How fast can I sell my house in Des Moines?

With the right pricing strategy and marketing, homes in Des Moines typically sell within 30-60 days. Sarah Ingles uses data-driven pricing and professional marketing to help homes sell quickly.

What is an SRES designation?

SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation for REALTORS who specialize in helping seniors with real estate transactions, including downsizing, relocating to senior living, and estate sales.

What are the best suburbs near Des Moines?

The top suburbs near Des Moines include Ankeny, Grimes, Waukee, Johnston, West Des Moines, and Urbandale. Each offers excellent schools, amenities, and community features.

How much house can I afford in Des Moines?

A general rule is your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) shouldn't exceed 28-30% of your gross monthly income. With Des Moines' affordable housing market, many first-time buyers find homes in the $200,000-$350,000 range.

📞 (563) 513-8771 | ✉️ [email protected] | 📲 Get the App

Brokered by CHASE. Collective

First-Time Homebuyer Guide Des Moines | Smart Move Des Moines

🏡 Your First Home Awaits

First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Des Moines

Buying your first home doesn't have to be overwhelming. Get step-by-step guidance, learn about loan programs, and work with an agent who'll explain everything — no question too basic.

Free Buyer Consultation 📲 Search Homes in App

$280K

Median Home Price

3.5%

Min Down Payment (FHA)

30-45

Days to Close

Buyer Agent Cost

📋 The Process

7 Steps to Your First Home

From checking your finances to getting the keys — here's exactly what to expect at every stage.

Check Your Finances

Before you start browsing homes, understand your financial picture. Check your credit score (free at AnnualCreditReport.com), calculate your debt-to-income ratio, and review your savings.

Pro Tip: Your credit score affects your interest rate. A 50-point improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Get Pre-Approved

A pre-approval letter from a lender shows sellers you're serious and tells you exactly how much house you can afford. I can recommend local lenders who specialize in first-time buyers.

Pro Tip: Get pre-approved before you start shopping. In competitive markets, sellers won't consider offers without pre-approval.

Choose Your Agent

Your buyer's agent represents YOUR interests throughout the process — and typically costs you nothing (the seller pays). Choose someone who knows the Des Moines market and communicates well.

Pro Tip: Interview 2-3 agents. Ask how they'll handle multiple offer situations and what their communication style is like.

Search for Homes

The fun part! We'll tour homes that match your criteria. I'll point out things you might miss — both good and bad — and help you understand each neighborhood's pros and cons.

Pro Tip: Download my app for instant alerts when new homes hit the market — before they appear on Zillow.

Make an Offer

Found "the one"? I'll help you craft a competitive offer based on comparable sales, market conditions, and the seller's situation. We'll negotiate price, contingencies, and closing timeline.

Pro Tip: In hot markets, a personal letter to the seller explaining why you love their home can make your offer stand out.

Complete Inspections

A professional home inspection reveals any issues with the property. With my insurance background, I'll help you understand what's a dealbreaker vs. what's normal wear and tear.

Pro Tip: Always get an inspection — even on new construction. I've seen brand-new homes with serious issues.

Close & Get Your Keys!

Final walkthrough, sign the paperwork, and you're a homeowner! I'll be there to answer any last-minute questions and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Pro Tip: Don't make any big purchases (furniture, cars) or open new credit cards between offer acceptance and closing. It can affect your loan.

💰 Financing Options

First-Time Buyer Loan Programs

You don't need 20% down to buy a home. Here are the most popular options for first-time buyers in Iowa.

🏦

Conventional Loan

3-20% Down

The most common loan type. Lower rates if you have good credit (680+).

PMI required under 20% down
Flexible property types
Best rates for 740+ credit

🏠

FHA Loan

3.5% Down

Government-backed loans with lower credit requirements and smaller down payments.

580+ credit score accepted
Lower down payment
Mortgage insurance required

🎖️

VA Loan

0% Down

For veterans, active military, and surviving spouses. Best terms available.

No down payment required
No PMI
Competitive interest rates

🌾

USDA Loan

0% Down

For rural and suburban areas (many Des Moines suburbs qualify!).

No down payment required
Income limits apply
Property must be in eligible area

🌟

Iowa Finance Authority

Down Payment Help

State programs offering grants and low-interest loans for down payment assistance.

FirstHome program
$2,500 grant available
Income limits apply

🏗️

203(k) Rehab Loan

3.5% Down

Finance both the home AND renovations in one loan. Great for fixer-uppers.

Buy + renovate combined
FHA-backed
Requires approved contractors

❓ Common Questions

First-Time Buyer FAQs

The questions I hear most from first-time buyers — answered honestly.

How much do I need for a down payment?

While 20% down avoids PMI, many first-time buyers put down 3-5%. FHA loans require just 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans require $0 down. I'll connect you with lenders who specialize in first-time buyer programs and can explain all your options.

How much house can I afford?

A general rule is your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) shouldn't exceed 28-30% of your gross monthly income. But a lender will give you exact numbers based on your debt, credit score, and down payment. I always recommend getting pre-approved before you start shopping.

Do I really need a buyer's agent?

Absolutely — and it's typically free! The seller usually pays the buyer's agent commission, so you get expert representation at no cost to you. Without an agent, you're negotiating against professionals who do this every day. I'll protect your interests at every step.

What credit score do I need?

Conventional loans typically require 620+. FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). Higher scores get better interest rates — a 740+ score gets the best terms. If your score needs work, I can refer you to credit counselors who can help.

How long does it take to buy a house?

From starting your search to moving in, plan for 2-3 months. Getting pre-approved takes 1-2 weeks, searching can take 2-6 weeks depending on your criteria, and closing takes 30-45 days after your offer is accepted.

What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported info — it doesn't carry much weight. Pre-approval means the lender has verified your income, assets, and credit. Sellers take pre-approval letters seriously; pre-qualification, not so much.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the purchase price and cover things like loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid taxes/insurance. On a $300,000 home, expect $6,000-$15,000. Sometimes we can negotiate for the seller to cover some of these.

Should I buy now or wait?

If you're financially ready and plan to stay in the home 3-5+ years, buying usually makes sense — you'll build equity instead of paying rent. Trying to time the market perfectly is nearly impossible. Let's look at your specific situation and goals to figure out what makes sense for you.

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | First-Time Buyer Specialist

I love working with first-time buyers because I remember how overwhelming it felt when I bought my first home. My job is to take that confusion and turn it into confidence. No question is too basic — I'll explain everything until it makes sense. Plus, my 10+ years in property insurance means I can spot potential issues other agents miss.

📞 (563) 513-8771 ✉️ [email protected]