Simply Des Moines Stats

05/24/2026

More Choices, Smart Sellers: Navigating the Mid-Spring Market Shift

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/5zBTKl7eIY8

This week on Simply Des Moines Market Values, we explore a great milestone for local buyers as available inventory comfortably crosses the 4,000-listing mark nearly a month earlier than last year. While a recent uptick in mortgage interest rates to 6.51% has caused a normal mid-spring breather in pending sales, the market remains highly active and resilient. In fact, more than 10% of home sellers adjusted their pricing this past week, showing a practical readiness to partner with buyers and keep moving plans on track for the summer. Tune in with Les Sulgrove to see how these expanding choices and seller adjustments are creating some great strategic opportunities for your next move.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate

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05/17/2026

The Truth About BOM: Why I’ve Been Reporting This Stat All Wrong 🛑

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/zYqTTta4VT0

What’s really in a name? In this week's broadcast, we are diving deep into industry transparency and correcting a mistake I’ve been making since day one. Thanks to a brilliant viewer question from Ted Grandquist at LPT Realty, I realized I’ve been mislabeling a crucial metric and unintentionally giving you the wrong impression about our local data.
We are pulling back the curtain on the BOM (Back on Market) stat to explain the actual math behind that 34% figure—breaking down why a home returns to the market, how it differs from a true "fall-through" rate, and what it actually means for buyers and sellers today. Tune in for some honest data, real numbers, and the ultimate self-check on market clarity!

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate

View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

05/10/2026

Spring Market Checkpoint: 5 Key Metrics To Watch Now

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/LoB_x12i1Iw

Les’ latest episode features a countdown of the top five trends every buyer and seller needs to know. He explores how "inventory illusions" and a healthy seller’s market are creating a landscape that mirrors 2019 stability while outpacing last year’s performance. From stabilizing price corrections to the latest closing milestones, discover why the current market is hitting its stride with over 4,200 closed sales year-to-date.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate

View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

05/03/2026

April Market Report - High Velocity, High Value

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/3uKe8h4Ri3Q

Les Sulgrove decodes the "inventory illusion" in this week's update, revealing a high-velocity market where homes are selling faster than ever. While total inventory seems flat, a surge in pending sales has eliminated buyer's markets across nearly every price point. Tune in to see why the Des Moines metro is shifting into a high-value seller's market just in time for the summer rush.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate��
View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

04/27/2026

Hey everyone! I figured after today's "heavy - preachy" weekly real estate video I could at the very least make you an offer that I hope you don't refuse! I'm on the board of directors for Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines https://rebuildingdm.org/events/

We are hosting a Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday June 23rd from 2pm to 5pm at Top Golf in West Des Moines! I'm looking for teams or individuals to play a fun round of Top Golf with food and prizes. Hey, it's a tax deductible event, so let us help you save some taxes this year! Sponsor a team for $1,000 or join us individually and we'll put you on a team. Little or no skills necessary and if you're unlucky or clumsy, they do have nets to keep you from falling off the platform.

Let me know if you have interest or want more information. I'd love to come to your office and pitch the event to you!

Les

PS - We do other events too... we hold an Art over Wine auction charity auction - August 11th - 5-7pm at Jasper Winery and MY FAVORITE - Bourbon Bash Raffle October 20th 6-8pm at Iowa Taproom!

04/26/2026

Is New Construction in the Wrong Category Sabotaging Your Sales?

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/S-3xzYczyeo

Week 17 is in the books, and this week I’m stepping onto the soapbox to address a critical issue threatening our MLS accuracy. We have a major problem with new construction listings being mislabeled as existing homes, which is skewing median list prices and causing REALTORS to send the wrong properties to their clients. I’m challenging every agent, builder partner, and data entry professional to watch this episode and help us demand a mandatory "Property Status" field to fix these "stinky" data errors and keep us all accurate professionals.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate ��
View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

04/19/2026

Why Market Data Beats The Weather Forecast

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/Cd4JBNPJAHU �

Stop guessing based on the "forecast" and start tracking the facts with the Des Moines Market Values weekly update. While weather predictions change by the hour, Les Sulgrove uses over 50 years of data to show you exactly why local inventory is growing and where mortgage rates are headed next. Visit Des Moines Market Values today to see this week's dashboard and get the clarity you need to navigate the market with confidence.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate ��
View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

04/16/2026

You know me as the local central Iowa market StatGuy, but did you know I also produce a monthly statewide report of the Iowa real estate market?

Here is the March report!

March brought strong momentum to Iowa’s housing market, signaling a solid start to the spring season.With inventory climbing, pending sales nearing peak leve...

04/12/2026

Do Mortgage Interest Rates Really Drive The Real Estate Market?

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/cc47eHYuLug�

This week on SimplyDesMoines Market Values, Les Sulgrove dives into whether mortgage rates are truly driving the market or if seasonal trends are taking the wheel. Join us as we break down key factors like inventory hurdles, rising closed sales, and the real impact of the Federal Reserve's latest forecasts.
Don't miss this insightful look at how price reductions and buyer activity are shaping the Des Moines real estate landscape in 2026!

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate ��
View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

04/06/2026

The Real March Stats - Rising Inventory and Better Prices for Central Iowa Families

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/HG0K230ogow �

While an article in a local newspaper this weekend paints a grim picture of an "out of reach" housing market, our March report reveals a much more optimistic reality with inventory levels and seller activity actually outpacing 2025. Tune in to see the data-backed truth behind the headlines and how a surge in new listings is creating real opportunities for Des Moines buyers.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate ��
View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com

03/29/2026

Watching The Real Estate Market Bloom

In This Week’s Latest Market Report - https://youtu.be/m7VLmNG7M4o�

Spring has officially arrived in Iowa, and despite the "bipolar" weather, the real estate market is heating up with inventory nearing the 4,000-unit milestone and a surge of new listings expected this April. While interest rates saw a recent jump, home values are rising steadily and pending sales are outpacing last year, proving that buyer demand is successfully "eating up" the growing supply. Whether you’re looking to visit one of the 800+ open houses this weekend or considering selling while values climb toward their summer peak, now is the perfect time to jump into this active seller's market.

Freddie Mac Weekly 30 Yr Fixed Rate National Average Mortgage Rate https://ycharts.com/indicators/30_year_mortgage_rate ��
View All This Week’s Show Graphics! https://desmoinesmarketvalues.com/download-show-graphics

Subscribe To SimplyDesMoines https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBt7Oe4GEE-1hBHWaQfRoA

Catch Up on Previous Shows & Graphics at http://DesMoinesMarketValues.com