Smart Money Recommendations for St. Louis Homeowners

Whether you bought your home last year or a decade ago, one thing remains true: homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth, if you manage it intentionally.

At Maerock, we talk to hundreds of homeowners across the St. Louis area every year. And the people who build the strongest financial foundations as homeowners all tend to do the same few things consistently.

Here are our top smart money recommendations for STL homeowners that are practical, achievable, and rooted in real conversations we have with our clients every day.

1. Use your credit card… wisely.
Using a credit card and paying it off every month helps keep your credit score strong, which matters when refinancing, buying your next home, or even renewing certain insurance policies.

On-time payments across ALL bills (utilities, loans, subscriptions) make the biggest impact. Your future self will thank you!

2. Stay on top of monthly + seasonal home maintenance.
Your home is one of your biggest investments, so we recommend you treat it like one. Small maintenance done consistently prevents major issues later and adds real value:

• Clean gutters
• Change HVAC filters
• Winterize exterior spigots
• Seal driveways
• Service major systems

If you wouldn't skip oil changes on your car, don’t skip maintenance on your home!

3. Ask your lender about biweekly payments.
Many lenders allow you to split your mortgage payment and pay every two weeks instead of once a month.

You still make the same monthly payment, but end up making one extra payment per year, which goes straight to principal.

Over the life of a 30-year loan, this can save some homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in interest.

4. Don’t buy at the top of your pre-approval.
Your lender will tell you what you can afford, but only you know what you’re truly comfortable with. Financial peace comes from margin, not from stretching to the top of a pre-approval because you technically qualify.

5. Buy a home with potential in an established neighborhood.
This old saying exists for a reason. You can change flooring, paint, layout, and lighting, but you cannot change:

• The school district
• The street
• The walkability
• The resale potential

Long-term appreciation almost always favors the better location over the prettier house.

6. Watch for Neighborhood Abnormalities
It’s also important to pay attention to how your home compares to others in your neighborhood. Features that are significantly different  (like a very steep lot in an otherwise flat area, an unconventional layout, or unique exterior elements) can impact resale value and buyer perception. While these details aren’t necessarily deal breakers, being aware of them helps you make smarter decisions about upgrades, pricing, and long-term plans.

7. Define what rich actually means to you.
Money matters, but so does being in alignment with your values. A home should support your lifestyle, your family, and your overall well-being. Being “house poor” isn’t worth it. Being rich in the things you value is the real game changer.

Bonus: Build a small yearly “house fund.”
Just $50–100/month set aside for home repairs or upgrades gives you breathing room when something unexpected pops up (because it will!).

We’re not financial advisors, but we do help clients make smart money decisions through real estate every day. Tell us, what would you add to this list?