5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make in Des Moines (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying your first home is exciting. It's a huge milestone—one you've probably been dreaming about for years. But it can also feel overwhelming, especially in a market like Des Moines where inventory can move quickly and competition can be fierce.

The good news? Most first-time homebuyer mistakes are completely avoidable. With a little preparation and the right guidance, you can navigate the Des Moines real estate market with confidence and find a home you'll love without the stress or regret.

Let's walk through the five most common mistakes first-time buyers make in Des Moines—and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Pre-Approval Process

One of the biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make is starting their home search before getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It's tempting to browse homes online or visit open houses right away, but without a pre-approval, you're not shopping—you're just window shopping.

Why Pre-Approval Matters

A pre-approval tells you exactly how much home you can afford. It also shows sellers that you're a serious buyer, which is critical in more competitive neighborhoods like Beaverdale, Johnston, or West Des Moines.

In today's market, homes may sit on the market a tad longer than in prior years, yet it’s not uncommon for a home to go pending only a few short days after being listed. Sellers want to work with buyers who are ready to move forward. If you make an offer without a pre-approval letter, you're likely to get passed over for someone who has one.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Before you start touring homes, connect with a trusted lender and get pre-approved. This process typically takes a few days and involves reviewing your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

Once you have your pre-approval in hand, you'll know your budget—and you can shop with confidence.

Not sure where to start? A Des Moines buyer's agent can connect you with reputable local lenders who understand the Iowa market.

Mistake #2: Focusing Only on the Purchase Price

It's easy to get caught up in the sticker price of a home. But the truth is, the purchase price is just one piece of the puzzle. First-time buyers often forget to budget for the ongoing costs of homeownership, which can add up quickly.

What Else Should You Budget For?

Here are some common expenses that catch first-time buyers off guard:

• Property taxes (which can vary significantly between Urbandale, Ankeny, and Des Moines proper)
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA fees (if applicable)
• Utilities (heating and cooling costs in Iowa can fluctuate with the seasons)
• Maintenance and repairs (plan for at least 1–2% of your home's value annually)
• Closing costs (typically somewhere between $2500 all the way up to 2-5% of the purchase price depending on the lender)

How to Avoid This Mistake

Before you fall in love with a home, make sure you can afford more than just the monthly mortgage payment. Ask your lender for a full breakdown of estimated monthly costs, including taxes and insurance.

If you're looking at older homes in Des Moines neighborhoods like Highland Park or Sherman Hill, factor in potential repair or update costs. A home inspection can help you understand what you might be getting into.

Working with a knowledgeable Des Moines real estate agent means you'll have someone in your corner who can help you see the full financial picture—not just the listing price.

Mistake #3: Letting Emotions Override Logic

Falling in love with a home is part of the process. You should be excited about where you're going to live. But when emotions take over completely, first-time buyers can make decisions they later regret.

What This Looks Like

Maybe you make an offer over asking price without negotiating because you're afraid someone else will swoop in. Or you overlook major red flags—like foundation issues or a problematic location—because you love the kitchen.

Emotional decisions can lead to buyer's remorse, overpaying, or ending up in a home that doesn't actually meet your needs.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Create a clear list of your must-haves and deal-breakers before you start looking. What do you absolutely need in a home? What are you willing to compromise on?

When you find a home you like, revisit that list. Does this house check your boxes, or are you just caught up in the moment?

It's also smart to bring a trusted friend, family member, or (better yet) an experienced buyers agent in Des Moines to your showings. They can offer an objective perspective and ask the tough questions you might miss.

Remember: there will be other homes. Don't let fear of missing out push you into a decision that's not right for you.

Mistake #4: Waiving the Home Inspection

In a competitive market, some buyers try to make their offer more appealing by waiving the home inspection. This is almost always a mistake—especially for first-time buyers.

Why Inspections Are Non-Negotiable

A home inspection can uncover hidden issues that aren't visible during a showing: outdated electrical systems, roof damage, plumbing problems, mold, foundation cracks, and more.

Skipping the inspection might save you a few hundred dollars upfront, but it could cost you thousands (or tens of thousands) down the road.

Even in neighborhoods where homes sell fast—like Ingersoll, Urbandale, or Waukee—protecting yourself with an inspection is worth it.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Always include a home inspection contingency in your offer. This gives you the opportunity to negotiate repairs, ask for a credit, or walk away if something major comes up.

If you're worried about losing out in a bidding war, talk to your Des Moines realtor about other ways to make your offer competitive without sacrificing your protection. You might offer a faster closing timeline, a larger earnest money deposit, or an escalation clause instead. Though in the market of today, there is less potential for bidding wars. That said, they can still certainly happen and it’s good to be prepared for what that could look like for you.

A good buyer’s agent Des Moines will work with you to craft a strong offer that doesn't leave you vulnerable.

Mistake #5: Not Working with a Local Buyer’s Agent

Some first-time buyers think they can navigate the home buying process on their own. After all, there's so much information online, right?

But here's the thing: buying a home in Des Moines is very different from buying a home in another state or even another Iowa city. Local knowledge matters.

What a Buyers Agent Brings to the Table

An experienced buyer’s agent in Des Moines understands:

• Neighborhood trends — Which areas are up-and-coming? What's the commute like?
• Market conditions — Is it a buyer's or seller's market? How should you structure your offer?
• Negotiation strategies — How do you win a bidding war without overpaying? Is the home overpriced? How can we make a strong offer below listing price without offending the seller?
• The paperwork — Contracts, disclosures, contingencies—it's a lot. Your agent handles it.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Don't go it alone. Partner with a trusted, local buyer’s agent who knows the Des Moines market inside and out.

At The dsmSOLD Team, we've helped countless first-time buyers find their perfect home in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, and beyond. We'll walk you through every step of the process, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel confident and informed from your first showing to closing day. Your needs come first, always.

You Don't Have to Make These Mistakes

Buying your first home in Des Moines doesn't have to be stressful or confusing. With the right preparation and the right team in your corner, it can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life.

Avoid these five common mistakes, and you'll be well on your way to finding a home you love—without the regret or overwhelm.

Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?

If you're a first-time buyer in Des Moines or Central Iowa, we'd love to help. Whether you have questions about the market, want to get pre-approved, or you're ready to start touring homes, we're here for you.

Let's talk about your next move.

📞 (515) 442-0625
📧 team@dsmsold.com

Ryan and The dsmSOLD Team at Keller Williams Legacy Group

Experience the dsmSOLD difference. Your Needs, Your Home, Your Success!