Privy Launches Direct-to-MLS Access Across St. Louis and Eastern Missouri via MARIS MLS

Privy has officially expanded its direct-to-MLS integration by partnering with Mid America Regional Information Systems (MARIS MLS), delivering real-time property access across 67 counties and 14 associations in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. This strategic addition empowers investors and agents alike to uncover more profitable deals with greater speed, accuracy, and confidence, particularly in one of the Midwest’s most resilient and opportunity-rich markets: the St. Louis metro.

Whether your strategy is buy-and-hold, fix-and-flip, or building long-term passive income through rentals, access to local MLS data is essential to success. With this expansion, Privy users now have full access to real-time, accurate data in regions that are steadily growing in demand, investor interest, and long-term appreciation potential.

Why Direct-to-MLS Access Matters

Direct MLS access isn’t just about seeing listings—it’s about having the right data to make informed decisions faster than your competition. Through Privy’s integration with MARIS, users can:

• Analyze investment-grade comparables with complete MLS detail
• See active, pending, and sold properties across a wide geographic footprint
• Filter and track proven investor activity in emerging neighborhoods
• Validate rehab costs, ARV potential, and days on market in seconds
• Draw custom search zones to uncover high-yield opportunities

MARIS is one of the most robust MLS systems in the region. It supports 14 real estate associations and gives Privy users access to a vast swath of territory across Missouri and Illinois, from dense urban cores like St. Louis to suburban hubs and small rural counties seeing increasing investment activity.

MARIS Footprint: Full Coverage Across 67 Counties and 14 Associations

Privy users now have direct MLS access across a highly diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural markets thanks to MARIS. This coverage includes:

Key Missouri Counties:
St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Pulaski, Phelps, Cape Girardeau, Perry, Washington, and more.

Southwestern Illinois Counties:
St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Macoupin, Randolph, Jersey, Bond, Montgomery, Fayette, and others.

Real Estate Associations Served by MARIS Include:
St. Louis REALTORS®, St. Charles REALTORS®, Southern Gateway Association of REALTORS®, Franklin County Board of REALTORS®, Bootheel Regional Board of REALTORS®, East Central Board of REALTORS®, and nine others representing local expertise throughout Missouri and Illinois.

With such a large geographic range, Privy users gain access to every type of investment market—from luxury rentals in the Central West End to affordable rural flips in Iron or Crawford counties.

Why Invest in St. Louis?

St. Louis offers investors the rare combination of affordability, rental demand, urban revitalization, and economic growth. For those looking to grow their portfolio in a sustainable, scalable way, this market checks every box.

Key stats from REI Nation highlight the fundamentals:

• 2.8 million metro population
• 56.6% renter population
• $190K–$250K average investment home price
• $1,095 average monthly rent
• 6.2% 1-year appreciation rate
• Price-to-rent ratio of 21.3

What sets St. Louis apart is its mix of job creation and grassroots redevelopment. Over $8 billion has been invested in citywide growth, from historic renovations to the development of new commercial centers. Additionally, a $380 million overhaul of the Gateway Arch National Park is revitalizing both tourism and the downtown corridor’s livability.

Big Business and a Surging Tech Scene

Several major companies are headquartered in or heavily invested in the St. Louis region:

• Express Scripts
• Emerson Electric
• Edward Jones
• Nestlé Purina PetCare
• Anheuser-Busch
• Reinsurance Group of America
• Monsanto (Bayer)

These institutions drive steady job growth across logistics, finance, biotech, and healthcare.

St. Louis is also becoming a national model for mid-market tech innovation. Organizations like BioSTL, Cortex Innovation Community, and the T-REX tech incubator are helping to fuel a wave of startups. Employers like Boeing, Unisys, and Scott Air Force Base are creating thousands of high-tech jobs that bring educated workers—and a growing demand for quality housing.

How Privy Helps You Invest in Missouri and Illinois

Privy is more than a listing platform. It’s a full investment intelligence engine. With direct MARIS integration, here’s what users can do across Missouri and Illinois:

• Draw Search Zones: Target specific zip codes or neighborhoods in St. Louis, Jefferson, or St. Clair County where you know investors are active.
• Analyze Comps with LiveCMA: See side-by-side investment comps with full rehab status, days on market, and sale outcomes to accurately determine ARV.
• Track Investor Activity: Visual heat maps help you spot where other investors are buying, flipping, or renting. Filter by comp type to see the most profitable deals.
• Replicate Success: Use the Comparative Search function to find similar properties to proven deals—by price, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and zip code.
• Act Fast: With real-time MARIS data, you’ll be among the first to know when properties hit the market or go pending, giving you an edge over slower competitors.

Neighborhood Deep Dive: Where to Invest

Emerging Markets in St. Louis City:

• Fox Park: Low entry point, rapid appreciation
• Botanical Heights: Flips and new construction activity
• Gravois Park: Excellent rental cash flow potential
• Dutchtown: Historic area experiencing revival

Established Markets:

• Central West End: Luxury rentals, walkability, high tenant quality
• Lafayette Square: One of the city’s most consistent value growth areas
• Webster Groves / Kirkwood: Top school districts, suburban appeal
• Tower Grove South: Cultural hotspots, strong Airbnb interest

Rental Market Strength and Forecast

Rental demand in the St. Louis metro remains solid. The renter population continues to exceed 55 percent, and average lease durations are growing. With a rental vacancy rate of just 7.5 percent, competition is strong, especially for updated properties in stable school districts or near employment centers.

Privy allows you to pull rent estimates instantly, track other investor-owned properties in your area, and monitor monthly income potential to support your underwriting.

A Market Built for Long-Term Growth

Forecasts from Zillow and other national analysts point to stable home value increases through 2025 and beyond. St. Louis is expected to see a modest 1.7 percent increase in the next year, with smaller towns like Springfield and Columbia forecasted even higher.

But price stability is only part of the story. What makes this region truly exciting for investors is the consistency of returns, affordability of entry, and growing demand for both owned and rental properties.

St. Charles County: A Prime Investment Destination in Missouri

St. Charles County, located just northwest of St. Louis, has emerged as one of Missouri’s most dynamic real estate markets. Known for its robust economy, excellent schools, and high quality of life, the county offers a compelling case for real estate investors seeking both stability and growth.

St. Charles Market Overview

As of April 2025, the median sale price for homes in St. Charles County reached $357,000, marking a 2.7% increase compared to the previous year. Homes are selling swiftly, with a median of just 8 days on the market, indicating strong buyer demand. The county’s housing inventory includes a diverse mix of properties, from affordable single-family homes to upscale residences, catering to a wide range of investment strategies.

Economic and Demographic Drivers

St. Charles County boasts a population exceeding 400,000, making it the third-most populous county in Missouri. The area has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, driven by factors such as:

• Economic Prosperity: The county’s economy is bolstered by sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers include Boeing, General Motors, and several healthcare institutions.
• Educational Excellence: The region is served by top-rated school districts, which enhance its appeal to families and contribute to sustained housing demand.
• Quality of Life: With numerous parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions, St. Charles County offers residents a high standard of living.

Investment Opportunities St. Charles, Missouri

For real estate investors, St. Charles County presents several attractive opportunities:

• Rental Market: The area’s growing population and strong job market have led to increased demand for rental properties. Investors can capitalize on this by acquiring single-family homes or multifamily units to generate steady rental income.
• Fix-and-Flip Projects: The county’s diverse housing stock includes properties suitable for renovation and resale. With homes selling quickly and at rising prices, fix-and-flip ventures can yield substantial returns.
• Long-Term Appreciation: Given the county’s ongoing development and economic growth, property values are expected to continue appreciating, offering long-term capital gains for investors.

Strategic Locations Within the County

Several cities and towns within St. Charles County stand out for their investment potential:

• O’Fallon: As the largest city in the county, O’Fallon offers a strong economy combined with a family-friendly environment, making it an ideal location for both rental and resale investments.
• St. Peters: Known for its affordable housing and excellent amenities, St. Peters attracts a diverse population, ensuring consistent demand for rental properties.
• Wentzville: One of the fastest-growing cities in Missouri, Wentzville offers new construction opportunities and a burgeoning real estate market.

County Spotlights Beyond St. Louis and St. Charles

• Jefferson County
  Low inventory and quick DOM metrics make this a prime location for flip opportunities. Investors are seeing strong returns on cosmetic rehabs under $300K.
• Cape Girardeau & Perry Counties
  These counties show growing rental potential and stable long-term tenant populations. Great for turnkey or BRRRR strategies.
• Pulaski & Phelps Counties
  Home to military families and federal employees. Steady rental demand due to Fort Leonard Wood and associated service industries.
• Madison & St. Clair Counties (IL)
  Affordable inventory and commuter demand from nearby St. Louis drive strong cash-on-cash returns in these border communities.