Best Real Estate Agents in Ames, IA• Updated
Looking for the best real estate agent in Ames, IA? This page ranks the top realtors in Ames by actual transaction data — not reviews or paid ads. Whether you want to find a top listing agent in Ames, IA or buy a home in Ames, our 2026 rankings use verified sales records, days on market, and price retention to surface the highest-performing agents.
Market Pulse: Balanced ⚖️
The Ames, IA real estate market is currently a Balanced Market. Homes are retaining 98% of their value (Sale Price to List Price Ratio). With 106 active listings and 42 closed sales this month, inventory remains at 2 months of supply. Trends over the last half-year show median values moving up by 6%, while Average Days on Market has increased by 6%. Transaction speed in Ames is currently 8 days slower than the broader Story benchmark.
Top Listing & Buyer's Agents in Ames, IA
Detached Homes
Entry Level Detached Home Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Entry Level Detached Home segment has risen by 6% over the last 6 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Entry Level Detached Home is decreasing, with homes now staying on market for 49 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Negotiation leverage in Entry Level Detached Home has stabilized over the last 6 months, with sellers receiving 98%.
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Mid-Market Detached Home Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Mid-Market Detached Home segment has softened by 7% over the last 6 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Mid-Market Detached Home is decreasing, with homes now staying on market for 56 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Negotiation leverage in Mid-Market Detached Home has stabilized over the last 6 months, with sellers receiving 98%.
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High-End Detached Home Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the High-End Detached Home segment has risen by 5% over the last 6 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for High-End Detached Home is increasing, with homes now staying on market for 92 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Negotiation leverage in High-End Detached Home has stabilized over the last 6 months, with sellers receiving 98%.
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Ultra-Luxury Detached Home Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Ultra-Luxury Detached Home segment has risen by 26% over the last 3 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Ultra-Luxury Detached Home is decreasing, with homes now staying on market for 13 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Seller leverage in the Ultra-Luxury Detached Home market is strengthening, with the Sale Price to List Price Ratio now at 99%.
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Condo/Co-op
Entry Level Condo/Co-op Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Entry Level Condo/Co-op segment has risen by 40% over the last 6 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Entry Level Condo/Co-op is decreasing, with homes now staying on market for 55 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Seller leverage in the Entry Level Condo/Co-op market is strengthening, with the Sale Price to List Price Ratio now at 98%.
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Mid-Market Condo/Co-op Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Mid-Market Condo/Co-op segment has softened by 16% over the last 5 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Mid-Market Condo/Co-op is increasing, with homes now staying on market for 60 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Seller leverage in the Mid-Market Condo/Co-op market is shifting towards buyers, with the Sale Price to List Price Ratio now at 98%.
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Townhomes
Entry Level Townhome Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Entry Level Townhome segment has softened by 15% over the last 4 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Entry Level Townhome is decreasing, with homes now staying on market for 45 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Seller leverage in the Entry Level Townhome market is shifting towards buyers, with the Sale Price to List Price Ratio now at 93%.
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Mid-Market Townhome Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Mid-Market Townhome segment has risen by 2% over the last 6 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Mid-Market Townhome is decreasing, with homes now staying on market for 66 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Seller leverage in the Mid-Market Townhome market is shifting towards buyers, with the Sale Price to List Price Ratio now at 88%.
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Multi-Family (2-4 Unit)
Entry Level Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The Entry Level Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) tier commands a price of $255K. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) homes in the Entry Level range average 112 days on market. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Sellers of Entry Level Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) assets receive 24% of list price.
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Mid-Market Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The average price in the Mid-Market Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) segment has softened by 18% over the last 3 months. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Days on market for Mid-Market Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) is increasing, with homes now staying on market for 112 days on average. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Seller leverage in the Mid-Market Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) market is shifting towards buyers, with the Sale Price to List Price Ratio now at 31%.
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High-End Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) Market Trends Median Price Market Trend The High-End Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) tier commands a price of $575K. Days On Market Avg. Market Trend Lower is better Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) homes in the High-End range average 63 days on market. Sale Price to List Price Ratio Market Trend Higher is better Lower is better Sellers of High-End Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) assets receive 100% of list price.
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Ames Real Estate Market Trends September 2026
Inventory Breakdown by Segment
| Property Type | Entry Level | High-End | Mid-Market | Ultra-Luxury | Total |
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| Condo/Co-op | 6 | — | 2 | — | 8 |
| Detached Home | 12 | 18 | 38 | 13 | 81 |
| Multi-Family (2-4 Unit) | 6 | 1 | 3 | — | 10 |
| Townhome | 1 | — | 6 | — | 7 |
Market Insights & FAQ
How is the real estate market in Ames, IA performing right now?
The data indicates a active environment in Ames, IA. Inventory is at 2 months, meaning a balanced environment with steady turnover. Inventory is balanced but lean, requiring buyers to be decisive.
What are the current pricing trends for Ames, IA real estate?
Currently, $393,000 represents the median entry point in Ames, IA. Over the past half-year, home values in Ames have moved upward by approximately 6% based on regional transaction data.
Are sellers in Ames, IA getting their full asking price?
Buyers have room for negotiation in Ames, IA, with a Sale Price to List Price Ratio of 97.6%. On average, properties in Ames are transitioning from active to sold status in 64 days.
Who is the best agent to sell my home in Ames?
Based on closed transaction data, Jim Horstman ranks at the top of our Ames leaderboard — with 2 completed transactions on record earning an algorithm performance score of 58. Agent Algo's rankings are built entirely from real deal outcomes — not reviews or paid placements — so this reflects actual results in the local market.
How does the Ames, IA market compare to Story trends?
Ames, IA maintains a distinct profile within the broader Story region. Median home values are currently 44% higher than the regional average, reflecting the unique demand and inventory dynamics of Ames.
Which agent is best for buying a Entry Level Detached Home in Ames, IA?
Buyers targeting Entry Level Detached Home homes in Ames, IA may want to work with Patricia Meese. Their buyer closings in this segment show a sale-to-list ratio that's more favorable than the local average — a signal of effective negotiation that keeps final purchase prices competitive for buyers.
Which agent is best for buying a Entry Level Condo/Co-op in Ames, IA?
Our data flags Bailey Sherburne as a top buyer's advocate for Entry Level Condo/Co-op properties in Ames, IA. Across their deals in the Entry Level Condo/Co-op category, Bailey Sherburne has consistently achieved better-than-average terms relative to asking price in Ames, IA. That kind of negotiating edge compounds over a transaction.
Which agent is best for buying a Mid-Market Detached Home in Ames, IA?
If you're hunting for a Mid-Market Detached Home in Ames, IA, Misty Metschke's track record speaks for itself. Buying effectively in this segment means knowing when and how hard to push. Their track record here shows they regularly outperform the local sale-to-list benchmark — in the buyer's favor.
Who is a top listing agent for Entry Level Detached Home homes in Ames, IA?
Jim Horstman has been particularly active in Ames's Entry Level Detached Home segment, and the numbers back it up. Their listings in this segment have consistently closed faster than the local average while achieving above-average sale-to-list ratios — a rare combination that directly benefits sellers on both time and final price.
Who is a top listing agent for Mid-Market Detached Home homes in Ames, IA?
When looking specifically at Mid-Market Detached Home transactions, Gale Ryan Gehling consistently surfaces as a top performer in Ames, IA. The data points to a dual edge here: shorter time on market than is typical for this segment, and sale prices that hold closer to — or above — the asking price compared to local norms.
Which agent is best for buying a Mid-Market Condo/Co-op in Ames, IA?
For those looking to purchase a Mid-Market Condo/Co-op in Ames, IA, Bailey Sherburne has the deal history to support the choice. For buyers competing in the Mid-Market Condo/Co-op market in Ames, IA, their track record indicates speed and negotiating strength that outperforms the segment baseline on both counts.
Which agent is best for buying a High-End Detached Home in Ames, IA?
Navigating Ames's High-End Detached Home market as a buyer? Patricia Meese is among the most effective agents in this niche. Their buyer closings in this segment show a sale-to-list ratio that's more favorable than the local average — a signal of effective negotiation that keeps final purchase prices competitive for buyers.
Which agent is best for buying a Mid-Market Townhome in Ames, IA?
Renee Klaus has helped buyers close on Mid-Market Townhome properties in Ames, IA — and the data shows it. Across their deals in the Mid-Market Townhome category, Renee Klaus has consistently achieved better-than-average terms relative to asking price in Ames, IA. That kind of negotiating edge compounds over a transaction.