyers and sellers in the St. Louis area since 2006 and holds active brokerage credentials in North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, and Florida. She works closely with out-of-state transplants, veterans, and first-time buyers.
Look past the paint and flooring. On every tour, check the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. In a finished basement, ask about waterproofing, ceiling height, and egress windows. On a rehabbed home, ask what was updated, what warranties exist, and whether permits were pulled for major work. A professional home inspection is still essential even on a brand-new renovation.
Your agent will help you price your offer based on comparable sales, the home's condition, and the market. Expect to consider earnest money, a target closing date, and contingencies such as financing and inspection. Every offer is different, so lean on your agent's experience with the local market.
After an accepted offer, schedule a licensed home inspection and review the report carefully. Ask the seller for documentation on any recent work, including contractor records, permits, and appliance warranties. If issues come up, your agent negotiates repairs or credits on your behalf.
The final stretch includes the appraisal, the final walkthrough, and the closing itself, where the title transfers and you receive the keys. Your lender and closing agent will walk you through the paperwork. Then it is time to celebrate: the home is yours.
9607 Reavis Rd in Affton is the property featured on this site: 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, about 2,440 square feet, and a fully finished walkout lower level. Priced at $289,900, it is a complete rehab with all new kitchen appliances, granite counters, new cabinets, and a large privacy-fenced backyard.
Finished walkouts are a sought-after feature in St. Louis because they turn the lower level into genuine living space. At 9607 Reavis Rd, that means a fourth bedroom, a full bath, a recreation room, laundry, and a wet bar, about 1,320 square feet of bonus space.
Ask what system was installed, and look for stains, efflorescence, or musty smells.
Finished living spaces need about 7 feet of ceiling height to feel like real rooms.
A lower-level bedroom must have an emergency egress window or door.
Moisture-resistant flooring like LVP and recessed lighting are the gold standard down there.
Buying your first home does not have to be intimidating. Tracey started her career in St. Louis in 2006, and part of what she loves most is guiding first-time buyers, veterans, and relocating families through the process. Bring your questions to a free consultation, and she will walk you through the steps that matter for your situation, including how to weigh a move-in-ready rehab against a fixer-upper.
A fully renovated home can save you time and stress, since the work is already done. Even so, always confirm the details: what was replaced, what is under warranty, and what an independent inspection turns up.
Tracey is taking new buyers in the St. Louis and Charlotte markets. Let us find the right fit together.