Senior Downsizing · Probate & Estate Sales · Out-of-State Heirs | Des Moines, Iowa
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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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