First-Time Buyers

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Mortgage rates Iowa 2026 are expected to ease for buyers. 2026 mortgage rates are expected to ease gradually — not crash — with most forecasts pointing toward the low-to-mid 6% range by late 2026. For Iowa buyers, that shift matters: a 0.5% rate drop … Read more

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPUC® | Smart Move Des Moines Searching for first-time homebuyer grants in Des Moines? Thinking about buying a home in Des Moines but worried about the down payment? You’re not alone — and you might be closer to your dream home than you think. Iowa offers powerful first-time homebuyer programs … Read more

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Worried about buying the “wrong” house for your family in a shifting market? You’re not alone. The starter home vs. forever home question is one of the most common conversations I have with Des Moines buyers — and the honest answer is that both … Read more