Buying a Home in Des Moines

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 You’ve found … Read more

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines 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 on a $300,000 loan saves roughly $100–$120 per month, or … Read more

2026 Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines: What Realtors Miss Sarah Feb 14, 2026 • 14 min read • Homeownership & Resources Twitter / X Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Ask ChatGPT Ask Claude Ask Grok Copy link Contents Contents Why Iowa Homeowners Insurance Costs Are Surging Into 2026 The 5 Insurance Blind Spots Most Buyers and … Read more

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines If you’re staring at ranch homes vs. two-story listings wondering which one actually makes sense for your family, you’re asking exactly the right question. Ranch homes cost more per square foot ($165–$185) but save $14,000–$20,000 in maintenance over 10 years compared to two-story homes … 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

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPUC® | Smart Move 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 that can provide thousands of dollars toward your … Read more