LatestCoverageAll 50 states, D.C. and five territories now on the ledger|NewPuerto Rico's 78 municipios ledgered, municipio by municipio|FeatureAssessment appeal workspace — build a filing package from your own evidence|FeatureLiving reports — versioned, re-runnable, exportable|DevelopersMetered REST gateway · issued keys · signed webhooks|Live market readings · refreshed on loadAlbuquerque · NMMedian List$360K+2.5%|Austin · TXMedian List$550K-1.0%|Baltimore · MDMedian List$225K-6.3%|Bernalillo County · NMMedian List$364K+2.7%|Bexar County · TXMedian List$303K+3.7%|Boston · MAMedian List$859K+3.4%|Charlotte · NCMedian List$430K-0.1%|Chicago · ILMedian List$426K+9.3%|Clark County · NVMedian List$447K+0.1%|Columbus · OHMedian List$300K+0.6%|Cook County · ILMedian List$348K+5.1%|Dallas · TXMedian List$449K-0.1%|Davidson County · TNMedian List$481K+0.1%|Denver · COMedian List$569K+1.6%|Detroit · MIMedian List$105K-2.8%|Duval County · FLMedian List$297K-2.3%|El Paso · TXMedian List$260K+3.7%|Fort Worth · TXMedian List$332K-2.1%|Franklin County · OHMedian List$320K+3.2%|Fresno · CAMedian List$406K-2.3%|Harris County · TXMedian List$327K+0.6%|Houston · TXMedian List$340K+0.6%|Indianapolis · INMedian List$260K+2.3%|Jackson County · MOMedian List$275K+7.0%|Jacksonville · FLMedian List$309K-2.1%|Jefferson County · KYMedian List$248K-4.3%|Kansas City · MOMedian List$240K+4.3%|King County · WAMedian List$860K-4.2%|Las Vegas · NVMedian List$440K-1.1%|Los Angeles · CAMedian List$950K-0.5%|Louisville · KYMedian List$275K0.0%|Maricopa County · AZMedian List$458K-0.4%|Marion County · INMedian List$259K+3.7%|Mecklenburg County · NCMedian List$407K-5.3%|Memphis · TNMedian List$202K+2.5%|Mesa · AZMedian List$450K-3.1%|Milwaukee · WIMedian List$243K+5.7%|Multnomah County · ORMedian List$518K-1.2%|Nashville · TNMedian List$480K+1.0%|New York · NYMedian List$899K+0.5%|Oklahoma City · OKMedian List$275K-0.6%|Oklahoma County · OKMedian List$259K-0.7%|Philadelphia · PAMedian List$249K+0.3%|Phoenix · AZMedian List$480K0.0%|Pima County · AZMedian List$373K+0.9%|Portland · ORMedian List$640K-6.0%|Sacramento · CAMedian List$510K+4.0%|San Antonio · TXMedian List$236K-1.2%|San Diego · CAMedian List$994K+4.2%|San Francisco · CAMedian List$1.4M+1.7%|San Jose · CAMedian List$1.3M-11.9%|Santa Clara County · CAMedian List$1.3M+0.1%|Seattle · WAMedian List$874K-2.8%|Shelby County · TNMedian List$259K-2.4%|Suffolk County · MAMedian List$857K+7.3%|Tarrant County · TXMedian List$385K-1.2%|Travis County · TXMedian List$523K-0.3%|Tucson · AZMedian List$316K+2.7%|Wayne County · MIMedian List$229K+6.7%|LatestCoverageAll 50 states, D.C. and five territories now on the ledger|NewPuerto Rico's 78 municipios ledgered, municipio by municipio|FeatureAssessment appeal workspace — build a filing package from your own evidence|FeatureLiving reports — versioned, re-runnable, exportable|DevelopersMetered REST gateway · issued keys · signed webhooks|Live market readings · refreshed on loadAlbuquerque · NMMedian List$360K+2.5%|Austin · TXMedian List$550K-1.0%|Baltimore · MDMedian List$225K-6.3%|Bernalillo County · NMMedian List$364K+2.7%|Bexar County · TXMedian List$303K+3.7%|Boston · MAMedian List$859K+3.4%|Charlotte · NCMedian List$430K-0.1%|Chicago · ILMedian List$426K+9.3%|Clark County · NVMedian List$447K+0.1%|Columbus · OHMedian List$300K+0.6%|Cook County · ILMedian List$348K+5.1%|Dallas · TXMedian List$449K-0.1%|Davidson County · TNMedian List$481K+0.1%|Denver · COMedian List$569K+1.6%|Detroit · MIMedian List$105K-2.8%|Duval County · FLMedian List$297K-2.3%|El Paso · TXMedian List$260K+3.7%|Fort Worth · TXMedian List$332K-2.1%|Franklin County · OHMedian List$320K+3.2%|Fresno · CAMedian List$406K-2.3%|Harris County · TXMedian List$327K+0.6%|Houston · TXMedian List$340K+0.6%|Indianapolis · INMedian List$260K+2.3%|Jackson County · MOMedian List$275K+7.0%|Jacksonville · FLMedian List$309K-2.1%|Jefferson County · KYMedian List$248K-4.3%|Kansas City · MOMedian List$240K+4.3%|King County · WAMedian List$860K-4.2%|Las Vegas · NVMedian List$440K-1.1%|Los Angeles · CAMedian List$950K-0.5%|Louisville · KYMedian List$275K0.0%|Maricopa County · AZMedian List$458K-0.4%|Marion County · INMedian List$259K+3.7%|Mecklenburg County · NCMedian List$407K-5.3%|Memphis · TNMedian List$202K+2.5%|Mesa · AZMedian List$450K-3.1%|Milwaukee · WIMedian List$243K+5.7%|Multnomah County · ORMedian List$518K-1.2%|Nashville · TNMedian List$480K+1.0%|New York · NYMedian List$899K+0.5%|Oklahoma City · OKMedian List$275K-0.6%|Oklahoma County · OKMedian List$259K-0.7%|Philadelphia · PAMedian List$249K+0.3%|Phoenix · AZMedian List$480K0.0%|Pima County · AZMedian List$373K+0.9%|Portland · ORMedian List$640K-6.0%|Sacramento · CAMedian List$510K+4.0%|San Antonio · TXMedian List$236K-1.2%|San Diego · CAMedian List$994K+4.2%|San Francisco · CAMedian List$1.4M+1.7%|San Jose · CAMedian List$1.3M-11.9%|Santa Clara County · CAMedian List$1.3M+0.1%|Seattle · WAMedian List$874K-2.8%|Shelby County · TNMedian List$259K-2.4%|Suffolk County · MAMedian List$857K+7.3%|Tarrant County · TXMedian List$385K-1.2%|Travis County · TXMedian List$523K-0.3%|Tucson · AZMedian List$316K+2.7%|Wayne County · MIMedian List$229K+6.7%|
Property-class scope

The story of this market

The typical home in Missouri sells for about $302,500, or $164 per square foot.

Prices are up +5.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 54 days to sell. Last year 881 of 1356 neighborhoods saw prices rise, so the story isn't the same street to street. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $962 a month.

HUD sets the fair market rent for a 2-bedroom at $962 a month.

Monthly price momentum

Home values since 2015

+3.7%

MO · past 12 months

MO 213.3USA 208.1
20152017201920212023202595130165218.6

Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.

Rent benchmark

Fair market rent by size

$1,320.5

3-bed / month

$725
Studio
$775
1 bed
$962
2 bed
$1,320.5
3 bed
$1,528.5
4 bed
Gross rental yield · 3-bed rent × 12 ÷ $302,5005.2%

HUD Fair Market Rents, fiscal 2027, median across 116 counties. A typical rent for a modest unit, used to set housing-voucher payments.

Natural hazard exposure

Most exposed counties

77.9

median county score

  1. 1Reynolds County99.5
  2. 2Shannon County98.9
  3. 3Carter County98.3
  4. 4Iron County97.6
  5. 5Pemiscot County95.5
  6. 6Wayne County95.5

FEMA National Risk Index, averaged across each county's census tracts. 100 is the most exposed in the nation.

Mortgage activity

Home lending in this state

79.6%

2018 approval rate

YearApplicationsLoans madeApprovalInvestor shareMedian home value
201827346014570379.6%9.9%$155,000

CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act records: every mortgage application reported by lenders for homes in this state. Approval rate is approved ÷ decided (withdrawn and incomplete files excluded). Investor share and home value are the median census tract.

State intel report · monthly refresh cycle
Track this state

Missouri

refreshed Oct 11, 2026, 5:31 PM3 refresh cycles retainednext refresh due Oct 26, 2026
Market sentiment: cautiously optimistic

The Missouri housing market shows resilience with a 5.2% year-over-year increase in median sales prices and steady transaction volume. While inventory levels are rising, providing more options for buyers, the market remains competitive as evidenced by a 97% sale-to-list ratio. Rising interest rates continue to influence buyer behavior, leading to longer days on market compared to previous years.

Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the prior refresh cycle (within 12.5%).

Latest readings
Median sale price
$302,500
Corroborated · 1 anchor · 0% off nearest
Median price / sq ft
$164
Median days on market
54
Active listings
6.76
Listings with price cuts
16.1%
Median price change YoY
+5.2%
Closed sales (monthly)
6,613
Months of supply
4.8
Sale-to-list ratio
97%
Median asking rent
$1,350/mo
Population
6,196,156
Median household income
$68,636
Avg effective property tax rate
0.93%
State Market ScoreZIP-SCORE-1.3 · 4/4 sections graded
64
Composite · average of graded sections
Computed only from this report's published readings — sections without data are excluded, never estimated.
53
Growth/100

Median prices moved up 0.6% year over year.

73
Liquidity/100

Homes spend a median of 71 days on market with 0.3 months of supply — a fast-moving market.

47
Momentum/100

3% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 15.46% of asking — demand is holding steady.

83
Safety & stability/100

422 foreclosure-ledger notices — 0.7 per 10,000 residents · unemployment 3.4% · poverty 12.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.

Federal real-property footprintGSA REXUS · state granular
Federal buildings & leases
196
Usable area
13,757k sq ft
Mean building size
70,188 sq ft

Owned and leased federal assets with active or excess status, per the General Services Administration's Real Estate Across the United States inventory (read 2026-09-25). A federal footprint read on this state — not a market valuation, and never an attribute of any individual property or tenant.

Deterministic roll-up
115 of 115 counties contributed
Median sale price
$260,017
Median price / sq ft
$155
Median days on market
71.04
Active listings
42,437
Listings with price cuts
3.38%
Median price change YoY
+0.58%
Closed sales (monthly)
27,723
Months of supply
0.25
Sale-to-list ratio
15.46%
Median asking rent
$542/mo
Population
6,270,022
Median household income
$55,323
Distress filings (ledger)
422

Deterministic aggregate of 115 researched counties — sales_count-weighted (population fallback); per point, children lacking the value or its weight are excluded. Tax rates, sentiment and context notes are tier-native and never roll.

Median home value · ten-year trajectory & projection

Missouri — researched statewide history with a deterministic 1 / 3 / 5-year projection

2016201720182019202020212022202320242025202620282030$150,000$225,000$300,000$375,000$450,000

Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.

State spotlight · the factual leaderscomputed only from researched reports' published readings
Hottest city
Affton
heat 95/100
median $277,500
+21.7% YoY
6 days on market
0% of listings cut
Hottest county
Putnam County
heat 92/100
median $650,000
+8.3% YoY
32 days on market
0% of listings cut
Hottest ZIP
ZIP 65468
heat 98/100
median $55,000
+175% YoY
24 days on market
0% of listings cut
Most discounted
Daviess County
96% of listings cut price
median $286,000
+4.3% YoY
87 days on market
96% of listings cut
Fastest mover
Affton
6 median days on market
median $277,500
+21.7% YoY
6 days on market
0% of listings cut
Distress spotlight
Dallas County
411 verified ledger filing(s)
228.0 filings per 10,000 residents
county-record verified foreclosure postings
What's hot · what's notheat 0-100 · price direction, pace, negotiation strength, discount pressure
Hot · rising demand

highest heat scores

1Afftonmarket+21.7% YoY95
2Putnam Countycounty+8.3% YoY92
3Clark Countycounty+15% YoY89
4Jefferson Citymarket+17.7% YoY86
5St. Josephmarket+7.9% YoY86
Not · cooling demand

lowest heat scores

1Mississippi Countycounty0% YoY30
2Scott Countycounty-5% YoY31
3Reynolds Countycounty+2% YoY35
4Pemiscot Countycounty-7.8% YoY37
5Ozark Countycounty0% YoY38
Major amenities · Missouri
Theme, amusement & water parks
15 · statewide
Stadiums, arenas & amphitheaters
19 · statewide
Top attractions & landmarks
19 · statewide

Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.

Amenities & attractions5 retained amenities · 2 developments on the horizon

The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this state — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.

Inside this state
Gateway Arch National Park
National Park

An iconic monument in St. Louis symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States.

Lake of the Ozarks
Recreation

A massive reservoir offering extensive boating, fishing, and resort amenities, serving as a primary vacation destination.

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Attraction

A major regional attraction featuring extensive exhibits and recent expansions.

Silver Dollar City
Theme Park

A popular 1880s-themed park in Branson known for its cultural heritage and entertainment.

St. Louis Art Museum
Museum

A world-class institution located in Forest Park, offering free admission and extensive collections.

On the horizon · announced & under construction
Kansas City International Airport TerminalInfrastructureCompletedA major modernization project that has significantly improved regional air travel capacity.
St. Louis NGA West CampusFederal FacilityUnder ConstructionA multi-billion dollar intelligence agency facility expected to drive significant local employment.
Area context
Crime & safety

Crime rates in Missouri vary significantly by municipality, with urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City reporting higher violent crime rates compared to the national average. Rural areas generally experience lower crime levels, consistent with regional trends in the Midwest.

Schools & education

Missouri's public education system is characterized by a mix of high-performing suburban districts and under-resourced urban districts. The state maintains a rigorous accreditation process for its school districts, though performance outcomes remain highly correlated with local property tax bases.

Environmental & hazard

Missouri faces significant risks from severe weather, including tornadoes, flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and occasional ice storms. Property insurance markets are increasingly sensitive to these convective storm risks, leading to rising premiums across the state.

Growth & development

The state's economy is anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, and a growing aerospace and logistics sector. Major infrastructure projects, including bridge replacements and highway expansions, continue to support development momentum in the St. Louis and Kansas City corridors.

Taxation

Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Missouri) — Occupancy Law Property Tax Proration: Allows for the assessment and taxation of newly constructed residential property starting the first month following occupancy, and pro rata removal from tax rolls for improvements destroyed by natural disaster. State (Missouri) — Residential Property Tax Assessment: Residential property is assessed at 19% of its true market value. The formula is: (Market Value * 0.19) * Local Tax Rate = Annual Tax Liability.

Economy & employers

Missouri's economy is diversified across manufacturing, agriculture, and professional services. The state maintains a stable GDP growth trajectory supported by its central location and logistics infrastructure.

Transportation & infrastructure

The state is served by a network of major interstate highways including I-70 and I-44, which are critical for regional freight and commuter traffic. Public transit is primarily concentrated in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas.

Insurance & hazard market

The property insurance market in Missouri is experiencing upward pressure on premiums due to increased frequency of severe weather events. Insurers are tightening underwriting standards, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Migration & population flows

Missouri has experienced modest net domestic migration, with growth concentrated in suburban areas surrounding major metropolitan hubs.

Foreclosure doctrine

Missouri is primarily a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for relatively efficient processing of defaults through the trustee sale process.

Disclosure doctrine

Missouri law requires sellers to provide a property disclosure statement, though the scope of required disclosures is generally limited compared to other states.

Discovery profileACS 2023 1-year estimates
Census profile · Missouri State
Population
6,196,156
Median age
39.2 yrs
Owner-occupancy
66.5%
Median home value
$220,000
Median gross rent
$950
Median household income
$68,636
Median year built
1978
Vacancy rate
8.2%
Renter share
33.5%
Owner cost burden
18.5%
Renter cost burden
42.1%
Population change
+0.3%
Net migration
5,000
Work-from-home share
12.5%
Mean commute
23.5 min
Bachelor's or higher
31.2%
Unemployment
3.4%
Poverty rate
12.8%
Avg household size
2.45
White
78.5%
Black or African American
11.2%
Hispanic or Latino
4.8%
Asian
2.1%
Other
3.4%

Data retrieved from data.census.gov; figures represent statewide averages.

Major employers & industries
Washington University in St. LouisEducation/HealthcareMajor regional employer with over 15,000 employees.
BJC HealthCareHealthcareOne of the largest healthcare providers in the state.
BoeingAerospaceSignificant manufacturing presence in the St. Louis area.
Market & county intel reports · Missouri
Latest refresh summary

The Missouri housing market shows resilience with a 5.2% year-over-year increase in median sales prices and steady transaction volume. While inventory levels are rising, providing more options for buyers, the market remains competitive as evidenced by a 97% sale-to-list ratio. Rising interest rates continue to influence buyer behavior, leading to longer days on market compared to previous years.

Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the prior refresh cycle (within 12.5%).

Sources · 6 cited
Jurisdictional burden contextinherited governance · most-local first
State · Missouri
Nonjudicial Foreclosure (Power of Sale)Foreclosure doctrineBinds every parcel

Allows lenders to foreclose without court intervention via power of sale. Requires specific notice of default and intention to foreclose; prohibits deficiency judgments against owner-occupants in certain nonjudicial residential foreclosures.

Governed by RSMo Sections 443.290 to 443.440.

Occupancy Law Property Tax ProrationTaxationConditional

applies when — Applies only in counties that have formally adopted the provisions of RSMo Section 137.082.

Allows for the assessment and taxation of newly constructed residential property starting the first month following occupancy, and pro rata removal from tax rolls for improvements destroyed by natural disaster.

RSMo Section 137.082.

Residential Property Tax AssessmentTaxationBinds every parcel

Residential property is assessed at 19% of its true market value. The formula is: (Market Value * 0.19) * Local Tax Rate = Annual Tax Liability.

Established under Article X, Section 4(b) of the Missouri Constitution and RSMo Section 137.115.

Federal · United States (federal)
Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018)Disclosure & transactionConditional

applies when — The residential property was built prior to 1978.

Sellers and lessors must provide purchasers and lessees with a lead hazard information pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards before becoming obligated under a contract.

Enforced by the EPA and HUD under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Mandatory Flood Insurance PurchaseHazard & insuranceConditional

applies when — The parcel is located within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and the owner receives a mortgage backed by a federally regulated lender or government entity (GSE, FHA, VA, USDA).

Requires the property owner to maintain flood insurance coverage for the duration of the mortgage loan to protect the collateral.

Governed by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (FDPA) and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Mandatory Flood Insurance PurchaseHazard & insuranceConditional

applies when — The parcel is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as identified by FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and the loan is secured by a federally regulated or backed lending institution.

Requires the property owner to maintain flood insurance coverage for the duration of the loan. Failure to maintain coverage allows the lender to force-place insurance at the borrower's expense.

Governed by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (FDPA) and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Foreclosure and Eviction RestraintsForeclosure doctrineConditional

applies when — Parcel encumbered by a mortgage or occupied by a residential tenant where the mortgagor or lessee entered active-duty military service.

Stays non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, property seizure, and eviction for parcels owned or leased by qualifying servicemembers. Foreclosure or distress sales initiated during military service or within one year after service are strictly invalid and void unless conducted pursuant to a valid court order or an express written waiver executed during or after military service.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-189; 50 U.S.C. § 3953 and 50 U.S.C. § 3955), originally enacted as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940; amended by the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Superfund LiensTaxationConditional

applies when — Parcel where the federal government (EPA) has incurred response costs for cleanup or remediation of hazardous substance releases, and the parcel owner was provided written notice of potential liability.

Establishes a statutory federal lien upon the parcel running in favor of the United States for all unrecovered cleanup costs, damages, and statutory interest incurred by the EPA. Rate and formula: Direct Dollar-for-Dollar Reimbursement (Lien Amount = Incurred Response Costs + Administrative Costs + Statutory Interest under 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a)). Exemptions: Bona Fide Prospective Purchasers (BFPP) and Innocent Landowners under the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act are exempt from personal liability if they perform All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI Phase I ESA) prior to purchase and comply with ongoing continuing obligations, though a 'windfall lien' may still attach to the parcel up to the unearned increase in fair market value attributable to the response action.

CERCLA of 1980, Section 107(l) (42 U.S.C. § 9607(l)) and Section 107(r) (Windfall Liens), as amended by SARA (1986) and the Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002.

Endangered Species Act Section 9 Parcel Take ProhibitionsLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — Parcel contains designated critical habitat or supports listed threatened or endangered animal species under the Endangered Species Act.

Makes it unlawful to 'take' listed species (including significant habitat modification or degradation that impairs breeding, feeding, or sheltering). Precludes parcel clearing, tree removal, earthmoving, or construction unless the property owner prepares an approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and secures an Incidental Take Permit under Section 10(a) or receives Section 7 interagency consultation clearance.

Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1538-1539; 50 CFR Parts 17 and 222.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 ComplianceLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — Parcel contains a historic property listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places, subject to an undertaking involving federal permits, licenses, funding, or loan guarantees (e.g., HUD, USDA, or USACE approvals).

Mandates federal agencies to evaluate the effect of the proposed residential undertaking on historic properties and consult with State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO). Restricts structural alterations, ground disturbance, demolition, or aesthetic elevations that cause adverse effects, often requiring formal Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) and mitigation measures.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, recodified at 54 U.S.C. § 306108; implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800.

Clean Water Act Section 404 Wetland and Waters RegulationLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — Parcel contains delineated 'waters of the United States' (WOTUS), including jurisdictional wetlands, streams, or navigable waterways.

Prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional waters on the parcel without an individual or nationwide permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Restricts residential site grading, bulkheading, retention pond construction, or development footprints, and may require expensive compensatory mitigation or off-site wetland credits to disturb designated acreage.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. § 1344; joint regulations at 33 CFR Parts 320-332 and 40 CFR Part 230.

VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) for Loan GuarantyBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — Parcel securing a residential loan guaranteed under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan program.

Imposes mandatory VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) ensuring the residential dwelling is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. Mandates specific parcel covenants, including permanent year-round vehicular access, dedicated continuous utilities, separation from environmental/industrial hazards (such as high-voltage lines or pipeline easements), and certified termite/wood-destroying insect clearance in designated infestation zones.

Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944; 38 U.S.C. Chapter 37; 38 CFR Part 36; VA Pamphlet 26-7 (Lenders Handbook), Chapter 12.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Minimum Property Standards & Loan CeilingsBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — Parcel securing a residential purchase or refinance financed through an FHA-insured Title II mortgage.

Binds the parcel to HUD's Minimum Property Standards (MPS) covering basic safety, soundness, and security (e.g., structural integrity, adequate heating, safe potable water, clear drainage, lead-free surfaces). Imposes parcel-level statutory loan limits capping the insurable mortgage amount by county/MSA (ranging from the national 'floor' to the national 'ceiling' based on median county home prices). Non-compliant property deficiencies must be cured as a condition precedent to endorsement.

National Housing Act of 1934; 12 U.S.C. § 1709; 24 CFR Part 200, Subpart S; HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Single Family Housing Policy Handbook), adjusted annually by HUD Mortgagee Letters.

Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) WithholdingTaxationConditional

applies when — Disposition of a United States Real Property Interest (USRPI) where the transferor (seller) is a foreign person (non-resident alien individual, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, trust, or estate).

Imposes an affirmative withholding tax obligation on the transferee (buyer) to withhold and remit tax on the gross amount realized (gross sales price). The statutory base withholding rate is 15% of the total purchase price (Formula: Tax = Amount Realized × 15%). Exemptions and reductions: (1) 0% withholding applies if the amount realized is $300,000 or less AND the buyer certifies personal residence occupancy for at least 50% of days used over each of the first two 12-month periods; (2) reduced withholding rate of 10% applies if the amount realized exceeds $300,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000 and the buyer meets the personal residence requirement (Formula: Tax = Amount Realized × 10%); (3) withholding can be reduced or eliminated if an IRS Withholding Certificate (Form 8288-B) is obtained or if the seller furnishes a Non-Foreign Status Certification.

Internal Revenue Code Section 1445 (26 U.S.C. § 1445), originally enacted under FIRPTA of 1980; standard rate increased from 10% to 15% under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, effective February 16, 2016.

Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Disclosure (Title X)Disclosure & transactionConditional

applies when — Residential 'target housing' constructed prior to 1978 offered for sale or lease (excluding zero-bedroom dwellings, housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities unless a child under 6 resides there, and certified lead-free properties).

Requires sellers and landlords to disclose known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards, provide all available evaluation reports/records, provide the EPA-approved informational pamphlet 'Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home', and grant prospective buyers a 10-day inspection period (subject to mutual written waiver). Parties must execute a formal disclosure attachment; failure exposes non-compliant parties to statutory civil penalties and treble damages.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of Pub. L. 102-550; 42 U.S.C. § 4852d); joint HUD/EPA regulations at 24 CFR Part 35, Subpart A and 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart F.

Fair Housing Act Parcel Design, Construction, and Accessibility StandardsBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — The parcel contains covered multifamily residential dwellings designed and constructed for first occupancy after March 13, 1991 (defined as all dwelling units in buildings with 4 or more units with an elevator, or ground floor dwelling units in buildings with 4 or more units without an elevator).

Imposes mandatory physical structural criteria on the parcel improvements: (1) accessible building entrance on an accessible route, (2) accessible public and common use areas, (3) usable doors for wheelchairs, (4) accessible routes into and through each dwelling unit, (5) light switches, electrical outlets, and environmental controls in accessible locations, (6) reinforced bathroom walls for grab bar installation, and (7) usable kitchens and bathrooms permitting wheelchair maneuvering. Non-conforming improvements require mandatory structural retrofits and subject developers/owners to federal civil actions.

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3604(f)(3)(C)); HUD regulations at 24 CFR 100.205.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Mortgage Foreclosure MoratoriumForeclosure doctrineConditional

applies when — The parcel secures a residential mortgage originated before the property owner entered active military service, where the debt is enforced during or within one year after active military service.

Restricts lender foreclosure rights by nullifying any non-judicial foreclosure, sale, or seizure of the residential parcel without a court order or valid written waiver executed by the servicemember during or after active duty. Courts are empowered to stay foreclosure proceedings or adjust loan payments. Foreclosing without a court order constitutes a federal criminal misdemeanor and exposes the lender to civil damages.

50 U.S.C. 3953; codified originally as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, modernized under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-189).

Federal General Tax Lien EncumbranceTaxationConditional

applies when — The residential parcel is owned by a person or entity that has neglected or refused to pay any assessed federal tax liability (income, gift, estate, or payroll tax) after formal demand.

Under IRC § 6321, a statutory lien arises automatically as of the date of assessment and attaches to all real property owned or acquired by the taxpayer. Upon the IRS filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) in local county land records under IRC § 6323, it perfects priority against subsequent purchasers, mortgagees, and judgment lien creditors. Rate and computation: The lien secures 100% of the underlying unpaid tax assessment, plus compounding interest under IRC § 6621 (the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points) and statutory late-payment penalties under IRC § 6651 (0.5% per month, up to a maximum cap of 25%). No parcel-level homestead exemption exists under federal law against an IRC § 7403 judicial foreclosure or tax collection lien.

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §§ 6321, 6322, 6323.

EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) RuleBuilding & codesConditional

applies when — The parcel is improved with target residential housing built before 1978 undergoing renovation, repair, or painting activities for compensation that disturb more than 6 sq. ft. of interior painted surface or 20 sq. ft. of exterior painted surface.

Legally prohibits uncertified contractors from performing qualifying physical alterations on the home. Contractors must be EPA-certified and adhere to specific lead-safe containment, containment plastic barriers, HEPA vacuuming, and cleaning verification protocols. Imposes strict recordkeeping burdens and exposes property alterations to federal administrative stop-work orders and civil fines for uncontained lead dust contamination.

Promulgated under TSCA § 402(c)(3) (15 U.S.C. 2682); codified at 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E; fully effective April 22, 2010.

Clean Water Act Section 404 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) PermittingLand use & zoningConditional

applies when — The parcel contains wetlands, streams, or waterways that meet the definition of 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) as delineated under the Clean Water Act.

Prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional wetlands or waters without a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Restricts residential site grading, driveway installation, structural foundation expansion, or shoreline bulkheading; unauthorized fill mandates compulsory site restoration and subjects parcel owners to civil penalties exceeding $50,000 per day under 33 U.S.C. 1319.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), 33 U.S.C. 1344; current delineation criteria governed in accordance with Sackett v. EPA (2023) and conforming federal rulemaking (40 CFR Part 120 / 33 CFR Part 328).

Federal Historic Preservation Review Encumbrance (Section 106)Land use & zoningConditional

applies when — The residential parcel is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or lies within an eligible historic district, and involves an action subject to federal agency funding, permitting, licensing, or mortgage assistance (e.g., HUD/FHA, VA, USDA, or USACE permits).

Federal agencies must assess adverse effects on historic resources prior to approving loans, grants, or permits. Parcel alterations, demolitions, or rehabilitation programs that receive federal assistance are subjected to binding Section 106 consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, restricting unapproved structural modifications or exterior elevation changes.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 306108, formerly 16 U.S.C. 470f); regulations codified at 36 CFR Part 800.

FHA / HUD Single-Family Property Standards and County Loan LimitsLending & financingConditional

applies when — The parcel is being purchased or refinanced using FHA-insured Title II financing under the National Housing Act.

Restricts financing eligibility based on parcel and structural criteria: (1) County Loan Limits cap the maximum insurable mortgage balance per parcel based on local median housing costs (ranging from a federal statutory floor of 65% of the national conforming limit up to a statutory ceiling of 150%). (2) Imposes mandatory HUD Minimum Property Standards (MPS; HUD Handbook 4000.1 / 24 CFR Part 200) requiring mandatory appraisal repair escrows or seller cures for deficiencies regarding structural soundness, safety, soil stability, drainage, well/septic separation buffers, and lead paint encapsulation before loan endorsement.

National Housing Act of 1934, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1709); annual loan limit updates promulgated under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).

Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) Tax WithholdingTaxationConditional

applies when — The parcel constitutes a U.S. Real Property Interest (USRPI) transferred or disposed of by a 'foreign person' (non-resident alien individual, foreign corporation, foreign partnership, or foreign trust/estate).

Imposes an absolute statutory obligation on the transferee/buyer to withhold gross tax from the total amount realized (purchase price) upon disposition and remit it to the IRS within 20 days using Forms 8288 and 8288-A. Rate structure and formula: Base statutory withholding rate is 15% of the gross sales price. Residential personal residence exemption computation: (1) If the gross sales price does not exceed $300,000 AND the buyer (or family member) intends to use the parcel as a personal residence for at least 50% of days used during each of the first two 12-month periods, the withholding rate is 0%. (2) If the gross sales price exceeds $300,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000 and meets the same personal residence test, the withholding rate is reduced to 10% of the gross sales price. (3) For all sales exceeding $1,000,000, or where the buyer does not satisfy the personal residence requir

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 1445; enacted via the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, with standard rate increased from 10% to 15% pursuant to the PATH Act of 2015.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X) DisclosureDisclosure & transactionConditional

applies when — The parcel is improved with 'target housing,' defined as any residential dwelling constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless a child under age 6 resides or is expected to reside there) or 0-bedroom dwellings.

Before a purchaser or lessee becomes obligated under any contract to buy or lease, the seller or landlord must: (1) provide an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet ('Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home'), (2) disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards and provide all available records/evaluations, (3) attach a federal Lead Warning Statement and disclosure certification to the contract, and (4) afford buyers a mandatory 10-day mutual inspection period (waivable in writing) to conduct a risk assessment. Failure to comply exposes violators to civil liability, statutory treble damages, and administrative penalties up to statutory maximums per violation.

Enacted under Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4852d), implemented jointly by EPA and HUD at 40 CFR Part 745 / 24 CFR Part 35.

FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area — NFIP Mandatory Purchase RequirementHazard & insuranceConditional

applies when — Parcel contains improved real estate or a manufactured home situated within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA, such as Zones A or V / 100-year floodplain) in an NFIP-participating community, where financing is secured via a federally regulated, supervised, or insured lender (including GSEs, FHA, VA, USDA).

Mandates borrower to purchase and maintain flood insurance coverage (via NFIP or qualifying private flood insurance policy) for the term of the mortgage up to the lesser of the outstanding principal loan balance, the maximum NFIP statutory limit ($250,000 for residential 1-4 units), or the insurable value of the property. Lenders must escrow flood insurance premiums unless specific small-lender exceptions apply.

Established under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. § 4012a) and National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, amended by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012; private flood insurance acceptance regulations updated at 24 CFR Part 203 (FHA, 2022).

Governance registry — every jurisdiction re-researches on a rolling 90-day cycle. Property reports compose these inherited burdens into a per-parcel ledger with conditional determinations. Informational only — not legal advice.