Everything you need to buy, sell, downsize, or relocate in the Des Moines metro — organized in one place by your local expert.
Maximize your sale price and minimize your stress — from preparation through closing day.
Preparation is where sellers gain the biggest advantage. Homes that are clean, decluttered, and well-presented sell faster and for more money — and in a market approaching balance, preparation matters more than ever.
The 4-Week Preparation Timeline:
Before listing, I review your property for issues that could derail buyer financing or insurance qualification — things like aging roofs, outdated electrical panels, or previous claims history. Better to address these proactively than lose a deal at inspection.
Pricing is the single most important decision you'll make as a seller. In a market approaching balance, overpricing is the fastest way to watch your home sit while others sell.
What is a CMA? A Comparative Market Analysis compares your home to recently sold, active, and pending properties in your area. It considers square footage, condition, updates, lot size, and neighborhood trends. I prepare a detailed CMA for every listing.
Homes priced at market value sell in 30-35 days. Overpriced homes average 90+ days and often sell below what they would have at correct pricing.
Overprice by 10% and you lose 50% of potential buyers. Price reductions signal desperation and invite lowball offers.
The Des Moines market currently has a 97.4% list-to-sale ratio, meaning homes are selling very close to asking price when priced correctly. Estimate your net proceeds to see what you'd walk away with.
Staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. You don't need to hire an expensive staging company — most homes just need thoughtful editing.
DIY Staging Essentials:
Photography preparation: Professional photos are essential — 97% of buyers start their search online. I include professional photography with every listing. Make sure the home is show-ready before the photographer arrives.
Knowing your costs upfront prevents surprises at the closing table. Here's what Iowa sellers typically pay:
5–6% of sale price (negotiable). Split between listing and buyer's agent.
$500–$1,500. Iowa requires an abstract of title rather than title insurance in many counties.
Iowa taxes are paid in arrears. Sellers credit the buyer for unpaid taxes through the closing date.
In today's market, buyers may ask for 1–3% in concessions for closing costs. This is negotiable.
Bottom line: Most Iowa sellers should budget 8–10% of the sale price for total costs. On a $240,000 sale, that's approximately $19,000–$24,000, leaving net proceeds of $216,000–$221,000 (before mortgage payoff). Calculate your exact net proceeds.
Request a free, no-obligation home valuation. I'll prepare a detailed CMA based on current Des Moines market data.
Request Free Valuation →Compassionate guidance for life's biggest transitions — from an SRES® certified specialist who understands what's at stake.
Downsizing isn't just about moving to a smaller space — it's about designing the next chapter of your life. As an SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), I understand that this is as much an emotional journey as a logistical one.
Signs it might be time to downsize:
Start early. The best downsizing experiences happen when you have time — ideally 6–12 months before you need to move. Begin by sorting one room at a time using the "keep, donate, sell, discard" method. See the full decluttering guide.
I never rush this process. Every client gets a personalized timeline, and I coordinate with estate cleanout services, senior move managers, and our Golden Concierge partner for senior living placement. Learn more about senior services.
The Des Moines metro has a growing range of senior housing options to match different lifestyles, care needs, and budgets:
Independent living communities with maintenance-free living, amenities, and social activities. Many in West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale.
Apartment-style communities with optional dining, housekeeping, and transportation. Best for active seniors who want community without care.
Help with daily activities (meals, medication, bathing) in a residential setting. Iowa has several well-rated facilities across the metro.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer independent, assisted, and skilled nursing on one campus — so you never have to move again.
Through my partnership with Golden Concierge, I can connect you with a senior living advisor who provides free, personalized placement services — they tour communities with you and help match your needs with the right option. See all our referral partners.
Selling a home after the loss of a loved one adds emotional weight to an already complex process. I specialize in guiding families through estate and probate sales with compassion and expertise.
Key things to know about Iowa probate sales:
For a comprehensive guide to the entire process, visit our Probate & Inherited Property Hub — it covers Iowa probate law, tax implications, selling options, and step-by-step guidance.
One of the most common calls I receive is from adult children who know their parents need to sell but don't know how to start the conversation. You're not alone in this.
How to start the conversation:
Legal and logistical considerations:
I'm happy to be part of the conversation if that helps. Sometimes having a knowledgeable, neutral third party makes it easier for everyone. No pressure, no timeline — just honest guidance about what's possible.
As an SRES® certified specialist, I understand the unique needs of seniors and their families. Let's talk about your situation.
Schedule Senior Consultation →Everything you need to know about living, working, and raising a family in the Des Moines metro.
The Greater Des Moines metro is home to over 700,000 people across three primary counties: Polk, Dallas, and Warren. It consistently ranks among the best places to live in the U.S. for affordability, safety, and job opportunities.
The core — Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Grimes, Altoona, Pleasant Hill. Most diverse housing options and job centers.
Fastest growing — Waukee, West Des Moines (west side), Clive, Adel. Newer construction, top schools, premium pricing.
More rural character — Norwalk, Carlisle, Indianola. Larger lots, lower prices, small-town feel with metro access.
~10% below the national average. Median home price: $240K (vs. $420K national). Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are all below average.
Average commute times in the metro are just 20–25 minutes, with most suburbs within 15 minutes of downtown Des Moines. Explore all neighborhoods or compare communities side by side.
School district quality is one of the top factors driving home purchases in the Des Moines metro. Here's what families should know:
Fastest-growing district in Iowa. Excellent academics, new facilities, strong STEM programs. Serves Waukee, western West Des Moines, parts of Clive.
Consistently top-rated. Strong academics, arts, and athletics. Known for community involvement and well-funded programs.
Second-largest in the state. Excellent elementary schools, strong high school programs, rapid growth with new facilities.
Diverse, well-established district with strong AP/IB offerings. Valley High School is one of Iowa's most recognized.
Iowa Open Enrollment: Iowa allows open enrollment, meaning you can apply to attend a school district other than the one you live in. Applications are due by March 1 for the following school year. This gives families flexibility without being locked into a specific neighborhood.
Other well-regarded districts in the metro include Urbandale, Norwalk, Carlisle, and Southeast Polk. Browse neighborhoods by school district.
8 Weeks Before Moving:
4 Weeks Before:
1 Week Before:
Moving Day:
Down payments range from 0% (VA and USDA loans) to 20% (conventional with no PMI). FHA loans require 3.5%, and conventional loans start at 3–5%. Iowa Finance Authority offers grants and forgivable loans up to $2,500 for qualifying buyers. Calculate your payment.
On average, Des Moines homes spend about 35 days on market. Well-priced homes in Waukee and Ankeny can sell in 2–3 weeks. From listing to closing, expect 60–90 days total. Check current conditions on the market trends page.
Iowa sellers typically pay 8–10% of the sale price in total costs: 5–6% in commissions (negotiable), 0.5–1% in title and closing fees, property tax prorations, and any buyer concessions. Iowa does not require an attorney at closing. Estimate your net proceeds.
Des Moines ranks among the best places to live for affordability, job growth, and quality of life. The cost of living is about 10% below the national average. Top school districts include Waukee, Johnston, and Ankeny. Average commutes are 20–25 minutes. Explore neighborhoods.
Spring (March–May) is the most active season with the highest sale prices and most buyer activity. Winter sellers face less competition and attract more motivated buyers. The best time depends on your circumstances. Try the market timing calculator.
Start early and focus on their goals. Ensure POA documents are in place. Work with an SRES® specialist who understands the emotional and logistical challenges. I coordinate with estate cleanout services, senior move managers, and senior living advisors. Learn about senior services.
Let me help you find the perfect neighborhood for your family, budget, and lifestyle. I'll create a customized relocation guide just for you.
Plan My Relocation →Real estate is personal — no guide can cover every situation. Whether you're buying your first home, selling an estate property, or moving from out of state, I'm here to help with your specific circumstances.