How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Des Moines? A Comprehensive Guide to Factors That Affect Your Home Sale Timeline

Selling a home can be both an exciting and challenging experience. If you're a homeowner in Des Moines, Iowa, you might be wondering, "How long will it take to sell my home?" Understanding the factors that influence your home sale timeline is key to ensuring a smooth and successful sale.

In Des Moines, the average time it takes to sell a home typically ranges from 30 to 60 days. However, this timeframe can vary widely based on several critical factors, including market conditions, pricing strategy, home condition, staging, and neighborhood appeal.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these key factors in detail and provide actionable tips to help you navigate the home-selling process efficiently. Our goal is to help you sell your home faster, whether you’re a first-time home seller or an experienced property owner looking to capitalize on Des Moines’ real estate market.

Understanding the Home Sale Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take to Sell a Home in Des Moines?

Before diving into the factors that affect your home sale timeline, let’s look at the typical home sale process. The real estate market in Des Moines is relatively stable, and the average home spends about 30 to 60 days on the market before going under contract. This timeline includes:

• Listing your home: Preparing your home for sale and listing it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and popular platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin.

• Marketing and showings: Once listed, marketing efforts like open houses, online ads, and social media promotions begin to generate buyer interest.

• Negotiation and offer acceptance: After showings and buyer interest, offers start coming in. Negotiations take place, and the seller accepts an offer.

• Closing the sale: Once an offer is accepted, the closing process typically takes 30 to 45 days, including inspections, appraisals, and finalizing paperwork.

While this timeline is a good baseline, the actual length of time it takes to sell your home can vary depending on multiple factors, including market conditions, pricing, and how well you prepare your home for sale. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.

Market Conditions and Their Impact on Your Home Sale Timeline

Real estate market conditions in Des Moines have a significant impact on how long it takes to sell a home. To better understand how market conditions influence your home sale timeline, consider these two key elements:

1. Buyer Demand: The higher the demand for homes in Des Moines, the quicker your home is likely to sell. During peak home-buying seasons, typically spring and summer, buyer demand surges, leading to faster home sales. Data from the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® (DMAAR) shows that homes listed during these months tend to attract more showings and offers.

2. Inventory Levels: When the supply of homes (also called housing inventory) is low, buyers have fewer options, making it a seller’s market. In this scenario, homes in desirable locations often sell faster. Conversely, when there is an abundance of homes on the market, competition increases, leading to longer sale times.

As of mid-2024, Des Moines experienced a slight increase in housing inventory compared to the previous year, leading to a more balanced market. While homes are still selling within the average 30 to 60-day window, properties in less competitive price ranges may take longer to sell due to increased options for buyers.

Tip: To take full advantage of market conditions, consider listing your home during periods of higher buyer demand, especially in the spring and summer months when more buyers are actively searching for homes in Des Moines.

Pricing Right – The Key to a Faster Sale

Setting the right price is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling your home. Price too high, and your home may sit on the market for months. Price too low, and you risk leaving money on the table. Here’s how pricing affects your home sale timeline:

1. Accurate Pricing: Homes priced competitively, based on a thorough analysis of the market and comparable sales (comps), are more likely to sell within the 30 to 60-day window. Overpricing a home by even a small percentage can significantly delay your sale. According to Zillow research, homes that are priced correctly within their first 30 days on the market are 5 times more likely to sell at or above their asking price.

2. Price Reductions: If your home has been on the market for more than 60 days with no offers, it’s often a sign that it’s overpriced. Consider reducing the price to attract more interest. However, frequent price reductions can also signal to buyers that the home may have issues, so it’s important to price strategically from the start.

3. Appraisal and Financing Considerations: Homes priced outside of what the market supports can also face challenges during the appraisal process, which can delay the closing of a sale or cause deals to fall through.

Tip: Work closely with your real estate agent to conduct a thorough comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine a competitive and attractive price point that aligns with the current market conditions.

Home Condition and Staging – How Presentation Speeds Up the Sale

The condition and presentation of your home can greatly influence how quickly it sells. Homes that are well-maintained, clean, and attractively staged are more likely to make a positive impression on potential buyers. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Repairs and Updates: Homes that require minimal repairs or updates generally sell faster than homes needing significant work. Common repairs that improve a home’s marketability include fresh paint, new flooring, updated kitchen appliances, and modern light fixtures. According to The National Association of Realtors (NAR), minor upgrades like these can significantly boost a home’s appeal and sale speed.

2. Home Staging: Professionally staged homes help buyers visualize the potential of the space, making it easier for them to picture themselves living there. The NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Staging reports that 82% of buyers’ agents said staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. Staged homes also tend to sell faster and at higher prices compared to non-staged homes.

3. Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Homes with well-maintained exteriors, attractive landscaping, and clean entryways can generate more interest, leading to faster sales. Simple improvements like power washing the exterior, planting flowers, and upgrading outdoor lighting can make a big difference.

Tip: Invest in small home improvements and consider professional staging to create a welcoming, move-in-ready atmosphere for potential buyers.

Neighborhood Appeal – Location, Location, Location

It’s no secret that location plays a huge role in how fast a home sells. Some neighborhoods in Des Moines are more sought-after than others, which can lead to faster sales.

1. Desirable Neighborhoods: Homes in popular Des Moines neighborhoods, such as Beaverdale, South of Grand, and Waveland Park (to name a few) tend to attract more buyers due to their proximity to schools, parks, restaurants, and entertainment. Homes in these areas often sell faster because buyers are willing to pay a premium for location.

2. Up-and-Coming Areas: Homes in emerging neighborhoods may take a bit longer to sell, but they often attract buyers looking for affordability and future growth potential. If your home is in an up-and-coming area, highlighting nearby developments or planned infrastructure improvements can help attract forward-thinking buyers.

Tip: Emphasize the benefits of your home’s location in your marketing materials. Highlight local amenities, school districts, and neighborhood charm to appeal to buyers.

Need Help Selling Your Home Quickly? Contact The dsmSOLD Team

Selling your home in Des Moines can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days or more, but understanding the factors that affect this timeline can help you sell faster. From pricing and staging to market conditions and neighborhood appeal, making informed decisions will streamline the process and improve your chances of a quick sale.

At The dsmSOLD Team, we specialize in helping Des Moines homeowners navigate the complexities of the real estate market. Whether you need advice on pricing, home staging, or maximizing the appeal of your property, our experienced team is here to help.

Contact us today for a personalized home sale strategy tailored to your unique needs. Let us help you sell your home faster and for top dollar!