Tom Stender-Custer, Realtor Century 21

06/24/2026

Happy clients are my measure of success. After all, my ethos, goal and commitment to every client, of "love where you live," is so much more than just negotiating the best price and getting inspection repairs made. It's the whole package.

It's about how you're feeling during showings, when submitting an offer, during final walkthrough and when you hand over the largest check of your life at the closing table. AND it goes beyond that. My clients know that when they work with me, they get a personal lifetime housing+ concierge, always available to help them with contractor recommendations from lawn care to legal counsel.

Here's what one family had to say after working with me to find a home that truly fit their needs and lifestyle in Des Moines:

(They had so much to say, it didn’t all fit! Here’s the rest: His guidance made what could have been a stressful process feel manageable and straightforward.

If we ever buy another home, we would work with Tom again without hesitation. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy real estate agent.)

06/23/2026

Check out this stunning lake house!

06/22/2026

Bravo! 🎉 Bravo! 🎉

Congratulations to my SELLERS and BUYERS for getting this stunning South of Grand/Salisbury Oaks property under contract! 🎉

Real estate can be an interesting journey, where Buyers and Sellers often don't cross paths. However, my buyers were eager to connect with the sellers before making an offer, seeking to understand more about the property. That meeting truly "sealed the deal" and took my business, built on relationships, to a whole new level. Each transaction is unique, and my winning strategy lies in listening and adapting to my clients' needs. Cheers to new beginnings! 🏡✨

06/19/2026

As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, we recognize the profound significance of June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation, marking the true end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is a day to reflect on African American history, celebrate freedom, and commit to continuing the fight for racial equality.

Honoring freedom. Reflecting on history.
Celebrating our rich diversity.

06/15/2026

Mansion Monday!

Check out this historic home - The Cowles Mansion set on a hilltop lot on Mansion Row, South of Grand.

6 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms | 7,151 square feet
2.53 acre lot | $1,500,000

Listing courtesy of Rick Wanamaker
For your Private Showing, give me a call.

This 7151 square feet Single Family home has 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. It is located at 100 37th St, Des Moines, IA.

06/13/2026

Happy Pancake Saturday to all who celebrate! Pass the syrup!

06/12/2026

This is your chance to check out this property nestled among the mature trees of Des Moines' desirable Southwestern Hills. This beautifully maintained two-story home offers generous living spaces, extensive updates, and exceptional convenience. Double front doors open to an inviting main level featuring a cozy family room with a striking brick fireplace and built-in shelving, while the oversized formal living room is filled with natural light from newer windows.

The thoughtfully designed kitchen offers abundant workspace, a brick-accented range area, and an open layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A convenient main-floor laundry room and half bath complete the level. The second floor features four spacious bedrooms, including a primary suite with a tiled shower and ample closet space. Three additional bedrooms and a large full bath provide flexibility for family, guests, or home office needs.

The finished lower level includes a comfortable family room, wet bar, and abundant storage. Outside, enjoy a fenced backyard highlighted by a spacious deck. Updates include new HVAC (2024), LG dishwasher (2024), roof (2016), windows (2019), LVP flooring (2022), water heater (2022), toilets (2022), professionally cleaned ductwork (2024), radon mitigation system (2025), and complete exterior painting (2025).

Located just minutes from downtown Des Moines, the Airport, Gray's Lake, Water Works Park, walking paths, and bike trails, this move-in-ready home combines space, comfort, and convenience in one exceptional package.

06/11/2026

OPEN HOUSE! Sunday, June 14th | 6 pm to 8 pm

PREMIER SOUTH OF GRAND-SALISBURY OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD!

3 bedroom | 2 bathrooms | New 2 car garage + Bonus Room | Salt Water Hot Tub | $499,000

Stop by to experience the wooded embrace of Tonawanda Ravine. 115 Tonawanda Drive is a rare convergence of history, privacy, and modern refinement, all set in one of Des Moines most desirable locales - the coveted South of Grand-Salisbury Oaks neighborhood.

With a large, ten-foot deep front porch connected to the ten-foot deep side screened porch, this residence offers the feel of a secluded lakeside retreat yet sits moments from the cultural, dining, and lifestyle conveniences of the city. It's serenity without sacrifice.

This storied home occupies a distinguished place in Des Moines history, once serving as a trolley station and residence of the ticket master, a legacy that lends character and provenance impossible to replicate today.

Thoughtfully and comprehensively updated, the home now lives beautifully with modern standards while honoring its past. Recent improvements include a new two-car garage with a finished room above, ideal for a studio, office, or guest retreat; a new driveway, roof, windows, and updated plumbing, along with other upgrades providing both comfort and peace of mind.

The natural setting combined with the indoor outdoor living of this residence create a private retreat in the heart of the city, designed for those who value refined living, timeless character, and a setting that feels worlds away.

Homes like this do not simply exist, they endure. And opportunities like this are exceedingly rare. Don't miss your opportunity to own this rarefied residence.

06/10/2026

Got to check out this amazingly preserved, restored and reimagined 1880 Sherman Hill residence today. Full of historic character, this home was home to Des Moines' first mayor, Judge W.H. McHenry. The classic brick exterior features a wraparound porch, perennial gardens, a fully fenced yard, Capitol dome views, and no neighbors directly behind.

Inside, the residence is highlighted by original wood floors, exposed brick, 9' ceilings, exposed beams, built-ins, a fireplace, and a flexible layout with a primary ensuite and two additional bedrooms.

This Sherman Hill location is just minutes from downtown and local favorites including Smokey Row Coffee, Gateway Market, Aposto, Hoyt Sherman Place, and Unity Point Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Hospital.

Listed by Gina Swanson. If you’d like to schedule a private showing, give me a call.