Expert REALTOR® for Senior Downsizing, Probate & Out-of-State Estate Sales in Des Moines
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. Building wealth through real estate doesn’t stop at the Iowa border — and in 2026, the smartest Central Iowa investors are … Read more
Feb 14, 2026 By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Downsizing vs aging in place is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make as a Central Iowa senior — and the right answer depends on your budget, your health, your home’s condition, and your long-term goals. Both paths can … Read more
Feb 14, 2026 By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines 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. As a REALTOR® serving Waukee, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, and … 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 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
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® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines If you’ve been thinking about ditching the stairs — whether that means downsizing into a ranch, finding a villa with snow and lawn care handled, or simply moving your bedroom to the main floor — West Des Moines is one of the best places … 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 You’ve probably heard both terms — downsizing and right-sizing. Maybe a friend mentioned they’re “right-sizing” into a ranch-style home in Urbandale. Or your adult child gently suggested it might be time to “downsize” now that the kids are gone. Same move. Very different mindset. … Read more