Straight Talk on Des Moines Real Estate

What we tell our own clients, written down.

Selling an Inherited House in Iowa: What Your Family Needs to Know Before You List

Iowa eliminated its inheritance tax in 2025. But probate, Medicaid recovery claims, and surviving spouse rights can still delay your sale. Know this first.

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Radon and Iowa Real Estate: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Before Closing

Iowa has the highest radon rates in the country. Here's what state law requires sellers to disclose, how buyers can test, and what mitigation costs in Des Moines.

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New Construction vs. Resale in Ankeny and Waukee, Iowa

New construction or resale in Ankeny and Waukee? Real price data, builder names, and the questions buyers always wish they'd asked first.

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Earnest Money in Iowa Real Estate: What It Is, How Much, and Who Keeps It

Iowa buyers typically put down $2,500–$5,000. Here's who holds it, which contingencies protect it, and exactly what the DMAAR contract says if the deal falls through.

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Iowa Seller Disclosure Requirements: What You Have to Tell Buyers

Iowa law requires sellers to complete a Seller Disclosure form covering 18 categories of property condition. Here's what's on the form, what changed in 2026, and what's at stake if you miss something.

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What Is an Abstract of Title in Iowa?

Iowa uses abstracts of title instead of title insurance. Here's what an abstract contains, what a continuation costs, and what sellers need to do before closing.

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How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Des Moines?

Iowa's statewide median is 14 days. Des Moines metro averaged 58 in June 2026. Here's what each number means and which one is yours.

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Closing Costs in Iowa: What Des Moines Buyers Actually Pay (Real Numbers)

Iowa buyers pay 2–5% of the purchase price in closing costs. Here's what's included, who pays what, and how seller concessions actually work in Des Moines.

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Assessed Value vs. Market Value in Iowa: What Sellers Miss

Your Iowa assessed value isn't your sale price. Here's how assessed value vs market value differ, which number is on your tax bill, and the one that matters when you sell.

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What Is a Pre-Touring Agreement in Iowa? (And Why You Have to Sign One)

Iowa law requires a signed agreement before any showing. Here's what the Pre-Touring Agreement says, what it costs (nothing), and why we offer it.

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The article is free. So is the phone call.

If you're thinking about buying or selling and want to know how this applies to your situation, call us before you sign anything and we'll walk you through it. And if you're already working with an agent, take your questions to them. That's what they're there for.

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