Iowa

As a real estate investor, Iowa offers a range of investment opportunities in both the residential and commercial sectors. The state has a strong economy, with a diverse range of industries and a growing population. This can create demand for housing and make Iowa an attractive market for real estate investment. Property rentals and short term rentals, such as vacation rentals, can be popular in Iowa due to the state's many tourist attractions and the large number of people who travel there for work or events. Metropolitan areas such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have strong job markets and a relatively low cost of living, making them attractive markets for real estate investment. When considering real estate investing in Iowa, it is important to research local market conditions and do your due diligence to make informed decisions and maximize the potential return on your investments.

Sustainability Resources

The Real Estate industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world accounting for:
30%
of total carbon dioxide
40%
of all energy
40%
of all raw materials
Our goal is to give you the resources you need to take sustainable action in improving, building, retrofitting and revamping your home. The impacts are real, the benefits significant, and the need critical. Join us in bringing sustainability home and creating a brighter future for all, starting with you.

Save money and do the world a favor!
Here's a list of Sustainability Initiatives in the area:

WaterSense Webinars

WaterSense, a subset of the US EPA, puts on sustainability webinars that have different focuses.

Learn More
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

DSIRE's incentive and policy search tool allows you to search energy incentives and policies by state.

Learn More
Solar Incentives, Rebates and Tax Breaks by State

Energy Sage's Solar Savings by State tool allows you to search your state for solar rebates, incentives, and tax breaks.

Learn More

Iowa FAQs

Is Iowa a judicial or non-judicial state?

Judicial

In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.
In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.

What is the process of closing on a property in Iowa?

Attorneys may conduct closings, and so may real estate agents. Conveyance is usually by warranty deed. Mortgages and deeds of trust are both authorized security instruments, but lenders prefer mortgages because deeds of trust do not circumvent judicial foreclosure proceedings anyway. Those proceedings take at least 4 -6 months. Since Iowa is the only state which does not authorize private title title insurance, Iowans who want it must go through a state administered title company or fund. Buyers and sellers share the closing costs; sellers pay the documentary taxes. Property taxes are due July 1st based upon the previous January’s assessment.

Property Taxes in Iowa?

Due July 1st

In Iowa, does a property management company require a real estate broker's license?

Yes. Key components of property management (renting, leasing and collecting rent) are considered real estate activities under existing Iowa real estate licensing laws. According to statute, if a property manager is going to lease, rent, manage, list, collect rent, procure prospects or negotiate, assist, prepare residential rental agreements, or offer to perform any of those acts, he or she will need a broker's license. A salesperson working under a broker may engage in such activities.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a property manager have a broker's license in Iowa?

Yes. For example, resident managers are exempt. For more information about these and other Iowa property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Iowa Real Estate Commission. Before hiring a property manager to manage your Iowa rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Iowa property managers at the Iowa Online License Verification System.

Do you need a broker's license to manage community associations in Iowa?

NO. A broker's license is not required to manage community associations in Iowa.

Iowa Real Estate Broker Requirements

Attorneys may conduct closings, and so may real estate agents. Conveyance is usually by warranty deed. Mortgages and deeds of trust are both authorized security instruments, but lenders prefer mortgages because deeds of trust do not circumvent judicial foreclosure proceedings anyway. Those proceedings take at least 4 -6 months. Since Iowa is the only state which does not authorize private title title insurance, Iowans who want it must go through a state administered title company or fund. Buyers and sellers share the closing costs; sellers pay the documentary taxes. Property taxes are due July 1st based upon the previous January’s assessment.

Iowa Real Estate Salesperson Requirements

Due July 1st

How do property ownership transfers work in Iowa?

Warranty deed.

Cities