Sell With Confidence.
Get a free home value estimate and a clear plan to list your Des Moines Area home with a trusted local expert.
Home Valuation
Tell us a bit about your property and we will follow up with your estimate.
Selling Process
A proven approach to maximize your home's value and minimize stress.
Consultation
We meet to discuss your goals, timeline, and current market conditions in your area.
Get startedPricing Strategy
We analyze comparable sales to price your home competitively from day one.
Get startedProfessional Marketing
Your home is showcased with professional photography and broad MLS and digital exposure.
Get startedNegotiation & Close
We negotiate the best terms on your behalf and guide you smoothly to the closing table.
Get startedPost-Closing
We're still here after the sale — happy to answer any questions or connect you with resources.
Get started
Marketing / Strategy
We combine professional photography, MLS exposure, targeted social media ads, and direct email campaigns to get your home in front of the right buyers fast.
Professional Photography
High-resolution images and thoughtful staging guidance so your home makes a strong first impression online and in print.
MLS Exposure
Your listing is positioned for maximum visibility through the MLS and major consumer sites buyers actually use.
Social Media Ads
Targeted campaigns help reach local and relocating buyers who are actively searching in the Des Moines metro.
Email Marketing
Announcements to engaged contacts and cooperating agents keep your property top of mind with serious prospects.
Seller's Guide
Everything you need to know before you list. Click a topic to explore.
Strong equity, limited inventory, and steady demand continue to favor sellers in the Des Moines area.
Median Home Price
Up from $155,600 in 2012 — roughly 7% annual appreciation over more than a decade.
Below Pre-Pandemic Inventory
Supply is still tight. Fewer homes on the market means your listing gets more attention.
Homeowners Under 6% Rate
Rate lock-in limits how many sellers list — keeping competition low and your listing visible.
Expected Price Growth
Home values are projected to keep rising, making this a stable time to sell and reinvest.
Selling is both a financial and a lifestyle decision. Here's what to consider depending on which direction you're headed.
Moving Up
- Need more space — kids, home office, or extended family
- Ready for a neighborhood or amenity upgrade
- Strong equity gives you real buying power
- Employment stability supports a larger payment
Moving Down
- Lower costs — utilities, taxes, and maintenance
- Simpler living with less upkeep
- Better location or accessibility
- Up to $500K capital gains exclusion (married) / $250K (single)
Price is the most powerful lever you control as a seller. Here's what happens at each end of the spectrum.
- Leaves money on the table
- Buyers may assume something is wrong
- Harder to negotiate back up
- Attracts serious, qualified buyers
- Generates competitive offers
- Sells within weeks, not months
- Maximizes your net proceeds
- Scares buyers away immediately
- Home sits on the market longer
- Price reductions signal weakness
Getting your home market-ready before you list puts you in control — and typically leads to faster sales and stronger offers.
Preparation
Inspection & Pricing
Working with Michael
Strong offers are about more than price. Use the topics below to think through your net walkaway and negotiation levers — then lean on Michael when it is time to respond.
What affects your net proceeds?
“Net” is roughly sale price minus mortgage payoff, commissions, title fees, prorated taxes, and any agreed seller credits or repairs — each contract line matters.
- Ask for a seller net sheet before you list so you are not surprised at closing.
- Prepay penalties or second liens reduce what you take home — disclose them early.
- Buyer-requested closing cost credits come out of your side; weigh them against a higher offer with fewer credits.
CMA vs. appraisal (for your buyer’s loan)
Your list price is informed by a comparative market analysis (CMA). The buyer’s lender still orders an independent appraisal. They usually align, but not always.
- If an appraisal falls short, you may reduce price, meet in the middle, or risk the deal — your agent will map options.
- Clean presentation and real comps up front reduce appraisal drama.
Common incentives buyers ask for
Buyers may request rate buy-downs, closing cost credits, home warranties, or personal property. Each has a dollar value — compare apples to apples when reviewing multiple offers.
- A lower offer with zero credits can net more than a higher offer loaded with concessions.
- Deadlines and financing type (conventional vs. FHA/VA) affect certainty, not just price.
Counter-offer vs. accept
You can accept, reject, or counter any offer. A counter restarts the clock on certain response periods — strategy matters in multi-offer situations.
- Prioritize your non-negotiables (close date, rent-back, inspection cap).
- Michael will help you craft counters that protect your net without chasing buyers away.
Offer review checklist
Walk through each offer with this list so nothing important gets lost in the paperwork.
Strength & certainty
Terms & net
Home Sale and Mortgage Financial Tools
Use these calculators and resources to get a clearer picture of your financial position before you list.
If you are searching for a home sale calculator or mortgage payoff calculator, start here to estimate seller net proceeds, costs, and financing trade-offs before listing.
Get in touch
Ready to sell with confidence? Send a message or use the full contact page.