Derek Veldhouse

After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing market. Sellers are reappearing. Buyers are re-engaging. And for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s movement happening again. No, it’s not a surge. But it is a shift – and it’s one that could set the stage for a stronger year in 2026. So, what’s driving the comeback? Here are three big trends that are slowly breathing life bac

The Des Moines metro housing market settled into a typical fall rhythm in October following standout activity in September. Stable sales activity and continued increases in listings, proved to be a balancing force in the metro for buyers and sellers, alike. “The Des Moines metro continues to carry momentum as we head into fall,” said Eric Webster, President of the Des Moines Metro Area Association of REALTORS®. “Rising inventory and steady home sales provide opportunities for

The Raisin report found that homeowners save for an average of six years to afford a down payment. Meanwhile, likely buyers say they’ve already been saving for four years and eight months. But is this “too long” to be on the sidelines? Cetin Duransoy , Raisin CEO, says that while six years may sound like a long time to save for a home, it’s the financial reality for many Americans today. “With higher prices and interest rates, reaching a meaningful down payment takes time. T

Mortgage rates are up and still under 7%. Today’s national average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.19%, according to Bankrate. If you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the average rate is 5.54%. Rates dropped ahead of the October Federal Reserve meeting, which concluded on Wednesday with another quarter-point cut to the federal-funds rate . Average 30-year mortgage rates are now 85 basis points down from where they started the year, according to Freddie Mac. Howeve