Your Secret Weapon for Urban Real Estate
Escape the suburbs and discover the potential of Des Moines’ historic neighborhoods.
Creating vs. Buying
Many of my real estate clients prioritize a turnkey experience; and I love helping them find their perfect fit in a move-in ready home in Des Moines or one of the suburbs.
But if you are drawn to the character of urban living and want to avoid a "cookie-cutter" residence, you have a powerful alternative available to you.
Invest DSM provides special funding and other services in select Des Moines neighborhoods (known as Special Investment Districts) that allow you renovate properties that would otherwise not be economically viable. This means you don't have to hunt for a finished product; you can create one!
By bundling Invest DSM funding, the City of Des Moines Tax Abatement program, and the construction expertise of the Des Moines Renovation Co we can deliver to you a custom home that rivals any new construction, right in the heart of the city.
And it all starts with Invest DSM
Invest DSM is a non-profit organization with a mission of revitalizing historic Des Moines neighborhoods. In 2024, I had the privilege of hosting an in-depth look at Invest DSM. And I'm pumped to share this information with you.
Watch this video to see real examples of transformed homes; and learn how these initiatives are revitalizing Des Moines neighborhoods. We are proud to be an approved vendor for the Invest DSM residential development programs, and we are excited to help you take advantage of these opportunities to create your dream home in Des Moines.
How we make it Happen
Navigating financing, grants, tax codes, and contractors can be daunting if you do it alone. We simplify the chaos by bundling the following activities into one streamlined service, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
Finance the Renovation
Invest DSM provides financing specifically designed to professionally renovate homes in selected Des Moines Special Investment Districts. This custom financing bridges the gap between a home's purchase price and the cost of renovation; thereby making the renovation financially viable.
Obtain the Tax Abatement
When you improve a home in these SIDs, you're not penalized with higher taxes immediately. The City of Des Moines Tax Abatement Program freezes your cost basis for 10 years, saving you thousands of dollars over the ten year abatement period.
Manage the Construction Team
The biggest hurdle to a fixer-upper is finding a contractor you trust. I partner with my sister company, the Des Moines Renovation Company, to ensure the work is done to code, on budget, and meets all the specific requirements of the incentive programs.
The Fine Print, Simplified
Whether you are a data-driven buyer who wants to analyze every regulation, or someone who prefers to leave the technical details to the pros, we have you covered. Feel free to explore the specific program guides below to see exactly how we structure these deals—or simply reach out to me for a personalized walkthrough.
We Don’t Just Find the House. We Build the Home
Securing funding and tax breaks is great, but only if construction goes smoothly. This is where many buyers get stuck—but not my clients.
The Des Moines Renovation Co, specializes in these exact types of projects. In fact, our commitment to craftsmanship was recently profiled in a Business Record feature story highlighting our transformation of a historic Drake Neighborhood home.
We understand the Invest DSM and City of Des Moines Tax Abatement paperwork, and excel at high-quality renovations, meaning you don't need to hunt for a contractor or deal with approval hassles. You have an award-winning team ready to go from Day One.
Let’s Explore your Options
Every home and every renovation is different. The best way to understand what these incentives can mean to you is to sit down and talk. Once I understand your vision, we will craft a plan to turn your dream into reality.