Areas we serve
Des Moines Real Estate
John has worked the Des Moines market for more than 20 years, from downtown condos to neighborhood bungalows.
Iowa’s capital city, with a neighborhood for most tastes.
Des Moines is Iowa’s capital and the seat of Polk County. It pairs a walkable downtown with long-established residential neighborhoods, so buyers can choose between urban living and quieter streets.
Because every neighborhood has its own character and housing mix, it pays to have an agent who knows the differences block by block, not just the city as a whole.
Des Moines is the county seat of Polk County, Iowa.
Places and things to know
- Downtown, East Village, and Court Avenue: condos, lofts, and apartment-style living close to restaurants, events, and the Capitol.
- Beaverdale, Sherman Hill, and the Drake neighborhood: established areas with older homes, many with character details and varied lot sizes.
- Parks and trails: including Gray’s Lake Park, Water Works Park, and Western Gateway Park.
- Local events: the Iowa State Fair is held annually in Des Moines, and the Downtown Farmers’ Market is a summer tradition.
Buying in Des Moines
Tips for buyers.
- Older homes can have charm and surprises. Plan for a thorough inspection of the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and heating.
- Some Des Moines areas are local or national historic districts. Exterior changes there may require review, so ask before you plan a project.
- Compare commutes, parking, and walkability for each neighborhood you’re considering.
- Property taxes and school boundaries depend on the address, so confirm both before you write an offer.
Selling in Des Moines
Tips for sellers.
- Neighborhood matters: John compares your home with recent nearby sales, not citywide averages.
- Condition and updates (kitchens, baths, systems, roof) shape buyer response. John can help you decide what’s worth doing before you list.
- Older homes may need repair negotiations after inspections; John prepares you for that conversation.
- Ask about timing, since local demand shifts through the year.
How John serves Des Moines.
John’s office is at 2001 Willowmere Drive in Des Moines, and he has served Des Moines buyers and sellers for 20+ years. He helps with first-time purchases, move-up sales, downsizing, investment property, and homeowners who need to understand their options when payments have become difficult.
Every conversation starts with listening: your timeline, your budget, and what you want from your next home. From there John explains each step in plain English and negotiates for you.
Interested in investment property here? See investing with John. Want help with a rental you already own? Read about à la carte property management.
General information from public sources, checked November 2026, and not a guarantee of accuracy. Verify school district boundaries, taxes, flood zones, and HOA rules for any specific address. We don’t publish market statistics here, since they change constantly. Ask John for current local numbers or use the live search. Sources: City of Des Moines area guide (Catch Des Moines).
Nearby: West Des Moines · Ankeny · Waukee · Other communities: West Des Moines · Waukee · Ankeny
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