Thinking about a move in the Des Moines area and noticing more yard signs and price changes popping up? You are not alone. Whether you are buying or selling, you want clear, local facts so you can time your next step with confidence. In this guide, you will see where prices, inventory, and mortgage rates stand right now, what it means for Polk County and the City of Des Moines, and how to act on the data. Let’s dive in.
The latest Des Moines numbers (Feb 2026)
Here is a simple snapshot of what the market looked like at the end of February. Each figure lists the geography and date so you can compare apples to apples.
- DMAAR metro, Feb 2026: Active listings 3,855 (+12% year over year), closed sales 763 (+5.8% y/y), pending contracts 1,159 (+12.9% y/y), median sale price $292,000 (+4.3% y/y), median days on market 75. These are MLS-derived metro figures that cover the core counties in the Des Moines area. See the DMAAR February 2026 housing stats.
- Polk County, Feb 2026 (Redfin): Median sale price $276,000 (-0.72% y/y), median days on market 75, sale-to-list ratio about 97.7%. View county trends on Redfin’s Polk County market page.
- City of Des Moines, Feb 2026 (Redfin): Median sale price about $216,500 (+8.3% y/y), median days on market about 73. See city-level pricing and speed on Redfin’s Des Moines page.
- Des Moines city snapshot, Feb 28, 2026 (Zillow): Typical home value (ZHVI) near $204,800; Zillow also shows citywide for-sale counts and days-to-pending that use different methods from MLS sources. Check the Zillow Des Moines home values page for definitions and trends.
- Des Moines city listing trends, Dec 2025 (Realtor.com): Median listing price $229,900, median days on market 79, and around 1,210 active listings at that snapshot. See the Realtor.com Des Moines overview for context.
Why sources differ
Different outlets track different things. MLS reports like DMAAR focus on closed sales across the metro, while sites like Redfin and Realtor.com often show city or county snapshots and may use list prices. Zillow’s ZHVI is a “typical value” estimate, not a median sale or list price. Boundaries, timing, and methods vary, which is why the metro median can differ from city or county figures.
Inventory and market speed
Buyers have more to choose from than a year ago. DMAAR reported 3,855 active listings in February 2026, up 12% year over year, which points to a gradual spring build in available homes. That added choice helps buyers compare options and negotiate, especially outside the most competitive price points.
Market speed is measured, not frantic. Median days on market sits in the 70 to 80 day range across the metro, city, and county in early 2026. That is slower than the peak pandemic years but still active in many segments. Entry-level homes often move faster than upper price tiers, so your experience will depend on budget and neighborhood.
Months’ supply across the metro trended in the low to mid 3-month range in late 2025 based on local analyses. Methods vary by source, but the takeaway is the same. The market is more balanced than in 2021 and 2022, with tighter conditions at lower prices and looser conditions in higher tiers.
Prices and mortgage rates in early 2026
Prices are holding, with variation by area and type. The metro median sale price was $292,000 in February 2026 per DMAAR. Polk County’s median was lower at $276,000, and the City of Des Moines sat lower still near $216,500 in the same month, according to Redfin. These differences mainly reflect the mix of homes selling in each area.
Rates improved heading into spring. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported a 30-year fixed rate near 5.98% for the week ending February 26, 2026. Lower rates increase buying power and can draw more buyers into the market. See the national rate context in this Freddie Mac rate update. Local affordability still comes down to price, taxes, insurance, and your down payment.
Local demand drivers in Des Moines
The regional economy supports steady housing demand. Des Moines has a strong concentration of finance and insurance employers, with business and financial operations roles making up about 9.3% of local employment. Insurance-related jobs are especially concentrated, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can view the occupational profile in the BLS Des Moines OEWS release.
Migration is steady and mostly local. Redfin’s city data shows a large share of moves happen within the metro, with a smaller portion coming from out of state. That pattern often means suburban resale homes see consistent in-metro demand, while urban and newer subdivisions attract both locals and relocators. Your segment can perform differently than the headline average.
New construction also matters. Builders added meaningful supply through 2024 and 2025. That can shape pricing and incentives in certain communities. If you are considering a new build, compare builder incentives with resale opportunities in the same price band so you understand the true monthly cost.
What buyers should do now
- Refresh your pre-approval and budget. With rates near 6% as of late February 2026, your payment options may look better than they did last year. Ask your lender to run scenarios at a few price points and rate assumptions so you can act quickly if the right home appears. You can reference the national baseline in the latest Freddie Mac PMMS.
- Target price bands and areas where DOM is rising. In segments where months’ supply is around 3 or higher, you may have room for contingencies and closing cost negotiations. The DMAAR monthly report and MLS price-band tables show where conditions are loosening.
- Set smart alerts and watch price changes. As inventory grows, more listings will see price adjustments. Use MLS search tools and listing alerts to track homes by price band, not just ZIP code, so you catch opportunities fast. Redfin’s Des Moines page offers a quick view of sale-to-list dynamics over time.
- Be strategic about timing. Early spring often brings a pickup in new listings and buyer tours. If you are flexible, consider watching the market for 2 to 4 weeks to see if fresh inventory expands your choices. DMAAR’s seasonal patterns support this approach.
- Plan your rate strategy. Ask your lender about locking versus floating. If you have a target payment, a lock can protect you, but floating may help if rates dip. Use the weekly Freddie Mac PMMS as a benchmark and make a plan that fits your risk tolerance.
What sellers should do now
- Price to the competition you will face. Metro-wide medians are helpful, but your best guide is recent comparable sales and active listings in your price band and nearby ZIPs. The DMAAR report provides a solid metro context, and your agent can pull a hyper-local CMA before you list.
- Prepare for a measured market pace. If local days on market are trending higher in your segment, invest in pre-list improvements, staging, and professional photography. Presentation still wins. Realtor.com’s recent city snapshot showed a median days on market near the high 70s, which supports thoughtful prep for spring.
- Understand likely buyer financing. DMAAR’s monthly summary includes financing mix by transaction type. Knowing whether your segment skews conventional, FHA, VA, or cash helps you set expectations on timelines and contingencies.
- Use incentives wisely. In price-sensitive tiers, small incentives like a rate buydown or closing window flexibility can outperform an aggressive list price. Watch local sale-to-list ratios and days on market to gauge where a modest incentive could help you stand out.
Segment dynamics by price band
- Entry-level homes. These can still feel competitive. Many attract multiple tours in the first week and go under contract faster than the overall median. Have financing tight, discuss inspection strategy upfront, and be ready to write a clean offer when the fit is right.
- Mid-price homes. Inventory growth has added more choice across much of Polk County. Buyers often have a little more time to compare options and negotiate repairs or credits, especially when a listing crosses 30 to 45 days on market.
- Upper-mid and luxury. These tiers typically have more months’ supply and longer days on market. Sellers benefit from strong presentation, realistic pricing, and sometimes targeted incentives. Buyers gain leverage on timelines and repairs, especially on homes that have been listed for 60 days or more.
Bottom line
As of late winter 2026, the Des Moines market is moving toward a more balanced spring. Inventory is higher than a year ago, pending and closed sales are steady, and the metro median price sits near the low to mid $290,000s. Mortgage rates dipped under 6% in late February, which boosts buying power and may add demand as the weather warms. Your results will depend on your price band and neighborhood, so use local comps, the latest DMAAR tables, and a clear plan to move with confidence.
If you want tailored guidance on your next purchase or sale anywhere in Polk County or across the Des Moines metro, we are here to help. Reach out to the Ingrid Williams Real Estate Team to map your plan, run the numbers, and start your next move with a team that knows the neighborhoods and the data.
FAQs
Is Des Moines still a seller’s market right now?
- It depends on your price band. DMAAR’s February 2026 report shows active listings up 12% year over year and a metro median days on market of 75, which signals a more balanced market in many segments, with entry-level homes tighter than upper tiers.
What are current mortgage rates and how do they affect me?
- The Freddie Mac PMMS showed a 30-year fixed near 5.98% for the week ending February 26, 2026, which improves buying power compared with much of 2024–2025, though your payment still depends on price, taxes, insurance, and down payment.
Should I list now or wait for later spring or summer?
- If your home is in a price band with growing inventory, listing sooner with strong presentation can help you stand out before peak-season competition. DMAAR’s seasonal patterns suggest activity increases into spring, so weigh prep time against market timing.
Where are prices moving the most across the area?
- City, county, and metro figures move differently. In February 2026, the metro median sale price was about $292,000, Polk County’s was about $276,000, and the City of Des Moines was near $216,500, reflecting different home mixes and submarket dynamics.
How long do homes take to sell in Polk County and the City of Des Moines?
- Recent snapshots show a median days on market around the low to mid 70s for both the county and the city. Entry-level homes often move faster, while upper tiers usually take longer and may offer more room to negotiate.
