It's a Buyer's Market in Des Moines
For the first time in over a decade, Des Moines buyers have the upper hand. High inventory means more choices, less competition, and real negotiating power. Here's how to maximize your advantage.
Get Buyer's Market Guide
Strategies to maximize your negotiating power
12-Year Inventory High: What It Means for You
After years of historically low inventory that favored sellers, the market has shifted. Des Moines currently has more homes for sale than at any point since 2012.
What Changed?
Higher interest rates have slowed buyer demand while life events (job changes, divorces, deaths, downsizing) continue to put homes on the market. The result: more supply than demand, which means buyer leverage.
This doesn't mean prices are crashing—Des Moines remains stable. But it does mean buyers have options, time, and negotiating power they haven't had in years.
What High Inventory Means for Buyers
- More choices — Find a home that truly fits, not just what's available
- Less competition — Fewer bidding wars, less pressure to decide fast
- Time to think — Homes sit longer, giving you time to evaluate
- Negotiating power — Sellers are more motivated to deal
- Inspection leverage — Sellers more willing to address issues
- Concession opportunities — Closing costs, buydowns, and more
Negotiation Strategies for 2026
In a buyer's market, the right negotiation approach can save you thousands. Here's what's working now.
Below Asking Offers
In today's market, offering below asking is expected, not insulting. Start negotiations from a position of strength based on comparable sales.
Days on Market Leverage
Homes sitting 30, 60, 90+ days signal motivated sellers. The longer the listing, the more room for negotiation on price and terms.
Price Reduction History
Homes with multiple price reductions indicate sellers who are increasingly motivated. Use this history in your negotiation strategy.
Multiple Concession Requests
Don't just negotiate price—ask for closing costs, home warranty, repairs, rate buydowns, and more. Bundle requests for maximum savings.
Contingency Protection
Unlike the frenzy of past years, you can now include full inspection and financing contingencies without losing the deal.
Flexible Timing Requests
Need a specific close date? Need extra time? Sellers are accommodating buyer timing needs more than they have in years.
Inspection Leverage in a Buyer's Market
Remember when buyers were waiving inspections just to compete? Those days are over. In 2026, inspections are back as a powerful negotiating tool.
Sellers who might have said "take it or leave it" in 2021 are now willing to:
- Complete repairs before closing
- Provide repair credits at closing
- Reduce the purchase price
- Hire specific contractors you choose
- Add home warranties for major systems
HVAC Issues
Negotiate replacement, credit, or extended warranty coverage
Roof Concerns
Repair credits or price reductions for remaining life
Foundation Issues
Professional assessment and repair credits
Electrical/Plumbing
Updates or credits for outdated systems
Closing Cost Credits
Sellers contributing 2-4% toward your closing costs is now common—that's $6,000-$12,000+ on many homes.
Rate Buydowns
Seller-paid rate buydowns reduce your interest rate and monthly payment—often more valuable than price cuts.
Home Warranty
Seller-paid home warranty covers major systems and appliances for your first year—peace of mind at their expense.
Repair Allowances
Credits for cosmetic updates, appliance replacement, or deferred maintenance you'd like to address your way.
Seller Concessions to Request
In today's market, sellers expect to negotiate. The question isn't whether to ask for concessions—it's which ones make the most sense for your situation.
I help you prioritize: Is a lower price better than closing cost credits? Would a rate buydown save you more than a home warranty? The right answer depends on your specific financial situation.
💡 Strategy Tip
Sometimes it's better to ask for closing cost credits instead of a lower price. Credits reduce your out-of-pocket at closing, while a lower price only saves you a small amount on your monthly payment.
Rate Buydowns: The Smart Ask
With current interest rates, a seller-paid rate buydown can be more valuable than a price reduction. Here's how it works.
Example: 2-1 Buydown on $350,000 Home
Seller pays approximately $8,000 to buy down your rate for the first two years
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3+
Your First Two Years Savings
Lower payments when you need them most, plus time to refinance if rates drop
Buyer's Market FAQ
Is 2026 a buyer's market in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines is experiencing the highest inventory levels in over 12 years. More homes on the market means more choices for buyers, less competition, and greater negotiating power. Homes are staying on market longer.
What concessions can I ask for?
In today's market, buyers are successfully negotiating closing cost credits, rate buydowns, home warranties, repair credits, and even appliance or furniture allowances. The key is knowing what to ask for.
What is a rate buydown?
A rate buydown is when the seller pays to reduce your mortgage interest rate, either temporarily (2-1 buydown) or permanently. With today's rates, a 2-1 buydown can save you thousands in the first two years.
How do I use inspection leverage?
In a buyer's market, sellers are more willing to address inspection issues rather than lose the sale. You can negotiate repairs, credits, or price reductions. Having a thorough inspector and experienced agent helps.
Ready to Buy in a Buyer's Market?
This is your opportunity to buy with advantages we haven't seen in over a decade. Let me help you maximize every bit of leverage the current market offers.
How I help buyers in this market:
- Identify motivated sellers
- Negotiate maximum concessions
- Leverage inspection findings
- Structure rate buydown requests
Start Your Buyer's Market Search
Sarah Ingles, Realtor® SRES®
Trusted Partner
Golden Concierge
Senior living care and placement
yourgoldenconcierge.com
(515) 303-2872
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