Erin Rundall

In the 2026 housing market, success is defined by financial readiness over market timing. With mortgage rates stabilizing near 6.2% and inventory levels rising roughly 20% year-over-year, buyers now have more leverage than they’ve had in a decade. 4 Essential Steps for the 2026 Homebuyer 1. Prioritize Monthly Payment Over Sticker Price: In a market with steady but moderate 2–3% price growth, your true cost is determined by your rate and local taxes. Use a 6.25% baseline for your budget projections to ensure your "all-in" monthly cost doesn't exceed 30% of your gross income. 2. Secure a "Fully Underwritten" Pre-Approval: Standard pre-approvals are no longer enough to win in high-demand pockets. A fully underwritten pre-approval signals to sellers that your financing is nearly guaranteed, allowing you to compete with cash offers even if you have a lower down payment. 3. Audit for "Modern Essentials": Buyers in 2026 are shifting focus toward energy efficiency and flexible work spaces. When touring, prioritize homes with updated HVAC systems, solar readiness, or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) potential, as these features are driving the highest resale value. 4. Target "Sticky" Inventory: Keep an eye on listings that have been active for more than 21 days. With the "lock-in effect" easing, many sellers are becoming more flexible on concessions, such as closing cost credits or rate buy-downs, which can save you thousands upfront. > Expert Insight: Don't wait for a 'crash' that data suggests isn't coming. Instead, focus on building a 'strike team'—a local lender, a dedicated inspector, and an agent who understands hyperlocal micro-market trends—so you can act the moment the right inventory appears.

In the current Central Iowa market, the "post-pandemic premium" has evolved. While we aren't seeing a crash, inventory in the Des Moines metro has hit a 10-year high, and the median days on market (DOM) has stretched to approximately 60–70 days. To stand out in Polk, Dallas, or Warren County, sellers must shift from a "list it and they will come" mindset to a high-precision strategy. 3 Strategic Pillars for Central Iowa Sellers in 2026 1. Price for the "First 14 Days With active listings up nearly 13% year-over-year in Iowa, buyers are no longer rushing. Overpricing by even 5% in neighborhoods like Ankeny or Waukee can lead to your listing becoming stale. Aim for a "Strike Price" based on the last 60 days of closed sales, not the aspirational active listings in your neighborhood. 2. The "Move-In Ready" Mandate: 2026 buyers are highly sensitive to high labor costs for renovations. Properties that are "pre-inspected" and feature fresh, neutral updates (like the popular warm-oak tones replacing the gray-wash era) are commanding 98% of list price, while "fixer-uppers" are seeing heavy discounts and price drops. 3. Compliance & Transparency (The Lead Rule): As of January 1, 2026, Iowa law now requires specific disclosure regarding Lead Service Lines. Ensure you have your utility notification ready. Being proactive with your Seller Disclosure including age of the roof and HVAC, removes "buyer friction" and prevents deals from falling apart during the inspection period. Local Market Snapshot: Des Moines Metro (Q1 2026) | Metric | Current Trend | Strategy for Sellers | | --- | --- | --- | | **Median Sales Price** | **$292,000** (Up 4.3% YoY) | Equity is high; use it for closing cost credits. | | **Days on Market** | **63–73 Days** | Prepare for a 2-month timeline, not 2 days. | | **Inventory** | **Decade High** | Professional staging is now a requirement, not an option. | Expert Insight: In Des Moines, we are seeing a return to Seller Concessions. Offering a 2-1 mortgage rate buy-down can often be more effective than a $10,000 price drop it helps the buyer solve their biggest hurdle, the monthly payment, without devaluing your home's comparable sale price.

With over 1,200 total sales and a consistent 5.0-star rating, our team at Rundall Real Estate Group has served a diverse portfolio of clients across the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area. Our experience spans price points from $14,000 to $1.5 million, reflecting our ability to adapt to any market segment. Our Core Client Segments First-Time Homebuyers: We specialize in guiding new buyers through the complexities of the Iowa market. Reviews frequently highlight our agents (like Kelsey Ripperger and Staci Burr) for their patience and "blatant honesty" about repair costs and property issues, ensuring first-time owners feel confident and protected. Relocation Clients: We are a go-to choice for those moving to Central Iowa from out-of-state. Recent clients have praised our ability to coordinate high-volume tours—sometimes viewing 30 homes in 4 days—and managing the unique logistics of a multi-state move. Sequential "Buy & Sell" Clients: Many of our clients are repeat customers (some on their 4th transaction with us). We excel at the "simultaneous close," helping families sell their current home in neighborhoods like Beaverdale or Bondurant while simultaneously securing their next property in growing hubs like Waukee or Ankeny. Investment & Specialty Property Seekers: Our portfolio includes everything from urban condos in West Des Moines to rural acreages and multi-family units in Winterset and Adair. We work with investors and families looking for specific property features like ADU potential, energy efficiency, or luxury finishes. Sellers Needing Modern Marketing: We work with homeowners who have previously struggled to sell. By implementing our "Hollywood-Level" 3D tours and SEO-driven social media strategies, we’ve successfully moved properties that went stale under previous agents, often securing offers above the asking price. Recent Geographic Expertise: In the last 12 months alone, we have successfully closed deals for clients in: Des Moines • West Des Moines • Ankeny • Waukee • Clive • Altoona • Bondurant • Winterset • Grimes • Norwalk

The clients had only four days in Des Moines to find their forever home before returning to their home state. They needed to balance proximity to work in West Des Moines with the specific neighborhood feel of areas like Ankeny and Waukee. The Execution The Sprint: We curated a list of nearly 30 homes and hit the ground running. We didn't just look at the houses; we evaluated school districts, commute times, and local amenities in real-time. The Advocacy: During the process, we identified several properties that looked great online but had "red flags" in person—like foundation concerns or outdated HVAC systems that wouldn't hold up in an Iowa winter. We weren't just showing houses; we were acting as their local eyes and ears. The Win: On the final day, we secured a home that checked every box. We managed the entire inspection and closing process remotely for them, ensuring they didn't have to fly back until move-in day. The Result The clients closed on time and moved into a "turnkey" property without a single surprise. Seeing them transition from out-of-state strangers to happy Des Moines neighbors is exactly why we do what we do.

My journey in real estate didn't start with a license; it started with a feeling. I still vividly remember the sense of accomplishment and pure joy I felt when I purchased my first home—a "cute as a button" story-and-a-half. I spent years pouring my heart into it: fencing the yard, decorating every corner, and making it mine. When the time came to sell, the experience was bittersweet, but it ignited a lifelong passion for the "life chapters" that homes represent. From Cedar Rapids to West Des Moines Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, I moved to West Des Moines in 2006 and immediately fell in love with the vibrant communities of the Des Moines metro. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others experience that same "first-home" feeling, as well as the excitement of upsizing for a growing family or the freedom of downsizing for a new season of life. My "Why": Potential and Perfection I’ve spent over 16 years mastering the Central Iowa market. What drives me every day is the ability to look at a property and see both its immediate perfection and its future potential. For Buyers: I love the hunt for the perfect match—the house that feels like "home" the second you walk in. For Sellers: I view the "For Sale" sign not just as a marketing tool, but as a signal of forward motion. It’s an honor to help homeowners transfer their pride and joy to the next owner while they step into their next chapter. Deep Roots in Central Iowa Since 2006, I have immersed myself in the suburbs and local culture—from the Iowa State Fair and the Des Moines Arts Festival to the hidden-gem coffee shops in Waukee and Clive. This isn't just where I work; it’s where I live and give back. Through our team’s "100th Home for Charity" program, we celebrate our success by donating a portion of our commissions back to the Iowa communities that have given us so much. Our Philosophy: Whether you are buying your first condo in downtown Des Moines or selling a long-time family estate in Ankeny, my goal is to help you build pleasant memories and a happy future.

My Advanced Education (Updated AI Section) GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute): Considered the "Master’s Degree of Real Estate," this designation is held by a small percentage of Iowa agents. It signifies deep-dive expertise in legal issues, regulatory changes, and professional standards. For my clients, this means minimized risk and ironclad contracts. CLHMS™ (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist): Luxury isn't just a price point; it’s a marketing standard. This training allows me to utilize high-end demographic targeting and "lifestyle marketing" strategies. Whether I’m selling a $1.5M estate in Glen Oaks or a boutique property in Clive, I apply the same "white-glove" marketing precision. CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) Training: This is the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents. It focuses on advanced listing strategies and complex move-on/move-up logistics. If you are trying to coordinate a simultaneous buy-and-sell in the Des Moines metro, my CRS training provides the roadmap to do it without the stress. Staying Ahead of the Curve: Marketing, AI, and Law The Des Moines market moves fast, and I move faster. I commit to continuous education in three critical areas: AI & Predictive Analytics: I use AI-driven tools to analyze market absorption rates and buyer heat maps. This allows me to predict exactly when to launch your listing for maximum impact and match my buyers with "best-fit" inventory the moment it hits the MLS. Digital Marketing Strategy: I go beyond the MLS. My training in modern digital funnels means your home is seen by the right buyers on the platforms where they actually spend their time. We use targeted social algorithms to ensure your property reaches active move-up buyers in the 50-mile Des Moines radius. Real Estate Law (2026 Compliance): With the recent 2026 updates to Lead Service Line Disclosures and evolving commission structures, my constant legal training ensures your equity is always protected and your transaction remains fully compliant with Iowa law.