The Complete Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Des Moines

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Downsizing home Des Moines is a smart move for Iowa seniors. If you’re considering downsizing your home in Des Moines, you’re in good company — thousands of Iowa seniors and empty nesters make this transition every year, seeking to simplify, reduce the maintenance load, … Read more

Senior Housing Costs in Des Moines: 2026 Guide

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

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

2026 Central Iowa 55+ Living Guide: Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Exploring 55+ living Central Iowa Des Moines options is a key decision for senior buyers. Choosing a 55+ community in Central Iowa is one of the biggest quality-of-life decisions you’ll make — and the Des Moines metro has more options than most people realize. … Read more

6 Costly Downsizing Mistakes Des Moines Seniors Make in 2026

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Downsizing mistakes Des Moines seniors make thousands of dollars and months of stress every year — and most of them are completely avoidable. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) who helps families navigate these transitions across Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, … Read more

Downsizing vs. Rightsizing: Which Fits Your Des Moines Move?

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® CPCU® | Smart Move Des Moines Downsizing vs rightsizing 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. … Read more

Main-Floor Living & Best Neighborhoods in West Des Moines 2026

Main floor living West Des Moines is one of the smartest moves a senior or downsizer can make in 2026 — whether that means a ranch home, a villa with lawn and snow care handled, or a 55+ community where everything is designed for one-level convenience. / What Is Main Floor Living? Main floor living … Read more