Question 1

How do I know what my home is worth?

Accepted Answer

“A home’s value depends on recent comparable sales, current competition, location, condition, updates, and overall market conditions. I’ll prepare a comparative market analysis and explain the factors influencing your pricing strategy.”

Question 2

What should I fix before putting my home on the market?

Accepted Answer

“Not every project is worth doing before you sell. I’ll walk through the property with you and help identify the repairs, touch-ups, cleaning, organization, or presentation changes that may be worth considering before listing.”

Question 3

Do I need to stage my home?

Accepted Answer

“Full professional staging is not necessary for every property. I’ll help you look at furniture placement, clutter, room presentation, and other details that can help the home show clearly and photograph well.”

Question 4

How will my home be marketed?

Accepted Answer

“Marketing may include professional photography, online listing exposure, social media, property materials, open houses when appropriate, professional networks, and ongoing follow-up based on buyer activity and feedback.”

Question 5

What happens when I receive an offer?

Accepted Answer

“We’ll review the offer together, including price, financing, contingencies, timing, requested terms, and other details. I’ll explain the strengths and tradeoffs so you can decide how you want to respond.”

Question 6

What happens after I accept an offer?

Accepted Answer

“Once an offer is accepted, the transaction moves through the contract timeline, which may include inspections, appraisal, financing, title work, final documents, and closing. I’ll help you track the important steps and deadlines along the way.”

Question 7

Where should I start if I want to buy my first home?

Accepted Answer

Start by understanding your budget, talking with a lender about financing, and discussing your goals with a real estate agent. Getting these pieces in place early helps you search for homes with a clearer picture of what works for you.

Question 8

How much money do I need to buy my first home?

Accepted Answer

The amount varies depending on your loan, down payment, closing costs, inspections, and other expenses. Some financing programs allow smaller down payments than many buyers expect. A lender can help you estimate the amount you should have available for your specific situation.

Question 9

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

There is no single credit score requirement that applies to every buyer or every mortgage. Loan programs and lenders have different qualification standards, so it is worth speaking with a lender even if you are unsure whether your credit is ready. For most conventional loans a score of 620 or higher is a good benchmark. However, there are programs that can help even if your credit score is 580. This is something to talk to a lender about.

Question 10

Do I need 20% down to buy a house?

Accepted Answer

No. A 20% down payment is not required for every mortgage. Several loan programs may allow qualified buyers to purchase with substantially less, depending on the loan and the borrower's eligibility.

Question 11

FHA or conventional loan — which is better for me?

Accepted Answer

Neither option is automatically better for every buyer. FHA and conventional loans have different qualification standards, mortgage-insurance requirements, costs, and benefits. Your lender can compare the options based on your finances and the home you plan to purchase.

Question 12

Should I talk to a Realtor or a lender first?

Accepted Answer

You can start with either one. I often help first-time buyers clarify their goals and connect with a lender, while a lender helps determine financing and purchasing power. The important thing is getting both parts of the team in place before seriously shopping for homes.

Question 13

How much house can I afford in Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

Your comfortable price range depends on much more than the home's purchase price. Income, debts, down payment, interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance when applicable, and other expenses can all affect your monthly payment. A lender can help establish the financing range, and I can help you understand what homes are available within that range in the Des Moines and Central Iowa market.

Question 14

Are there first-time homebuyer or down-payment assistance programs in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Programs and eligibility requirements can change, and availability depends on the buyer and financing situation. I can help you connect with lenders who can explain current options that may be available to qualified Iowa homebuyers.

First-Time Homebuyer in Des Moines & Central Iowa

First-Time Homebuyer Des Moines Roadmap

01

Get Pre-Approved

02

Meet With Your Agent

03

Find Your Home

04

Make an Offer

05

Offer Accepted

06

Inspections

07

Appraisal

08

Title Commitment

09

Documents to Lender

10

Closing

Common Home Loan Options for First-Time Buyers

Conventional Loans

FHA Loans

VA Loans

USDA Loans

First-Time Buyer FAQ