Lance Martinson Real Estate

Lance Martinson Real Estate I have been a Realtor since 2003 working in Des Moines and the surrounding areas. My website is www.lancemartinson.remax-central.com/

If you have any Real Estate needs please call me at 515-371-8765 or email me at [email protected].

Knowing when a home stretches your budget starts with more than just the listing price. šŸ”In Greater Des Moines, smart bu...
09/18/2026

Knowing when a home stretches your budget starts with more than just the listing price. šŸ”

In Greater Des Moines, smart buyers look beyond monthly mortgage numbers and consider everything in the payment, taxes, insurance, even how assistance programs could help ease the burden. If it feels like most of your cash goes toward just staying afloat, that's a sign to pause and plan. Financial counseling and local nonprofit resources are designed to help you create a strategy, understand your full cost, and figure out if buying now truly supports your goals.

Down-payment or closing-cost assistance can offer a lighter load, especially when programs let you delay repayment until you sell or refinance. But it's just as important to check your comfort level with all your debts together, not just the new mortgage.

Feeling stretched before you sign means it's time to reevaluate. Talk with a professional who knows the local options and can help you design a budget that actually works.

What would help you feel most confident about your first home payment, more savings, a lower price, or the right assistance? Let me know your thoughts below!

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

09/17/2026

Growth in Greater Des Moines isn’t just happening, it’s starting to turn heads beyond Iowa. 🌟

More national eyes are on our metro as communities like Bondurant hit new certified-site milestones. These achievements mean more ready-to-build locations, visible development progress, and real opportunities for local jobs and expanded services. Every step forward boosts the region’s economic strength and makes Greater Des Moines a place where new possibilities take root. šŸ—ļø

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in a region that’s on the move, there’s a real advantage in understanding how these changes translate into opportunity. I always keep an eye on certified-site announcements and investment updates to help clients see the bigger picture. šŸ“ˆ

What’s the one change in the Des Moines area you’re most excited about? Share your thoughts below!

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

The monthly payment is what really shapes your day-to-day comfort as a homeowner, much more than just the sticker price....
09/16/2026

The monthly payment is what really shapes your day-to-day comfort as a homeowner, much more than just the sticker price. šŸ”

In Greater Des Moines, focusing only on the purchase price can leave out bigger pieces of the puzzle. The total monthly cost includes not just the loan, but also property taxes and insurance, and those can change a lot depending on the neighborhood or school district. That’s why local counseling and education programs encourage buyers to dig into the full payment and understand what truly fits their budget, instead of stretching just to qualify for a higher-priced home.

Many first-time buyers find that local assistance programs, like those from the Iowa Finance Authority, can make a big difference by offering grants or special loans that lower out-of-pocket costs and help keep the monthly payment manageable. Pre-purchase counseling goes further, helping you plan for every dollar, review your credit, and create a realistic action plan so you start strong from day one.

When you treat the monthly payment as the starting point, not the afterthought, your path to homeownership feels more sustainable, and far less stressful. 😊

What’s your biggest question about making the monthly payment work for you in Greater Des Moines? Let’s talk about it below!

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

09/15/2026

Thinking about the current homes available in Waukee? Here’s what you’ll find if you’re buying or selling right now. šŸ“Š

Homes here are listed around $449,995, so the middle of the market sits right in this price range.

There are 286 homes on the market, which gives buyers a good amount of choice. šŸ·ļø

They have been listed about 54 days, which means homes are staying available for a realistic amount of time.

Asking prices come in around $268 a square foot, helping buyers and sellers compare value between homes. šŸ’”

113 homes came on the market in the past 30 days, so there are plenty of fresh options to consider.

For first-time buyers, those moving up, or downsizing, knowing what’s available can really shape your next move.

What matters most to you: finding the right price, timing your move, or having more options to choose from?

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

A well-structured sale-of-current-home contingency can open new doors for buyers in Greater Des Moines. šŸ”For many moving...
09/14/2026

A well-structured sale-of-current-home contingency can open new doors for buyers in Greater Des Moines. šŸ”

For many moving up, downsizing, or buying for the first time, the right contract terms bring peace of mind while keeping your path to the next home flexible. Contingencies let you make an offer on your dream home, while giving you a safety net if your current sale takes longer than expected. In Des Moines, these clauses are tailored to your situation: you can negotiate for enough time to sell, secure extra days for closing, or even include rent-back arrangements so you don’t have to scramble for temporary housing. Working closely with a local agent and lender makes all the difference in smoothing the timeline and reducing surprises.

Getting these details right isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about making your move with confidence and less stress. ✨

Curious how a contingency might support your next move? Share your questions below or let’s talk through your plans!

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

Thinking about buying your next home before selling the one you have? šŸ” Here’s how bridge loans and HELOCs can help you ...
09/11/2026

Thinking about buying your next home before selling the one you have? šŸ” Here’s how bridge loans and HELOCs can help you keep things smooth in Greater Des Moines.

When you’re ready to move up or downsize, timing matters. If you’ve built up equity and feel comfortable managing payments for a short overlap, tapping a bridge loan or a HELOC could be a practical way to unlock your buying power before your current home is sold. Local agents and lenders can walk you through the steps, modeling what your payments and costs would look like, and planning your sale to reduce financial stress.

The best results come from honest conversations up front about your comfort level, the marketability of your home, and what temporary options you’ll use if the timeline shifts. Clear planning and close coordination are key, especially when juggling more than one move at a time. 🚚✨

Would you use a bridge loan or HELOC to secure your next place, or would you rather sell first? Let me know which path feels right for you below!

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

09/10/2026

Nearly 200 new supportive housing units are coming to West Des Moines and Urbandale, here’s why that matters for our community. šŸ 

Transforming two former extended-stay hotels, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing is creating 89 units in West Des Moines and 104 units in Urbandale. This project isn’t just about increasing housing, it’s about pairing a stable place to live with supportive services that help residents regain independence. Adaptive reuse like this gives older properties a fresh purpose and brings meaningful resources closer to those who need them most. ✨

Expanding access to supportive housing strengthens the foundation of our neighborhoods and helps more people find a path forward, one step at a time. šŸ¢

Would you like to see more adaptive reuse projects in our area? Let me know what you think below! šŸ‘‡

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

Buying first, selling first, or blending both, each path in Greater Des Moines comes with unique advantages. šŸ”For many b...
09/09/2026

Buying first, selling first, or blending both, each path in Greater Des Moines comes with unique advantages. šŸ”

For many buyers, the right choice starts with understanding how your current home fits into your next move. If you have the flexibility to purchase before selling, you secure your new space without the pressure of moving twice. This approach usually works best when you’re confident in your finances and the marketability of your current home.

Selling first is often the most straightforward financially and can give you peace of mind about what you have to work with. Just be ready for the possibility of temporary housing. That’s why a coordinated contingent strategy, listing your current home, getting it under contract, and then making a contingent offer on the next place, can be a smart middle ground. It often helps you skip dual payments and avoids the stress of having nowhere to land between moves.

Whichever route you’re considering, keeping the timeline clear, prepping your home thoughtfully, and having backup plans like rent-back or short-term rentals can take a lot of uncertainty out of the process. Tight communication with your agent, lender, and everyone involved makes all the difference. šŸ“…šŸ”‘

Are you weighing your options? Which approach feels right for your next chapter in Des Moines? Tell me what matters most to you below!

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

09/08/2026

The right numbers make all the difference in Ankeny’s single family home market. Here’s what’s on the market right now šŸ“

Homes in Ankeny are listed around $415,000, which is where the middle of the market sits.

There are 340 homes on the market, so buyers have real options to explore.

These homes have been listed about 53 days, so you get a sense of what’s moving and what’s waiting.

Asking prices come in around $256 a square foot, which helps when comparing space and cost for each property.

118 homes came on the market in the past 30 days, keeping the choices fresh for anyone looking for something new.

For first time buyers, move-up clients, or those thinking about downsizing, these numbers give a clear picture of the choices available, the pace to expect, and how far your budget might go in Ankeny.

Which matters most to you: price, timing, or finding the right fit?

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

Late summer in Greater Des Moines can give homebuyers something rare: more choices and a little less pressure to rush. šŸ”...
09/07/2026

Late summer in Greater Des Moines can give homebuyers something rare: more choices and a little less pressure to rush. šŸ”

As inventory continues to rise across the metro, buyers are finding it easier to explore a wider range of homes without feeling squeezed by frantic timelines or soaring prices. That steady flow of new listings means you can slow down, weigh your options, and even compare neighborhoods, especially if your move-in date is flexible.

This shift toward a more balanced market is especially welcome for first-time buyers and anyone planning to move up or downsize. With less bidding drama and steadier prices, there’s time for careful due diligence and space for negotiation, especially on homes that have lingered a bit longer. If you’re looking to make a move, programs are available that may help with down payments and financing, stretching your options even further. ✨

Are you finding late summer a better time to buy, or does another season work for you? Let me know your thoughts below! šŸ’¬

Lance Martinson, Realtor
RE/MAX Revolution
515-371-8765 cell
[email protected]
https://lancemartinson.soldbyrev.com

Over 23 years of Real Estate Service in the Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

Address

932 N Shadyview Boulevard
Pleasant Hill, IA
50327

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