2025 MARKET GUIDE
G U I D E
I N T H E 5 1 5
Your go-to real estate girl in and around DSM
Maybe you’re tired of the chatter at work about the real estate market and you want to finally know what you’re talking about. Or maybe you’ve just thought about moving and what to know what to expect. Either way, this is the guide for you!
GO!! Your dsm home girl
BUYERS AND SELLERS
What the DSM + surrounding area buyers are looking for, how sellers are maximizing their profit, and what you need to know about buying and selling at the same time
CURRENT MARKET SNAPSHOT
What homes are selling quickly, which homes are sitting stagnant, and what to expect as a buyer and a seller
UP AND COMING NEIGHBORHOODS
Waukee, Bondurant and Norwalk are growing and so are the number of homes and neighborhoods coming to town! Read about a few up and coming neighborhoods as well as builder options for you!
LENDERS AND VENDORS YOU’LL LOVE
It’s time to assemble your home buying and/or selling team. I’m your local Realtor, but who else do you need in your corner? Read to find out!
WANT MORE?
Did this guide leave you wanting more? I got you! Learn about other resources I have for you and the best way to work with me (even if you’re not buying or selling just yet!)
What DSM Buyers are Looking For How Sellers are Maximizing their Profits Buying and Selling at the Same Time
WHAT DSM BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR
In 2024, a lot of my buyers were looking for the same things in a home. I predict 2025 won’t look much different, except for one major thing (read below)
Outdoor living spaces and backyards for kiddos and pets continues to be a top must have on my buyers’ lists.
Walkable locations: this could be to trails and parks, schools or even coffee shops. Lifestyle living was a big 2024 trend and I think we will continue to see in in 2025.
WFH areas have been a thing (thanks, Covid) for a few years now, and while some businesses have transitioned to hybrid models, most homeowners still seek some kind of home office / dedicated work space
Not that new flooring or updated appliances aren’t a “wow” item for most buyers, but a seller prioritizing big ticket items (think roof replacements, new windows or HVAC system) typically means peace of mind for a new homeowner and more time to spend updating the floors or money in their pocket for more visible updates.
HOW SELLERS ARE MAXIMIZING THEIR PROFITS
Even with a higher Days on Market than last year, listings are still selling relatively quickly when priced and marketed strategically. Sellers are being intentional to invite the most amount of buyers to ensure they get the most money possible. There are a few things my seller’s have done and things I’ve noticed in other listings that are making that are helping sellers. Here’s what I’ve found:
Pricing with the market. By leaning on their agent’s hyper-local data and market trends to arrive at list price reflective of comparable properties.
Staging when needed. Not every home requires professional staging, but vacant homes often show better staged and occupied homes may just need a professional’s suggestions
Declutter and Deep Clean. These are the first “tasks” I recommend to every Seller. Often a strong declutter sesh eliminates a need for staging, and a solid deep clean will help prospective buyers see the home (and not the deferred baseboard cleaning- hey, I’m right there with ya!)
Working with a Pro. Okay, you figured this was an obvious one, but it’s true! Having a knowledgeable, creative and calm advocate to help you through your sale (and possible simultaneous buy) is key!
Offering Incentive. Not every sale needs an incentive, but sometimes offering a rate buy down or credit towards closing costs can be the thing that gets a buyer out of their chair and in offering position!
Tackle the To-Do’s. We often get used to the quirks and learn to live with unfinished projects.. but buyers aren’t necessarily stoked to have a list of odds and ends to finish upon move-in Take a weekend and tie up loose ends (you’ll be happy you did!)
BUYING AND SELLING AT THE SAME TIME PART 1
BUYING AND SELLING AT THE SAME TIME PART 2
STEP 1: Decide if you are going to wait to start house hunting until after you close on your home and live somewhere temporary in-between.
NAVIGATING A DOUBLE MOVE IN DSM:
You won't be able to make an offer on a new house until your current home is on the market (and most likely, under contract).
This will be challenging. Make sure you have a backup plan (or two) as in somewhere to go if needed in-between selling and buying. Consider temporary housing in-between (living with family or renting). If you can be flexible, the process will go more smoothly and also allow you more negotiating power when searching for your new house. (Need information on rentals? Ask me!)
STEP 2: Figure out how much your home is worth (with the help of your real estate agent) and what your estimated proceeds from the sale will be.
STEP 3: Determine your budget for your new home (based on Step 2) and get a pre-approval from a lender (contingent on your home sale).
STEP 4: Get your home market ready and listed for sale. A few tips: Price it right from the start, have a home Inspection prior to listing so you know if there are any major issues that could cause buyers to back out, stage your home, hire an agent who has digital marketing strategies as part of their listing plan. Negotiate
YOUR NOTES:
things to remember, questions to ask
CURRENT MARKET
LET'S DOIT AND WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR
What homes are selling quickly, which homes are sitting stagnant, and what to expect as a buyer and a seller.
CURRENTMARKET Snapshot
WHAT’S SELLING
DSM listings that are selling have been priced competitively. The sellers have worked hard to present their home in it’s best condition. And they are working with an agent who knows what buyers want AND advocates for the best interest of their seller at the same time.
WHAT’S SITTING
The two most common qualities of homes that do not sell around DSM are that they are either overpriced or in poor condition (or both!). I’ve also noticed listings that are poorly marketed (bad listing descriptions, cell phone photos, etc) tend to sit longer -which is why I’m so thorough with my marketing!
HAPPY BUYER CHARACTERISTICS
Happy buyers in the 515 have signed an agreement with their preferred agent, have a pre-approval from their lender and they feel good about their budget. They are realistic of what to expect in their price range and they are ready to buy as soon as the right house pops up on the market.
FRUSTRATED BUYER CHARACTERISTICS
Frustrated buyers around dsm are looking outside their price range. They’re spending more time scrolling Zillow than making a plan with their agent. And they haven’t prepared to list their current home for when the right house comes along.
MONTHS OF INVENTORY
5 9 average months of inve weeks were a more balance 2024)
A 515 MARKET TREND IN
Price reductions. The avera 111 price reductions, over 1 total year
RATE TRENDS IN 2024
Lowest Rate 30 YR Fix: 6 08%
Highest Rate 30 YR Fix: 7 22%
Average 30 YR Fix: 6.72% (the average 30 Year Fix in 2023 was 7.0%, and in October 2023, peaked at 7.9%)
“From an affordability perspective, we think 2025 will look a lot like 2024, with mortgage rates above 6 percent, home price growth easing from recent highs but staying positive, and supply remaining below pre-pandemic levels,” said Mark Palim, Fannie Mae Senior Vice President and Chief Economist
WITH MOST UNITS SOLD
$301,000-400,000 (1,039 homes) & the price range with the least amount of homes sold was $801K-$900,000
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Buyers
The biggest key to success in the Des Moines market is being prepared. Choosing your agent, talking with a lender, and coming up with a personalized plan with your agent will put you in the driver’s seat and help you find a home you love (and not lose out on it because you were unprepared!)
Sellers
The sellers that will see the most success in the 2025 market are the ones who understand selling their home involves a lot more work than putting a sign in the yard. Prepping your home, making a personalized moving plan with your agent, and pricing your home competitively will ensure you walk away from your sale the most happy
YOUR NOTES:
things to remember, questions to ask
UPANDCOMING Communities
WAUKEE
Ashley Acres offers 70′ to 85′ wide lots, some with pond views or neighboring trees. Conveniently located north of Hickman on Warrior Lane, it’s close to Waukee’s amenities and within the Waukee School District, just minutes from Radiant Elementary and Northwest High School
BONDURANT
Sankey Summit offers exciting features like a large pond, walk-out and daylight lots, cul-de-sac living, and walking trails connecting to future parks and the rest of Bondurant Conveniently located near Bondurant-Farrar High School and just minutes from Brick Street Market, Café, and Reclaimed Rails Brewing, it’s a welcoming place to call home!
NORWALK
Blooming Heights, an executive development on Norwalk's west edge, offers flat, daylight, and walkout lots with timber and pond views Located near Norwalk Schools and Metro amenities, it features a 5-year partial tax abatement and convenient access via a new Hwy-5 interchange
BONUS: SAGE HOMES
HONORABLE MENTION
Sage Homes is a great option for Des Moines+ the surrounding area residents. Craftsmanship and experience is key to the Sage building experience They offer both spec and custom build options in a variety of price points and suburbs/neighborhoods While it’s not an “up and coming” community, Ankeny continues to grow + is seen as one of the most coveted suburbs to live in the Des Moines area. Known for its two, downtown areas (Prairie Trail and Uptown), Ankeny offers plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment options, as well as a variety of parks, walking paths and bike trails for outdoor exploration.
YOUR NOTES:
things to remember, questions to ask
LENDERS & VENDORS DSM
Your home buying team consists of many key players, all of which I am happy to connect you with! Here are a few of my most highly recommended individuals:
JARED NICOLAISEN LOCAL LENDER
TYLER OSBY LENDER ANDREW COWDEN INSPECTOR
FITZSIMMONS
YOUR NOTES:
things to remember, questions to ask
NEXT STEPS Wantmore?
Did this guide leave you wanting more? I got you! Learn about other resources I have for you and the best way to work with me (even if you’re not buying or selling just yet!)
LOCAL GUIDE
Want to know more about life in the 515? Check out my seasonal guides!
SCHEDULE MINI CONSULT
Want to talk to me about moving (even if it’s not right now?) Scan the QR code below to schedule a mini coffee consult (no coffee needed, but encouraged!)
BUYER CHECKLIST
GOAL: NAME:
TO-DO
Su Mo Th Tu Fr We Sa
TAKE THIS TO OUR MEETING OR ZOOM CALL SO WE CAN MAP OUT YOUR NEXT STEPS TOGETHER.
SELLER CHECKLIST
GOAL: NAME:
TAKE THIS TO OUR MEETING OR ZOOM CALL SO WE CAN MAP OUT YOUR NEXT STEPS TOGETHER.
BUY & SELL CHECKLIST
GOAL: NAME:
TAKE THIS TO OUR MEETING OR ZOOM CALL SO WE CAN MAP OUT YOUR NEXT STEPS TOGETHER.
ABOUTME Beforeyougo...
I’m Emma your DSM Home Girl, caffeine queen and boy mom of three (trust me, I can handle the most chaotic of situations).
I love selling houses, but I also love working out, yoga and a binge-worthy show.
My ideal weekend includes exploring new places around DSM with my crew and catching up on housework (I actually don’t mind cleaning when I have time to focus!)
A hill I’ll die on: social media is meant to be SOCIAL, not salesy, so I share a lot of behind the scenes on IG @emma.buyiowa.
FOLLOW ME @EMMA BUYIOWA AND SAY HI!
You can find us checking out all the parks, making sure every ice cream shop serves tasty treats, and finding new reasons to love living in the 515!
If you see me around town, please say “hey!”