Senior Downsizing · Probate & Estate Sales · Out-of-State Heirs | Des Moines, Iowa
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines To price an inherited house in Des Moines correctly, executors need a framework that goes beyond a simple CMA. One of the first questions executors ask when they’re preparing to sell an inherited home in Des Moines is whether to fix it up first … Read more
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 Vacant home insurance for executors in Iowa is one of the most overlooked aspects of estate administration. When someone passes away and leaves a home in Iowa, the family’s focus is — understandably — on grief, on legal paperwork, and on figuring out … Read more
Vacant home insurance Iowa requirements are one of the first surprises out-of-state heirs run into after inheriting Iowa real estate from out of state in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or anywhere across the state. Standard homeowners policies were written for owner-occupied homes — once a property sits empty for 30 to 60 days, most carriers … 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
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
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 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
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 This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified CPA or tax attorney before making investment decisions. Iowa tax strategies for real estate investors shape whether a multi-location portfolio compounds or leaks equity at every … Read more