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 most reports miss.
Real DMAAR MLS data through March 2026 (Polk + Dallas + Warren counties, 13-month rolling window): 11,819 closed sales at a median of $319K, against 3,012 active listings — that's 3.3 months of inventory, squarely inside the balanced 3–6 month range. Demand is still sharp at the entry point: 51% of homes sold within 30 days. But a long tail of 9% of listings sat 366+ days before closing, mostly higher-end spec builds and custom new construction. Below $350K still favors sellers; $350K–$800K is balanced; $800K+ favors buyers.
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 2.7 months, Des Moines is still technically a seller's market but trending toward balance. 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.
Exclusive insight from 10+ years in property insurance
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 BalanceSitting near 6.45% in late April. Expected to hold unless inflation shifts. Calculate payment.
6.25–6.75% RangePer DMAAR MLS data for the trailing 12 months ending March 2026 (Polk + Dallas + Warren counties), the metro median sale price is approximately $319K, with an average of $347,462 across 11,819 closed sales. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood — from $220K in Des Moines proper to $372K in Waukee. The statewide Iowa figure (~$246K) trends lower because it includes rural counties.
The metro has officially crossed into balanced territory with 3.3 months of inventory (3,012 active listings against ~909 sales per month). Below $350K still favors sellers — 51% of metro homes sold within 30 days. $350K–$800K is balanced, and above $800K favors buyers, where 9% of sold listings sat 366+ days before closing.
Per DMAAR data for the trailing 12 months ending March 2026: 51% of homes sold within 30 days, 65% within 60 days, and 9% 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). My insurance background helps identify these 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.
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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 (median price $319K, average $347K, 3,012 active, 1,043 pending, 11,819 trailing-12-month sales, 3.3 months of inventory, DOM mix) are pulled from the DMAAR MLS Real Estate Trend Indicator for Polk + Dallas + Warren counties, 03/01/2025 – 03/31/2026 (13-month rolling window) — exported 04/26/2026. 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.