Jessica Gratzl

The St. Louis metro area is a great option for affordability, including both the Metro East on the Illinois side and suburban Missouri. Home prices on both sides of the river are well below the national average, and you still get a medium-sized metro with solid amenities, healthcare, culture, and short commute times. The Metro East (Illinois) often has lower home prices, which makes it appealing for buyers and remote workers. However, Illinois does have higher property taxes, so while purchase prices are lower, annual tax costs can be higher than in Missouri. On the Missouri side, property taxes are generally lower, and some buyers prefer that trade-off even if home prices are slightly higher. Overall, the St. Louis region offers strong value ; it really comes down to total cost of ownership and which side of the river fits your priorities.

Yes, you can make an offer on a home that's listed as pending, but it's usually as a backup offer. Pending means the seller has already accepted an offer and is working through inspections, financing, and other contingencies. You or your agent can contact the listing agent to see if backup offers are being accepted. If the current deal falls through, a backup offer can put you next in line, just know sellers rarely change course once they're under contract.

In Wisconsin, a swimming pool usually adds more lifestyle appeal than resale value. Because the season is shorter, some buyers love it, while others see it as extra maintenance and cost. A well designed pool with an outdoor kitchen can help a home stand out and attract the right buyer, but it typically doesn't return its full cost at resale. The best rule of thumb is to add a pool because you'll enjoy it, not just for investment value