Why Some Homes Sell Fast in the Des Moines Market - and Others Don’t

Why Some Homes Sell Fast in the Des Moines Market - and Others Don’t

If you’re preparing to sell your home in the Des Moines metro, you’ve probably wondered: “Why do some homes sell instantly while others sit on the market?” A few years ago, homes were flying off the market because inventory was historically low. But 2025 looks very different.

Local housing inventory is up nearly 20% year-over-year, and in several price ranges, supply has returned to 2017 - 2019 levels. With more homes for buyers to choose from, sellers need a strong strategy from day one to stand out.

But here’s the key insight most sellers don’t realize:
The rise in available homes isn’t happening because tons of new listings are hitting the market. It’s happening because more homes are sitting longer - usually due to pricing mistakes, presentation issues, or repairs buyers simply don’t want to take on.

To avoid becoming one of those “stale listings,” here are the top reasons some homes in Des Moines sell fast while others don’t.

1. Pricing Your Home for Today’s Market

A successful sale starts with a pricing strategy rooted in current market conditions - not what your neighbor sold for two years ago.
Today’s buyers are payment-driven, interest-rate sensitive, and comparison-shopping intensely. The right price creates urgency. The wrong price creates silence.

2. Making Repairs Before You List

Buyers in 2025 want move-in ready homes.
Most aren’t interested in sweat equity, weekend projects, or long repair lists.
Taking care of needed repairs up front makes your home the low-stress, high-value option.

3. Highlighting Your Home’s Best Features

Every home has standout features - natural light, location, updates, yard size, layout.
Your listing photos, marketing, and showing experience should showcase these strengths clearly and intentionally.

4. Professional Presentation Is Non-Negotiable

In today’s Des Moines real estate market, clean and polished presentation is the expectation.
That means:

• Proper staging

• Tidy landscaping and curb appeal

• Decluttered rooms

• Professional photography

Homes marketed well still gain strong traction quickly.

5. Flexibility Helps You Sell Faster

More showing availability = more prospective buyers.
If your home is easy to tour, easy to understand, and easy to make an offer on, your chances of selling quickly increase dramatically.

Bottom Line

Homes that are priced correctly, prepared thoroughly, and marketed professionally are still selling fast, often within days.
Homes that skip critical prep or launch overpriced are the ones contributing to rising inventory numbers in the Des Moines metro.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s create a strategy that positions your home to stand out - no matter what the market is doing.

Interested in a custom plan for your home?
Reach out anytime. I’d love to help.