Buying a home is a major financial and personal milestone. If you’re considering buying a home in Des Moines, Iowa, you’re in an ideal place to start. With affordable housing, thriving communities, and a strong local economy, Des Moines is one of the Midwest’s most attractive real estate markets.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the home buying process, with local insights specific to Des Moines and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or relocating within Iowa, this article will prepare you to purchase confidently and successfully.
Why Buy a Home in Des Moines?
Des Moines offers a combination of affordability, opportunity, and community that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Home values remain competitive, and the region continues to see growth in both infrastructure and job markets.
Key reasons people choose Des Moines include a lower cost of living compared to national averages, a strong job market in fields like insurance and healthcare, and a range of neighborhoods suitable for every lifestyle—from suburban family living to downtown convenience.
Des Moines suburbs such as West Des Moines, Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston offer excellent schools, new construction homes, and access to parks and trails, making them especially attractive to families.
Step 1: Understand Your Home Buying Budget
Before you start looking at homes, you need to determine how much you can afford. Understanding your budget helps prevent wasting time on homes that don’t fit your financial situation and helps you focus on properties that are a realistic fit.
Start by evaluating your monthly income, debts, and any savings that will be used for a down payment. Factor in additional costs such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, and potential maintenance.
A general rule of thumb is that your monthly housing cost should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income. Many lenders use this metric when reviewing your mortgage application.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Pre-approval is one of the most important early steps in the home buying process. A mortgage pre-approval tells sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious buyer and that you have the financial backing to purchase a home.
To get pre-approved, you’ll need to submit financial documents such as tax returns, W-2s or 1099s, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of any assets or debts. Your lender will run a credit check and determine your pre-approval amount based on your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
In Iowa, many buyers qualify for special loan programs, including FHA loans, VA loans for veterans, and USDA loans for rural properties. The Iowa Finance Authority also offers down payment assistance and grants for first-time homebuyers.
Step 3: Define Your Wants and Needs
Next, determine what you need in a home versus what would be nice to have. Separating your non-negotiables from your preferences can help you make faster, more informed decisions once you begin viewing homes.
Needs might include a certain number of bedrooms, proximity to work or schools, or a fenced yard for pets. Wants might include a walk-in pantry, a finished basement, or a three-car garage. The Des Moines metro has a variety of property types, from downtown condos to large suburban single-family homes.
Communicating your priorities clearly to your Realtor helps streamline the search and ensures you’re only shown homes that match your criteria.
Step 4: Work with a Local Realtor
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial to a smooth buying experience. A local Realtor brings knowledge of the market, negotiation expertise, and access to listings as soon as they hit the market.
Carol Lunde, based in West Des Moines, offers extensive local knowledge of Des Moines-area neighborhoods and brings a trustworthy, client-first approach to every home search. Whether you are buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating to Iowa, Carol helps guide you through the process from start to finish.
Working with a local agent also ensures you get access to off-market listings, early-showing opportunities, and accurate pricing advice for different neighborhoods.
Step 5: Start Viewing Homes
Now the fun begins. Once your agent sets up a custom search based on your budget and preferences, you’ll start receiving listing alerts. Schedule showings quickly, especially in competitive price ranges.
When touring homes, take notes and ask questions. Pay attention to the layout, natural lighting, general condition, and any updates or repairs that may be needed. Visit at different times of day to get a feel for traffic, lighting, and noise levels.
In popular Des Moines areas like Waukee or West Des Moines, homes can sell in under a week. Being ready to view and act quickly is essential.
Step 6: Make an Offer
Once you find a home that fits your needs, your agent will help you prepare a written offer. This includes the price you’re offering, any contingencies, your proposed closing date, and whether you’re asking the seller to contribute to closing costs.
Your Realtor will analyze comparable home sales in the area to ensure your offer is competitive and justified. In hot markets, it may be necessary to offer above asking or include escalation clauses to compete with multiple buyers.
Negotiations may take a few days. Once the seller accepts your offer, you move into the inspection and appraisal phases.
Step 7: Schedule a Home Inspection
Your offer should include an inspection contingency, allowing you to assess the property’s condition before finalizing the deal. A licensed home inspector will evaluate the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and more.
In Iowa, it’s especially important to test for radon, a naturally occurring gas that is common in the Midwest. If issues arise during the inspection, you can negotiate for repairs, a price reduction, or in some cases, walk away.
Having a skilled Realtor during this stage is critical. Carol will help you interpret the inspection results and guide you through negotiation decisions.
Step 8: Appraisal and Underwriting
If you’re using a mortgage, your lender will require a home appraisal to ensure the property is worth the agreed purchase price. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, your agent will help you renegotiate with the seller or consider alternatives.
Meanwhile, your loan moves to underwriting. The lender verifies your income, credit, and employment again before giving final approval. Avoid taking on new debt or changing jobs during this phase, as it could impact your approval.
Step 9: Final Walkthrough and Closing
Just before closing, you’ll complete a final walkthrough of the property. This ensures it’s in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it, and that any requested repairs were completed.
On closing day, you’ll meet at a title office or attorney’s office to sign the paperwork. Bring a government-issued ID, your closing funds (usually in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer), and be prepared to sign several documents.
Once closing is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.
Des Moines Area Tips for Homebuyers
When buying in Des Moines, here are a few local considerations that may affect your home buying decision.
Property taxes in Iowa are higher than some neighboring states, so factor that into your monthly budget.
If schools are a priority, the West Des Moines, Waukee, and Johnston districts are among the top-rated in the region.
Homes with newer roofs, sump pumps, and updated HVAC systems may reduce long-term maintenance in Iowa’s seasonal climate.
Radon mitigation is commonly installed in homes across the state and is often negotiated during inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to buy a home in Des Moines?
From accepted offer to closing, the average home purchase takes between 30 and 45 days, assuming the buyer is pre-approved.
What is the average home price in Des Moines?
As of 2025, the average home price in the Des Moines area is approximately 245,000 dollars, though this varies widely by neighborhood.
Can I buy a home in Iowa with no money down?
Yes, some buyers may qualify for USDA or VA loans that offer zero-down financing, and first-time buyers may be eligible for down payment assistance from the Iowa Finance Authority.
How competitive is the Des Moines real estate market?
Homes in popular suburbs like West Des Moines or Waukee are in high demand. Homes priced below 300,000 dollars often sell within days.
Do I need a Realtor to buy a home?
While not legally required, a Realtor offers professional guidance, protects your interests during negotiations, and ensures a smoother, less stressful experience.
Work with Carol Lunde – Your Des Moines Realtor
If you’re ready to buy a home in Des Moines, Iowa, now is the time to connect with a local expert who puts your goals first. I’m Carol Lunde, a full-service Realtor based in West Des Moines, and I help buyers across the metro area navigate the process with confidence.
Call 515-249-7272
Email carollunde@kw.com
Fill Out My Contact Form
Serving West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, and surrounding areas.