Buying or selling, on either side of the river.
I'm Gary Seid, a REALTOR® and real estate broker licensed in Missouri and Illinois. I help sellers price, prepare and sell their homes — and first-time buyers find them.
- St. Louis City
- Dutchtown
- Bevo Mill
- Carondelet
- St. Louis County
- Edwardsville
- Belleville
- East St. Louis
- Cahokia Heights
- Metro East
I know your buyer.
Most homes in our market sell to first-time buyers — the people I work with every week. I know what they qualify for, what makes them walk away after a showing, and how to keep their financing on track to closing day.
- Free written home value analysis and net sheet before you list
- Priced for the first two weeks, when buyers pay the most attention
- Occupancy permit started on day one, so your closing doesn't stall
You don't need 20% down.
I'll walk you through what you can afford, the down-payment programs on both sides of the river, and every step to the closing table — in plain numbers.
- FHA from 3.5% down, some conventional loans from 3%
- Missouri and Illinois assistance programs, explained
- Shop both states with one agent
Buying your first home shouldn't feel like a test you didn't study for.
While looking for a house in St. Louis, Gary was BY FAR the most communicative and friendly agent we reached out to. When other agents wouldn't answer our questions or even call back, Gary was very responsive and helpful. He knows the neighborhoods and helped us from our first phone call to our closing. We'd 10/10 recommend Gary to anyone else looking to buy or sell in Missouri or Illinois!
- Straight answers about money. Before real estate, I spent years running an income tax practice and earned an MBA. I'll walk you through payment, down payment and closing costs in plain numbers.
- Down-payment help, explained. FHA, USDA, conventional 3% down: I'll connect you with lenders who know the programs that fit your budget.
- Two states, one agent. Missouri and Illinois write contracts and close differently. I work in both every week, so you can shop on either side of the river.
- I represent you, not the seller. When you buy with me, my job is to negotiate for you and protect you through inspection and appraisal.
What buyers say
54 five-star reviews from buyers and sellers across St. Louis and the Metro East. Read them all on Google ↗
I attended a first time homebuyer’s seminar … through a local credit union and unfortunately left feeling more overwhelmed and confused than I had when I arrived. When I met Gary a few months later, he sat down with me and my partner and took the time to explain the entire home buying process to us in a way that just made sense! … with Gary’s help and guidance we secured our first home!
The best there is in St.Louis. Want to sell your house quick and at what its worth? Gary will make it happen.
Gary jumped in to help us buy a home in Illinois last minute. We had been looking in Missouri and wasn't finding what we wanted… He was patient, communicated well and has a great personality! Thank you Gary for helping us find our forever home!
Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers. If yours isn't here, ask me.
Do I need 20% down to buy my first home?
No. Many first-time buyers put down far less. FHA loans start at 3.5% down, some conventional loans at 3%, and USDA loans in eligible areas can require no down payment. A lender can tell you which programs fit your situation.
What does it cost to work with you?
Commissions are negotiable. Before we tour homes, we sign a buyer agreement that spells out exactly how I'm paid. In many deals the seller covers some or all of it, and I'll explain your options up front.
Which areas do you serve?
Both sides of the Mississippi: St. Louis City and St. Louis County in Missouri, and the Metro East in Illinois, including Edwardsville, Belleville, East St. Louis and Cahokia Heights. I'm licensed in both Missouri and Illinois.
Is buying in Missouri different from Illinois?
Yes. The contracts, disclosures and closing customs differ. Illinois has higher property taxes and a transfer tax, Missouri taxes vehicles yearly, and each state has its own radon and inspector rules. My First-Time Buyer Guide lays out every difference side by side.
How do I get started?
Call or text me at 314-494-6038 or email gary@blustl.com. The first conversation is about your budget, your timeline and what you want in a home.