Thinking about selling your home in Des Moines? Timing is everything! Choosing when to list your house can greatly affect how quickly it sells and how much you walk away with. But is now the right time, or should you wait? With fluctuating market trends, shifting interest rates, and seasonal highs and lows, it’s natural to wonder when you’ll get the best deal.
Generally, in Des Moines, the best time to sell falls between early spring and summer, when buyer demand is at its peak. However, personal factors like your financial situation, urgency to move, and local market conditions should also play a role in your decision. According to Redfin, the median sale price of houses in June 2024 was $247,600, which is a 3.8% increase year over year!
So, how do you know if it’s the right time for you? Let’s break down the key factors that can help you make the best choice. Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC, has compiled this guide with our decades-worth of experience to bring you all the in-depth details!
When Should You Sell Your House?
Timing your home sale strategically can make a big difference in how quickly it sells and the price you get. Different seasons come with their own advantages and challenges, so understanding these trends can help you make the best decision.
Seasonal Pros & Cons:
With changing seasons come changing trends in the market. Some seasons are known to be the high time to get your homes on sale while some are proven to be slower. Slower seasons may result in your deal closing later but can promise some serious buyers-only pool. At Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC we like to call the different seasons a different name; The summer and spring seasons are the peak selling season, the fall is the hidden opportunity season, and the winter is the slow but serious buying season.
To look a little at the differences between the seasons we have compiled some data:
| Spring & Summer | Fall | Winter |
| More buyers actively searching, leading to higher demand | Serious buyers are still in the market, often looking to close before year-end | Fewer buyers due to cold weather and holiday distractions |
| Homes look their best with longer daylight and better curb appeal | Less competition from other sellers compared to spring and summer | Homes may take longer to sell and might require price adjustments |
| Families prefer moving before the new school year, increasing competition | Cooler weather makes home tours more comfortable | Less competition, so motivated buyers are more likely to make strong offers |
| Potential for multiple offers, driving up the sale price | Can be a great time to sell if your home is well-prepped and priced right | Investors and relocation buyers may still be searching |
If you keep this seasonal guide on hand while selling your house you may be able to look into your own strengths and weaknesses and can make a maximum profit deal from knowing when is the best time to sell your house!
Maximize your sale price! Find out how to prepare your home for sale
Market Cycles & Competition:
Of course, at times it is more than just knowing the right season when you are asking yourself ‘Is now a good time to sell a house?’. The market cycles and competitions also play a crucial role in knowing your high and low tides of sales. The market cycles primarily rely on three main things:
- Seller’s Market: Low inventory and high demand mean faster sales and better offers.
- Buyer’s Market: More homes are available than buyers, leading to longer wait times and price negotiations.
- Balanced Market: A stable mix of buyers and sellers, where pricing and timing matter equally
Keeping an eye on local real estate trends and working with a knowledgeable agent can help you determine the best time to list your home for maximum profit!
Should You Sell Your Home Now or Wait?
Deciding whether to sell your home now or wait depends on several personal and market factors. While the real estate market plays a big role, your financial stability, future plans, and investment goals should also guide your decision. You need to consider both your personal and the market conditions to come to a decision. Here’s how to assess your situation and make the best choice.
- Financial Stability – Do you have enough equity in your home to sell profitably? Will you need to buy another home, and can you afford today’s mortgage rates?
- Moving Plans – Are you relocating for work, downsizing, or upgrading? If you need to move quickly, selling now might be the best option.
- Market Conditions – Is it a seller’s market with high demand and rising prices, or are interest rates making buyers hesitant?
- Investment Goals – Do you expect home values to rise in your area? Holding onto your property might be wise if appreciation is expected.
While winters may be of disadvantage if you plan it all right until April. And if you list your Des Moines home in April you could sell your house for 7.01% more than the yearly average! And by May it is noted that listed houses only stay on the market for an average of 46 days in Des Moines, compared to the normal 60-90 days in other seasons.
Selling soon? Learn how much it costs to sell a house in Des Moines.
The “Goldilocks Moment” – Finding the Perfect Time to Sell Your Home
Selling a home isn’t just about numbers, trends, or seasons, it’s about finding that “just right” moment when everything aligns. Imagine your home sale as a perfectly timed chess move, play too early, and you might leave money on the table; wait too long, and you risk losing buyers to shifting market conditions.
So, how do you find your Goldilocks moment?
- When the market is hot, but not overheated. A bidding war is great, but overpriced homes can scare off buyers.
- When your finances and future plans align. Selling should move you forward, not leave you scrambling.
- When buyers are motivated but not desperate. Too much demand can cause unpredictability, while too little means longer wait times.
Unlike fairy tales, real estate isn’t about magic, it’s about timing. Get it right, and you walk away with a smooth sale and the best possible deal.
How to Maximize Your Home’s Profit When Selling.
It is very important to know all the right steps to maximize your profits when selling your home. After figuring out the timing of selling your house the next thing you need to know is how? We have covered the details and compiled information in our article ‘The Best Ways to sell your house fast’, and here are some of our advice:
- Bring it back to life.
This means cleaning, repairing, and performing any necessary maintenance on your house. Also, check its curb appeal and prepare it for staging.
- Research!
It is very important to do your research so you know everything. Yes, everything! From the market pricing to the documentation that you would need. Down to the listing platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com.
- Who to sell it to?
Now this is an important part. You could either work with a realtor to find your potential buyer or you could advertise your own contacts. Realistically, 8% of FSBO houses are often bought by people you already know according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Or you could go with the too-good-to-be-true method. Fast, easy, and efficient, Home buying companies. Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC is a home-buying company that makes the whole process hassle-free!
Helpful reading: How to Sell a House As-Is in Des Moines – Costs, Tips, and Tricks
Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC
Looking for the quickest, easiest, and most reliable way to sell your home? Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC is your go-to solution! We’ve been helping homeowners like you for years, offering a hassle-free, cash-buying process that puts you in control. Whether you’re facing a tight deadline, dealing with property damage, or just want to skip the traditional selling headaches, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s why we’re the best choice for selling your home fast:
- Buy in 100% Cash: No financing, no delays—just cold, hard cash in your hands.
- Buy As-Is: No repairs, no renovations, no stress. We take your home in any condition.
- Close on Your Timeline: Need to sell in a week? A few days? We’ll make it happen.
Real Results, Real Fast
Case in Point: A homeowner in West Des Moines needed to sell their house in just one week due to a job relocation. We closed the deal in only four days using our strategic pricing and cash-buying process.
Why Choose Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC?
- No Repairs Needed.
- No Open Houses.
- Cash Payment
- Close on Your Schedule:
With the average Des Moines home taking a month or two or more days to sell, we can cut that timeline down to just seven days or less!
