Justin Marshall's Blog Posts

Mortgage Rates Hit 7%: What a Half-Point Increase Really Costs HomebuyersFor homebuyers, a mortgage rate moving from 6.5% toward 7% might not sound dramatic.After all, we’re talking about

If you’ve owned your home for several years, there’s a decent chance it has increased substantially in value.That’s great news when it comes time to sell.But it also leads to one

If you've been waiting to buy a home because you're hoping mortgage rates will fall, today's inflation report deserves your attention.But it also deserves some context.The latest Consumer Price

For years, people living in Iowa have heard some version of the same statement:“You don’t realize how affordable it is to live here.”In 2026, that statement carries more weight

Let's be honest: the phrase "balanced market" sounds like something your economist uncle says at Thanksgiving to avoid taking a side. It's technically accurate, vaguely reassuring, and explains

Let's just address the elephant in the room: 6.66%. Yes, that number. Yes, it sounds a little ominous. No, it's not a sign of the apocalypse — but it IS the highest mortgage rate we've seen in

"Date the rate, marry the home." You've probably heard that phrase before. While it's catchy, there's actually a lot of truth behind it.One of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make is waiting for

Here's something nobody loves hearing in July: mortgage rates just hit their highest weekly average of 2026. The 30-year fixed is sitting at 6.55%, and some daily reads have nudged even closer to 6

When most people hear about conflict in the Middle East, real estate probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind.But history has shown that global conflicts can quickly influence the U.S.

Is a Housing Market Crash Coming to Iowa?One of the most common questions I hear from buyers and sellers today is:"Should I wait because the housing market is going to crash?"With mortgage rates

Why Do People Sell Their Homes? The 7 Most Common Reasons Homeowners Decide to MoveMeta Description:Wondering why people sell their homes? Discover the 7 most common reasons homeowners decide to

When people hear about war overseas, most assume it doesn’t affect their day-to-day life.But in real estate?It absolutely does.And right now, the growing conflict involving Iran is quietly

Thinking about moving to Des Moines, Iowa but not sure which suburb is right for you? You’re not alone. One of the biggest mistakes people make when relocating to Central Iowa is assuming

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and one of the first questions most buyers ask is:Should I buy a brand-new construction home or an existing

If you’ve driven around the Des Moines metro lately, you’ve probably noticed one thing: construction everywhere. Cranes, cones, bulldozers, and fresh concrete are becoming part of the

When preparing to sell a house, most homeowners assume they need to fix everything before listing. That mindset can cost thousands of dollars with little to no return. The truth? Not every repair

Selling a home isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard and hoping for the best. Buyers decide what a home is “worth” based on hundreds of tiny signals—how it feels, how

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in the Des Moines metro in 2026, you’re probably asking the same questions we hear every week: Are prices going up? Will interest rates drop? Is

3 Proven Ways to Maximize Your Home Sale Price in Des Moines MetroDes Moines Metro homes are sitting on the market longer and longer. The 60-day average is scaring sellers. Yet some sellers are

Current Rental Trends in the Des Moines Metro (2025 Market Update)SEO-Focused Guide for Renters, Investors & LandlordsThe Des Moines Metro rental market is shifting fast — and whether you

📣 5 Iowa Real Estate Facts That Shock People (Every. Single. Time.)Thinking about buying or selling real estate in Iowa?Most people outside the state think we’re just cornfields, Casey;

Making Sense of the New Commission Rules After the NAR SettlementOne of the biggest sources of confusion in real estate right now isn’t the interest rate. It’s this:“With all these

If you’ve checked home prices or mortgage rates lately, you’ve probably had at least one of these thoughts:“Can I even afford a house anymore?”“Did I totally miss my

If you’re thinking about moving to the Des Moines Metro, you’re not alone. Des Moines has quietly become one of the most popular relocation destinations in the Midwest thanks to its

When buying real estate, having representation can be incredibly beneficial for a variety of reasons, as it can safeguard your interests, provide expert advice, and help navigate the complex.

Here are 10 tips to maximize profits and shrink days on market to make your home stand out in this competitive market. Price it right: Make sure you price your home competitively based on the

When buying a house one of the few things that tend to detour buyers is the down payments and requirements with them. Is 20 %what is required to purchase your first/next home?First we need to know

We have all heard I'm waiting til rates fall in the current market. What is that truly costing you? What is that saving you? What opportunities are being lost or gained by waiting?Today's first time