Free monthly market data, interactive charts, and neighborhood insights for the Des Moines metro. Make smarter real estate decisions with data — plus insurance risk insights to help you plan.
Real DMAAR MLS data for July 2026 (Polk + Dallas + Warren counties): 1,022 closed sales at an average of $370K, against 3,480 active listings — roughly 3.4 months of inventory — 3,480 active against July's 1,022 closings — inside the balanced 3–6 month range. By price band: under $350K is tightest at 3.0 months, $350K–$800K sits at 3.6, and above $800K runs 6.4, where the long tail lives. Demand is still sharp at the entry point: 61% of July’s closings sold within 30 days of listing. The long tail persists — 8% sat 366+ days, mostly higher-end spec builds and custom new construction. Of 1,022 July closings: 616 sold within 30 days, 766 within 60, and 82 sat 366+ days.
This chart shows the statewide Iowa median sale price over five years, which trends lower than the Des Moines metro figure above (the metro is naturally higher than rural Iowa). Statewide growth has moderated from the rapid pace of 2021–2022 into a sustainable mid-single-digit pattern. Calculate your potential net proceeds in today's market.
Real estate markets are classified by months of inventory — how long it would take to sell all current listings at the current sales pace. With about 3.4 months, Des Moines is a balanced market — neither buyers nor sellers hold a strong edge. Use our market timing calculator to see how conditions affect your situation.
Less than 3 months of inventory. Homes sell quickly.
Current: Under $350K3-6 months of inventory. Neither side has a clear advantage.
Current: $350K–$800KMore than 6 months of inventory. Buyers have leverage.
Current: $800K+Median prices and trends for the most popular communities in the Des Moines metro. Compare neighborhoods or explore all communities.
Insurability risk insight for Central Iowa homes — flagged early, with a referral to a licensed insurance producer
Central Iowa saw 23% more hail claims in 2024 — affecting rates
Clay soil remains a concern in older Des Moines neighborhoods
Homes built 2000–2010 entering replacement cycle
Basement flooding claims rising 15% YoY in Des Moines metro
The Des Moines real estate market follows predictable seasonal patterns. Understanding these can help you time your strategy.
Peak listing season. Most inventory, most competition.
You Are HereFamilies moving before school. Strong demand continues.
Fast SalesActivity slows but serious buyers remain. Less competition.
Motivated BuyersSlowest season but least competition. Serious buyers only.
Lowest ActivityPersonal circumstances often matter more than market timing. The "best" time to buy or sell is when it's right for your situation. Seniors planning a downsizing move or families relocating for work should prioritize their own timelines.
What do current trends mean for the year ahead? Subscribe to stay updated as the forecast evolves.
Moderate appreciation expected. Rising inventory may temper growth. Estimate proceeds.
+2–4% ExpectedProjected to grow 5–10%, trending toward balance. More options for buyers.
Growing Toward BalanceHolding in the mid-6% range through summer 2026. Expected to hold unless inflation shifts. Calculate payment.
6.25–6.75% RangePer DMAAR MLS data for July 2026 (Polk + Dallas + Warren counties), the metro average sale price is about $370K across 1,022 closed sales. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood; western suburbs like Waukee and Clive trend higher, while Des Moines city proper remains more affordable. The statewide Iowa figure trends lower because it includes rural counties.
The metro is balanced with roughly 3.4 months of inventory (3,480 active listings against a 933-sale monthly average over the last 12 months). 61% of July’s closings sold within 30 days of listing. The long tail sits at the top of the market, where most of the listings that sat 366+ days live.
Per DMAAR data for July 2026 closings: 61% sold within 30 days of listing, 75% within 60 days, and 8% sat 366+ days before closing — mostly higher-end spec builds and custom new construction. Well-priced inventory under $500K still moves quickly; the upper end takes longer.
Key risks include hail damage (claims up 23%), foundation issues from clay soil in older neighborhoods, roof replacement needs for 2000–2010 builds, and basement flooding (claims up 15% YoY). I flag these insurability concerns early and connect you with licensed insurance producers before you make an offer.
Spring offers the most inventory but the most competition. Winter has fewer listings but more motivated buyers and sellers. The best time depends on your circumstances — a good agent can help you navigate any market condition.
Free monthly market reports delivered on the first of each month. No spam — just valuable data.
If you're navigating the Des Moines market as an executor or out-of-state heir, the process of selling an inherited Des Moines property involves a few additional steps worth understanding before you list.
These reports show metro-wide trends. For a detailed analysis of your specific neighborhood or a valuation of your home, I'm happy to prepare a custom report.
Metro snapshot stats (average price, sold / active / pending counts, 12-month sales, DOM mix) come from the DMAAR MLS Real Estate Trend Indicator — Property Type Residential, Polk + Dallas + Warren counties, 07/01/2026 – 07/31/2026, exported 08/03/2026, plus a separate 08/01/2025 – 07/31/2026 pull for the 12-month count. The downloadable PDF below is that exact export. Active and pending are live snapshots tied to the export date, not to the July range.
Months of inventory and the 30/60/366+ day percentages are arithmetic on the report's own counts, not fields it supplies: active divided by July closings (3,480 / 1,022 overall; 1,678 / 554 under $350K, 1,515 / 423 for $350K–$800K, 287 / 45 above $800K), and 619 / 771 / 82 of 1,022 closings. Median sale price is not published here — the Trend Indicator reports average price only, so a metro median would be an estimate rather than DMAAR data.
Statewide Iowa price trend chart uses Iowa REALTORS® data. Neighborhood-level figures (median price, DOM, YoY) and the list-to-sale ratio / sold-over-asking values are estimates pending follow-up DMAAR exports per city. Year-over-year comparisons on the metro headline stats are pending a prior-period (03/01/2024 – 02/28/2025) Trend Indicator pull. Forecasts are opinions based on current trends, not guarantees. For current information on a specific property, contact me directly.