County Cottage Realty

10/20/2026

Ask me anything! 🍂

I've been helping St. Louis and Jefferson County families buy and sell homes for 39 years, and I still love answering questions.

Wondering what your home might sell for? Curious whether now is a good time to buy? Not sure where to start?

Drop your question in the comments, or send me a message. No question is too small.

County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖
Call or text me today 😊 📱 314-707-0958

10/19/2026

Thinking about moving up to a bigger home in St. Louis County? Here's what the numbers say. 📊

Homes priced from $300K to $799K have only about 1.3 to 1.4 months of inventory right now. A balanced market is about 6 months. That means the move-up price ranges are the tightest in the county.

Good news if you're selling your current home: buyers are competing. If you're buying your next one, a solid plan and strong offer strategy matter more than ever.

I break it all down in my latest blog: countycottagerealty.com/moving-up-in-st-louis-county-what-the-numbers-say/

County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖
Call or text me today 😊 📱 314-707-0958

Source: MARIS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

10/19/2026

Just Sold!

3 bd · 3 ba · 1,624 sqft · $399,000

10/18/2026

That beautiful old brick building could be a great investment, or a money pit. 🔍 Here's how to tell the difference before you buy.
🏠 What to check outside: roof, brick, gutters and porches
🔦 Why the basement tells you more than any other room
⚡ Systems to look at: electrical panels, meters and the sewer line
📋 The paperwork to ask for before you make an offer
Read my full walk-through 👇
https://countycottagerealty.com/what-to-look-for-when-touring-an-older-investment-property-in-st-louis/
County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖
Call or text me today: 📱 314-707-0958 😊

10/17/2026

⭐ Saturday Success Story ⭐

House hunting can take time, and Bernadette's search lasted months. Through it all, I answered every question and shared what I've learned from my years in real estate.

In their words: "Patty was the best! She helped us through months of searching for a house and answered all our questions..." Bernadette

Thank you, Bernadette, for your patience and trust. I'm so happy you found your home!

Thinking about buying or selling? Let's talk: https://countycottagerealty.com/contact/

10/17/2026

Long-term tenant or Airbnb guests? 🔑 It's one of the biggest decisions a St. Louis investor makes.
📅 Long-term: steady rent, less day-to-day work
⚾ Short-term: higher potential near Cardinals games, Forest Park and events
🏥 The middle option: furnished stays for traveling nurses and relocating workers
📋 Check the local rules first. They vary from town to town!
I compare all three in my latest blog 👇
https://countycottagerealty.com/long-term-rental-or-airbnb-what-st-louis-investors-should-know/
County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖
Call or text me today: 📱 314-707-0958 😊

10/17/2026

Thinking about your first investment property? 🏘️ A St. Louis two-family might be the smartest place to start.
🏠 Live in one unit and let the rent help pay the mortgage
💰 Some loans allow a smaller down payment when you live on site
🔍 What to check in an older brick building before you buy
I break down what to look for in my latest blog 👇
https://countycottagerealty.com/is-a-duplex-or-4-family-a-smart-first-investment-in-st-louis/
County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖
Call or text me today: 📱 314-707-0958 😊

10/17/2026

Not every Saint Louis County market update tells the same story, so how do you know when it’s truly the right moment to list? 🤔

Mixed signals have become the new normal here. Some neighborhoods look more negotiable, with more choices for buyers and longer timelines, while others show sellers still holding strong with confident pricing and solid offers. What this means for you: it’s more important than ever to look beyond headlines and base your listing plan on recent sales and specific neighborhood dynamics instead of relying on countywide trends.

For the best results, focus on clear, accurate pricing, showcase your home’s strongest features, and address concerns around condition, especially when it comes to major systems like the roof or HVAC. And if showings or feedback lag, don’t wait to adjust your approach; flexibility is key in a shifting market.

Have you noticed different trends from one part of Saint Louis County to another? Tell me about your experience or what you’re hearing in your area! 🏡✨

County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story
Call or text Patty today: 314-707-0958

10/16/2026

Looking for something fun to do close to home this weekend? Here are three local picks 🎃

🧙 Witches Night in the Ridge (High Ridge, Sat 4 to 8:30 pm): trick-or-treating for kids and 36 vendors, benefiting BackStoppers. Free admission.

🎖️ WWII Weekend at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (Hillsboro, Sat and Sun): a free living history reenactment, plus a swing-era dance Saturday night.

👻 Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm (South County, Thu to Sun evenings): a haunted tram ride, scare zone and dance party.

Find more local events on the Fun in St. Louis page at countycottagerealty.com/fun-in-st-louis/

County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖

10/15/2026

Listing your home this fall? First impressions start at the curb. 🍁

A few quick wins buyers notice right away:
✅ Rake leaves and clear gutters
✅ Add a pot of mums or two by the front door
✅ Touch up the front door paint and hardware
✅ Make sure the porch lights work (it gets dark early!)
✅ Clean windows to let in that soft fall light

Small touches like these help your listing photos shine and make buyers want to see more.

County Cottage Realty - Where every home tells a story 📖
Call or text me today 😊 📱 314-707-0958