Des Moines Iowa Real Estate Market Recap – Week of February 23, 2009

by Tyler Osby on March 3, 2009

Des Moines


What’s The Real Estate Market Doing?

Do you ever wonder how our real estate market is here in Des Moines? Unfortunately, we spend a lot of time listening to how rough things are in other cities around the country, but too often we don’t really consider what our real estate climate is like.

I’m a fan of having as much information available before I take action on any big decisions. I don’t know about you, but I think buying or selling a home is a pretty big deal.

As a blogger and mortgage professional, when I receive good information – I pass it on. Home listings and sales are an interesting set of information most of us don’t have super easy access to. Thankfully, I have a Realtor that hammers me with e-mails (Just kidding, I don’t mind them) on market updates and her opinion on where things are at.

Do YOU Need Help?

As a mortgage professional, I cannot sell real estate.  I can however help you connect with a Realtor.  If you are looking for some answers, I’d be happy to introduce you to someone who can help!  No question is silly or too off the wall.

I can also reach out to my connections throughout the country if you’re looking for real estate outside of Iowa.  So please, feel free to contact us, we’d love to help!

Why Should You Care About Statistics?

Whether you’re looking to purchase, sell or refinance a home – this stuff matters. These statistics are compiled from the Multiple Listing Service and cover the Des Moines, Iowa residential real estate market.

With her permission, I post the facts here so you can come up with your very own market opinion. Here’s this week’s market commentary:

“Well March has arrived, which means spring is around the corner.  Not only does spring bring nicer weather it brings out more buyers and sellers.  You will see by this past weeks numbers that many sellers are getting their homes on the market (285 last week) and many sellers are lowering their prices (305 last week).  I would expect that we will continue to see these numbers continue to increase over the coming months.
If you are a seller who HAS to sell, I would encourage you to get your home on the market immediately and price it correctly.  As more and more listings come on the market that means more competition for you.  And unfortunately, a number of those listing will be foreclosures which could drive down your sale price.  If you have questions about how to price your home effectively in this market, please feel free to call or email me, I would love to help.  Buyers, remember you only have until December 1st to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit that is available for first time buyers (you must be closed on the property by December 1st).  I have some great information on the tax credit for anyone who is interested.”

Heather Barglof, RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

Market Watch

What Does This Report Cover?

I really enjoy this chart because it gives a breakdown of:

  • Days on the Market
  • Price Per Square Foot
  • Number of New Listings
  • Number of Expired Listings
  • Number of Price Reductions
  • Pending Home Sales (by price)
  • New Home Sales (by price)
  • All Active Home Sales (by price)
  • Best of all, it compares this week vs. last week and last year!

This is a great chart.  I’m not a Realtor and would never try to take the place of one.  If you’re looking for statistics in your specific neighborhood (because your neighborhood is the only one that matters when you’re selling), I can help connect you with the right Realtor for the job!

We Love Great Information and Love to Give Great Information!

If you’re a super cool person and have any market statistics you think our readers would find valuable, please feel free to contact me. If it’s relevant, It’ll show up here!

If you’re looking for my professional opinion or looking for a comment (press related), please contact me here.

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