More homes are for sale in the Des Moines metro — but the homes that sold in July actually sold faster. So what are buyers doing right now? In this July 2026 Des Moines housing market update, I look beyond the headline numbers to explain what may be changing beneath the surface.

Active inventory climbed to 4,486 homes, while pending sales declined for the third consecutive month. At the same time, the median sales price reached $320,000 and median days on market dropped from 58 days in June to just 49 days in July. That combination tells an interesting story. Affordability and broader economic uncertainty may be causing some buyers to become more cautious. But the buyers who remain active appear to be more discerning about the homes they ultimately choose — and they're still willing to act when they see the right combination of price, condition and value.

In this month's update, I cover: • Active listings in the Des Moines metro • Closed home sales • Pending sales and what their three-month decline may be telling us • Median sales price • Days on market • What the July numbers mean for buyers and sellers.

The Des Moines metro market includes many different communities and price points, and your individual market may behave differently from the overall statistics. If you're considering buying or selling in West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Johnston, Ankeny or the surrounding Des Moines metro, I'm always happy to help you understand what's happening in your particular market.

🏡 Thinking about buying or selling in the Des Moines metro? I'm always happy to talk through your particular situation and help you understand what today's market means for you.