HomeBlogPersonal FinanceProperty Holding Costs in Glendale, MO: What a Vacant House Really Costs Share on Like what you see? Share with a friend. Property Holding Costs in Glendale, MO: What a Vacant House Really Costs Chris Kirshenboim | November 5, 2020 Last updated August 10, 2026 Property holding costs are the quiet expense that makes a house you are not using more expensive than one you are. Run the twelve month number for a vacant Glendale house and it usually surprises people. Real estate taxes in St. Louis County. Insurance at the vacancy rate, which sits well above a standard homeowners policy. Utilities kept on so the pipes do not freeze. Lawn care and snow removal so the city does not send a letter. Whatever the mortgage still costs, if there is one. Then add a repair fund, because an empty house deteriorates faster than an occupied one and a failed sump pump nobody hears about becomes a finished basement nobody can use. Your monthly holding cost in Glendale is real money leaving with nothing coming back, and it compounds quietly against the sentimental reason most people keep a property they never visit. That does not mean sell today. It means put a number on waiting so the choice is a deliberate one. A few hundred dollars a month held for two years is a five figure decision made by default. We buy houses in any condition across St. Louis County, and you can see how we buy houses without speaking to anyone first. Costs Of Holding A Property In Glendale, MO Property Taxes In Glendale Property taxes can be high with recent changes to the tax code, they are no longer deductible either. As long as you are listed as the owner of the home, you will be responsible for the taxes on it. By selling your house in a timely manner, you can immediately end your tax obligation for the home. Utilities In Glendale, Missouri Monthly utilities add up quickly. If you were to add up the amount you've spent on electricity, water, gas, tv, and the internet you might be surprised at how high that number is. Even if you aren't residing in the home while selling it, you will still need to keep the lights and the water on for the people who come to see your house. If your property is older and less energy efficient, you are likely to have utility bills significantly higher than what you would find in a new home. MO Home Repairs & Maintenance A good rule of thumb for maintenance costs is the one percent rule. This rule states that you should plan to spend about one percent of your purchase price on maintenance each year. For example, if your house was purchased for $250,000, you should plan to spend about $2,500 on home maintenance each year. Of course, these numbers can vary widely, but many investors use this formula to estimate costs. Homeowners' Insurance In Missouri The premium for a homeowner's insurance policy will vary based on the property and its location. You can expect to pay over $1000 annually for an average Glendale, MO home. Mortgage Payments In Glendale, MO It can be difficult to come up with a mortgage payment each and every month for a property you don't want to own. The average mortgage payment nationwide is well over $1000 each month. Some people are struggling to pay thousands of dollars each month when in reality they would be much better off selling the property. Opportunity Costs In Glendale What else could you be doing with the money you have tied up in the property? You could very well be missing out on a better home or investment opportunity. Look around at what else is out there and decide if you are truly happy with your current situation. If your real estate isn't doing anything for you, it might be time to find something new! Sell My House In Glendale, MO As you can see, if you sell your house in St. Louis now as opposed to later can help you keep more money in your pocket. For every day you continue to own it, you will also continue having to be financially responsible for it. The holding costs add up quickly. We are professional Missouri home buyers and we will help you run the numbers for your property and make the decision that makes the most sense for you! Are You Holding Onto A Property You Aren't Using? We Can Help! Send Us A Message Or Give Us A Call Today! (314) 334-1481 FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Does vacant house insurance really cost more? + Yes. Most carriers move an unoccupied home onto a vacancy policy or endorsement, and the premium commonly runs well above the standard homeowners rate. Should I keep the utilities on in an empty house? + Through a Missouri winter, yes. Heat kept above freezing costs far less than a burst pipe and the water damage that follows it. What does St. Louis County charge in property tax? + Rates vary by municipality and school district, so check your own parcel on the county assessor site rather than relying on a countywide average figure.