Missouri real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
Missouri has no state transfer tax and its constitution blocks new ones, does not force sellers to fill out a disclosure form, and requires a written warning if meth was ever made in the home. Here is what is the same everywhere in Missouri, and where to search homes.
Missouri: search homes by city
Tap a city to see the newest homes for sale there.
What every Missouri buyer and seller should know
No law makes the seller fill out a general disclosure form
Missouri has no statute requiring a full seller disclosure form. Most sellers still fill one out because it is part of the standard forms, and hiding a known defect can still make a seller liable in court. Ask for it, read it, and inspect anyway.
Meth must be disclosed in writing
If a seller knows meth was ever made on the property, they must tell you in writing, even if no one was convicted. They must also disclose if someone convicted of a meth crime lived there or used it to store or make drugs (RSMo 442.606).
Agents must tell you what they know
Even an agent who works for the seller must tell you every serious problem they actually know about, or should have known about (RSMo 339.730). But they do not have to inspect the home for you or check what the seller says. That is your inspector's job.
Agents are not on the hook for the seller's form
An agent cannot be sued over what the seller wrote on the disclosure unless the agent signed it, knew it was false before closing, or recklessly ignored the truth (RSMo 339.190). The seller is the one who stands behind their answers.
There is no state transfer tax
Missouri does not charge a state transfer tax on home sales. You pay county recording fees instead.
The constitution blocks new transfer taxes
Since 2010, Missouri's constitution has barred the state, counties and cities from adding any new tax on the sale or transfer of homes (Missouri Constitution, Article X, Section 25).
Sale prices are not on the public record
Missouri does not require the price to be recorded with the deed, so sale prices are hard to look up in public records. Agents see past sales through the MLS.
Title companies run most closings
Most Missouri home sales close at a title company, which checks the ownership history, handles the money and records the deed. Who pays for which title policy is set by your contract and local custom.
Closing costs in Missouri: who pays what
Who pays what in Missouri. There is no state transfer tax, so most costs follow your contract and local custom, and all can be negotiated.
| Buyer pays | How it works |
|---|---|
| Lender's title policy | Required with a loan. Usually paid by the buyer. |
| Recording fees | County fees to record the deed and mortgage. |
| Loan costs | Origination, appraisal and credit report, if you have a loan. |
| Home inspection | A flat fee, paid during your inspection period. |
| Closing fee | Often split between buyer and seller. |
| Prepaid taxes and insurance | Your first year of homeowners insurance and any tax escrow. |
| HOA transfer fee | Only if the association charges one. |
| Tax adjustments | Your share of property taxes from the closing date. |
| Seller pays | How it works |
|---|---|
| Owner's title policy | Commonly paid by the seller. Set in the contract. |
| Mortgage payoff | Your lender's payoff plus the fee to release the mortgage. |
| Closing fee | Often split between buyer and seller. |
| Listing agent's commission | Set in your listing agreement. Always negotiable. |
| Deed preparation | The fee to draft the deed. |
| City inspections | Some cities require an occupancy or code inspection before a sale. |
| Tax adjustments | Your share of property taxes for the time you owned the home. |
| Repairs or credits you agree to | Only what you agree to in the contract. |
Missouri has no state transfer tax. Some cities require their own inspection or occupancy permit before a home changes hands, so ask the city early.
How a Missouri home purchase runs
The order most Missouri purchases follow. Your contract sets the exact deadlines, so keep a calendar.
Get pre-approved →-
Get pre-approved. Know your budget and payment before you tour.
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Ask for the seller's disclosure. Most sellers provide one, even though a full form is not required.
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Make an offer. Include inspection, financing and appraisal contingencies.
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Inspect. Book it right away and ask for repairs by your deadline.
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City inspection, if required. Some cities require one before the sale can close.
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Title work. The title company checks ownership and liens.
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Loan approval. The lender finishes the appraisal and underwriting.
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Final walk-through. Check the home is in the condition you agreed to.
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Close. Sign at the title company and get the keys.
Missouri by region
Missouri markets run from the Kansas City and St. Louis metros to the Ozarks. Tap a city to see the newest homes for sale there.
Kansas City Area
The Missouri side of the metro and its suburbs.
St. Louis Area
The city, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
Springfield and the Ozarks
Southwest Missouri and the lake country.
AXEN Realty in Missouri
Every AXEN agent in Missouri works under a licensed managing broker: Rick Jackson (AXEN Realty, LLC, firm license 2025046237). See every state on the state brokers page.
Buying? Start with the home buying guide and get pre-approved.
Selling? Read the home selling guide and get your home value.
Moving here? Read buying in a new state.
Missouri real estate questions
Does a Missouri seller have to give me a disclosure form?
No law requires a full form, but most sellers fill one out because it is part of the standard forms. Sellers must disclose known meth production in writing. Always inspect.
Does Missouri have a transfer tax?
No. There is no state transfer tax, and the state constitution blocks any new transfer tax.
What does the meth disclosure cover?
If the seller knows meth was ever made on the property, or that someone convicted of a meth crime lived there or used it for drugs, they must tell you in writing.
What does the seller's agent have to tell me?
Every serious problem they know about, or should have known about. They do not have to inspect the home or check the seller's statements for you.
Why can't I look up what a home sold for?
Missouri does not require sale prices on recorded deeds. Your agent can pull past sales from the MLS.
Who pays for title insurance in Missouri?
It depends on your contract and local custom. In many areas the seller pays for the owner's policy and the buyer pays for the lender's policy.
Is a home inspection required?
No law requires one, but with no required disclosure form it is your best protection. Write an inspection contingency into your offer.
Who closes the sale?
Usually a title company. It handles the money, clears the title and records the deed.