Des Moines Home Loans

Des Moines doesn’t get the attention it deserves as a housing market. The median home price is around $240,000 — one of the most affordable metros in the country for a city with real employment depth. Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, Nationwide, and Meredith are all headquartered here, making Des Moines one of the largest insurance and financial services centers in the US. That means steady W-2 employment and a buyer pool that can actually qualify.

Agriculture, finance, and logistics underpin the local economy. The metro has grown steadily without the volatility that hit other markets hard. First-time buyers can still get into starter homes in Des Moines proper for under $200K, which is nearly impossible in most metros right now.

The suburbs have driven most of the recent growth. Waukee and Johnston are the hot spots — newer construction, strong school districts, prices from $300K to $500K. Ankeny has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the state for years and still offers good value at $280K–$400K. Urbandale and West Des Moines are established, family-friendly, and well-priced at $250K–$400K. Closer to the urban core, East Village and Sherman Hill attract buyers looking for character — renovated homes, walkable blocks, and prices that haven’t yet caught up to comparable neighborhoods in larger cities.

Loan Programs Available in Des Moines

• FHA Loans — Low down payment, used heavily in Des Moines proper and entry-level suburban markets
• VA Loans — Zero down for veterans and active duty military
• Conventional Loans — Standard product for Waukee, Johnston, Ankeny, and Urbandale buyers with solid credit
• USDA Loans — Des Moines metro edges into USDA-eligible territory, and rural Iowa beyond the suburbs has broad eligibility. Zero-down financing for qualifying areas
• Bank Statement Loans — Farm business owners, independent contractors, and self-employed buyers who can’t document income through tax returns alone
• DSCR Investment Loans — Qualify on rental income for investment properties. Des Moines rents are stable and the math works for buy-and-hold

Des Moines Housing Market

Des Moines is a first-time buyer market more than almost anywhere else. The price points make homeownership accessible, and programs like FHA and USDA stretch buying power further. That said, the move-up market is real too — finance professionals, corporate employees, and dual-income households buying in Waukee and Johnston are spending $400K–$600K on new construction.

Iowa’s rural geography means USDA eligibility extends to a large portion of the state outside the metro core. Buyers working in Des Moines but open to living 20–30 minutes out have genuine zero-down options.

Why Buyers in Des Moines Choose 1st Nationwide

• First-time buyer programs — FHA and USDA are the workhorses in this market. We close them routinely and know how to structure these loans correctly from the start.
• USDA eligibility — Iowa has broad rural eligibility. We verify property qualification fast and don’t waste your time chasing properties that won’t work.
• Affordable market expertise — Lower price points don’t mean simpler deals. Down payment assistance, seller concessions, and program layering all matter here, and we know how to use them.
• Investor lending — Des Moines rents are steady. DSCR loans let investors build a portfolio without tax return headaches.

Get Started

Call us at (833) 350-9185 or apply online. Des Moines is one of the best markets in the country for first-time buyers right now — let’s find the right loan program and get you moving.