The Journal

Central Iowa insights

House hacking, first-time buying, investor playbooks, neighborhood breakdowns, and monthly market updates — from someone who lives and invests here.

📍
Neighborhoods

Grimes vs. Waukee, Iowa — Comparing the West Side's Two Fastest-Growing Suburbs

If you're shopping the west side of the metro, two names come up again and again — Grimes and Waukee. Both are growing fast, both draw families and first-t

Read the full post →
📈
House Hacking & Investing

The BRRRR Strategy, Explained for Central Iowa Investors

Jun 23, 2026
🔑
Buying

What Central Iowa Buyers Get Wrong About Iowa Property Taxes

Jun 17, 2026
📈
House Hacking & Investing

What Is an ADU — and Can You Add One in Central Iowa?

Jun 17, 2026
📍
Neighborhoods

Living in Huxley, Iowa — The Small Town on I-35 That Buyers Keep Discovering

Jun 10, 2026
🏷️
Selling

Selling and Buying at the Same Time in Iowa — How to Navigate Both Without the Stress

Jun 10, 2026
🔑
Buying

What to Expect From a Home Inspection in Iowa — A Buyer's Step-by-Step Guide

Jun 4, 2026
📈
House Hacking & Investing

Iowa Landlord Basics — What Every First-Time Rental Owner Needs to Know

Jun 4, 2026
🏷️
Selling

How to Price Your Home Correctly in the Ankeny Market — A Realtor's Framework

May 26, 2026
📍
Neighborhoods

Ankeny vs. Johnston, Iowa — Which Suburb Is the Right Fit for You?

May 26, 2026
🔑
Buying

How to Safely Waive Contingencies in a Competitive Iowa Market

May 20, 2026
📈
House Hacking & Investing

Top Neighborhoods for House Hacking in Ames, Iowa

May 20, 2026
📍
Neighborhoods

Living in Ankeny, Iowa — What Every Buyer Should Know Before You Move Here

May 19, 2026
🔑
Buying

Rent vs. Buy in Central Iowa in 2026 — When the Math Actually Works

May 19, 2026
📈
House Hacking & Investing

How to Analyze a Rental Property in 10 Minutes — A Central Iowa Investor's Playbook

May 12, 2026
🏷️
Selling

What Repairs Are Actually Worth Doing Before Listing Your Iowa Home

May 12, 2026