Ready to buy a home in the Show-Me State?
With its affordable housing, scenic landscapes, and strong job market, Missouri offers a comfortable lifestyle and great value for your money. Your dream home could be a cozy home in St. Louis or a peaceful suburban retreat in Kansas City.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or new to Missouri’s housing market, this guide will teach you everything you need to know. We’ve broken down the entire home-buying process into 13 actionable steps.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Get Pre-Approved Early: In a competitive sellers market like Missouri, a pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and strengthens your offer when buying a house in Missouri.
- Explore Assistance Programs: Missouri offers several down payment assistance options, such as the Missouri’s First Place Loan Program and Mortgage Credit Certificate Program.
- Don’t Skip Inspections: Missouri homes often face foundation or drainage issues due to shifting soil and humidity. A full home inspection, including radon and termite checks, can save you costly repairs later.
- Negotiate Smartly: If the inspection reveals issues, request a seller credit instead of repairs. It gives you control over contractors and helps avoid closing delays.
- Protect Your Home and Budget: Missouri weather can be unpredictable, so consider additional coverage for floods or storms. Also, apply for the Missouri Homestead Exemption primarily if one faces bankruptcy or needs tax reliefs for their homestead to lower your property taxes.
How to Buy a Home for the First Time in Missouri: 13 Steps!
This step-by-step guide walks first-time home buyers in Missouri through everything, from assessing finances and budgeting for a down payment to choosing the right mortgage. These 13 steps to buy a house in Missouri make the Missouri real estate process clear, simple, and manageable.
Step 1: Assess Your Finances
As a first-time home buyer in Missouri, the two factors that should matter the most to you are your credit score and Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. Additionally, you must also consider how much you can afford for a down payment, a monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
What Is Your Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that indicates your creditworthiness to lenders. The minimum credit score to buy a house in Missouri depends on the type of mortgage you get.
Minimum and Ideal Credit Scores by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Minimum Score | Ideal Score |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | 500 (10% down) | 580+ (3.5% down) |
| Conventional | 620 | 740+ for best rates |
| VA | No minimum | 620 |
| USDA | No minimum | 640 |
Portfolio mortgage loans are easy to qualify for. Here, the credit score needed to buy a house starts at around 580. VA loans are available only to veterans and active-duty service members, and require a score of 620. FHA loans also accept scores as low as 580. They are good for Missouri first time homebuyers with lower credit scores looking to buy a house in Missouri.
When purchasing property in Missouri, you can check your credit score using several reliable methods. Most of them are free and will not harm your score:
- Annual Credit Reports: Federal law entitles you to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These can be accessed through the official, government-authorized website, AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Credit Monitoring Services: Many banks, credit card issuers, and financial service apps provide complimentary and regular access to the FICO score. This is a convenient way to track your credit health over time.
Knowing how to repair your credit score is important to get better mortgage rates. If you’re a first time home buyer in Missouri, here’s what you need to do:
- Pay down credit card balances and make all payments on time.
- Avoid opening multiple new accounts quickly.
- Lower your credit card balances.
- Consider becoming an authorized user on a family member’s account with a good history.
- Monitor your score regularly to track progress.
How to Calculate Your Monthly Mortgage Payment in Missouri?
As a first time home buyer in Missouri, knowing your average mortgage payment helps you plan your budget. Your total payment includes 4 key components, often called PITI:
- Principal and Interest: This is a major chunk of your payment, covering the amount you borrowed (principal) and the cost of borrowing (interest). It’s determined by your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term.
- Taxes: Missouri property taxes are based on your home’s assessed value. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and pays the tax on your behalf.
- Insurance: Lenders require you to have homeowners’ insurance to protect the property. The annual premium is usually divided by 12 and added to your monthly payment, also managed through the escrow account.
Apart from PITI, your monthly payment may also include Private Mortgage Insurance if your down payment is less than 20%, and HOA fees.
What Is a Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio?
Your debt-to-income ratio shows how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments, including mortgage, car loans, credit cards, and student loans. To calculate it, add all monthly debts and divide the total by your gross pre-tax monthly income.
A high DTI can prevent you from qualifying for a mortgage, as it shows that you struggle to manage your debt. For the best mortgage rates and a higher likelihood of mortgage approval in Missori, aim for a DTI ratio of 36% or lower.
💡 You can still qualify for a loan in Missouri despite a high DTI if you have compensating factors like a strong credit history, significant cash reserves or savings, stable long-term employment, etc.
Recommended DTI Ratios by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Recommended DTI Ratio | With Compensating Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 36% back-end | 45-50% |
| FHA | 43% back-end | Up to 50% |
| VA | 41% | Can exceed 50% with the residual income test |
| USDA | 41% back-end | 44% with strong credit |
To improve your DTI ratio for a mortgage, you can either reduce your monthly debts or increase your verifiable income.
- Pay Down Debt: Use a tax refund or bonus to clear smaller loans, or consolidate multiple debts into a single loan with a lower monthly payment.
- Increase Verifiable Income: Ask for a raise, take on part-time work, or start a side business. Include all consistent income sources on your application, such as bonuses or commissions, but remember that lenders require a two-year history for secondary income.
- Adjust Your Housing Budget: A larger down payment reduces your loan amount and your monthly mortgage payment. You can also consider a lower home purchase price to keep your future housing costs down.
Step 2: Budget for Your Down Payment and Closing Costs
You should set aside money for the down payment and closing costs. Missouri’s first time home buyer programs help make homeownership accessible and affordable.
How Much Down Payment Does a Missouri First Time Home Buyer Need?
Typically, the down payment on a house for a first time home buyer in Missouri usually ranges from 3% with aminimu 620 credit score, to 20% of the property’s price. However, it can vary based on the loan type. FHA loans require just 3.5% down, while some conventional loans allow a 3% down payment.
To help with these upfront costs, there are many state and local down payment assistance programs in Missouri like the Missouri Housing Development Commission’s First Place & Next Step programs. They provide grants or loans offer up to 4% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs as a forgivable second mortgage.
👉 First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Missouri: Find out which is the #1 downpayment assistance program in the Show-me-State.
How to Estimate Closing Costs in Missouri?
Closing costs are fees and expenses paid at closing beyond your down payment. Typically, buyer closing costs in Missouri usually range from 3% to 3.5% of the home’s price. So, for a $280,000 home, buyers might $8,400 to $9,800 as a typical down payment..
These fees cover lender charges, appraisals, inspections, title insurance, taxes, agent commissions, and recording fees when buying a property in Missouri.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Secure your financing early by getting pre-approved for a mortgage as a first time homebuyer in Missouri. This step helps you understand your budget and strengthens your offer when buying a house.
How to Get Pre-approved as a First Time Home Buyer in Missouri?
You need to follow these steps to get pre-approved when buying a house in Missouri:
- Gather Financial Documents: Provide proof of income typically from th epast 2 years (recent pay stubs and W-2s), tax returns (last two years), asset statements, debt information, and a government-issued ID.
- Choose a Lender and Apply: Compare lenders in Missouri and submit a mortgage application to get the best rates and terms.
- Receive Pre-Approval Letter: The lender verifies your info and issues a letter stating your approved loan amount, usually valid for 30–90 days. This strengthens your buying power in Missouri’s market conforming you as a potential buyer.
A mortgage preapproval turns you from a casual house hunter to a serious buyer in Missouri, as it:
- Strengthens Your Offer: 86% of the sellers nationwide prefer buyers with a pre-approved mortgage. For the strongest position, ask for a fully underwritten pre-approval, where the lender has already verified all your documents.
- Defines Your Budget: It clarifies exactly how much you can afford, allowing you to focus your home search on a realistic price range.
- Speeds Up Closing: With much of the financial vetting already completed, the mortgage process is streamlined once your offer on a home is accepted.
Yes, you can get pre-approved and even buy a home with bad credit in Missouri. However, your loan options may be limited. You can also expect higher interest rates with poor credit.
Step 4: Choose the Right Mortgage
As a first time homebuyer in Missouri, assess your finances and select a loan that fits your budget and qualifies you for available programs.
| Feature | Conventional | FHA | VA | USDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min Credit Score | 620 | 580 (500 w/10% down) | None | 640 (some lenders may allow 620) |
| Min Down Payment | 3% (not 5%) | 3.5% (10% if 500–579 score) | 0% | 0% |
| Max DTI | 45–50% | 43–57% (varies by lender) | 41%+ | 41–44% |
| Mortgage Insurance | PMI if <20% down | Always (MIP) | None | Always |
| Loan Limits | $766,550 (1-unit in 2025) | $524,225 to $1,209,750 | $766,550 | Varies (USDA set limit) |
| Property Eligibility Criteria | Few | Must meet FHA standards | Must meet VA standards | Rural/suburban areas only |
💡 VA loans technically have no minimum credit score, but most Missouri lenders require at least 620. FHA and VA can allow higher-than-standard DTI ratios or loan limits if you have strong compensating factors or are in a high-cost area.
Step 5: Decide Where to Buy a Home in Missouri
Deciding where to buy is one of the most important steps for a first time homebuyer in Missouri. Consider factors like local housing markets, popular neighborhoods, cost of living, and amenities to help you find the best places to live in Missouri.
Why Now Is the Time to Buy in Missouri ?
The Missouri housing market is a seller’s market. You have less negotiating power and a tighter selection of properties right now
- Housing Supply is High: Housing Supply is Low: Missouri has about a 2-month housing supply, which indicates a strong seller’s market.
- Prices Have Stabilized: The median home price is near $258,000–$284,700 statewide, and homes often sell quickly, sometimes above asking price.
- Sellers are Negotiating: Only about 15–20% of homes are seeing price drops, so sellers aren’t negotiating as frequently.
- Homes are on the Market Longer: Properties are averaging 20–30 days on the market, so buyers must act quickly and decisively.
These trends show that now is the best time to buy a house in Missouri. According to Mauricio Umansky, founder of The Agency, the current market provides “great opportunities for buyers to be aggressive and write strong offers.”
Popular Areas for Different Buyer Types
With the market now in your favor, you can be more selective about where you buy. Use this advantage to find a neighborhood that matches your priorities, whether it’s schools, commute, or lifestyle.
- Best Areas for Families: Neighborhoods like Chesterfield, Lee’s Summit, and Wildwood are top choices for their excellent schools, safe streets, and family-friendly parks. If you’re looking for a community focused on family living, explore homes for sale in Columbia. Family homes in these areas typically range between $310,000 and $540,000.
- Best Areas for Retirees: For a peaceful and active retirement, Springfield, Jefferson City, and Lake of the Ozarks offer low-maintenance homes, scenic surroundings, and a relaxed pace of life. If you’re seeking a lakeside community with plenty of recreational options, check out homes for sale in Branson, where prices generally range from $250,000 to $500,000.
- Best Areas for Young Adults: Cities like Kansas City and St. Louis offer strong job markets, entertainment, and nightlife. If you prefer a lively urban lifestyle with modern amenities, browse homes for sale in St. Louis, where trendy condos and starter homes start around $200,000 to $425,000 and upto $650,000+ for luxury properties.
Consider the Cost of Living When Choosing a Location
When looking for the best place to buy a house in Missouri, consider the overall cost of living, as lower home prices can be offset by higher taxes or insurance.
- High-Cost Areas: St. Louis and Kansas City are about 5–10% above the Missouri state average, but still below the national average for cost of living. Especially in popular suburbs like Clayton and Overland Park.
- Moderate-Cost Areas: Columbia and Springfield sit close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of affordability and amenities.
- Low-Cost Areas: Joplin, St. Joseph, and Cape Girardeau are 10–18% below the national average, making them some of the most budget-friendly places to live in Missouri.
Step 6: Start House Hunting in Missouri
Once you’re pre-approved and know where you want to live, the next step is finding the right house. As a first-time home buyer in Missouri, you have two options:
- Work with a Realtor.
- Search for homes online.
An experienced agent can give you valuable local insights and expert guidance on neighborhood trends. However, you’ll have to negotiate the buyer agent commission with the seller, which may raise the home sale price.
If you prefer to take the lead, a high-tech platform like Houzeo is what you need. Whether you’re looking for beachfront mansions, high‑rise penthouses, spacious big homes, or luxury homes in Missouri, Houzeo has you covered. You can browse through thousands of listings, set alerts, and save your search. You can even schedule showings and submit offers, all by yourself.
Don’t Just Browse. Buy.
Your entire home purchase, managed in one place.
Download the Houzeo Mobile AppStep 7: Schedule and Attend Home Showings
After you narrow down your list of potential homes, schedule and attend showings to see each property in person. For a first-time home buyer in Missouri, visiting homes firsthand helps you evaluate condition, layout, and neighborhood, ensuring you make an informed choice.
During the showing, ask specific questions like:
- How long has the home been on the market?
- Why is the owner selling?
- What is the age of the roof, HVAC system, and water heater?
- Are there any HOA fees or pending special assessments?
- Is the property located in a flood/storm/tornado?
When buying a house in Missouri for the first-time, check the property carefully during the open house. Look for roof sagging, foundation cracks, water stains, uneven floors, or sticking doors, which may indicate serious issues.
As a first time home buyer in Missouri, there are three main aspects you need to focus on when shortlisting homes:
- Insurance Risks: Verify the home’s flood zone using FEMA’s maps. Get a storm and wind damage inspection to check for tornado and severe storm resiliency.
- Commute and Lifestyle: Test your commute during rush hour. Visit the neighborhood at different times to check for noise from traffic, airports, or nightlife. Ensure convenient access to key amenities like schools, groceries, and parks.
- Missouri Home Loans/Assistance Program Eligibility: If you’re applying for a loan or first time buyer program in Missouri, ensure that the house complies with its property requirements, or you may risk losing the assistance as well as the loan approval.
Step 8: Make an Offer
When crafting an offer, make a competitive bid but stay within your budget. As a first-time home buyer in Missouri, consider factors like the home’s market value, recent comparable sales, and any repairs needed. This increases your chances of getting a fair deal.
Step 1: Analyze Recent Sales
Your agent will pull up real estate comps that are similar to the one you want. Focus on the final sale price, not the list price. Home prices in many Missouri metro areas have seen modest declines, so your offer should reflect this trend.
Step 2: Adjust for the Home’s Condition
Factor in the age and condition of the roof and HVAC. If a comparable home sold for $284,700 but had a new roof, and your target home needs a $15,000-$20,000 replacement, adjust your offer to account for that expense.
Step 3: Factor in Today’s Market
With more homes for sale, you have leverage. Even home builders are lowering their prices by almost 6% to attract buyers. So, for a home that is priced fairly, offer 3% to 5% less. If it is overpriced, you can justify an even lower offer, citing both the comps and market trends.
What is an Earnest Money Deposit in Missouri?
An earnest money deposit is a “good-faith” payment that shows you are a serious buyer. This money is held in escrow and applied towards your down payment at closing.
In Missouri, the standard deposit is 1% to 3% of the purchase price. On a $284,700 home, this would be between $4,043 and $12,129. In highly competitive markets like St. Louis or Kansas City, sellers may expect a deposit closer to 5–10%.
Once your offer is accepted, you typically have 3 business days to submit the deposit to an escrow agent, such as a title company or real estate attorney.
Yes, you can get your earnest money deposit back when buying a house in Missouri, but only if you back out of the sale for the following reasons:
- The inspection reveals major issues, and you exercise the inspection contingency.
- The appraisal comes in low, and you exercise the appraisal contingency.
- You’re unable to secure the required financing, and exit during the financing contingency period
- Title issues are discovered.
Many Misssouri first time home buyers forfeit their earnest money because:
- They back out after the contingency periods expire without a valid reason.
- They violate contract terms.
- The seller meets all contract obligations, but the buyer still refuses to close.
Step 9: Conduct Home Inspections
First-time home buyers in Missouri should schedule home inspections to uncover any issues before buying a house. You typically get the inspection report within 24 to 48 hours.
Which Missouri Home Inspections Should You Schedule?
A standard home inspection in Missouri isn’t enough. The state’s unique climate and weather risks require a few specialized inspections:
- General Home Inspection ($300–$550): A licensed inspector will examine everything from the roof to the foundation. They pay special attention to storm damage, proper drainage, and the age of the AC unit. Specialized inspections such as radon and termite will require additional fees.
- Mold inspection and Remediation ($300-$1075):This inspection determines the presence and extent of mold in a home. If mold is found, remediation costs can range widely, from about $600 for small infestations to $5,000 or more for severe cases, depending on the location and extent of damage.
- Radon Testing ($100–$200): This inspection documents hurricane-resistant features like impact windows, hurricane straps, and a hip-shaped roof. These features can qualify you for insurance discounts of up to 45%.
- WDO / Termite Inspection ($75–$100): A termite inspection is mandatory for government-backed loans like FHA and VA, and is highly recommended for all others. Missouri’s humid summers and shifting soil create ideal conditions for termites and other pests that can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked.
Consider Other Specialized Inspections
Based on the property, a Missouri first-time home buyer may want to conduct additional tests. For older homes, a sewer scope can detect cracks or tree roots in the main sewer line, saving you from a $15,000 repair down the road. If you see large cracks or uneven floors, a $700 foundation inspection is worth the investment.
For rural properties, a septic inspection is essential. If the home has a pool, a separate pool inspection will check the pump, filter, and structure for costly defects.
It’s not recommended. Even if you plan to buy cheap homes in Missouri, skipping a home inspection can lead to unexpected repair costs.
Step 10: Complete the Home Appraisal
After the inspection, your lender will typically order a home appraisal, which professionally values the property to ensure it matches your offer.
Why Do Lenders Need Appraisals?
A home appraisal in Missouri confirms the property’s market value. Appraisers typically focus on the following parameters:
- Flood Zone and Elevation: Flood Zone and Elevation: In Missouri, homes located in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), such as Zone A or Zone AE, face higher flood insurance premiums which can lower their market value compared to homes outside these zones.
- Insurance and Mitigation Features:Missouri insurers focus on roof age and condition, storm-resistant windows, and proper gutter and drainage maintenance. While hurricane shutters are rare, wind-resistant roofing materials help protect homes and improve insurance eligibility.
- Condo/HOA Health: Appraisers closely examine a condo association’s financial health. They look for anything that may reduce the unit’s value, like the association’s reserve funds or any pending special assessments.
A standard appraisal in Missouri costs between $285 and $425 and typically takes 7 to 14 days to complete. For luxury or waterfront properties, the cost and timeline can be higher.
If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer price, you have an appraisal gap. In such a situation, you can either:
- Renegotiate the Price: Ask the seller to lower the price to the appraised value. In the current market, many sellers are willing to negotiate.
- Cover the Gap: If the seller won’t budge, you can choose to pay the difference in cash.
- Dispute the Appraisal: If you believe the appraiser made a factual error or used poor comparable sales, you can file for a Reconsideration of Value.
- Walk Away: If you cannot reach an agreement, your appraisal contingency allows you to cancel the contract and get your earnest money back.
Step 11: Negotiate Repairs and Credits
As a first time home buyer in Missouri, use your home inspection results to negotiate repairs and request credits from the seller. This step can help reduce unexpected costs and ensure your new house is move-in ready.
How to Use Your Inspection Report to Negotiate Repairs?
Your negotiation strategy should center on issues that impact the home’s safety, structural integrity, and insurability. Minor cosmetic flaws are not worth fighting over and can make you seem unreasonable. It’s easy to make this mistake as a first home buyer in Missouri.
Focus your request on these critical areas:
- Safety Hazards: This includes outdated and dangerous electrical panels, faulty wiring, or missing safety features like GFCI outlets near water.
- Structural Problems: Any issues with the foundation, load-bearing walls, or the roof structure.
- System Failures: A failing HVAC system, major plumbing leaks, or an old roof.
Get 2 to 3 written estimates from licensed contractors for any major repairs. A repair request that includes professional quotes shows you are serious and have done your homework.
Should You Ask for Repair Credit?
While you can ask the seller to perform the repairs themselves, it’s better to ask for credit instead. Credit gives you the funds to hire your own contractors and ensures the work is done to your standards, not just the cheapest way possible. It also allows the sale to proceed on schedule, without any delays.
How to Negotiate Seller Concessions
Seller concessions are a powerful tool for reducing your out-of-pocket closing costs when buying real estate in Missouri. Here, the seller pays for some of your expenses, such as the appraisal, title insurance, or property taxes.
Your ability to negotiate concessions depends on your loan type. Each loan program sets a maximum limit on how much a seller can contribute:
| Loan Type | Minimum Down Payment | Maximum Seller Concession |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Less than 10% | 3% of the purchase price |
| Conventional | 10% or more | 6% of the purchase price |
| FHA Loan | Any amount | 6% of the purchase price |
| VA Loan | Any amount | 4% of the purchase price |
| USDA Loan | Any amount | 6% of the purchase price |
Step 12: Review Your Closing Costs
After negotiating repairs and credit as a first time home buyer in Missouri, review all closing costs carefully. Check title fees, escrow, insurance, and taxes so you can finalize your budget and confidently buy your house.
Understanding Closing Costs in Missouri
- Missouri-Specific Fees ($150–$700): Missouri doesn’t charge a state-level real estate transfer tax, but you’ll still pay local recording fees and county charges, typically ranging from $150-$700
- Title Fees ($1000-$2,000+): These fee cover the title search, settlement services, and title insurance policies for both you and your lender. In Missouri, the party responsible for paying the owner’s title insurance varies by county.
- Third-Party Fees ($1,000 to $1,500): This category includes the appraisal fee, credit report fee, and inspection costs. It also covers common Missouri inspections like general, radon, and termite checks.
- Prepaid and Escrow Costs ($1,500 to $3,500): You will pay for your first year of homeowners insurance upfront. You’ll also fund your escrow account with several months of property tax and insurance payments to cover future bills.
Step 13: Close on Your New Home
Closing day is the moment you officially become the owner of your new Missouri home. Its success depends on a careful final walk-through, a smooth funding process, and making sure all legal documents are properly signed and recorded.
Complete Your Final Walk-Through
Within 24 hours of closing, you will do one last walk-through of the property. This is not a formal inspection, but rather your final chance to see if you want this home. Use this checklist:
- Verify Repairs: Bring your inspection report and repair addendum. Confirm that all negotiated repairs have been completed to a professional standard.
- Test Everything: Run the air conditioning and test all appliances. Make sure every system is functioning as it should.
- Check for Included Items: Ensure all items that were supposed to be included in the sale, like appliances, window treatments, and light fixtures, are still in place.
- Look for Signs of Additional Damage: Make sure no new damage has occurred since your last visit. If you see any issues, notify your agent and the title company immediately before you sign any documents.
Sign the Documents
While there are numerous documents to sign, the most important ones are:
- The Closing Disclosure: You will sign the final version of this document, which outlines all your loan terms and costs.
- The Promissory Note: This is your legal promise to repay the loan. The promissory note outlines the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and maturity date.
- The Mortgage: This document secures the property as collateral for your loan.
Once you have signed everything, you will provide your “cash to close” amount via a cashier’s check or wire transfer. After your lender sends their funds to the title company, the deal is officially funded.
Get Your Keys and Celebrate
Once the deal is funded, the title company will record the new deed with the county, officially transferring ownership to you. After they pay the seller and other parties, you will finally get the keys to your new home.
Congratulations, you are officially a Missouri homeowner! 🎉
🚩 What are the Red Flags to Look for When Buying a House in Missouri?
A new home is a huge financial investment. To ensure that you don’t sink your money into a dud, look out for these red flags:
1. Foundation Cracks
A home with large cracks running through basement walls might seem manageable at first glance. But imagine your freshly painted living room warping as walls subtly shift over time. Missouri’s clay-soil is prone to foundation movement.
These issues can lead to expensive repairs and sometimes thousands of dollars and jeopardize the whole structure.
2. Basement or Yard Drainage Issues
Imagine buying a house with a picturesque backyard, only to find pools of water after each raain. Missouri with it’s heavy rains and storms can lead to basement flooding, mold growth, and damage your home’s foundation. Study the slope of the yard and ask about the sump pump usage- which is usually a warning sign to standing water.
3. Excessive Use of Air Fresheners
A few scented candles create a welcoming atmosphere, but if a home smells like a lavender bubble burst in it, then there’s something fishy. It may be covering up a musty smell that highlights the presence of mold and plumbing issues.
Pay close attention to the smell in the closets, bathrooms, and around the air conditioning unit. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets and smell the area under the sink. If you detect a musty odor, ask for a separate mold inspection along with the standard home inspection.
4. Termite Activity
You’re impressed by the original wood trim, only to find hollow spots and mud tubes hidden in the crawl space. Termites and wood-destroying pests are common in Missouri and can silently eat away at your investment. Always get a licensed pest inspection before closing and ask for warranty coverage when possible.
5. Outdated Electrical Systems
A vintage home with charming details can be appealing, but behind the walls, original knob-and-tube wiring could spell disaster. Flickering lights or sparking outlets aren’t just annoyances—they’re signals of fire hazards and insurance headaches.
If the electrical system hasn’t been updated, get expert inspections and a quote for rewiring, which can run thousands.
What Should You Do After Closing?
- File for Homestead Exemption: If the house is your primary residence, apply for Missouri’s Homestead Exemption to reduce your property taxes. This can provide valuable savings, especially in higher-tax counties like St. Louis or Jackson.
- Set Up Utilities: Get water, electric, gas, internet, and trash services connected. Don’t forget seasonal maintenance, like checking air conditioning in the hot summers and ensuring proper irrigation for desert landscaping.
- Get Insurance: Homeowners insurance is required if you’re financing, and consider additional coverage for wildfire or flood risk, especially in areas near forests or rivers. Rates can vary depending on location and local hazards.
- Home Maintenance Plan: Schedule HVAC tune-ups at least twice a year, clean gutters regularly, inspect roofs for heat-related wear, and maintain plumbing to prevent issues in dry conditions. Regular upkeep helps protect your investment and may lower insurance costs.
How to Buy a House in Missouri Without a Realtor?
Research neighborhoods and browse listings on trusted sites like Houzeo. Then, schedule showings directly with sellers or their agents. You can also hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and handle legal details.
Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage, make an offer, schedule inspections, and negotiate repairs. With the necessary due diligence, you can buy a house without a Realtor.
Which First Time Home Buyer Programs in Missouri Can You Apply For?
Various programs make homeownership accessible for a first time home buyer in Missouri. They assist with down payments through grants or low-interest, deferred-payment loans. Applicants must meet the income and credit score criteria and complete a homebuyer education course to avail of these programs.
| Program Name | Eligibility | Grants | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Housing First Place Loan Program | First-time homebuyers; income and purchase price limits apply | 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loans | Can be combined with cash assistance for down payment or closing costs |
| Missouri HERO Program | Teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, healthcare, and military personnel | 3% to 4% of the loan amount as assistance | Helps community heroes buy homes with lower upfront costs |
| Next Step Program (MHDC) | First-time or repeat homebuyers; must meet credit and income limits | Cash assistance up to 4% of the loan amount | Flexible use for down payment or closing costs |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program | First-time buyers or those purchasing in target areas | Federal tax credit of up to 25% of mortgage interest paid annually | Reduces yearly federal income tax liability |
| Local Bank & FHA Assistance | Meets FHA or lender requirements | Down payment grants up to $10,000 | FHA loans with just 3.5% down payment make homeownership more accessible |
1. Missouri Housing First Place Loan Program
- Eligible Buyers: First-time homebuyers who meet county income and purchase price limits.
- Credit Score: Minimum 640.
- Assistance: 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loans with optional down payment help.
The Missouri Housing First Place Loan Program offers affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages through the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). Buyers can also combine their loan with down payment or closing cost assistance to make homeownership more affordable.
2. Missouri HERO Program
- Eligible Buyers: Teachers, firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, and military personnel.
- Credit Score: Minimum 640.
- Assistance: 3%–4% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs.
The Missouri HERO Program supports community heroes by reducing upfront costs. Eligible professionals can receive between 3% and 4% of their loan amount to cover down payment or closing costs, helping them purchase a home more easily.
3. Next Step Program (MHDC)
- Eligible Buyers: First-time or repeat homebuyers who meet credit and income limits.
- Credit Score: Minimum 640.
- Assistance: Cash assistance up to 4% of the loan amount.
The Next Step Program is designed for both first-time and repeat buyers. It offers affordable mortgage rates and up to 4% in cash assistance that can be used for a down payment or closing costs, giving buyers more flexibility.
4. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
- Eligible Buyers: First-time buyers or those purchasing in target areas.
- Credit Score: Minimum 640.
- Assistance: Federal tax credit up to 25% of mortgage interest paid annually.
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program provides a federal income tax credit of up to 25% of your annual mortgage interest. This ongoing credit helps lower your tax bill each year, making homeownership more affordable over time.
5. Bank Assistance and FHA Grants
- Eligible Buyers: First-time buyers meeting FHA or lender requirements.
- Credit Guidelines: Flexible credit requirements for FHA loans.
- Assistance: Down payment grants up to $10,000; FHA loans require just 3.5% down.
Local and national lenders, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, offer down payment grants of up to $10,000. FHA loans are also a strong option, requiring only 3.5% down and offering flexible credit standards that make it easier for buyers to qualify.
» First Time Buyer Programs: Find the perfect program that helps you get the key to your first home.
What Should You Know Before Buying a House in Missouri?
Before you buy a home in the Show-me State, you must understand the factors that can impact your budget and lifestyle.
What are Some Additional Costs When Buying Houses in Missouri?
- Apart from the purchase price, you must account for several other expenses, like property taxes and potential HOA fees. However, the most critical consideration for any Missouri homebuyer is insurance.
- Flood risk is often shown via maps (such as Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)), which show zones like “100-year floodplain” or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
- If your property is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a mortgage from a federally-regulated lender, flood insurance may be required.
- If your property is in a lower-risk zone, or you don’t have a federally regulated mortgage, flood insurance is optional, but strongly recommended.
Do You Need Separate Flood Insurance in Missouri?
Yes, you do. A standard homeowners insurance policy in Missouri typically does not cover flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy is needed for full protection
| Flood Zone / Type | Risk Level | Insurance Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) e.g., zones A/AE (100-yr floodplain) | High Risk | Often required if mortgage is federally backed; strongly advised otherwise. |
| Moderate to Low Risk zones (e.g., Zone X, outside mapped 100-yr floodplain) | Lower Risk | Not required by law in many cases, but recommended because flood damage can still happen. |
When is Flood Insurance Required?
- Federally-Backed Mortgages in High-Risk Zones: If your home is in a designated high-risk flood zone (SFHA) and you have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender, flood insurance is required by federal law. Lenders must verify active coverage before approving or renewing the loan.
- Homes in NFIP Communities: If your property is in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — and most Missouri communities do — you must have flood insurance when purchasing or refinancing a home in a high-risk flood zone.
- Homes Outside High-Risk Zones: If your home is outside a high-risk zone or you have a non-federal mortgage, flood insurance is usually optional. However, flooding can still happen anywhere in Missouri, so coverage is strongly recommended even in moderate- or low-risk areas.
Why First-Time Homebuyers Should Explore Missouri Now?
Missouri is a smart choice for first-time homebuyers, thanks to its affordable housing, low cost of living, and central location. From Kansas City’s vibrant job market to St. Louis’ historic neighborhoods and Springfield’s small-town feel, there’s a community for every lifestyle and budget. With thousands of homes for sale and multiple state-backed down payment assistance programs, owning a home in Missouri is more achievable than ever.
» Houzeo Reviews: Read what customers have to say about Houzeo, Missouri’s best home buying website.
