The Agency's Bold Move into Iowa: What It Means for Des Moines

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-20

The Agency has officially planted its flag in the Midwest with a new office in Des Moines. It's a move that signals big things for Central Iowa's real estate scene. Led by Managing Partners Mike Slavin and Nathan Lyman, The Agency Des Moines will serve residential and land markets throughout the region, from the city's vibrant core to its welcoming suburbs. ### Why Des Moines? Why Now? Des Moines isn't just another dot on the map. As Iowa's capital and largest city, it offers a compelling mix of career opportunities, space, and quality of life that's drawing buyers from all over. Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency, puts it simply: "Des Moines offers a compelling combination of career opportunities, space and quality of life that continues to attract buyers looking to put down roots." And with Mike and Nathan's commitment to local expertise and exceptional service, it's a perfect fit. But what makes Des Moines so special? For starters, it's a business-friendly city with a strong economy and top-rated schools. The cost of living is lower than in many major metros, and there's a lively college sports scene that brings the community together. Surrounding suburbs offer everything from new construction to established homes with plenty of space for families. And if you're a water lover, you'll find waterfront retreats on Lake Ponderosa and Lake Panorama. It's a lifestyle that's hard to beat. ### A Global Brand with Local Roots James Ramsay, EVP of The Agency's Franchise Division, sees Des Moines as a natural next step in the company's Midwest expansion. "Our global network and marketing platform will support Mike and Nathan as they build the office and connect Central Iowa with buyers across our markets," he says. That means sellers get exposure to a worldwide audience, and buyers get access to a team that knows the ins and outs of Central Iowa. For Mike Slavin, the magic of Des Moines lies in its surrounding communities. "Much of what makes the Des Moines market special is found in the communities surrounding the city, where buyers can find everything from established neighborhoods to acreage and custom-built homes," he explains. "We've built our business around knowing these communities at a very high level and delivering an exceptional experience for our clients." Nathan Lyman adds, "Partnering with The Agency gives us the opportunity to take what we've built locally and pair it with a truly global brand, network and marketing platform. We're excited about what that means for our clients, our agents and the future of our business." > "Des Moines is a natural next step in The Agency's Midwest expansion, supported by an established business community and a growing range of housing opportunities." – James Ramsay, EVP of The Agency's Franchise Division ### What This Means for You If you're in the market to buy or sell in Central Iowa, this news is worth noting. The Agency Des Moines brings a fresh approach to real estate, combining local know-how with global reach. Whether you're looking for a starter home in West Des Moines, a sprawling estate in the suburbs, or a waterfront property on one of the area's lakes, the team is ready to help. And with a brand that's known for its innovative marketing and collaborative culture, you can expect a higher level of service. The office is located at 650 S Prairie View Drive, Suite 205, West Des Moines, IA 50266. So if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello. The team is eager to meet you and show you what they can do. In the end, this is more than just a new office opening. It's a sign that Des Moines is on the rise, and The Agency is betting big on its future. And from the looks of it, that's a smart bet.