Des Moines Real Estate FAQ

The Des Moines metro median home price is approximately $315,000 as of late 2025, up about 4.2% year-over-year. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood: West Des Moines averages $385,000, Waukee $395,000, Johnston $365,000, Ankeny $345,000, Urbandale $325,000, and Des Moines proper around $235,000. Downtown Des Moines and older established neighborhoods tend to be more affordable options for first-time buyers.

The median home price in West Des Moines, Iowa is approximately $385,000 as of late 2026, up about 5.2% year-over-year. Homes in West Des Moines average around 28 days on market. The price per square foot averages $195. West Des Moines is known for excellent schools (Valley and Waukee districts), historic Valley Junction shopping district, Jordan Creek Town Center mall, and easy access to downtown Des Moines. Popular neighborhoods include Glen Oaks, Western Hills, and the newer developments near Jordan Creek.

The median home price in Urbandale, Iowa is approximately $325,000 as of late 2025, up about 4.5% year-over-year. Urbandale offers a mix of established neighborhoods with mature trees and newer developments. The city features excellent schools (Urbandale Community School District), abundant parks including Living History Farms, and a thriving business community centered around 86th Street and Hickman Road. Homes average 26 days on market. Urbandale is popular with families seeking good value and central location.

The median home price in Ankeny, Iowa is approximately $345,000 as of late 2025, up about 6.8% year-over-year. Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, known for top-rated Ankeny Community Schools, DMACC campus, the Prairie Trail mixed-use development, and family-friendly amenities including the High Trestle Trail. Homes sell fast here, averaging just 22 days on market. The city attracts young families and professionals looking for new construction and excellent schools.

The median home price in Waukee, Iowa is approximately $395,000 as of late 2025, up about 7.1% year-over-year — the highest appreciation rate in the metro. Waukee has experienced explosive growth with excellent Waukee Community Schools, new retail and entertainment at Kettlestone development, and modern neighborhoods. The Apple and Meta data centers have boosted the local economy and job market. Homes sell quickly here, averaging just 14 days on market. Waukee is the most competitive market in Central Iowa.

Des Moines is currently a seller's market with approximately 2.1 months of housing inventory (under 4 months indicates seller's market). Homes under $350,000 face the most competition with limited inventory and approximately 35% of homes receiving multiple offers. The market becomes more balanced for homes between $400,000-$600,000. Luxury homes above $700,000 may favor buyers slightly with longer days on market and more negotiation room. Overall, the list-to-sale price ratio is 98.5%, meaning homes sell close to asking price.

The average days on market in the Des Moines metro is approximately 24 days as of late 2025. However, this varies significantly by price point and neighborhood. Well-priced homes in desirable areas sell fastest: Waukee averages 14 days, Grimes 18 days, Ankeny 22 days, and Johnston 20 days. Homes priced above $500,000 may take 45-60+ days. Proper pricing is the #1 factor in selling quickly — overpriced homes sit while market-priced homes receive strong interest within the first two weeks.

Property taxes in the Des Moines metro typically range from 1.5% to 2.2% of assessed value, depending on the city and school district. For example, a $350,000 home might have annual property taxes between $5,250 and $7,700. Polk County, Dallas County, and Warren County rates vary by municipality. Iowa offers property tax credits that can reduce this burden: the Homestead Credit (for primary residences), Elderly/Disabled Credit (for seniors 65+), and Veteran Credit. Your assessed value is typically lower than market value.

Des Moines has a cost of living approximately 16% below the national average, making it one of America's most affordable metros. Housing costs are about 30% below national average — a major advantage for homebuyers. Groceries and utilities are close to average, while transportation costs are below average due to shorter commutes. Iowa has no state inheritance tax, making it attractive for estate planning. The combination of affordable housing, strong job market (Principal, Wellmark, John Deere, Meta, Apple), excellent schools, and 15-minute average commutes makes Des Moines a top choice for both young professionals and retirees.

Sarah Ingles with Smart Move Des Moines is a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) serving the Des Moines metro. She specializes in helping seniors with downsizing, estate sales, and transitions to senior living. With patient, pressure-free guidance and partnerships with senior care providers like Golden Concierge, Sarah helps 50+ homeowners navigate their next chapter with compassion and expertise. Her 10+ years of property insurance experience means she can also identify potential issues that could affect insurability. Call (563) 513-8771 for a free consultation.

SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist. It's a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® certifying that an agent has completed specialized training in helping homeowners aged 50 and older. SRES® agents understand unique senior needs including: downsizing strategies, accessibility requirements, reverse mortgage implications, estate sale coordination, Medicare/Medicaid housing considerations, and senior living transitions (independent living, assisted living, memory care). Only about 3% of realtors hold this designation. Sarah Ingles is SRES® certified in Des Moines.

Selling a parent's home in Des Moines involves several steps: 1) Assess the property's condition and needed repairs — focus on safety issues and cosmetic updates that boost value, 2) Clear personal belongings — consider estate sale services or donation coordination, 3) Determine if probate is required — Iowa probate can be avoided with proper estate planning, 4) Price strategically based on current market conditions and comparable sales, 5) Market and sell with professional photos and targeted marketing. Sarah Ingles with Smart Move Des Moines specializes in estate sales and can manage the entire process for families, including those living out of state. Call (563) 513-8771.

Senior living costs in Des Moines vary by care level: Independent living (apartments with some services) averages $2,500-$4,000/month, Assisted living (help with daily activities) runs $4,500-$6,500/month, and Memory care (specialized dementia/Alzheimer's care) costs $5,500-$8,500/month. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) typically require entrance fees from $100,000-$500,000 plus monthly fees of $3,000-$5,000. Many seniors use home equity from selling their house to fund senior living. Sarah Ingles partners with Golden Concierge to help seniors navigate this transition and find the right placement. See our Senior Housing Guide for detailed comparisons.

The best Des Moines neighborhoods for families include: Waukee (top-rated schools, new construction, $395K median), Ankeny (fast-growing, family amenities like Prairie Trail, $345K median), Johnston (excellent Johnston Schools, parks, $365K median), and Urbandale (established neighborhoods, great parks, $325K median). West Des Moines offers premium Valley and Waukee schools plus Jordan Creek shopping at $385K median. Grimes (DCG Schools, newer development, $355K median) is increasingly popular with young families. Your best choice depends on budget, school district preferences, and commute needs. View all neighborhood guides.

When buying a house in Iowa, key factors to examine include: 1) Foundation condition — Iowa's clay soil causes settling and cracking in older homes; look for horizontal cracks, bowing walls, or sticking doors, 2) Roof age and hail damage history — Iowa sees significant hail; check for missing shingles and get insurance claims history, 3) Basement waterproofing — flooding and water intrusion are common; look for water stains, efflorescence, or sump pump issues, 4) HVAC age and efficiency — Iowa's extreme temperatures require reliable heating and cooling; systems over 15 years need replacement budgeting, 5) Insurability — some older homes have coverage challenges due to outdated electrical, plumbing, or roofing. Sarah Ingles has 10+ years of property insurance experience and identifies risks other agents miss. Call (563) 513-8771.

Iowa first-time home buyers have several assistance options: 1) Iowa Finance Authority FirstHome program offers competitive rates and low down payment options, 2) IFA Homes for Iowans provides down payment assistance up to $2,500 as a forgivable grant, 3) FHA loans require just 3.5% down with flexible credit requirements, 4) VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans and service members, 5) USDA loans provide 0% down in designated rural areas (many Des Moines suburbs qualify), 6) Various city-specific programs in Des Moines and surrounding communities. Sarah Ingles with Smart Move Des Moines guides first-time buyers through all available options and connects you with lenders who specialize in these programs. See our First-Time Buyer Guide.

Yes! Smart Move Des Moines specializes in helping out-of-state buyers relocate to the Des Moines metro. Sarah Ingles offers: Virtual tours via FaceTime, Zoom, or video walkthrough, Detailed neighborhood video guides showing schools, commutes, and amenities, Remote closing coordination with title companies experienced in out-of-state buyers, and the Smart Move Des Moines app to search homes from anywhere 24/7. Many families relocating for jobs at Principal, Wellmark, John Deere, Meta, Apple, or other major employers work with Sarah remotely before moving. Sarah can also provide honest assessments of neighborhoods, commute times, and school districts based on your priorities. Call (563) 513-8771 to discuss your relocation.

While not legally required, using a buyer's agent in Iowa is highly recommended and typically costs you nothing — the seller traditionally pays the buyer's agent commission. A good buyer's agent provides: access to MLS listings before Zillow, negotiation expertise to get the best price and terms, inspection guidance and repair negotiations, and contract knowledge to protect your interests. For Iowa specifically, having an agent who understands local issues like foundation concerns in clay soil, hail damage patterns, flood zone implications, and insurability challenges is valuable. Sarah Ingles with Smart Move Des Moines offers free buyer representation and brings 10+ years of insurance expertise to identify risks. Call (563) 513-8771.

To find a good realtor in Des Moines: 1) Check Google reviews and ask friends/family for referrals — real client experiences matter, 2) Look for relevant certifications like SRES® for seniors, ABR® for buyers, or specific training for your needs, 3) Interview 2-3 agents about their experience in your target neighborhoods and price range, 4) Ask about communication style and response time expectations, 5) Review their recent sales — are they active in your market? Sarah Ingles with Smart Move Des Moines offers a free consultation to discuss your needs with no obligation. She responds personally (not a team or call center), brings 10+ years of insurance expertise, and offers Central Iowa's only AI-powered real estate app. Call (563) 513-8771.

Smart Move Des Moines, led by Sarah Ingles, offers Central Iowa's only branded real estate app. The free app provides advantages over Zillow and Realtor.com: see listings 24-48 hours before they appear on big portals (direct MLS access), get instant push alerts when homes match your criteria, save favorites and compare homes, receive accurate home valuations, and message Sarah directly within the app — no lead forms or random agent calls. The app is available for both iPhone and Android. Download free or search "Smart Move Des Moines" in your app store.

To get an accurate home value in Des Moines, you have several options: 1) Online estimate tools (Zillow Zestimate, Redfin, etc.) provide rough ballpark figures but can be off by 10-20% for Iowa homes, 2) Smart Move Des Moines app offers instant valuations based on local MLS data, 3) Free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from Sarah Ingles provides the most accurate value based on recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and your home's specific features. A professional CMA considers factors online tools miss: condition, updates, lot characteristics, and neighborhood micro-trends. Sarah's 10+ years of insurance experience also helps assess factors that affect value like roof condition and insurability. Request your free CMA or call (563) 513-8771.