1. How do I know if I’m ready to buy a home?

If you’ve been scrolling Zillow at 2 a.m., daydreaming about a bigger kitchen, or wondering what your monthly payment could be… you’re probably ready to chat! A quick talk with a lender will tell you exactly what your budget looks like, and we’ll guide you from there.

2. Do I really need a pre-approval first?

Yes! Think of pre-approval as your “fast pass.” It helps you shop with confidence and makes your offer stronger when you find “the one.” And don’t worry—it's faster and easier than most people expect.

3. Do I really need 20% down?

Nope! That’s a myth that refuses to die. Many buyers qualify for 3%, 5%, or even 0% down depending on the loan. Let’s explore your options!

4. What extra costs come with buying a home?

You’ll see things like earnest money, inspections, appraisal fees, and closing costs. Nothing scary—and we’ll explain every step so you’re never surprised.

5. How long does buying a home take?

Once your offer is accepted, the process usually takes 30–45 days. Enough time to pack… but not too much time to second-guess all the things you’ve collected since 2009.

6. What should I do to get my home ready to sell?

Think: a little sparkle and shine! Declutter, tidy up, maybe touch up paint—and we’ll guide you with staging tips to help your home make a killer first impression. We’ve got this down to an art form.

7. How do you decide what my home is worth?

We look at recent sales, current market trends, and what makes your home special. The goal? Price it just right to bring in strong, serious buyers.

8. How long will it take to sell?

It depends on the market, price, and time of year. In the Altoona/Des Moines area, well-prepared homes tend to move quickly—sometimes in days!

9. What are seller closing costs?

Things like commissions, title fees, and paperwork. We’ll give you a clear breakdown (also known as a “here’s exactly what to expect” sheet).

10. Why should I work with Meek & Co Realty Group?

Because we genuinely love people—and we mean that! We’re local, experienced, family-driven, and really, really good at taking the stress out of buying or selling. With us, you’ll always know what’s going on and what happens next.

11. Can you recommend lenders, inspectors, or contractors?

Absolutely. We’ve gathered a dream team of trusted partners who take great care of our clients. Whatever you need—we know someone wonderful.

12. I want to sell my home. Where do I start?

With a simple, friendly consultation. We’ll walk through your home, answer your questions, and map out the perfect plan to get you the best results.

13. I want to buy a home. Where do I start?

Reach out! We’ll chat about what you’re looking for, your timeline, and your budget. Then we’ll connect you with a great lender and start your home search.

14. Can I buy and sell at the same time without losing my mind?

Yes—and we’ll help make it as smooth as possible. We coordinate timing, plan ahead, and handle the details so you can focus on the excitement of the move, not the chaos.

15. What areas do you serve?

We proudly help clients in Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Bondurant, Runnells, and the entire West Des Moines & Des Moines metro.