What credit score do I need to buy a house in Iowa?

Conventional loans typically require 620+ credit score, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). Better scores mean better interest rates. If your credit needs work, many buyers go from 'not ready' to closing in 6-12 months with credit counseling.

What are closing costs and how much should I expect?

Closing costs typically run 2-5% of purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, prepaid taxes/insurance, and various third-party services. On a $300,000 home, expect $6,000-$15,000. Many of these costs can be negotiated, and seller credits can help cover them.

What makes Des Moines a good place for first-time buyers?

Central Iowa offers incredible value—strong schools, low crime, growing job market, and home prices well below national averages. Communities like Waukee and Ankeny offer new construction, while West Des Moines and Urbandale have established neighborhoods. Median home prices around $290K make homeownership accessible.

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First-Time Home Buyer Guide Des Moines | How to Buy Your First House | Smart Move DSM

📚 First-Time Buyer Guide

Your First Home Should Be a Smart Move

Buying your first home in Central Iowa doesn't have to be overwhelming. Get expert guidance from someone who sees risks other agents miss—and knows how to protect your investment from day one.

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Licensed REALTOR®

SRES® Certified

10+ Years Insurance Expertise

24/7 AI Support

The Journey

Your Path to Homeownership in 8 Steps

From dream to keys in hand—here's exactly what to expect when buying your first home in Central Iowa.

Get Pre-Approved

Before browsing, know exactly what you can afford. I'll connect you with trusted local lenders who specialize in first-time buyer programs.

1-3 days

Define Your Must-Haves

We'll have a discovery call to understand your lifestyle, commute, and priorities. This ensures we only look at homes that truly fit.

1 hour

Tour Properties

Using my Smart Move DSM app, you'll get instant access to listings. I'll point out things others miss—from insurance red flags to hidden value.

2-8 weeks

Make an Offer

When you find "the one," I'll help craft a competitive offer based on market data, property condition, and strategic negotiation tactics.

1-2 days

Inspections & Due Diligence

This is where my insurance background shines. I'll help you understand inspection findings, assess true risks, and negotiate repairs that matter.

7-10 days

Secure Insurance

I'll ensure you can actually insure the property before you're committed—avoiding a common pitfall that derails many first-time buyers.

3-5 days

Final Walkthrough

Before closing, we'll walk through the property to ensure all agreed-upon repairs are complete and the home is ready for you.

1 hour

Closing Day! 🎉

Sign the papers, get the keys, and welcome home! I'm still here for any questions after you move in.

1-2 hours

Be Prepared

What You'll Need to Get Started

Gather these items before your first lender conversation to speed up pre-approval and show sellers you're serious.

Recent Pay Stubs Last 30 days of income documentation
Tax Returns (2 Years) W-2s and complete tax filings
Bank Statements Last 2-3 months showing down payment funds
Photo ID Valid driver's license or passport
Credit Check Authorization Know your score beforehand if possible

Quick Affordability Check

See an estimate of your monthly payment

Home Price

Down Payment (%)

Estimated Monthly Payment $2,145

*Includes estimated taxes & insurance. Actual payment may vary.

Learn from Others

6 Costly Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

I've seen these derail countless transactions. Here's how to avoid them.

Skipping Pre-Approval

Shopping without knowing your budget wastes time and leads to heartbreak when you can't afford "the one."

Get pre-approved first. It takes 24-48 hours and costs nothing.

Ignoring Insurance Costs

That "affordable" house near the creek might cost $400+/month in flood insurance.

I check insurability before you make an offer—it's my specialty.

Draining the Savings

Putting every dollar into down payment leaves nothing for repairs or emergencies.

Keep 3-6 months of expenses in reserve after closing.

Big Purchases Before Closing

New car? Furniture on credit? Lenders re-check your credit. Changes can kill your loan.

Don't open new credit until after you close.

Waiving the Inspection

In hot markets, some skip inspections. This gamble can cost tens of thousands.

Always get an inspection. I'll help you stay competitive other ways.

Going It Alone

Without a buyer's agent, no one advocates for YOUR interests.

A buyer's agent costs you nothing and protects your investment.

Your Personal Agent

Not a team. Not a call center. Me.

Why Work With Sarah?

First-Time Buyers Get My Insurance-Trained Eye

After 10+ years in property insurance, I saw too many buyers blindsided by issues that should have been caught early. I became a REALTOR® to change that—especially for first-time buyers who deserve a fair shot.

Risk Assessment Included I evaluate every property for insurance red flags, flood zones, and hidden hazards.
24/7 AI-Powered Support My Smart Move DSM app gives you instant answers and direct access to me.
Trusted Network Lenders, inspectors, contractors—I only recommend professionals I'd use myself.
Patient Education No question is too basic. I'll explain everything until you feel confident.

Common Questions

First-Time Buyer FAQs

Less than you might think! While 20% is traditional, many first-time buyer programs allow 3-5% down. FHA loans require just 3.5%. Iowa also has excellent down payment assistance programs like IFA FirstHome and Homes for Iowans that can help cover some or all of your down payment.

Conventional loans typically require 620+, while FHA can go as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). Better scores mean better rates. If your credit needs work, many buyers go from "not ready" to closing in 6-12 months with credit counseling.

From first search to closing, plan for 2-4 months. Breakdown: 1-3 days for pre-approval, 2-8 weeks to find the right home, 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing. I've helped clients close in as little as 3 weeks when everything aligned.

Closing costs run 2-5% of purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, prepaid taxes/insurance, and various services. On a $300,000 home, expect $6,000-$15,000. I often negotiate seller credits to help cover these costs.

Yes! Without your own agent, the seller's agent represents the seller—not you. A buyer's agent advocates exclusively for YOUR interests. Traditionally, the seller pays buyer's agent commission, so my services typically cost you nothing directly.

Central Iowa offers incredible value—strong schools, low crime, growing job market, and home prices well below national averages. Waukee and Ankeny offer new construction; West Des Moines and Urbandale have established neighborhoods. Median prices around $290K make ownership accessible.