Senior Downsizing · Probate & Estate Sales · Out-of-State Heirs | Des Moines, Iowa
Sarah Ingles By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Exploring 55+ living Central Iowa Des Moines options is a key decision for senior buyers. Choosing a 55+ community in Central Iowa is one of the biggest quality-of-life decisions you’ll make — and the Des Moines metro has more options than most people realize. … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Downsizing home Des Moines is a smart move for Iowa seniors. If you’re considering downsizing your home in Des Moines, you’re in good company — thousands of Iowa seniors and empty nesters make this transition every year, seeking to simplify, reduce the maintenance load, … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Des Moines is one of the most undervalued mid-size metros in the country — and 2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year. Major business expansions, rising job opportunities, housing that’s still 30–50% more affordable than comparable Midwest cities, and a lifestyle that … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals before making investment decisions. Multi-state real estate investing Des Moines investors embrace is a powerful wealth strategy. Building wealth through real estate doesn’t stop at … Read more
Feb 14, 2026 By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines When choosing between downsizing vs aging in place Des Moines options, seniors need a clear financial picture. Downsizing vs aging in place is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make as a Central Iowa senior — and the right … Read more
Feb 14, 2026 By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines The best Des Moines neighborhoods families choose offer great schools and community. Choosing the right neighborhood for your family in Des Moines comes down to three things: schools, safety, and how your daily life actually works — drop-offs, commute, groceries, weekends. … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines If you’re facing the reality of selling your parents’ home in Des Moines — whether it’s an estate situation, a probate property, or a planned transition to senior living — you deserve a calm, clear plan that respects both the heart and the numbers. … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Are you searching for senior housing costs in Des Moines for 2026? With costs rising steadily — up about 19% since 2021 in Iowa — planning ahead is essential for families navigating downsizing and senior living transitions. As your SRES® Realtor in Des Moines, … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPUC® | Smart Move Des Moines Searching for first-time homebuyer grants in Des Moines? Thinking about buying a home in Des Moines but worried about the down payment? You’re not alone — and you might be closer to your dream home than you think. Iowa offers powerful first-time homebuyer programs … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Worried about buying the “wrong” house for your family in a shifting market? You’re not alone. The starter home vs. forever home question is one of the most common conversations I have with Des Moines buyers — and the honest answer is that both … Read more