The Agency's Bold Move: Why Des Moines Is the Next Big Thing

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-20

The Agency just planted its flag in the heart of the Midwest. With the opening of its new office in West Des Moines, the global real estate brand is making a serious play for Central Iowa—and it's bringing some local heavy hitters along for the ride. ### A New Home in the Heartland Located at 650 S Prairie View Drive, Suite 205, in West Des Moines, The Agency Des Moines will serve clients throughout the region, from the bustling capital city to the tranquil suburbs and beyond. The office will focus on residential and land markets, offering a full range of services to buyers and sellers. Leading the charge are Managing Partners Mike Slavin and Nathan Lyman, two seasoned pros who know the ins and outs of Central Iowa real estate. They've built their reputations on deep local knowledge and a commitment to exceptional service—values that align perfectly with The Agency's ethos. "Des Moines offers a compelling combination of career opportunities, space and quality of life that continues to attract buyers looking to put down roots," said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency. "Mike and Nathan share our commitment to local expertise, collaboration and exceptional service, and we are thrilled to welcome them to The Agency as we expand our presence in Central Iowa." ### Why Des Moines? It's All About Lifestyle As Iowa's capital and largest city, Des Moines is more than just a government town. It's a vibrant metro that blends a business-friendly urban core with welcoming neighborhoods and a lively college sports scene. The city has become a magnet for buyers from the coasts and major cities, drawn by top-rated schools, a strong economy, and a lower cost of living. But it's the surrounding communities that really shine. From waterfront retreats on Lake Ponderosa and Lake Panorama to new construction corridors, the area offers a range of housing options for every lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly suburb with space to grow or a custom-built home on acreage, Des Moines delivers. "Much of what makes the Des Moines market special is found in the communities surrounding the city," said Mike Slavin. "We've built our business around knowing these communities at a very high level and delivering an exceptional experience for our clients." ### The Agency's Global Reach, Local Touch The move is part of The Agency's broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Midwest. According to James Ramsay, EVP of The Agency's Franchise Division, Des Moines was a natural next step. "The city has an established business community and a growing range of housing opportunities," he said. "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." For Slavin and Lyman, partnering with The Agency is a game-changer. "It gives us the opportunity to take what we've built locally and pair it with a truly global brand, network and marketing platform," Lyman said. "We're excited about what that means for our clients, our agents and the future of our business." ### What This Means for You If you're in the market to buy or sell in Central Iowa, The Agency Des Moines is ready to help. With a team that knows the territory and a brand that reaches around the world, you get the best of both worlds. Stop by their new office or reach out to Mike or Nathan directly—they're eager to welcome you to the neighborhood. Welcome to Iowa, indeed. It looks like The Agency is here to stay.