The word mortgage literally comes from Old French mort gage — meaning “dead pledge.” The pledge “dies” only when the debt is repaid or the property is taken. Fast forward to today, and the new...
Home insurance premiums have been under upward pressure nationwide, and St. Louis homeowners aren’t immune. Homeowners’ insurance costs have increased about 33% nationwide since 2020. Meanwhile, Missouri saw roughly a 12% rise in premiums between...
As the days shorten and temperatures cool, many gardeners hang up their gloves for the season. But in St. Louis (Zone 6), autumn is actually the ideal time to plant shrubs—especially natives. The soil is...
What’s Being Debated and Who It Helps—or Hurts Earlier this year we reported on the significant property tax increases residents across the St. Louis region were seeing. Rising property tax bills have become a lightning...
Probate can be a confusing issue for home sellers and home buyers. Missouri probate is the legal process that determines what happens to someone’s home and property after they pass away. If there is no...
National Diaper Need Awareness Week shines a spotlight on a crisis many families face but few talk about—the struggle to afford enough clean, dry diapers for their babies. Here in St. Louis, the need is...
We’re excited to share some good news: The Dawn Griffin Real Estate Group was voted Best Real Estate Agent in St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Awards for the second year in a row! It’s an incredible...
Missouri’s Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend starts Friday, August 1st at 12:01am and ends midnight on Sunday, August 3rd. It’s a perfect time to stock up on supplies and rethink how your home supports the busy school...
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect home to hit the market, this might be your weekend. We’re hosting two open houses—each offering its own unique charm—and we’d love to see you there. Sunday,...
Imagine a home where grandparents help with school drop-off, kids share Sunday dinners with their cousins, and mortgage payments are a little easier to manage because three generations are sharing the load. What once felt...
The sweeping budget bill recently passed includes several real estate-related provisions. The bill preserves key tax incentives and adds short-term relief for certain taxpayers. But depending on your financial profile, the impact could look very...
And How Does St. Louis Stack Up? If you’re shopping for a home in the St. Louis area with a budget of $575,000, you’re in a pretty sweet spot. Depending on the neighborhood, that could...