Shifting Seasons, Shifting Market: Des Moines Real Estate Update for Fall

Fall has officially arrived in Des Moines, and just like the season, the housing market is shifting. Lower rates, more choices, and steady demand are combining to create unique opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Whether you’re just keeping tabs or actively preparing for a move, understanding these trends will help you make smart, confident decisions.

Market Momentum: A Closer Look at What’s Driving Change

The Des Moines real estate market is showing real momentum this fall. Here’s why:

• Interest Rates Stay Low
  The Federal Reserve recently lowered its benchmark rate by a quarter point. While mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed rate directly (they’re tied to the 10-year Treasury yield), the market’s response has kept them at their lowest levels of the year.
  
  
  • Conventional loans: ~6%
    
    
  • FHA & VA loans: ~5.5%
    
    
• What does this mean in practice? More buying power. Back in January, a $2,000/month mortgage payment would buy you a home around $299,000. Today, that same payment stretches to about $324,000, a $25,000 boost in affordability.
  
  
• Inventory at a 12-Year High
  
  
  • Average list price: $339,900 (down ~6.5% year-over-year, or about $23,000 less).
    
    
  • Active listings: just over 4,300 homes, the highest in more than a decade.
    
    
  • Sales pace: It took just 23 days to jump from 9,000 to 10,000 closed sales.
    
    

More homes, slightly lower prices, and friendlier interest rates = a recipe for strong activity heading into the final quarter of the year.

Navigating Opportunities: How Buyers, Sellers & Investors Can Win

With so much shifting in the housing market, many are asking: Is now the right time to make a move? The short answer: Yes, if you approach it strategically.

For Buyers

You now have more choices than at any point in the past 12 years. Coupled with today’s lower rates, your purchasing power goes further. That same monthly payment you had budgeted for in January could now land you a home nearly $25,000 higher in price. More inventory also means you can afford to be selective, negotiate confidently, and lock in a rate that saves you money over time.

For Sellers

Yes, list prices are down slightly year-over-year, but values remain significantly higher than they were just a few years back. Well-priced homes are still moving quickly, often close to asking price. And here’s the hidden advantage: even if you sell for a little less today, you’re also buying into today’s lower rates—making your next move potentially more affordable than you expect.

For Investors

This is a compelling window. Lower purchase prices and healthy inventory create more options for expanding or diversifying your portfolio. And with demand staying strong (each week more homes go under contract than come on the market), rental and resale opportunities look solid. Strategic investments now could set you up for long-term gains.

Key takeaway: The mix of lower rates, higher inventory, and consistent demand is creating a rare moment of balance in Des Moines real estate, one where buyers, sellers, and investors all have room to succeed.

Weekend Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at what happened in the Des Moines market this past weekend:

• 🏠 163 new listings hit the market
  
  
• 📝 96 homes went under contract
  
  
• 🔑 139 properties closed
  
  

Final Thoughts

Des Moines is positioned for a strong fall season, with the potential to hit 14,000 closed sales before year-end, a milestone we haven’t seen in years. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, now is the time to understand how these shifts affect your plans.

If you’d like a personalized strategy for your next move, I’d be happy to walk you through your options. Reach out anytime, we're here to help you navigate with confidence.