Senior Downsizing · Probate & Estate Sales · Out-of-State Heirs | Des Moines, Iowa
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
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
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Mortgage rates Iowa 2026 are expected to ease for buyers. 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 … 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 When choosing between ranch vs two-story homes in West Des Moines, the decision matters more than most families realize. 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 … 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
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 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 Downsizing Your Home Starts With Downsizing Your Belongings This guide covers estate sale vs selling items downsizing options to help you make the best decision. When you have lived in a home for decades, the belongings you have accumulated tell the story of … Read more
By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Iowa property taxes 65 Des Moines seniors face can be significantly reduced with the right exemptions. If you’re 65 or older and own a home in Central Iowa, the Iowa 65+ homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill starting in 2026. Combined with … Read more