CHASE. Collective

20 things every homebuyer in Iowa should know before they buy.

1. You do not need 20% down to buy a home.

2. Get pre-approved before you start touring homes.

3. Keep your credit card utilization under 10% while you are in the buying process.

4. Ask about down payment assistance programs available in Iowa. Several exist that most buyers never hear about.

5. Focus on the monthly payment and what it does to your budget, not just the purchase price.

6. Sellers can contribute toward your closing costs. It is negotiable and very common.

7. Never skip the home inspection. Ever.

8. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day before you commit.

9. Your first mortgage payment is typically not due immediately after closing. You usually get a 30 to 45 day window.

10. You can shop multiple lenders and compare rates without significant damage to your credit score if done within a short window.

11. USDA loans offer 100% financing for eligible properties in certain Iowa zip codes. More areas qualify than most people think.

12. Property taxes and homeowner's insurance are part of your monthly payment. Factor them in from the start.

13. Just because you are approved for a certain amount does not mean you should spend it all.

14. New construction homes still need independent inspections. The builder's inspector works for the builder.

15. Always ask about the age of the roof, HVAC system, and water heater before falling in love with a house.

16. Budget for moving costs, utility deposits, and the inevitable furniture and repairs once you move in.

17. PMI is not forever. Once you reach enough equity in your home you can request to have it removed.

18. Buying with a partner means both of your credit profiles and finances are part of the equation.

19. No home is perfect. Know your priorities and focus on what actually matters for your life.

20. The right agent and lender working together can save you real money, real time, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

Thinking about buying a home in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa? Send us a message and let us build a game plan with you.

Want to hold onto your savings and still buy a home in Des Moines? This is worth knowing.

FHA loans allow up to 6% in seller credits. That means you can negotiate for the seller to cover a portion of your upfront costs including closing costs, prepaids, and even a rate buydown to lower your monthly payment.

More of your cash stays in your pocket. Less goes out the door on closing day.

Not every situation is the same but if stretching your savings further is the goal, an FHA loan with seller credits is one of the smartest ways to get into a home sooner than you think.

Iowa buyers leave this option on the table all the time simply because nobody told them it existed.

Now you know. Send us a message and let us run through what this could look like for you.

You are under contract. Exciting. Now is exactly when you need to stay disciplined.

Here are 7 things not to do before you get to closing day.

1. Assume it is over. You are not done until you have keys in hand. Final walkthroughs, lender checks, insurance, and utilities all still need to happen. Stay engaged until the very end.

2. Make any big purchases. No new car. No furniture on financing. No appliances on a payment plan. New debt changes your debt to income ratio and can put your approval at risk days before closing.

3. Open or close any credit accounts. Even small credit activity can shift your score or raise flags during final underwriting. Keep everything exactly as it is.

4. Change jobs without telling your lender first. Even a higher paying position can complicate how your income gets verified. Always loop in your lender before making any career moves during this window.

5. Go quiet on paperwork requests. Lenders and title companies work on tight timelines. A slow response from you can push your closing date or add conditions you did not expect.

6. Waive contingencies without fully understanding them. Your financing, inspection, and review periods exist to protect you. Never waive anything under pressure without knowing exactly what you are giving up.

7. Let emotions drive decisions. This stage can feel stressful and fast moving. That is exactly when clear communication and a steady team make all the difference.

The right guidance through this part of the process protects everything you worked for to get here.

Buying in Des Moines or anywhere in Iowa? We are here to walk you through every step. Send us a message anytime.

Owning a home is not just about building equity. It comes with tax advantages that renters never see.

Here are 5 write-offs homeowners in Iowa should know about.

1. Mortgage interest. For most homeowners this is the biggest deduction. The interest you pay on your mortgage each year is generally tax deductible, especially significant in the early years of your loan when interest makes up most of your payment.

2. Property taxes. Your annual property taxes are typically deductible up to IRS limits. Depending on your home value in Des Moines this can add up to real savings every year.

3. Home improvements. Certain upgrades increase your cost basis, which reduces your taxable profit when you eventually sell. Energy efficient improvements may also qualify for federal tax credits on top of that.

4. Home office expenses. If you are self employed and have a dedicated workspace at home you may be able to deduct a portion of your mortgage, utilities, and internet based on the square footage used.

5. PMI deductions. If you pay private mortgage insurance you may be able to deduct those premiums and lower your taxable income, particularly helpful in the early years of your loan.

This is part of why homeownership is one of the most reliable wealth building tools available. You are not just paying for a place to live. You are unlocking financial advantages renters do not have access to.

Ready to stop renting and start owning in Iowa? Send us a message and let us show you what is possible.

Most people think the down payment is the only big number when buying a home. Then closing day arrives and they are surprised by thousands of dollars they did not plan for.

Here is what actually goes into buying a house in Iowa.

Closing costs typically run 2% to 5% of the purchase price and cover things like lender fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and prepaid property taxes. On a $250,000 home that is anywhere from $5,000 to $12,500 on top of your down payment.

Then there is the home inspection, usually $300 to $500. The appraisal, typically $400 to $600. Moving costs. Utility deposits. And the repairs or furniture you will want once you actually move in.

None of this means buying is out of reach. It just means planning for the full picture instead of just the down payment.

The buyers who get caught off guard are almost always the ones who never had someone walk them through the real numbers before they started.

That is exactly what we do.

Send us a message and we will make sure you know exactly what to expect before you are ever sitting at a closing table.