Des Moines real estate market

The Des Moines real estate market is starting to show signs of improvement, although there are regional exceptions and some contradictory evidence. According to an April 14, 2010 article in the QC Times, “The Iowa-side real estate derby is heating up with Davenport Now taxpayer incentives spurring enough interest to push Davenport to the top of the new housing start list.” This article, written by Tory Brecht, is writing specifically about one of the less populated regions of Iowa which is often forgotten by the news media. The piece continued to note that “We’re seeing fewer Iowa-side listings, but significantly more sales according to Multiple Listing Service figures. The Illinois side reports modest listing and sales increases for the last two months. These heartening trends look pretty good here. Compare it nationally and we’re smiling wider.”

Northern Iowa homes for sale were selling at a slower pace than the rest of the state, although the overall trend for the area was generally positive. According to an April 16, 2010 article in the Globe Gazette, “Home sales in the North Iowa area were down slightly in March, contrary to the statewide trend. According to the Iowa Association of Realtors home sales in Iowa increased from 1,452 in February to 2,225 sold in March. Locally 33 homes were sold in February and 31 in March, according to Jennifer Raemaker, president of the Mason City Board of Realtors.” The piece, composed by Laura Bird, continued to note that “An increased inventory may have helped sales, too. The number of homes currently listed in the North Iowa area is around 473. That’s up from 437 in February. Houses are spending less time on the market, too, which is in line with the statewide trend. In February, homes averaged 183 days on the market, while in February 2009 they averaged 188 days.”

This same general good news for Des Moines real estate was also reported in an April 16, 2010 article by Radio Iowa, which found that “Home sales in Iowa increased 53% from February to March according to the Iowa Association of Realtors. I.A.R. President Carey Jensen credits the increase almost entirely to the improved weather conditions in March.”