Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell?

How to Decide Based on Your Goals — Not Just the Market

It Starts with Your Personal Goals

The real estate market is important, but your life goals matter more. Whether you're buying your first home, planning to downsize, relocating for work, or cashing in on equity, your decision should start with asking: What am I trying to achieve?

Buyers, are you ready for long-term financial stability? Do you have a steady income, solid credit, and enough saved for a down payment and emergency fund? Is this home going to serve as your primary residence, or are you thinking about an investment property?

Sellers, are you relocating, upgrading, or simply trying to unlock your home’s equity? Do you have a timeline in mind, and does it align with the current market? Can your home be listed “as is,” or will it need some staging or light updates?

Clarity on your personal motivations is your most powerful decision-making tool.

What’s Happening in the Des Moines Market Right Now?

In mid-2025, the Des Moines real estate market remains active and relatively competitive—but we’ve shifted from the red-hot frenzy of recent years to something more balanced. While interest rates remain higher than they were in 2021, buyer activity in Central Iowa is still strong thanks to continued demand and Des Moines’ affordability compared to coastal markets.

Inventory remains tight. Many homes that are priced well and move-in ready are still selling quickly, some with multiple offers, yet certainly not as common as the COVID times. Home values in popular neighborhoods like Beaverdale, Waukee, Johnston, and Altoona continue to hold strong. And while new construction is active in the metro and surrounding areas, ongoing material and labor costs mean those homes aren’t always the most budget-friendly option.

Translation? If you’re a seller, low inventory means less competition and more inventory means presentation and pricing are key. If you’re a buyer, you’ll need a sharp strategy—but opportunity still exists, especially with expert guidance.

For Buyers: What to Know Before You Dive In

Buying a home in 2025 still makes sense—if it matches your goals and finances.

Even though interest rates have increased, they are still historically normal, and buying now can help you start building equity, avoid rising rents, and secure a fixed monthly payment. Homeownership remains a powerful wealth-building tool—and with the right financing structure, you can make it work to your advantage.

In today’s market, buyers often have more breathing room than in years past. You’re more likely to have your inspections honored and fewer bidding wars to navigate, especially if you’re looking outside ultra-competitive price points. Some sellers are also offering rate buydown incentives or covering closing costs, providing additional affordability and flexibility.

If you’re pre-approved, have stable income, and know the kind of home you want, don’t let the fear of timing hold you back. In many cases, waiting could cost you more, especially if home prices continue to rise.

For Sellers: Is Now the Right Time to List?

Many Des Moines homeowners are sitting on significant equity, and with limited inventory, demand remains strong for homes that show well and are priced appropriately.

If your home is in a desirable location, in good condition, and market-ready, you may benefit from strong showing activity and the possibility of multiple offers. Even if you’re planning to buy a new home after selling, the market offers more flexibility now, with move-up homes staying on the market a bit longer and sellers more willing to negotiate.

Also worth noting: timing matters more for your personal goals than market peaks. If you’re planning to relocate for a job, retire, reduce your home’s maintenance needs, or simply live somewhere that suits your current lifestyle better, the equity you’ve built can help fund your next chapter.

Now may be your moment to list, especially before any potential rate adjustments or changes in buyer activity later this year.

Should You Wait or Make a Move?

At The dsmSOLD Team, we believe that the best time to buy or sell is when it aligns with your goals—not just when the headlines say it's hot.

If you’re in a position to move—financially and personally—then now could absolutely be the right time. Trying to time the market perfectly is a gamble, and the truth is, no one can predict future mortgage rates or price trends with certainty. What we do know is that Des Moines remains a strong market with solid value, and we don’t anticipate major downturns ahead.

If your goal is to build equity, reduce housing costs, expand your space, or move closer to work or family, there’s no need to wait. Let your personal roadmap drive your decision, and we’ll help you build a custom strategy around it.

Let’s Build Your Plan, Together

Still on the fence? That’s completely normal—this is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. That’s why our team offers free, no-pressure consultations tailored to your unique needs. We’ll help you evaluate your home’s value, explore financing options, break down neighborhood data, and even map out timing based on your lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply ask questions, we’re here for it. The dsmSOLD Team is deeply rooted in Des Moines, and we’ve helped hundreds of families make confident real estate decisions across Central Iowa.

Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s move forward—on your terms.