November 2026 – Des Moines Metro Housing Market Update

Holiday season is underway and with that comes the colder weather, the shorter days, and – traditionally a slower real estate market. Keep in mind there is still much opportunity to be had in the real estate market in the metro right now. Let’s take a peek…

A Quick Look at Mortgage Rates: As of November 5, Freddie Mac reported that the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 7.18%, down from 7.24% the week before. Here in the Des Moines metro, your lender can help you translate that headline into a monthly payment for the homes you’re actually considering, including property taxes and insurance.

What’s Happening Here in Des Moines: Buyers had more homes to choose from this September than they did a year ago. The Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® reported 5,028 active listings, up 14.2% year over year. 1,207 homes closed, up 4.8%, and the median sale price was $310,000, up from $305,000 last September. Homes also spent more time on the market, with a median of 61 days, compared with 51 days a year earlier.

What This Means for Buyers: More homes on the market give you a little more room to compare. If a home you love has been sitting for a while, we can look at recent sales and see whether there’s room to ask for a price adjustment, repairs, or help with closing costs. If a well-priced home checks all your boxes, having your financing lined up means you can move when you’re ready.

What This Means for Sellers: Buyers have more homes to compare, so price, condition, and those first photos matter. We’ll look at what’s sold near you and what buyers can tour right now in your price range. A metro-wide number gives us a starting point, but what’s happening around your home will help us decide where to price it and what’s worth doing before we go live.

The Bottom Line: Buyers in the Des Moines metro have more choices and may have more room to negotiate, especially on homes that have been sitting. The median sale price was still up slightly from a year ago, so for sellers, pricing well from day one matters.

If you’re curious what these numbers look like in your neighborhood, just hit reply. We’re happy to pull the local numbers for you.

As real estate professionals and consumers, it’s important for us to keep an eye on the latest real estate trends, as they can sway the decisions in both ‘home selling’ and ‘home buying’. Let’s stay informed, and together we can make your real estate journey a positive experience!

*Sources: Freddie Mac, DMAAR MLS and Realtor.com