For several years, buying a home in Central Iowa often meant competing with other buyers for a short list of homes. That's changing. Here's what the latest local numbers show heading into fall 2026.

Inventory is up from last year

A Central Iowa market dashboard using Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® (DMAAR) data showed 4,826 homes actively listed as of September 20, 2026, about 13% more than a year earlier. That works out to roughly 5.4 months of supply across the market. Earlier DMAAR figures for August also showed active listings up nearly 12% from the year before.

"Months of supply" is how long it would take to sell every listed home at the current pace if nothing new came on the market. Around five to six months is often considered a balanced market. Much lower favors sellers. Much higher favors buyers.

Existing homes vs. new construction

The overall number hides two very different markets:

  • Existing homes had about 4.5 months of supply and were selling in a median of about 19 days. Good homes at the right price still move fast.
  • New construction had about 8.4 months of supply, with new homes taking a median of around 85 days to sell. That's where buyers have the most room to negotiate.

Prices are still rising, just more slowly

More homes for sale doesn't mean prices are falling. The same September data put the area's median sale price at about $320,000, up from a year earlier, and DMAAR's August median was also up year over year. Prices are growing at a steadier pace than the frenzy of a few years ago, but they're still growing.

How to use this as a buyer

  • Negotiate beyond price. With more options, sellers are often willing to cover some closing costs, handle repairs, or work with your timeline.
  • Look at homes that have been listed a while. A home sitting for 30+ days usually has a seller who's ready to talk.
  • Compare new builds carefully. Builder incentives can be valuable, but they're not all equal. Here's how to compare them.
  • Still get pre-approved first. The best homes in the best school districts can still draw multiple offers. A strong pre-approval keeps you ready.

Market data can lag and different sources measure things differently, so I always look at the specific neighborhood and price range you're shopping. If you want a read on your target area, reach out and I'll tell you what I'm seeing on the ground.