Listing agent · St. Louis City · St. Louis County
Selling?
Let’s look at your options.
Market-ready, as-is, or cash. One Mapping Session shows you which path nets you the most.
Buying instead? Book a buyer consultation →
For homeowners and sellers
Three ways to sell. One that fits your situation.
The right strategy depends on your goals, your timeline and the condition of the house. After your Mapping Session, one of these paths will make sense.
Top dollar
Market-Ready MLS Listing
Targeted repairs to meet financing and inspection requirements before listing.
- Know which repairs are worth it, and which to skip
- Priced and prepared to attract the strongest offers
Open market, no repairs
As-Is MLS Listing
Full market exposure without completing renovations first.
- Buyers compete for your home
- Sell in its current condition
Speed and certainty
As-Is Cash Offer
A direct sale for sellers who need speed and certainty.
- No repairs or cleanup
- A faster, more predictable close
Free playbook · St. Louis investors & landlords
Own a rental? Know your exit.
Most landlords only hear one option: whatever the person they’re talking to sells. The Landlord’s Exit Playbook lays out all five, side by side, and what each one actually nets you.
- 01List on marketTop dollar, normal timeline
- 02List as-isMarket price, no repairs
- 03Off marketFastest, least hassle
- 04Light fix, then listMost upside, most work
- 05Seller financingIncome over time
Free · 17 pages · Includes tenant hand-off and problem-tenant checklists
How every client starts
Every sale starts with a Mapping Session.
A 1-on-1 meeting to set your price, your prep and the best path forward before you list.
- Book a timePick a time that works for you.
- Map it out with JohnPricing, preparation, timing, and whether market-ready, as-is or cash makes the most sense.
- Leave with a planClear next steps, so execution follows a process.
A working meeting, not a sales pitch.
Watch: John explains what happens in a Mapping Session (47 sec).
What clients say
Out of state? I’m your eyes and ears in St. Louis.
Many of my clients sold or bought from another state, or another country. Here’s what they said.
“John was exceptional in guiding me through a process that could otherwise have been stressful at times, especially being out of state. He made my home-selling experience a very smooth transaction from A to Z!”
“They provided valuable guidance on pricing, preparing the property for sale, evaluating offers, and navigating negotiations. Communication was always clear and timely, and we always felt well informed about what was happening and what to expect next.”
Victor · Sold a home in St. Louis · Realtor.com review
“He was incredibly communicative and made the whole process feel much easier, especially since he was helping me with a property out of state. He always answered my questions promptly and kept me updated every step of the way.”
Elyse MartinezRealtor.com review
“I had an excellent experience working with John on the purchase of an out-of-state investment property. … I never felt like just another client. He consistently put my best interests first and offered honest, thoughtful advice every step of the way.”
Rosetta AaronInvestor · Realtor.com review
“Living overseas, I only returned to the United States fifteen days before closing, so John essentially became my eyes and ears on the ground.”
Teandre McKinneyBuyer · Realtor.com review
No question is too basic. If it’s on your mind, someone else is wondering too.
Ask John a real estate question
What’s your real estate question?
What your home is worth, whether to fix it up, how to time your sale. Ask it here and John answers you personally.
Free guides and playbooks
Not ready to talk? Start here.
Straight answers you can read tonight. Pick the one that fits where you are.
The Landlord’s Exit Playbook
5 ways to sell your rental, and what each one actually nets you.
Get the playbookSeller Expectations Guide
How pricing, preparation and negotiation shape your result before you list.
Get the seller guideBuyer Expectations Guide
Buying a home? I help buyers too. Understand the process from offer to closing.
Get the buyer guideBook a buyer consultation100 Families · For first-time buyers
Helping 100 families step into their first home.
100 Families is a Williams-Claytor Realty campaign and a community-led path to homeownership. As one of its Realtors, I walk families from a Mapping Session to the closing table, with trusted lenders, down payment assistance and monthly homebuyer classes along the way.
- EducationMonthly homebuyer classes and a proprietary Mapping Session
- FundingTrusted lenders and help with down payment assistance
- AdvocacyA Realtor in your corner from first showing to closing
Program averages reported by Williams-Claytor Realty for 100 Families clients. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Denied before? Credit around 580? That doesn’t mean you’re done. Let’s map out your next step.
Meet John
Husband. Dad of four. Your St. Louis agent.
I’m St. Louis born and raised, and an UMSL grad. Before real estate, I traveled the country representing brands at live events, then worked for a software company that ran the technology behind corporate events.
Real estate started for me on the investing side. For the last six years I’ve been on the sales side too, as a Realtor and as Vice President of The Real Estate Bae Agency. Years of project management mean your sale runs on a plan, with clear timelines and no guesswork.
I’ve been married 13 years, and life at our house revolves around our four kids. You’ll find us outdoors, or me at Club Fitness. Being a husband and dad keeps me humble and focused on the long game. I’ve got a heart to serve, I’m loyal to the people I work with, and I want to see St. Louis keep moving forward.
— John Lewis
Realtor, Williams-Claytor Realty · Vice President, The Real Estate Bae Agency · YouTube creator · Serving St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
From the blog
Real deals, real lessons.
- What You Paid, What You Owe & What Your Home Is WorthA seller’s mortgage balance, previous appraisal and past improvements can all be important information, but they don’t necessarily determine what a buyer will pay today. Here’s how I approach the conversation when helping sellers understand their home’s current market value.
- A Day in the Life: What Leverage Looks Like in Real EstateOne of our Realtors was out of the office, but her client’s file still needed to move forward. See what stepping in for a foundation inspection taught me about leverage, teamwork, and client service in real estate. Join me and Dev for a quick day in the life.
- When Your Tenant Wants to Buy the HomeA listing appointment took an unexpected turn when the tenant asked to buy the home. Here’s how we’re helping both sides move toward a win.
- Why This Rental Sold for Full Asking PriceLearn why this rental property sold for full asking price and the key lessons every landlord, investor, and homeowner can apply before selling.
On YouTube
Real estate, explained on camera.
Straight answers on selling, buying and investing in St. Louis. Watch before you make your next move.
On stage, on site, in the community
Thinking about selling?