Home sales were down 29% year-over-year in the Des Moines metro area, per RE/MAX's February report.

Why it matters: In 2022, potential buyers were desperate for more inventory. Now, homes are hitting the market but people can't afford them.

What's happening: Rates for a 30-year loan were at 6.09% in early February 2023, and shot up to 6.65% by the end of the month, per Freddie Mac.

By the numbers:

• There were 566 home transactions in February 2023, compared to 802 during the same time period in 2022.
• Available homes for sale increased from 1,510 to 2,020.
• The median home price is still going up, however —$260,000 this year compared to $240,795 in 2022.

Zoom out: Because there's less competition right now, buyers don't have to front as much cash as they did a year ago, Axios' Emily Peck reports.

Between the lines: Buyers who can afford these mortgage rates have more power.

• They have more options than a year ago, can take their time searching and make offers that aren't wildly above list price.

Yes, but: These rates make buying unaffordable for many.

What they're saying: Metro home pricing finally hit its ceiling in 2022 after several years of spikes, per Les Sulgrove — a local realtor and former president of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors.

What's next: Mortgage rates dropped nearly a quarter point this month, which means buyer activity will likely pick back up.

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Polk County residents who lost their driving privileges due to unpaid traffic violations can get their licenses reinstated more easily now.

Driving the news: The county attorney's office announced this week it revamped its License Reinstatement Program. Once you're in the program, you can drive again.

• Previously, people in the program were required to enter a payment plan and pay a $100 initial fee and at least $50 a month until their debt was paid off. Now, that amount will be based on income.

Why it matters: A suspended license creates more barriers for people trying to earn money to pay off debts.

What they're saying: "Dangerous drivers should lose their licenses, but not people who simply cannot afford to pay a traffic ticket," Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham said in a statement.

Of note: The new income-based plan is not retroactive and only applies to traffic cases.

Between the lines: Graham was elected last year as the first Polk County Attorney since John Sarcone’s 30-year tenure.

• This initiative fits with her promise to shake things up and focus on inequities, especially those that impact people of color.

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A group of Des Moines residents is urging the city to adopt and promote citizen participation in "No Mow May."

Why it matters: It's part of a small but growing national environmental movement.

• Early spring lawn mowing is harmful to some insects, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies, metro members of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom told the council in February.

Zoom in: League members are asking Mayor Frank Cownie to sign a proclamation in support of No Mow May.

• DSM resident and league member Carolyn Uhlenhake Walker tells Axios they would like information about the no-mow movement added to the city's Sustainability Program website where residents could voluntarily register as participants.

State of play: The league's requests are being reviewed. A proclamation is likely to be issued on April 10, city spokesperson Al Setka tells Axios.

• Tall grass complaint enforcement won't begin until June, so it's unlikely that residents who participate would face city government hurdles, he said.

Of note: Municipal properties like lawns at City Hall or in cemeteries will be mowed on their typical schedules, Setka said.

• The parks department has for years expanded its natural prairie areas, which include hundreds of acres.

✍️ Take our reader survey.

• Should DSM encourage residents to participate in No Mow May?

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🏥 Iowa's new "Rural Emergency Hospital" designation allows some to stop providing inpatient services but maintain a 24/7 emergency room. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

📈 Iowa will stop reporting COVID-19 data via an online dashboard at the end of this week. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

🏀 Iowa’s Caitlin Clark was named Naismith player of the year on Wednesday. (Sports Illustrated)

🙅 State agencies could refuse to release information to the state auditor under changes to a bill being considered by House Republicans. (Radio Iowa)

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