MR. MOTO'S BLOG

Guides & Insights

Practical answers for buyers, sellers, and anyone figuring out where to live — written by the agent who actually rides these neighborhoods.

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Featured Article

Past Home Ownership and Self-Employment: Can You Still Qualify in Iowa? | Iowa First Time Home Buyers

Does owning a home years ago disqualify you? Can self-employed buyers qualify? Growth Realty explains IFA rules for Des Moines-area homebuyers.

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Latest Articles

Preapproval and Credit Score Requirements for IFA Loans in Iowa | Iowa First Time Home Buyers

What credit score do you need for an Iowa Finance Authority loan, and should you get preapproved first? Growth Realty explains for Des Moines buyers.

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FirstHome vs. Homes for Iowans: Which IFA Program Fits You? | Iowa First Time Home Buyers

What's the difference between FirstHome and Homes for Iowans? Growth Realty compares both IFA programs and explains how to get started in Des Moines.

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2026 IFA Purchase Price Limits for Iowa Homebuyers | Iowa First Time Home Buyers

See the 2026 Iowa Finance Authority purchase price limits for FirstHome and Homes for Iowans, and what they mean for Des Moines-area buyers.

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Iowa Finance Authority Income Limits: Do You Qualify? | Iowa First Time Home Buyers

IFA income limits vary by program and county. Growth Realty explains FirstHome and Homes for Iowans income limits for Des Moines-area homebuyers.

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Altoona Dog Park – A Favorite Dog Park in the Des Moines Metro

Altoona Dog Park is a go-to spot for dog owners throughout the Des Moines metro who want a well-rounded, reliable place to let their dogs run.

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Does IFA Work With FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Loans? | Iowa First Time Home Buyers

IFA mortgage programs work with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans. Growth Realty explains loan types and IFA rates for Des Moines-area buyers.

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Home Buyer Education

Financing, programs, timelines, and the parts of the process nobody explains up front.

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NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Where the green space is, what it is actually like, and which neighborhoods it sits in.

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SELLING

Prep, pricing, and what actually returns money at resale.

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HOME PROJECTS

Renovation costs, ROI, and lessons from real rehab jobs.

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MARKET UPDATES

Pricing, inventory, and what the numbers mean for your timing.

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INVESTING

Rental math, rehab math, and landlord basics.

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Looking for the Best Home or the Best Place to Live in Des Moines?

We can help. Whether you're just starting your home-buying or home-selling journey, let a local real estate expert guide you along the way. For help with any real estate questions about Des Moines, feel free to reach out anytime.