Iowa REALTORS® Blog

Earnest money is a “good faith deposit” made by a homebuyer to a seller, and is typically held in an escrow account until the close of sale. But what happens when a buyer doesn’t provide earnest money as outlined in their purchase agreement?

With conversations surrounding interest rate decreases continue, how did the Iowa Housing Market respond? Statewide Housing Analyst, Les Sulgrove breaks the info down in the September housing stats!

The Iowa housing market showed signs of renewed activity in September sparked by anticipated interest rate decreases, while listing inventory continued to climb across the state offering buyers more options heading into the fall.  

“The end of summer traditionally brings a slight coolness to the housing market, but there are plenty of warm spots remaining,” Les Sulgrove, Iowa REALTORS® statewide housing analyst, said. 

The Iowa housing market saw signs of typical seasonal shifts in August, as sales activity cooled slightly amid the waning summer days. Still, the latest statewide housing market data from Iowa REALTORS® points to a pleasant fall market in Iowa. 

The Iowa Real Estate Commission (IREC) has adopted several important rule changes that impact how real estate professionals conduct business across the state. 

September is REALTOR® Safety Month, a time dedicated to reinforcing the importance of safety in the real estate profession. 

Four years ago, members of the East Central Iowa Association of REALTORS® Community Involvement Committee set out to create a summer volunteer activity, and they had backpacks on their mind. After connecting with Dubuque and Western Dubuque School Districts, they learned of the St. Mark Youth Enrichment Apples for Students program. The rest, as they say, is history. 

In a world of YouTube tutorials, DIY home projects, and endless real estate apps, it might be tempting to sell your home without a professional. After all, how hard can it be to list a property and find a buyer?

With real estate apps at your fingertips and listings just a click away, it might seem like you can buy a home on your own. After all, how hard can it be to tour a few places and make an offer?

Iowa’s housing market continued to show strength and stability in July, according to the latest statewide data from Iowa REALTORS®. 

Have you ever received a call to help sell a property that just didn’t seem right? Perhaps the seller claimed they needed to quickly sell a property they inherited from their family, that they can only communicate via email and text and they want to list below market value for a quick sale? 

Is Iowa’s housing market finally cooling off, or just catching its breath? June brought a classic summer shift with steady prices, growing inventory, and subtle changes in buyer behavior. Les Sulgrove discusses the current numbers and trends!

The Iowa housing market entered a seasonal shift in June, demonstrating a balanced pace following a busy spring, according to the latest statewide data from Iowa REALTORS®.

The Home Inspection Accountability Act (SF460) passed both the Iowa House and Senate on a unanimous bipartisan basis and was signed into law by Governor Reynolds. This legislation establishes comprehensive regulations for home inspections codifying qualifications for home inspectors, standards for inspection reports, and penalties for non-compliance, and is effective July 1, 2025.

Real estate in Iowa and nationwide has seen an evolution in recent years, leading to passage of new laws and policies to address the changing real estate landscape. This has also necessitated updates to  Iowa administrative rules (193E) to ensure they are in compliance with enacted legislation. Below is a summary of the latest Iowa Real Estate Commission rule changes, effective in June 2025: