From Harvest to Holidays: Why September and October Are Key Months for Des Moines Sellers

Fall in Des Moines isn’t just about football games, pumpkin patches, and the State Fair winding down; it’s also one of the smartest times of year to sell your home. 

Here’s the inside scoop: September and October bring serious buyers who are motivated to move before the holidays or beat Iowa’s winter chill. And while summer listings flood the market, fall has less competition, which means your home has a better chance to shine.

Why Fall Works in Des Moines

Fall is a sweet spot for selling in Des Moines. While summer tends to attract larger crowds of buyers, fall brings out the serious ones,  people who are motivated to make a move before the holidays and winter weather sets in. These buyers are often on tighter timelines, which means quicker decisions and smoother closings.

Lifestyle patterns across the city also help keep demand steady. Neighborhood events, the start of the college year at Drake and Grand View, and relocations tied to major local employers all bring fresh buyers into the market. Add in families who want to be settled before the first snow, and fall becomes a season where sellers can find strong opportunities.

So how do you take advantage of this seasonal window? Here’s your step-by-step timeline for selling in Des Moines this fall.

The Des Moines Fall Selling Timeline

1. Early September – First Impressions Count

The start of September is all about curb appeal. Buyers want to see homes that look fresh, welcoming, and ready for fall. In neighborhoods like Beaverdale or Ingersoll, that front porch can make the difference between a scroll-past and a showing request.

• Refresh curb appeal: rake leaves, trim hedges, add mums or pumpkins.
• Book professional photos while lawns and trees are still green.
• Pick your listing date to catch post-summer momentum.
  
  

Local buyer drivers: Families settling in after the school year starts, and professionals relocating for fall work transfers.

dsmSOLD Tip: Even a simple porch refresh, mums, pumpkins, and a clean mat, makes your listing photo stand out online.

2. Mid-September – Launch With Confidence

By mid-September, the energy shifts. Homes in Waukee, Ankeny, and other booming suburbs still draw traffic, but buyers are different now: fewer browsers, more decision-makers. If your home is priced right, you’ll catch them before they pivot to holiday planning.

• Price competitively to spark interest right away.
• Schedule open houses on sunny afternoons for maximum traffic.
• Highlight “winter-ready” upgrades like furnace servicing or new windows.
  
  

Local buyer drivers: Growing families trading up in the suburbs and buyers taking advantage of corporate relocations before Q4.

dsmSOLD Tip: Use a small “negotiation buffer.” List slightly above your bottom line so you can negotiate without losing leverage.

3. Late September – Lean Into Fall Vibes

Late September in Des Moines is gorgeous; the leaves in Sherman Hill, Waterbury, or Woodland Heights are bursting with color. Buyers want to see homes that reflect that season, warm and inviting. This is where staging can set your home apart.

• Update listing photos once fall colors peak.
• Refresh staging with warm throws, soft lighting, and seasonal décor.
• Respond quickly to showing requests; fall buyers move fast.
  
  

Local buyer drivers: Downsizers looking for charming neighborhoods, and young professionals eyeing historic areas close to downtown.

4. Early October – Sell the Comfort Factor

By October, shorter days and cooler evenings highlight comfort. Buyers touring lofts downtown or condos near Drake often arrive after work, which means lighting and warmth matter more than ever.

• Turn on all lights for showings to brighten darker evenings.
• Highlight cozy features: fireplaces, energy-efficient windows, and HVAC updates.
• Add a virtual tour to attract relocation buyers who can’t visit in person.
  
  

Local buyer drivers: Out-of-town buyers transferring for jobs, and young buyers seeking move-in-ready spaces with low maintenance.

dsmSOLD Tip: Showcase your home in both daylight and evening light. It helps buyers connect with how your home feels at different times of day.

5. Mid to Late October – Don’t Miss the Last Wave

By late October, serious buyers are pushing hard to close before Thanksgiving. Homes in West Des Moines, Johnston, or Altoona often move quickly during this window, while overpriced or stale listings begin to stall.

• If activity slows, consider a modest price adjustment or buyer incentives.
• Sweeten offers a closing cost help or a home warranty.
• Stay ahead on inspections and contingencies so deals close before the holidays.
  
  

Local buyer drivers: Buyers trying to finalize moves before the holidays, and investors hunting for opportunities before year-end.

Quick Fall Seller Checklist

• Refresh landscaping and gutters (especially in tree-heavy neighborhoods like Beaverdale)
• Stage with warm, inviting décor
• Update listing photos with fall colors
• Keep walkways clear and well-lit
• Confirm a closing timeline before snow and holidays

Why Des Moines Sellers Win in Fall

Unlike summer, when the market is crowded, fall gives you room to stand out. Events across the city keep neighborhoods active, local universities drive relocations, and many families want to settle in before year-end. Pair that with steady pricing and motivated buyers, and you’ve got a window that’s too good to ignore.

Ready to Sell This Fall?

Selling in September or October in Des Moines isn’t just possible, it’s strategic. With motivated buyers, colorful curb appeal, and the right local know-how, your home can go under contract before the snow flies.

Ready to make your move? The dsmSOLD Team offers a free seasonal consultation. Let’s get your home harvest-ready and holiday-sold.