The Summer Surge: Inventory Is Finally Climbing—Now What?

Home inventory is rising across Central Iowa. Here's what it means for buyers, sellers, and anyone trying to make sense of the current housing market.

If you’ve been watching the Central Iowa real estate market closely—or maybe just casually browsing Zillow with your morning coffee—you might’ve noticed something we haven’t seen much of in recent years: more homes are for sale.

That’s right. After years of tight inventory and multiple-offer madness, this summer we’re finally seeing a modest but meaningful increase in housing supply. It’s not a flood, but in real estate terms, even a steady trickle can change the flow of the market.

What's Driving the Increase?

There’s no single reason, but here are a few factors at play:

• Life events don’t wait forever. People who postponed moving during the peak of interest rate hikes are starting to move forward. Whether it’s a growing family, a job change, or just the need for a fresh start, life goes on—and so do moves.

• Rates are sticky, but stable. While rates remain high compared to a few years ago, they’ve settled into a predictable pattern. That’s giving both buyers and sellers more confidence to act. Some sellers are accepting that the 3% era is over, and buyers are realizing that 6.5% to 7% might be the “new normal”—at least for now.

• New construction is helping. In areas like Norwalk, Indianola, and parts of Warren County, new builds are contributing to the inventory rise. Builders have adjusted pricing and incentives to appeal to today’s buyers, and it’s having an impact.

A Subtle Shift: Activity Peaked Early

One important observation: the annual peak in the Central Iowa real estate market occurred around week 15 this year. Since then, sales have been trending downward—slowly, but consistently.

That doesn’t mean the market is stalling, but it’s a shift worth watching. Fewer buyers in the pool and more listings on the market may gradually start to tip the balance.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of options, things may finally be tilting in your favor. More homes on the market means:

• Less pressure to make split-second decisions

• Fewer bidding wars (depending on the price point and location)

• A better chance of finding the right fit instead of settling for “close enough”

That said, don’t mistake a bump in inventory for a buyer’s market. Well-priced homes are still moving quickly, especially in desirable communities. But there’s a little more breathing room—and that’s a welcome change.

What This Means for Sellers

More competition means pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Homes that are clean, well-maintained, and appropriately priced will still sell—and often quickly. But the days of throwing a number on a listing and watching the offers roll in are behind us.

If you’re thinking of selling this summer, consider getting ahead of the curve. A few smart updates, strategic pricing, and good marketing (I can help with all three) can still make your home stand out in a growing crowd.

Bottom Line

The Central Iowa housing market is showing signs of a summer shift—but it’s not a reversal. Inventory is climbing, activity has cooled slightly since peaking earlier in the season, and both buyers and sellers are adjusting to new conditions. Whether you’re moving soon or just trying to stay informed, now’s a good time to pay attention.

If you’re wondering how these trends affect your plans, I’m always happy to talk.

As a Broker Associate/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty and Associates, I specialize in buying and selling real estate throughout Central Iowa, including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill. I proudly serve Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison Counties.

📞 Call me, Jon Niemeyer, at 515-490-4675, and let’s find your dream home in Central Iowa!