Derek Veldhouse

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

Ready to buy a house? The first thing you'll want to do is hire a real estate agent—the go-to pro whose sole goal is to help make your homebuying dream come true. But not all real estate agents are created equal. It's highly recommended by experts to interview at least three agents before deciding who you want by your side for this most important of all purchases. 1. How long have you been a real estate agent? You want a professional who knows the ins and outs of the business

September brought a surprising burst of activity to the Des Moines housing market. Total listings jumped more sharply than in previous years, signaling renewed energy this fall — potentially spurred by recent or expected changes in mortgage rates. “We say it over and over again, and this is just more proof that the housing market in the Des Moines metro  is active,” said Eric Webster, President of the Des Moines Metro Area Association of REALTORS®. “Even as we move into the f

Understanding the Importance of Fall Lawn Maintenance Fall lawn care isn’t just about appearance—it’s an investment in your lawn’s...

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The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department was established in 1892 and is responsible for the management of 92 parks, 4,000+ acres of...

Increased inventory gives buyers more options The Des Moines metro housing market remains stable as buyer activity continues to push...

Let’s be real. Homes are taking a week longer to sell than they did a year ago. Part of that is because there are more homes on the...

Parents do their best to give their children everything they need: food, clothes, and advice. But when it comes to real estate guidance ,...

The goal of this post is to help prepare those who want to rejuvenate and overseed your COOL-SEASON GRASS lawn during the ideal time of...

If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next....

The Des Moines metro housing market delivered a mixed message in July: more homes to choose from, but a slower sales pace. Steady pricing...

The Questions to Ask Before You Decide If you’re thinking about pulling up stakes and moving, let’s be clear it’s for the right reasons....

As we near that time of year when kids head back to the classroom, the American Red Cross offers this checklist you can follow to help...

Even though your home may be clean, it can still look cluttered. Having too much clutter in your home can be stressful for some people. ...

The Des Moines housing market is heating up this summer with fresh signs of buyer opportunity and shifting trends, according to metrics...

Interview prospective agents and choose one who will represent your interests through the entire process. Hiring a professional real...

This ultimate summer home maintenance checklist will guide you through essential tasks for both the interior and exterior of your home,...