You already own a home. Maybe you bought it as a starter place five or six years ago. Now the family has grown, you need a home office, or you just want a bigger yard and a newer kitchen. But here is the worry that keeps move-up buyers stuck: How do I buy the next home without getting trapped owning two houses — or worse, selling first and having nowhere to live?

That fear is real, and it is exactly why the right agent matters. The best realtor for move-up buyers in Des Moines is someone who can run both sides of the deal at once — selling your current home and getting you into the next one — without leaving you in a scary gap. That is the work Natasha Ratliff of Ratliff Real Estate Group does every week.

What Makes a Move-Up Buyer Different

A first-time buyer only has to worry about buying. A move-up buyer has to win at two things on the same calendar: selling high and buying smart. Your equity is the down payment on the next house, so the timing has to line up.

In the Des Moines metro, the median home price sits in the mid-$300,000s, and well-kept homes in good school districts still move quickly. That is good news when you sell — but it also means you need to be ready to act fast when you buy. With over 11 years of experience, Natasha Ratliff builds a plan so you are never scrambling.

How to Buy and Sell at the Same Time (Without Panic)

There are a few proven ways to make the move-up work, and the right one depends on your numbers:

Sale contingency. You make an offer on your new home that depends on your current home selling first. This protects you, though in a tight market sellers may prefer a cleaner offer.

Sell first, then buy with a rent-back. You sell your home and ask the buyer for a short "rent-back" so you can stay 30 to 60 days while you close on the next one. This is one of the smoothest paths and one Natasha uses often.

Bridge financing or a HELOC. You tap equity to make a strong, non-contingent offer, then pay it off when your old home sells. This wins more bids but needs careful planning.

The key is having an agent who knows which lever to pull. Ratliff Real Estate Group maps your timeline before you list anything, so both closings line up.

Where Move-Up Buyers Are Landing in the Metro

Many move-up families in our area are trading a starter home for new construction or a larger existing home in growing suburbs. Ankeny, Grimes, Waukee, and Urbandale stay popular for their newer builds and strong amenities. Families focused on schools love the Southeast Polk district in Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and the 50317 area.

New construction communities like Ruby Rose Ridge and Woods of Copper Creek, along with builders like Destiny Homes, give move-up buyers a chance to get exactly the layout they want. As a New Construction Specialist, Natasha helps you compare a brand-new build against a resale home so you spend smart.

Don't Forget the Des Moines Tax Abatement

Here is a money move many move-up buyers miss: the Des Moines tax abatement. On qualifying new construction and improvements, the city can abate a large share of the property taxes on the added value for several years. For a family moving up into a newer or bigger home, that can mean real savings every month during the early years of ownership. Natasha is a Des Moines tax abatement expert and will tell you straight whether a home qualifies before you fall in love with it.

Why Work With Natasha Ratliff

Moving up is a faith step — you are betting on your family's future. Natasha treats it that way. She is a 2024 DRAS Construction Diversity Accelerator Graduate and runs the Roots to Wealth homeownership program, which helps families build lasting equity, not just buy a house. She is direct, she protects your timeline, and she never pushes you into something that does not fit your budget. With Ratliff Real Estate Group, you get an expert who feels like a trusted friend walking the whole road with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I sell my home or buy the new one first in Des Moines?

For most move-up buyers, selling first with a short rent-back is the safest path because it frees your equity and removes the risk of two mortgages. But if you have strong income or a HELOC, buying first can win you the home in a competitive spot. Natasha builds the plan around your numbers.

2. Can I make an offer with a home sale contingency and still win?

Yes, especially on homes that have sat a few weeks or on new construction where the builder has flexibility. In multiple-offer situations it is harder, so we sometimes use bridge financing instead.

3. How much equity do I need to move up?

It depends on your next price point, but many move-up buyers use their current equity for the down payment and closing costs. We will run your real net proceeds before you list.

4. Is now a good time to move up in Des Moines?

With steady demand and limited inventory, sellers are still getting strong prices, which helps your sale side. Locking in your next home before rates or prices shift can pay off. We will look at your specific situation.

5. Do move-up buyers qualify for the tax abatement?

If you move into qualifying new construction or a substantially improved home in an eligible Des Moines area, you may. Natasha checks every property's abatement status up front.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Let's build a plan that sells your current home for top dollar and gets you into the next one — without the scary gap in between. Book a free Move-Up Strategy Call today.

Natasha Ratliff

Ratliff Real Estate Group | RE/MAX Precision

📞 515-943-0219

✉️ [email protected]

Serving: Des Moines, Ankeny, Grimes, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, the 50317 zip code, Urbandale, Waukee, Clive, and West Des Moines