Nicci Fears, Realtor at Real Broker LLC

Nicci Fears, Realtor at Real Broker LLC St. Louis REALTOR® & Designated Broker specializing in relocation and referral partnerships. 20+ years of experience serving St. Louis, St. Clear strategy.

Charles, Lincoln & Warren Counties. Calm guidance. Strong negotiation. Nicci Fears, Broker-Salesperson, Licensed Since 2005

09/01/2026

Sellers Outnumber Buyers Right Now

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?Tapping it can feel like an easy call, espec...
08/31/2026

Have you seen the headlines about using your 401(k) to cover a down payment?

Tapping it can feel like an easy call, especially if you’ve got a good chunk saved up. But pulling from retirement early can trigger penalties and set back the savings you'll want later on.

But you don’t necessarily have to raid your retirement to buy a home. You’ve got other options, like FHA loans, which let qualified buyers put down as little as 3.5%. And down payment assistance programs can help, too.

So, before you touch your 401(k), talk with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you find the option that fits your goals and your budget.

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when...
08/28/2026

Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?

For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.

Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.

A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What works for your budget today probably won’t look all that different in a few months.

You don’t have to wait for things to calm down. The housing market’s already pretty steady. Send me a DM or drop a comment below, and let's compare the market you walked away from to the one that's here now.

Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.More than 40% of sellers are dropping their asking price...
08/27/2026

Think every home on the market is out of reach? Not necessarily.

More than 40% of sellers are dropping their asking price right now. And the median list price this July was the lowest for any July in 5 years.

That means sellers aren’t banking on bidding wars or expecting buyers to pay whatever they ask. They’re more willing to meet you where you’re at.

And that could work in your favor. Want to find out how much wiggle room you have on price in our market? DM me.

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.Most home sales s...
08/24/2026

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.

Most home sales still make it to the finish. And when one doesn't, the top reason is almost always inspection or repair issues. They play a part in more than 70% of deals that fall through.

But, luckily for you, inspection/repair issues are what you have the most power to prevent ahead of time. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and handle problems before a buyer's inspector ever does.

Ready to list? Let's talk about whether getting a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house in our market.

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbo...
08/21/2026

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth?

Not what some online estimate says. Not what your neighbor's place sold for. What your house is actually worth today.

If you're like most people, it's been years. And that number is worth a second look, especially now because it also tells you how much equity you have.

Data shows homeowners have an average of about $311k of equity today. That’s six figures. Once you sell, you can use that to put more money down or even buy your next house in cash.

So, today’s rates and prices may not be holding you back as much as you think.

If you're even thinking about what's next, let's talk. I’d be happy to do a free equity assessment and show you exactly what you're working with.

The number might just change what you thought was possible.

-UpHomebuyer

The latest home price data just made one thing clear. More markets are seeing prices rise. And fewer are seeing them fal...
08/20/2026

The latest home price data just made one thing clear.

More markets are seeing prices rise. And fewer are seeing them fall.

Just one quarter ago, home prices were rising in 71% of markets. Today, it's 80%. That’s a pretty big shift in just 3 months.

Now, that doesn't mean prices are climbing everywhere. But it does mean there’s no widespread crash happening. If anything, prices may have turned a corner.

Thinking about making a move? Send me a DM, and let's look at what's happening in our market before you decide what to do.

And don’t buy into every headline you see about prices falling. The data clearly tells a different story.

One of the biggest stories in the housing market these past few years has been how much the supply of homes for sale has...
08/19/2026

One of the biggest stories in the housing market these past few years has been how much the supply of homes for sale has grown. It’s the #1 bright spot for buyers in this market.

But you may have heard that growth has been slowing down.

It’s true it went from +31% a year ago to just +2% now. But that’s no reason to worry about your move.

Because nationally, inventory has been up year-over-year for 33 straight months. And the latest data shows the slowdown may have already hit its floor.

Plus, since rates aren't expected to come down much anytime soon, inventory growth may be about to pick back up.

The bottom line? Inventory is still better than it was last year – and that gives you options. And even more choices may be coming soon.

Wondering what this means for your plans? Send me a DM and let's talk through what’s available right here, right now.

08/18/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 80% of Markets

Still waiting for home prices to come down? That's becoming less likely. Home prices are now rising in 80% of housing markets. That’s up from 71% last quarter. In other words, more markets are seeing prices go up — not down. Before you put your plans on hold, let's look at what's happening in our market. Waiting may not save you as much as you think.

Own a house with room for multiple generations, with features like an in-law suite or a finished basement with a separat...
08/17/2026

Own a house with room for multiple generations, with features like an in-law suite or a finished basement with a separate entrance? Buyers are looking for that right now.
These houses tend to get 13.5% more online views than standard homes. They also command a higher list price per square foot – 22% higher, thanks to the extra square footage and special features.
Thinking about moving and want to know what buyers would pay for your house? Reach out and let’s chat about it.

Address

5208 Highway N, Suite 201
Cottleville, MO
63304

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+16362977553

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