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Upsizing Your Home in Des Moines | Smart Move DSM
★ Growing Families & Upsizing Guide

Ready for More Space? Upsizing Your Home in Des Moines

When your family outgrows your home, the next chapter doesn't have to be stressful. Here's everything you need to know about finding a bigger home in Central Iowa.

Maybe the playroom has taken over the dining room. Maybe your home office is a corner of the kitchen table. Or maybe your parents are moving closer and you need room for everyone under one roof. Whatever's driving the feeling that your home just doesn't fit anymore — you're not imagining it, and you're not alone. Upsizing is one of the most common real estate moves in the Des Moines metro, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Signs It's Time to Upsize Your Home

There's no magic formula for knowing when you've outgrown your home. But there are patterns. If two or more of these sound familiar, it might be time to start exploring what's out there.

👶

Your Family Is Growing

A new baby, a second or third child, or a blended family means bedrooms fill up fast. Kids sharing rooms works for a while — until it doesn't.

💻

You Need a Real Home Office

Remote and hybrid work isn't going anywhere. If your "office" is a kitchen counter or a bedroom closet, a dedicated workspace changes everything.

👵

Aging Parents Are Moving Closer

More families are choosing multigenerational living over long-distance caregiving. That means finding a home that works for everyone — with space and privacy.

🏠

Your Kids Need Their Own Rooms

What worked when they were toddlers doesn't work when they're teenagers. Homework, hobbies, and a little independence all require personal space.

🎉

You Love Hosting — But Your Home Doesn't

Holiday dinners in a cramped kitchen, overnight guests on an air mattress. If you enjoy gathering people but your home can't keep up, you feel it every time.

🚗

You've Run Out of Storage

The garage is full. The basement is full. The closets are full. Sometimes decluttering isn't the answer — you just need more square footage.

If you're checking a few of these boxes but aren't sure where to start, that's exactly what a no-pressure conversation is for. Let's talk through your situation before you make any decisions.

Upsizing vs. Renovating — Which Makes More Sense?

This is one of the first questions families ask, and it's a smart one. Renovation can be the right call — but not always. Here's how to think through it honestly.

Renovating might make sense when…

You love your neighborhood and your kids are settled in school. You only need one more room or a modest expansion. Your home's foundation, roof, and major systems are in solid shape. And the renovation cost would add comparable value to the home.

Upsizing usually wins when…

You need a fundamentally different floor plan — not just more rooms, but a different flow. Your lot is too small for a meaningful addition. The home has structural or insurability issues that make renovation risky or cost-prohibitive. Or the price gap between renovating and buying bigger is smaller than you'd expect.

In the Des Moines metro specifically, older homes in established neighborhoods like Beaverdale, Urbandale, and parts of West Des Moines can present renovation challenges that aren't always obvious. Small lots limit what you can build out. Older electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems can drive renovation costs up quickly. And some updates — like adding a main-floor bedroom suite or a three-car garage — may simply not be feasible on the existing footprint.

This is where property insurance expertise matters. With more than ten years in the insurance industry, Sarah spots issues that most agents miss: knob-and-tube wiring that makes a home difficult to insure, foundation concerns that renovation won't solve, roof conditions that would affect both your coverage and your costs. Before you commit to renovating, it's worth understanding the full picture — including what your insurance carrier would think about the plan. You can learn more about how this background protects buyers on the About page.

Not sure which direction makes sense for you? The tools and calculators hub can help you start crunching numbers on both scenarios.

Best Des Moines Neighborhoods for Larger Homes

Central Iowa has a real advantage when it comes to upsizing: you can get meaningfully more house here than in most metro areas, and there's genuine variety in what's available. Here's where families needing more space tend to focus their search.

🏫 Johnston

Consistently top-rated schools make Johnston a magnet for growing families. You'll find a strong mix of established four- and five-bedroom homes in neighborhoods with mature landscaping, plus newer construction on the north side. Lot sizes tend to be generous by metro standards, and the commute to downtown is straightforward.

🌱 Waukee

Waukee has become one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa, and for good reason. New construction neighborhoods offer modern open floor plans, finished basements, and three-car garages that older homes can't match. The school district is excellent, and amenities keep expanding. If a brand-new, larger home is the goal, Waukee should be on your list.

📈 Ankeny

Ankeny offers a wide price range for larger homes — from established neighborhoods near downtown Ankeny to newer developments on the north and east sides. Strong schools, a growing commercial base, and excellent highway access make it one of the metro's most practical choices for families who need space without breaking the budget.

🏡 Grimes

Grimes punches above its weight for families upsizing. Newer subdivisions deliver big floor plans on generous lots, the Dallas County side offers competitive tax rates, and the community has a small-town feel that's increasingly hard to find this close to the city. New construction here tends to be priced well compared to Johnston and Waukee.

🌳 Urbandale

Northern Urbandale offers some of the best value for larger existing homes in the metro. Established neighborhoods with bigger lots, solid construction from the 1990s and 2000s, and easy access to I-80/I-35. If you want more space without building new, Urbandale is worth a close look.

🏙️ West Des Moines & Clive

For families who want established neighborhoods with character — tree-lined streets, larger legacy homes, walkable amenities — West Des Moines and Clive deliver. Jordan Creek area homes skew newer and larger. Valley Junction-adjacent neighborhoods have charm and proximity to shops and restaurants.

New Construction vs. Established Neighborhoods

Both paths work. New construction gives you the exact floor plan and finishes you want, but timelines can stretch and lot sizes may be smaller in newer developments. Established neighborhoods offer mature landscaping, bigger lots, and proven build quality — but you may need to update kitchens or bathrooms. There's no wrong answer, just trade-offs worth understanding. Explore more at the Des Moines neighborhood guide.

Want to compare neighborhoods side by side? The Smart Move Des Moines app lets you search by number of bedrooms, square footage, lot size, and school district — so you're only seeing homes that actually fit what your family needs.

The Financial Side of Upsizing

Money is usually the biggest question — and the biggest source of stress. Here's how the financial side typically works, in plain English.

Selling and Buying at the Same Time

This is the part that makes most families nervous, and understandably so. The good news: it's done every day in the Des Moines market, and there are well-worn strategies to make the timing work. The key is planning ahead and having an agent who's coordinated simultaneous transactions before.

Using Your Current Home's Equity

If you've owned your home for several years, chances are you've built meaningful equity — especially given how Des Moines home values have performed. That equity becomes the down payment on your next home. The net proceeds calculator can help you estimate what you'd walk away with after selling.

Bridge Loans and Contingency Offers

A bridge loan lets you borrow against your current home's equity to make a down payment on the new one — before the old one sells. It's essentially a short-term loan that bridges the gap between buying and selling. Not every lender offers them, but they're a real option worth discussing with your mortgage advisor.

A contingency offer means your purchase is contingent on selling your current home first. Sellers sometimes accept these, particularly in a balanced market. They're less competitive than a clean offer, but they protect you from owning two homes simultaneously.

Insurance Considerations for a Larger Home

Here's something most agents won't mention: your insurance costs and coverage needs change significantly when you upsize. A larger home with more square footage, a finished basement, updated systems, and newer construction typically requires different coverage limits than your current policy. If you're moving from an older home to new construction, your replacement cost calculations change entirely.

Sarah's background in property insurance means she helps clients think through these questions before closing day — not after. Understanding your coverage needs upfront prevents surprises and ensures you're properly protected from day one.

Multigenerational Living in Des Moines

More families in Central Iowa are choosing to bring aging parents, adult children, or extended family under one roof. It's practical, it's financially smart, and for many families, it's the arrangement that gives everyone the most peace of mind.

But multigenerational living requires more than just extra bedrooms. The right home has thoughtful design that gives everyone space, privacy, and accessibility.

What to Look For in a Multigenerational Home

  • Main-floor bedroom suite — a bedroom with a full bathroom and ideally a walk-in closet on the ground level, so aging parents don't need to navigate stairs daily.
  • Separate entrance or in-law suite — even a side entrance with its own small living area creates a sense of independence for everyone.
  • Accessibility features — wider doorways, step-free entries, grab bars in bathrooms, and lever-style door handles. These are easy to add in new construction but harder to retrofit in older homes.
  • Flexible spaces — finished basements, bonus rooms, and flex rooms that can serve as a second living area, home office, or guest quarters depending on what the family needs.
  • Two living areas — when three generations share a home, having a second family room or sitting area makes the difference between "we live together" and "we're on top of each other."

This is where SRES® training meets family planning. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Sarah understands the unique needs of older adults — accessibility, aging-in-place features, proximity to medical care. She also understands what growing families need from a home. That dual expertise is rare, and it matters when you're trying to find one home that works for everyone.

If one part of your upsizing equation involves helping aging parents transition from their current home, the downsizing guide walks through that process step by step. And if senior living options are part of the conversation, the senior services page covers everything from 55+ communities to assisted living resources.

Your Upsizing Checklist

Every upsizing journey is different, but the general process follows a predictable path. Here's what to expect, roughly in order.

  1. Get Clear on What You Need Before you look at a single listing, take stock of what's driving the move. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you actually need? Do you need a home office, a three-car garage, a main-floor suite? Write it down — it keeps the search focused and prevents scope creep.
  2. Understand Your Financial Position Talk to a mortgage lender about pre-approval and find out what you can comfortably afford. Use the mortgage and affordability calculators to run scenarios. If you have equity in your current home, that's a major piece of the puzzle.
  3. Schedule a No-Pressure Consultation A good agent will walk through your current home, help you understand its market value, and start mapping out what a realistic upsizing move looks like — timeline, budget, neighborhoods, and strategy. Book a free consultation here.
  4. Prepare Your Current Home for Market Small updates and staging can make a meaningful difference in how fast your home sells and at what price. This doesn't have to mean a full renovation — it's about presenting your home at its best. The buyer and seller guides have detailed checklists.
  5. Start Searching for Your Next Home With your needs list, budget, and pre-approval in hand, now the fun part begins. Search the MLS in real time with the Smart Move Des Moines app, set up instant alerts for new listings, and tour homes that match your criteria.
  6. Coordinate the Sale and Purchase This is where experience matters most. Aligning closing dates, negotiating timelines, and managing contingencies takes skill and attention. The right agent handles all of this so you don't have to.
  7. Close, Move, and Settle In Final walkthroughs, closing paperwork, insurance setup, and moving day. It's a lot — but with planning, each piece falls into place. And once you're in your new home with room to breathe, the whole process is worth it.

Let's Talk About What's Next

Whether you're outgrowing your starter home, making room for the whole family, or exploring multigenerational living — the best first step is an honest conversation about what you need and what's realistic.

No pressure. No sales tactics. Just clear-eyed guidance from someone who knows this market inside and out.

Schedule a Free Consultation Download the Smart Move App

Or call directly: (563) 513-8771
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® · Brokered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate

Frequently Asked Questions About Upsizing in Des Moines

How do I know if I should upsize or renovate?

It depends on your home's structural limitations, lot size, and budget. Renovating often makes sense for cosmetic updates or adding a single room. But if you need significantly more square footage, a different layout, or features your current lot can't support — like a bigger garage or a main-floor suite — upsizing is usually the smarter long-term investment. A walkthrough with a knowledgeable agent can help you weigh the true costs of both paths.

What are the best neighborhoods for larger homes in Des Moines?

Johnston, Waukee, and Ankeny consistently offer the widest selection of larger homes with modern floor plans. Grimes and northern Urbandale are strong options for newer construction on bigger lots. West Des Moines and Clive offer established neighborhoods with mature trees and spacious legacy homes. The best fit depends on your priorities — school district, commute, lot size, and budget all play a role. Explore the full neighborhood guide.

Can I buy a bigger home before selling my current one?

Yes, and there are several ways to make it work. Bridge loans let you use your current home's equity as a down payment before it sells. Some buyers negotiate extended closings or rent-back agreements to align timelines. Contingency offers — where your purchase depends on selling your current home first — are another option, though they're less competitive in a strong market. The right strategy depends on your financial situation and how active the market is at the time.

What does upsizing cost in the Des Moines market?

The total cost depends on the price difference between your current home and your next one, closing costs on both transactions, moving expenses, and any updates needed before listing. Des Moines remains one of the most affordable metros in the country for larger homes, which means the jump from a starter home to a four- or five-bedroom is often more manageable than families expect. The calculators and tools page can help you estimate real numbers.

How long does the upsizing process take?

From initial planning to moving day, most upsizing transitions take three to six months. That includes getting your current home market-ready, listing and selling it, finding and closing on your next home, and coordinating the move. New construction can extend the timeline. Starting with a consultation well before you need to move gives you the most flexibility and the least stress.