Vacant Home Insurance For Inherited Iowa Houses

Vacant Iowa home insurance gap for out-of-state heirs — 30 to 60 day coverage limit

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

Downsizing vs Aging in Place: Des Moines Budget Guide

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

The Ultimate Guide to House Hacking a Des Moines Duplex

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

Best Time to Sell Your Des Moines Iowa Home in 2026

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

2026 Guide: Building a Multi-State Real Estate Empire from 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. 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

Mastering 1031 Exchange Strategies for Iowa Real Estate Investments

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

Iowa Tax Strategies for Multi-Location Real Estate Investors

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

Sell My House Fast in Des Moines: 7 Proven Strategies for 2026

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Sell house fast Des Moines — If you’re wondering how to sell your house fast in Des Moines, you’re not alone — and the stakes are real. The average days on market in the Des Moines metro stretched to 79 in 2024, which means … Read more

2026 Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines: What Realtors Miss

2026 Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines: What Realtors Miss By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Home insurance risks in Des Moines are surging in 2026 — Iowa homeowners insurance rates are projected to jump 19% by end of year,national average. If you own a home in Des Moines, especially … Read more

The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist for Des Moines Buyers

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