What Is the Cost of Selling a House in Iowa?

If you’re like many residents in Iowa, your home is probably your most significant financial asset. Choosing to sell it is a major decision. You may be considering a move to a different state, relocating to the suburbs, or downsizing to a more practical property. Regardless of your motivations, you’re likely aiming for a seamless selling process while maximizing your proceeds.

As you plan your move, understanding the costs associated with selling your Iowa home is critical to avoiding surprises at the closing table. In this article, we’ll walk you through the specific expenses you can anticipate, along with price estimates to provide a clearer picture of what it costs to sell your Iowa home.

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Housing trends in Iowa

Similar to many states across the country, Iowa’s housing market is facing high interest rates and increasing home prices.

Here’s a snapshot of the current real estate landscape in Iowa:

Sources: Iowa Realtors, Redfin, World Population Review

As a seller in Iowa, one important statistic to note is the days on market (DOM), which indicates the average time from listing a home to securing a signed purchase agreement. In Iowa, the average DOM is 11 days.

Start with a home value estimate

A great place to start when estimating the costs of selling your house in Iowa is to obtain a home value estimate. Given the constant changes in home values and local market trends, it’s wise to have a general idea of your home’s current worth. You might be pleasantly surprised by its value.

To get a quick and easy online estimate, you can request one through HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator. This free automated valuation model (AVM) tool analyzes recent sales, market conditions, and your home’s latest selling price to provide a preliminary value range in under two minutes. Just enter your address to get started.

How much does it cost to sell a house in Iowa?

The answer varies. Based on our findings, the cost to sell a home in Iowa typically ranges from 6% to 10% of your final selling price.

For instance, if you sell your home for $239,000 — the median home price in Iowa — your selling costs could fall anywhere from $14,340 to $23,900.

Which end of your spectrum you end up paying largely depends on your choices regarding home preparations, agent commissions, and any concessions offered to the buyer. Let’s explore what factors you need to consider when calculating the cost of selling a house in Iowa.

What are common expenses for sellers in Iowa?

The cost of selling a home in Iowa can vary widely depending on your specific situation and the state’s shifting market conditions. Factors like your home’s size, age, and condition will also play a role in how much you’ll spend preparing it for the market.

The following estimated prices serve as a guide to assist you in your planning.

Prepping your house for sale

Preparing your Iowa home for sale typically costs between 1.5% and 2.7% of your home’s final sale price. Based on the median home price in the state, this could amount to between $3,585 and $6,453.

Here’s a breakdown of these expenses:

• Pre-sale repairs: $4,500-$5,400, depending on the year your home was built and its maintenance.
• Staging the home: $1,500-$4,000 (recommended by agents for higher proceeds).
• Professional cleaning services: $118-$237, depending on the home’s size.
• Interior painting: $966-$3,086.
• Landscaping work: $1,248-$6,281.
• Pre-listing inspection: $250-$500 if desired or necessary.

Before taking on any significant projects, such as a kitchen remodel or roof replacement, consult with your Realtor. An experienced Iowa real estate agent can advise you on what needs fixing, which repairs will provide the best return on your investment, and what items to skip when selling your home.

Realtor fees in Iowa

Agent commissions are one of the most significant costs in a real estate transaction. In Iowa, Realtor fees can range from 2.5% to 6% of your sale price, depending on whether you choose to cover the buyer’s agent commissions. This is no longer required, after a landmark court settlement that altered commission rules nationwide.

Based on Iowa’s median home price of $239,000, you can expect to pay between $5,975 (2.5%) and $14,340 (6%) in real estate agent commissions.

While agent commissions may seem substantial, working with a seasoned real estate professional can significantly impact your bottom line, helping you walk away with more. HomeLight’s transaction data indicates that the top 5% of agents across the U.S. sell homes for as much as 10% more than the average agent.

Later in this post, we’ll demonstrate how agent fees can affect your total selling costs in our at-a-glance overview example chart.