How to Sell a House By Owner in Des Moines: 9 Steps to Closing

How to sell a house by owner in Des Moines

Selling FSBO in Des Moines means you’ll take on every aspect of the sale, from pricing and marketing to negotiations and legal paperwork.

While hiring a real estate attorney isn’t required in Iowa, it’s highly recommended for FSBO sellers to ensure a more risk-free purchase agreement. A real estate attorney in Des Moines typically charges around $250 per hour.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sell a house by owner in Des Moines. Your first step is to prepare your house before putting a price tag on it.

1. Prepare your Des Moines home for sale

A well-prepared home will attract more buyers and help you pull in a higher selling price. Before listing, make your home as appealing as possible.

• Declutter: Each room should feel tidy, open, and inviting. This may require renting a storage unit.
• Depersonalize: Take down family photos so buyers can more easily envision themselves living in the house.
• Deep clean: From carpets and windows to ceiling fans and appliances, make the whole house shine.
• Deodorize: First impressions aren’t just visual. Tackle bad smells that can turn away buyers‚ especially pet odors.
• Make repairs and upgrades: Fix holes in the walls, leaky faucets, loose knobs, and anything else that’s broken or needs an upgrade.
• Boost curb appeal: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, add flowers and fresh mulch, and power wash exterior surfaces.

»Learn more: 22 Steps to Prep Your House For Sale and Sell For More Money

2. Set a competitive list price

Pricing the home correctly is one of the most pivotal tasks any DIY seller will face. Overpricing will drive buyers away and leave your home lingering on the market. Underpricing could mean leaving money on the table. You need to find the Goldilocks price that fits your local market.

• Compare recent sales: Look at similar homes in your area that have sold in the past 3–6 months.
• Research local trends: Is Des Moines currently in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? What upgrades do buyers want?
• Get a free value estimate: Use an online Home Value Estimator for a preliminary price range estimate.
• Get a professional appraisal: A pre-listing appraisal for a typical single-family home in Des Moines can cost $218–$345, according to ProMatcher — well worth the investment to avoid a list price error.

»Learn more: How to Set Your Home’s List Price: 5 Factors That Matter Most

3. Hire a professional photographer

Nearly all buyers start their home search online. This means a home’s first impression also starts online. High-quality listing photos can attract more buyers to schedule a showing.

• Hire a professional photographer: Des Moines real estate photographers typically charge around $430 for a two-hour shoot, with extra costs for drone photography or virtual tours.
• Stage your home before the shoot: Use good lighting and arrange decor to stage your home like a furniture store showroom.
• Highlight key features: If your home has a large backyard, a finished basement, or a scenic view of Gray’s Lake, be sure to showcase these in the photos.

»Learn more: How to Take Real Estate Photos and Sell Faster for More Money.

4. Write a magnetic listing description

A well-written listing description grabs attention and encourages buyers to schedule a showing.

• Start strong: Use a descriptive headline and engaging opening line that highlights the home’s best features. Remember that home shoppers are scanning listings —  send a message that stands out.
• Mention updates and key selling points: Point out any recent renovations, energy-efficient upgrades, or proximity to popular Des Moines attractions or high-performing school districts.
• Include plenty of details: Along with essential information like list price, square footage, property type, and lot size, give potential buyers information that will answer their questions (e.g., HOA, clubhouse, or community dog park).

»Learn more: 7 Steps to Writing Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions

5. List your Des Moines home on the MLS

The multiple listing service (MLS) is one of the most powerful tools to market your home. However, only licensed real estate agents can post directly to the MLS. If you’re selling FSBO, you can still gain access through a flat-fee MLS company in Iowa.

• Purchase a flat-fee MLS service: Flat-fee MLS companies typically charge $300 for a basic listing and up to several thousand dollars for premium packages that may include additional marketing, showing assistance, and even agent support.
• Provide thorough information: Your MLS listing should include professional photos, an engaging description, and detailed property information buyers need.
• Monitor your listing: Respond quickly to inquiries, update listing details as needed, and track your home’s online performance.

»Learn more: How to Sell Your FSBO Home with a Flat Fee MLS listing company

6. Market your Des Moines home

To increase your chances of attracting a qualified buyer, you’ll need a strong marketing strategy that goes beyond just the MLS.

• Post on top home-search websites: Buyers frequently search on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, which is why using an MLS service is a big part of your marketing, but it shouldn’t be the only part.
• Host open houses: Allow potential buyers to tour the property in person. In Des Moines, weekend open houses tend to attract the most visitors.
• Place your home on social media: Share your listing on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and local Facebook groups focused on home sales in Des Moines. You may also consider paid social media ads to reach more local buyers.
• Use traditional signage: Place a professional “For Sale By Owner” sign in your front yard and distribute full-color flyers or postcards in the neighborhood.

»Learn more: 9 Creative Ways to Market a House for Sale

7. Schedule and manage home showings

Showings create the magical moment when buyers can fall in love with a home. But the buyers’ initial impression of the property actually begins with you from the first appointment phone call. You’ll need to make the showing process easy and professional.

• Offer flexible hours: Many buyers prefer evening or weekend showings. Being available during these times can help attract more interest.
• Use scheduling tools: Free apps like Calendly and Microsoft Bookings can help you manage appointments efficiently.
• Keep your home show-ready: While this takes work, your home needs to be clean, decluttered, and odor-free at all times.
• Vet buyers before booking a visit: Before scheduling a showing, request a pre-approval letter or proof of funds to confirm the buyer’s financial ability.
• Prioritize safety: If possible, arrange showings when someone else can be home with you. Also, remove valuables and sensitive documents from view.

»Learn more: How Many Showings Does It Take to Sell a House on Average?

8. Evaluate offers, negotiate, and make disclosures

Once offers start coming in, you’ll need to carefully evaluate the terms and negotiate when necessary. The best offer isn’t always the highest price — it’s the one with the fewest contingencies and risks.

• Review contingencies: Offers may include inspection, appraisal, or financing and existing home sale contingencies that can affect the final sale.
• Calculate your net proceeds: Use HomeLight’s Net Proceeds Calculator to estimate your final profit after expenses.
• Respond quickly: Buyers expect timely communication, so avoid delays when reviewing purchase offers or sending counteroffers.
• Prepare for counteroffers: Know your bottom-line price and be ready for reasonable compromises during negotiations.

Iowa seller disclosure laws

Iowa law requires sellers to provide a written disclosure statement detailing known property defects. These must be delivered to the buyer before they sign a purchase contract. Failure to disclose can result in legal liability after the sale.

Here’s a general overview of what sellers must disclose in Iowa:

• Structural issues (foundation cracks, roof leaks, wall damage)
• Water damage or flooding history
• Electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling system issues
• Environmental hazards (lead-based paint, asbestos, radon)
• Pest infestations (termites, rodents, carpenter ants)
• Boundary disputes, encroachments, or easements
• Homeowners Association (HOA) restrictions (if applicable)
• Zoning violations or land use issues
• Past insurance claims or unresolved damage reports

»Learn more: How To Negotiate When Selling a House

9. Close the sale of your Des Moines home

After accepting an offer, you’ll need to finalize the sale and complete the closing process.

• Work with a title company: In Iowa, most home sales involve a title company to handle the title search, deed transfer, and closing paperwork.
• Sign legal documents: Your closing process will include documents like the purchase agreement, seller’s disclosures, and final settlement statement.
• Transfer the property: Once the closing is complete, hand over keys, garage remotes, and any security system access codes to the buyer.

»Learn more: What to Bring at Closing as a Seller

Sell Your Des Moines House Fast With an All-Cash Offer

Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Des Moines, Iowa.

Step 1: Request Offer

Pros and Cons of selling a house by owner

Before deciding to sell your home without an agent, weigh the pros and cons of selling FSBO in Des Moines.

Pros of selling a house by owner

• Save on agent commission fees: You could save up to 3% in listing agent commissions by handling the sale yourself.
• More control over the process: As the seller, you determine pricing, showing schedules, and negotiation strategies.
• Direct communication: Work directly with buyers without a middleman, potentially leading to faster decision-making.

Cons of selling a house by owner

• Lower home sale prices: FSBO homes typically sell for less than agent-assisted sales.
• Time-consuming process: From marketing and showings to contracts and disclosure forms, handling everything yourself requires a lot of effort.
• Pricing challenges: Without a professional comparative market analysis (CMA), you might overprice (scaring off buyers) or underprice (losing money).
• Marketing costs: You’ll cover photography, staging, listing fees, flyers, and signs out of pocket.
• Legal risks: Mistakes in disclosures or contract paperwork could lead to costly legal trouble.
• Safety concerns: You may inadvertently be showing your home to unvetted or unqualified buyers.

FSBO pitfalls to avoid in Des Moines

Selling FSBO can be rewarding, but missteps can cost you time and money. Here are common mistakes that can derail your sale:

• Skipping the MLS: Not listing on the MLS reduces your home’s visibility among buyers and agents, leading to fewer offers.
• Overpricing or underpricing: Incorrect pricing can drive buyers away or leave money on the table.
• Neglecting marketing: Without professional photos, descriptions, and online visibility, attracting buyers will be difficult.
• Letting the house sit too long: If your home lingers unsold, buyers may assume something is wrong with it.
• Skipping home preparation: A home that isn’t clean, decluttered, and well-maintained will struggle to make a great first impression.

»Learn more: Why Isn’t Your Home Selling? 12 Common Reasons to Consider

Alternatives to selling FSBO in Des Moines

If selling by owner starts feeling overwhelming — or if your FSBO listing isn’t getting offers — consider these alternatives.

1. Partner with a top Des Moines agent

A professional real estate agent can simplify the home-selling process and maximize your profit.

HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent. In addition, many agents offer a free consultation and can provide a comparative market analysis pricing report at little to no cost.

Not sure where to find the right agent? HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can connect you with highly-rated real estate agents in Des Moines who specialize in your neighborhood.

2. Sell for cash with HomeLight’s Simple Sale

Need a fast, convenient sale? HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides cash offers in 24 hours and allows you to close in as few as 10 days. Selling for cash may be ideal if you:

• Want to skip home repairs and showings
• Need to sell quickly due to relocation, financial reasons, or life changes
• Prefer a guaranteed sale with no financing contingencies

Simple Sale also provides an estimated sale price you might achieve with a top agent, allowing you to compare your cash offer with a traditional home sale. To see your no-commitment offer, enter a few details about your Des Moines home and selling timeline.

»Learn more: Wait! Read This Before You Sell Your House for Cash

Ready to sell your Des Moines home?

Selling a house by owner in Des Moines is possible with the right preparation, pricing, and marketing strategy. However, for many sellers, working with an experienced real estate agent or cash buyer provides faster, more profitable results with less stress.

No matter which route you choose, HomeLight is here to help with trusted resources and tools to guide you through the process.

»Learn more: Visit our Home Seller’s Resource Center to enter your questions about any part of the home sale process.

Header Image Source: (Johnson Johnson/ Unsplash)