Relocating to Des Moines as a Physician: What Medical Families Don’t Expect with Andrea Quann - Ep8

This episode is supported by Bob at Truist, who works closely with physicians and medical families navigating big financial decisions—especially around relocation, home buying, and long-term planning. If you’re making a move, stepping into a new role, or just want clarity around how your money fits into your life, Bob brings a calm, strategic approach that’s built for people with complex careers. You can connect directly with Bob— http://www.truist.com/bob.hall —- Des Moines isn’t flashy — but it offers something many high-demand cities don’t: accessibility, manageable cost of living, strong physician demand, and an easy lifestyle. Andrea Quann is married to a general surgeon, and since medical school they’ve relocated multiple times — Iowa City, Des Moines (residency), Dubuque, Wilmington, NC, and back again. They’ve rented, built, bought land, sold quickly, and learned hard financial lessons along the way. Now a licensed real estate agent with Re/Max Precision, Andrea specializes in helping physician families relocate with clarity — especially when time is limited and stakes are high. In this episode, Andrea shares: What it’s really like moving cross-country twice in under a year Why physicians should think twice before rushing into a home purchase Lessons learned from buying a spec home and land during attending years The reality of Des Moines’ market (including surprising million-dollar inventory) Why Midwest cities are often more insulated from national real estate swings What makes Des Moines “easy” to live in How to build community as a physician spouse Why listening matters more than selling in real estate This conversation blends practical relocation advice with honest reflections on marriage, medical call schedules, raising kids through residency, and choosing lifestyle alignment over hype. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Des Moines can feel like a “hidden gem” for physicians Average home prices in Des Moines (around $330K) What $1M+ inventory currently looks like in this market How Midwest markets differ from coastal real estate cycles Commute realities (20 minutes almost anywhere) The pros and cons of buying during early attending years Why not rushing a purchase can be strategic The emotional load physician spouses carry during relocation How to evaluate a city beyond compensation alone The importance of researching and interviewing real estate agents About the Guest Andrea Quann is a licensed real estate agent with Re/Max Precision based in Des Moines, Iowa. She is married to a general surgeon and has personally navigated medical school, residency, attending transitions, private practice shifts, and cross-country moves. Before becoming a realtor, Andrea worked in healthcare marketing and web design for a large health system, collaborating closely with residency and fellowship programs. Those experiences — combined with handling four relocations of her own — shaped her mission: To make relocation easier and far less stressful for doctors and their families, especially when time is limited and the stakes are high. Connect with Andrea 📍 Des Moines, Iowa 📧 [email protected] 📞 515-419-1494 🌐 http://andreaquannrealtor.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreaquannrealtor/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-quann-95b75430a/ About the Show The Moving Medicine Podcast is a space for physicians and physician spouses navigating relocation—not as a transaction, but as a life transition. Hosted by Zoe Taylor, founder of Moving Medicine Partners, the show centers the human side of medical moves and offers clarity, grounding, and shared understanding for families at every stage of the journey. Connect & Follow 🌐 Website: https://movingmedicinepartners.com/ 📸 Instagram: @movingmedicinepartners 📘 Facebook: Moving Medicine Partners 💼 LinkedIn: Moving Medicine Partners ✉️ Email: [email protected] About the Host Zoe Taylor is the founder of Moving Medicine Partners and someone who has sat at that kitchen table herself. Through her work supporting medical families across the country, Zoe has seen the unseen labor of relocation up close—and built this podcast to make sure no one has to navigate it feeling invisible, rushed, or alone. Learn more…