Purchasing a home can be a daunting process for first-time homebuyers, especially if you are new to Des Moines. From mortgages and inspections to closing costs and more, there is a lot that goes into buying a house – not to mention that understanding the local market can take some time. If you're looking for some tips on what first-time homebuyers in Des Moines need to know, this article post is for you. Read on to find out everything you should know:

Location Matters

When looking for a home in any city, it’s important to consider location. In Des Moines, there are several desirable neighborhoods that offer easy access to downtown attractions like museums and restaurants. The East Village is an especially popular area among young professionals who want to be within walking distance of work, shopping, and entertainment. But if you’re looking for something a little more affordable, areas like Beaverdale provide plenty of value without sacrificing convenience or amenities.

Know Your Budget

Before you start house hunting in earnest, it’s important to take a hard look at your budget so that you don’t find yourself over-extended financially. Consider not only your down payment and monthly mortgage payments, but also things like insurance premiums, closing costs, and extra expenses such as repairs or renovations. You should also factor in other ongoing costs such as utilities and taxes so that you have an accurate picture of what homeownership will cost you each month.

Do Your Research

When buying your first home, research is key. Make sure that you understand all of the terms associated with mortgages (like interest rates) so that you can comparison-shop and get the best deal possible. It’s also important to do some due diligence on potential properties; check out online reviews of neighborhoods and ask around about any potential issues or red flags related to specific homes or developments. Finally, if possible, try to get pre-approved for financing before making an offer; this will give sellers added assurance that your purchase is serious and could even help you secure better terms on your loan.

Buying a house is an exciting step toward independence, but it also comes with plenty of responsibility – and plenty of research. First-time homebuyers in Des Moines should familiarize themselves with local housing markets so they can make informed decisions about where they want to live. They should also be mindful of their budget limitations when it comes to monthly payments and additional costs associated with homeownership. Lastly, doing plenty of research prior to making an offer will go a long way toward helping first-time buyers make wise investments in their future happiness. With these steps taken care of ahead of time, there's no reason why getting into homeownership can't be smooth sailing from that point forward.


If you’d like some recommendations for experienced, local Realtors, or if you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.