Des Moines, WA Housing Market Update — April 2026

The Des Moines, Washington housing market in April 2026 is showing signs that buyers have gained some leverage — but that doesn't mean sellers are left out in the cold. With 20 homes sold in the last 30 days and 84 active listings currently on the market, there's plenty of activity in this waterfront community between SeaTac and Federal Way. Here's what the latest numbers tell us about where things stand right now.

What Homes Are Selling For

The median sold price in Des Moines over the past month came in at $553,250, while the average sold price was significantly higher at $815,405. That gap between median and average is worth noting — it reflects a wide range of properties changing hands, from more modest condos and smaller homes all the way up to higher-end waterfront or larger single-family properties. The full price range of recent sales stretched from $19,093 to $5,750,000, confirming just how diverse the local housing stock really is.

On a per-square-foot basis, homes sold for a median of $355 per square foot, which gives you a useful benchmark if you're trying to get a rough sense of what your own home might be worth. The average price per square foot was $346.

Of the 20 sales, the majority were single-family homes (12 sales), followed by condos (6 sales across two classifications), with one townhome and one property in another category rounding out the mix.

How Fast Are Homes Selling

Homes that sold in the past 30 days spent an average of 68 days on market, though the median was considerably shorter at 36 days. Again, the spread here matters. A handful of properties that lingered longer — perhaps due to pricing, condition, or property type — pulled the average upward. The median gives a more grounded picture: the typical home that sold found a buyer in just over five weeks.

What does this mean practically? If your home is priced well and shows well, you can realistically expect meaningful buyer interest within the first month. Homes that sit longer usually need a price adjustment or some attention to presentation before they gain traction.

Current Inventory

There are currently 84 active listings in Des Moines, with a median list price of $532,500 and an average list price of $647,453. With only 20 homes selling in the past 30 days, that's roughly a 4-month supply of homes — a level that generally tips the scales in favor of buyers.

For sellers, this means competition. Your home is likely going up against several comparable options, and buyers know it. Pricing strategy and home presentation become even more important in this environment.

Market Outlook

Based on current inventory levels and sales pace, Des Moines is assessed as a buyer's market in April 2026. Buyers have more choices, more negotiating power, and less urgency than they would in a tight market. That said, well-priced homes in desirable parts of Des Moines — particularly near the waterfront, marina, or with easy highway access — are still moving at a reasonable pace.

Sellers who are realistic about pricing and willing to prepare their home properly can still achieve strong results. The market isn't frozen — 20 homes still closed last month. But the days of simply listing and watching multiple offers roll in are less common right now.

What This Means If You're Thinking About Selling

If you're a Des Moines homeowner considering a sale, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Price it right from the start. With 84 homes competing for buyers' attention, an overpriced listing tends to sit — and the longer it sits, the harder it becomes to attract full-price offers.
• Condition matters more now. Buyers have options. Homes that are clean, updated, and move-in ready stand out in a crowded field.
• Consider your timeline. If you need to sell quickly, a traditional listing in today's market may require patience. Plan for a potential 36–68 day timeline before closing.
• Know your options. A traditional listing isn't your only path. Depending on your situation, a direct sale might make more sense.

Thinking About Selling Without the Hassle?

If the idea of preparing your home, navigating showings, and waiting out a 60-plus day sales cycle doesn't appeal to you, KDS Homebuyers offers a straightforward alternative. We buy homes directly from Des Moines homeowners for cash — no repairs, no agent fees, no uncertainty. Whether your home needs work, you're facing a time-sensitive situation, or you just want a simpler process, we're happy to provide a no-obligation offer so you can make the most informed decision for your circumstances. Reach out anytime at kdshomebuyers.net to learn more.