Blogs

Spring is a season of renewal, and your home deserves the same fresh start as the world blooming outside. After months of winter weather, indoor living, and temperature swings, spring is the ideal time for homeowners to reset, inspect, and protect one of their most valuable investments. Staying on top of seasonal home maintenance doesn’t just improve comfort and appearance. It helps prevent expensive repairs, protects long-term property value, and keeps your home functioning efficiently. Whether you plan to stay put or are thinking about a future move, tackling a few key maintenance areas each spring can make a meaningful difference. Below are the most ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Sarah Scronce, a St. Charles REALTOR ® member whose leadership reflects resilience, service, and a deep commitment to strengthening both her profession and her community. Sarah is a full-time REALTOR ® serving Lincoln County and surrounding communities with nearly a ...
Missouri REALTORS ®, As your 2026 Missouri REALTORS ® President, I am honored to share highlights from our recent Winter Business Conference, held January 27 - 29 in my hometown of Springfield. Nearly 400 REALTORS ® , affiliates, and industry partners from across Missouri came together to connect, engage, and set a strong foundation for the year ahead. The three-day conference began Tuesday with registration, exhibits, and committee and governance meetings, followed by our Opening General Session, where members received an energizing welcome [ watch the Opening General Session ]. That evening, we gathered for the President’s Welcome Reception and Vision ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Sonya Sewald, a Franklin County Board of REALTORS ® (FCBR) leader with a record of service in advocacy, professional standards, and local government. Sonya began her real estate career with a small brokerage in Sullivan, MO, and later opened her own office in Bourbon, ...
For more than nine decades, Missouri REALTORS ® has stood at the center of one of life’s most meaningful milestones - achieving the dream of homeownership. Since its founding in 1936, the association has grown into the state’s largest trade organization, empowering over 25,000 members to serve Missouri homebuyers, sellers, and communities with integrity, advocacy, and professionalism. As we celebrate this remarkable 90‑year anniversary, we reflect on the landmark achievements, legislative leadership, and community‑building efforts that have shaped Missouri’s real estate landscape. A Foundation Built on Growth The story of Missouri REALTORS ® begins in ...
As we move into 2026, the real estate world continues to evolve in ways that impact how homes are bought, sold, and lived in. These focus on lifestyle shifts and innovations shaping what buyers want and how REALTORS ® can help them find it. Here are four trends worth watching this year. Smart Homes Become the Standard Smart technology is becoming the expectation . From voice-controlled lighting to app-based security systems, buyers increasingly look for homes that make life easier and more connected. Features like smart thermostats, automated blinds, and integrated home hubs are high on the wish list. For sellers, highlighting these upgrades can make ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Sophia Marr, a trusted Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS ® member whose career reflects a powerful blend of excellence, service, and leadership. A graduate of Missouri REALTORS ® Leadership Academy class of 2025, Sophia Marr has consistently stepped up to serve the ...
The holidays are here - a season of joy, togetherness, and, for many new homeowners, the thrill (and challenge!) of hosting in your own space for the first time. Whether you’ve just closed on your dream home or are settling into a cozy starter, hosting can feel overwhelming. But with a little planning and creativity, you can create a warm, welcoming environment that makes guests feel right at home - and helps you enjoy the celebration too. Here are four practical tips to make your holiday hosting stress-free and memorable. Start with a Space Check Before sending out invitations, take a walk through your home with a host’s eye. Is your entryway clear and ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Janine Hollingsworth, Designated Broker at RE/MAX Jefferson City, whose career reflects decades of dedication to excellence, service, and leadership. Janine’s journey in real estate began as Administrative Manager for RE/MAX Jefferson City, a role she held for 25 years ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Brandon Glascock, Broker at South County Realty in Ashland, Missouri, and a passionate leader whose service spans local, state, and community organizations. Brandon’s leadership journey is rooted in his deep commitment to REALTOR ® service. He currently serves as the ...
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fall invites us to reflect on what truly matters - family, comfort, and the place we call home. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner looking to upgrade, or simply exploring your options, this season offers a unique opportunity to find a space that fits your lifestyle and values. With gratitude in mind, let’s explore how to navigate the home search thoughtfully and effectively. Define What “Perfect” Means to You Before diving into listings, take time to reflect on what “perfect” means for your household. Start by listing your non-negotiables - things like budget, location, and number of bedrooms. ...
Dear Missouri REALTORS ® , As your 2025 President, I'm excited to share highlights from our recent Fall Business Conference, held September 23-25 in St. Louis. The event brought together nearly 450 REALTORS ® from across Missouri as we gathered to advance our profession during this pivotal season. This year's conference offered a dynamic blend of governance meetings, educational sessions, and networking opportunities designed to propel us forward into the final quarter of 2025. A major highlight was our GRI Module V courses, featuring specialized training in New Construction, Investors & Investment Properties, and Real Estate in a Digital ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Dean Eshelman, Past President of the REALTOR ® Land Institute – Missouri Chapter and a long-standing leader in Missouri’s real estate community. Dean Eshelman began his real estate career in 1999 and has built a distinguished record in both residential and commercial ...
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, fall presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to prepare their properties for the colder months ahead. For Missouri residents, where seasonal shifts can be dramatic, a few proactive steps can make a home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and resilient. 1. Seal the Gaps: Keep Warm Air In and Cold Air Out Drafts around windows, doors, and utility cutouts can lead to significant heat loss, making your home less comfortable and more expensive to heat. According to the Department of Energy , sealing air leaks can reduce energy bills by up to 10% annually. Homeowners can walk through ...
Missouri REALTORS ® , We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Leadership for Missouri REALTORS ® , including our committee leaders and Output Group Chairs and Vice Chairs. This outstanding group is dedicated to advancing the role of REALTORS ® in real estate transactions and protecting property rights across Missouri. Their work ensures our Association remains the trusted source for essential business resources while championing the American Dream of Homeownership. Congratulations to all members who have been selected to serve in a leadership role next year and thank you for your dedication to our industry. View the full list of 2026 Leadership and ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series celebrates these dedicated members and highlights their contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, we shine the spotlight on Ronette Edgar, President of Lake of the Ozarks Board of REALTORS ® and a dedicated leader in the real estate community in Central Missouri. Ronette has been a dedicated REALTOR ® since 2012, with experience in banking, mortgage lending, and title company operations. ...
Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting your real estate career, prioritizing safety during property showings protects both you and your clients while building the trust and professionalism that defines successful REALTORS ® . Safety isn't just a personal responsibility - it's a professional standard that demonstrates your commitment to excellence and care for your clients. Here are four essential strategies to enhance your safety practices and create secure showing environments. Establish Trust Through Proper Client Vetting Smart safety practices begin long before you meet a client at a property. Taking time to properly vet and establish rapport ...
Whether you're a first-time homeowner or have owned property for years, staying informed about real estate fundamentals can help you make better decisions about your most valuable investment. Knowledge empowers confidence, and confident homeowners are better equipped to navigate market changes, property decisions, and future opportunities. Here are four essential steps to build your real estate knowledge and become a more informed homeowner. Understand Your Home's Value Drivers Your property's worth extends far beyond square footage and location. Smart homeowners learn to recognize the various factors that influence their home's market value. Key value ...
We've all been there - you're scrolling through your phone, maybe procrastinating on something important, when curiosity strikes. "I wonder what my house is worth?" A few taps later, you're staring at that familiar estimated value number, feeling either thrilled or slightly deflated depending on what pops up. But here's the thing: that number on your screen is a bit like getting your health diagnosis from a symptom-checker app. It might be in the ballpark, or it might be wildly off base. And just like you wouldn't make major medical decisions based on Dr. Google, you shouldn't make significant financial decisions based solely on automated home valuations. ...