Senior Downsizing · Probate & Estate Sales · Out-of-State Heirs | Des Moines, Iowa
Sarah Ingles By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Can you sell a house in probate in Iowa? If you’ve been named executor of an estate in Iowa and the estate includes real property, you’re probably asking one of the most common questions I hear: can I sell the house while it’s still … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines If you need to sell a probate home in Des Moines, you’re not alone. You’re dealing with a lot right now, and insurance is probably not what you wanted to think about first. But this is one of the time-sensitive decisions that protects the … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Introduction: Why Timing Your home Sale Matters Knowing the best time to sell Des Moines home gives you a critical edge. In real estate, timing isn’t everything — but it’s close. The month you list your home, the local economic climate, and even the … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Cost of Living in Des Moines, Iowa (2026) The cost of living Des Moines Iowa residents face in 2026 is lower than most major U.S. cities. Whether you’re a buyer relocating to the Des Moines area, a homeowner deciding whether now is the right … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Don’t Skip the Most Important Step in Your Home Purchase A thorough home inspection is the single most important step between an accepted offer and a confident closing — especially in Central Iowa’s demanding climate. | Smart Move Des Moines | smartmovedsm.com This home … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® & SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Downsizing Your Home Starts With Downsizing Your Belongings This guide covers estate sale vs selling items downsizing options to help you make the best decision. When you have lived in a home for decades, the belongings you have accumulated tell the story of … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® & SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Build Wealth From Home With a Des Moines Duplex This guide covers house hacking Des Moines duplex options for first-time investors. House hacking a duplex lets you live in one unit and rent out the other — turning your home into an income-producing … Read more
The Complete Guide to 1031 Exchanges in Iowa: How Central Iowa Investors Defer Capital Gains and Build Wealth By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® & SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines What Is a 1031 Exchange and Why Should Iowa Investors Care? The 1031 exchange Iowa investors rely on allows you to defer capital gains and … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Mortgage rates Iowa 2026 are expected to ease for buyers. 2026 mortgage rates are expected to ease gradually — not crash — with most forecasts pointing toward the low-to-mid 6% range by late 2026. For Iowa buyers, that shift matters: a 0.5% rate drop … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Iowa property taxes 65 Des Moines seniors face can be significantly reduced with the right exemptions. If you’re 65 or older and own a home in Central Iowa, the Iowa 65+ homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill starting in 2026. Combined with … Read more