Buy A Home in the St. Louis Area
Buying a house in the St. Louis area can feel overwhelming, especially when the real estate market moves fast. Whether you’re searching for single-family homes, newly built communities, or historic city homes, our team helps you with clear guidance on price, neighborhoods, and negotiation.
"We know every street, every builder, and every hidden gem in the St. Louis area. We'll help you find the right one."
-Gateway Realty Group
Full-Service Buyer Representation
We are your advocates from the first showing to closing day.
- 300+ families helped find their home in the St. Louis area
- Local expertise across St. Louis & St. Charles County
- Exclusive off-market listings you won't see on Zillow
- Builder partnerships to save money on new construction
Proven Track Record
With years of experience helping St. Louis buyers navigate interest rates, and neighborhood market trends, our team has mastered every detail of the home-buying process. From pre-approval and loan application to inspections and closing, we’re here for you.
How Buyer Representation Works
The listing agent represents the seller. Your buyer’s agent represents you, your goals, your budget, your loan application, and your peace of mind throughout the home-buying process.
Listing Representation (Seller)
The listing agent represents the seller’s interests, markets the home, and maximizes the seller’s outcome.
- Hired by the seller to market and sell the property
- Advises the seller on pricing, terms, and strategy
- Negotiates to maximize the sale price
- Fiduciary duty to the seller (not the buyer)
- Owes confidentiality to the seller (not the buyer)
This is why most buyers choose to have their own representation.
Buyer Representation (You)
We represent you, your goals, your money, and your peace of mind.
- Confidentiality, loyalty, and fiduciary duty to you
- Access to off-market, pre-MLS & private listings
- 24/7 email alerts with new homes that fit your needs.
- Strategic pricing, terms & repair-credit negotiation
- New construction concierge: lots, builders, upgrades, private inspections
- Preferred lenders, title, and insurance coordination (rate/credit options, interest-rate buydowns, loan application checklist)
- Closing-cost strategies (seller credits, lender/builder incentives)
- Clear updates, checklists & post-closing support: utilities, move-in, and home-care vendor referrals
Buyer's Agent Commission
In St. Louis, sellers have historically paid the buyer’s agent commissions and are continuing to do so. If we come across a property where the seller is not willing to, we will discuss options with you.
Bottom line: You get full representation and protection, without extra cost in most cases.
Buyer Representation FAQ
Can I use a buyer's agent on new construction?
Yes. Builders welcome buyer representation. In our market, most builders fully cover the buyer’s agent compensation. We help with lot selection, community and HOA review, upgrade strategy, inspections, timelines, tax estimates, and builder incentives like rate buydowns or closing credits.
Why not just call the listing agent?
The listing agent’s duty is to the seller. Their goal is to negotiate the best list price on the seller’s behalf. Having your own agent protects your interests in price, terms, inspections, and credits.
Can you represent me in new construction?
Absolutely. We have relationships with all major builders and can guide you through lot selection, upgrades, timelines, and builder negotiations. We’re here to negotiate the best deal on your behalf so you don’t blow your budget on upgrades.
Can you help me find off-market homes?
Yes. Through our network and pocket listings, we often know about homes before they hit MLS. We also watch coming soon inventory, builder lists, and homes that don’t always show up correctly due to the occasional Google Map data or map error. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll keep our eyes open.
Real Clients. Real Closings.
There’s nothing better than seeing our clients hold the keys to their new home. Here are just some of our happy buyers across the St. Louis Metro.
Tyler & Megan
Dan & Lindsay
Steve & Kali
Malcolm & Brian
Freddie & Christy
Alex & Andrew
Jeremy
Chelsea & Karsten
We Find Homes You Won't See on Zillow
Why compete with everyone over the same listings? We connect you with off-market, pre-MLS, and private homes through our local agent network, builder relationships, and past-client referrals.
20% of our clients purchase off-market listings we have access to.
Weldon Spring • Off-market find • Under budget • Seller paid closing credits
Wentzville • Pre-MLS listing • Won in first week • Low HOA fees
O'Fallon • Private listing • $10K in closing credits
Why Buyers Choose Gateway Realty Group
St. Louis real estate is our bread and butter. Everything we do is designed to protect your interests and make buying easy.
Local Market Expertise
Neighborhood expertise with all the nuance that Google misses.
Full-Service Team
Plus our network of lenders, inspectors, contractors, & miracle-workers.
Off-Market Access
We’ll show you homes before they hit Zillow, and before you have to compete.
Relentless Negotiation
We fight for the house of your dreams. Plain and simple.
Meet Our Team
Meet the people who make your home search smarter, faster, and stress-free. Our experienced agents bring local expertise and personalized service to every real estate transaction.
Madison Hayes
Real Estate Professional
Kellie Lasater
Real Estate Professional
Tracy Sanders
Real Estate Professional
Mindy Bushman
Real Estate Professional
Lana Prinster
Real Estate Professional
Kate Wilhelms
Director of Marketing & Operations
Jacob Peistrup
SEO and Media Specialist
Madison Hayes
Real Estate Professional
Kellie Lasater
Real Estate Professional
Tracy Sanders
Real Estate Professional
Mindy Bushman
Real Estate Professional
Lana Prinster
Real Estate Professional
Kate Wilhelms
Real Estate Professional
Jacob Peistrup
Real Estate Professional
Ways We Save You Money
You deserve to buy smart. We’ll help you uncover incentives, credits, and savings that make your money go further.
Lender Credits & Rate Buydowns
Lower your interest rate and reduce closing costs; compare lenders before loan application.
Builder Incentives
New construction credits, free upgrades, and design center savings; review HOA fees.
Seller Credits
Negotiate repairs, timing, appliances, and rate strategies; maximize concessions.
First-Time Programs
Where eligible: down-payment assistance and closing-cost help for first-time homebuyers.
We Represent You. Not the Seller.
“Our agent was incredible to work with! From always making showings work, creating multiple offers, and following up with our lender to help us get our dream house — she was attentive, hardworking, and made the process stress-free”
— Mackenzie L.
Consult & Strategy
Define budget, price range, preferred zip codes, and must-have living space (main level vs. lower level)
Pre-Approval
Loan application, credit score review, interest-rate options.
Tours & Shortlist
Open Houses, schedule private showings, and Virtual Tours; compare square feet and lot size in our client portal.
Offer & Terms
Competitive strategy, contingencies, and appraisal language.
Inspections
General building inspection, sewer lateral, radon, chimney; negotiate repair credits.
Loan Commitment
Clear-to-close checklist and title updates.
Closing Day
Final walk-through, utilities, keys.
Here's What We Handle
With years of experience helping St. Louis homeowners sell fast and for top dollar, our team has mastered every detail of the real estate transaction. Whether your home’s in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, or St. Louis City, we’ve got you covered.
Home Search & Discovery
- Custom home search with instant alerts for new listings
- Access to off-market, pre-MLS, and builder-exclusive homes
- Personalized neighborhood recommendations based on lifestyle and commute
- Relocation guidance for out-of-area buyers (schools, amenities, community feel)
Strategy & Negotiation
- Pricing strategy and local market insights to identify value
- Strategic offer writing and competitive negotiation
- Earnest money, contingencies, and contract protection guidance
- Inspection coordination and repair credit negotiation
Financing & Closing
- New construction representation, upgrade planning, and builder meetings
- Trusted lender, title, and insurance coordination
- Guidance on closing costs, escrow, and loan timelines
- Utility setup, moving checklist, and post-closing support
You get more than an agent — you get a team that manages every step of the buying process.
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Get to know St. Louis through our Living St. Louis YouTube channel. Watch our most popular videos about relocating to the St. Louis area.
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Read Our Neighborhood Guides
Discover the unique character of St. Louis area neighborhoods. From historic charm to modern amenities, find the perfect community for you.
St. Louis City
St. Louis County
Resources for St. Louis Home Buyers
Helpful guides to answer the most common questions buyers ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
It varies by loan type. FHA loans require as little as 3.5%, conventional loans typically 5-20%, and VA/USDA loans can be 0% down. We’ll connect you with lenders who can explain your options.
What are typical closing costs in the St. Louis area?
Typically 2-5% of the purchase price, which includes lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, and inspection. We often negotiate seller credits to help offset these costs.
How long does it take to buy a home?
Should I sell before I buy?
How competitive are offers right now?
Competition depends on the neighborhood. Hot areas like Tower Grove South, Richmond Heights, or Sunset Hills can see multiple offers, while other areas move more slowly. We’ll show you real-time data on days on market, price trends, and comparable real estate listings so you understand exactly what to expect.
Do I need an agent to buy new construction?
What inspections do you recommend?
How do you get offers accepted in multiple-offer situations?
“Gateway worked with us patiently for over a year while we looked for the perfect house. Their advice and guidance made such a difference. My agent wouldn’t let us give up when I got frustrated. She found our dream house before it even went on the market.”
— Sharon M.
