SRES® · CPCU® · Iowa License #S73007000

Selling Mom's house. Settling an estate. Buying with parents' help.

You're in the right place. SRES® + CPCU® — the only dual-credentialed realtor in the Des Moines metro for senior moves and family transitions.

✓ SRES® · Seniors Real Estate Specialist✓ CPCU® · 10+ yrs property casualty✓ Iowa License #S73007000✓ Fathom Realty

Smart Move Des Moines serves analytical adults age 45–62 who are simultaneously managing a parent's estate, planning their own next move, and coaching an adult child's first home purchase. Iowa probate runs Iowa Code Chapter 633 and typically takes 6–9 months. A vacant inherited home triggers an insurance vacancy exclusion at day 30 or 60 under most carriers. Capital gains exposure depends on whether the basis was stepped up. These are the questions I'm trained to answer — before the listing, not after.

Book a Free Consultation

Search Homes What's My Home Worth? Call (563) 513-8771

From first keys to final chapters, let's make a smart move.

SRES®

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

CPCU®

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter

Ch. 633

Iowa probate procedure, working knowledge

About Sarah Ingles, Realtor

Not Just Another Agent — Your Personal Advocate

I'm Sarah Ingles, a Des Moines realtor who believes in relationships over transactions. Every client gets my cell phone, my expertise, and my commitment to protecting your biggest investment. Learn more about my approach →

Insurance Expertise Others Don't Have

I spot foundation issues, roof concerns, and insurability problems before they become your problem.

SRES® Certified Senior Specialist

Specialized training in the unique needs of 50+ buyers and sellers. Explore senior housing options from downsizing to estate transitions.

Tech-Forward, Human-Centered

AI-powered tools for efficiency, but always with a personal touch. Technology serves you, not the other way around.

REALTOR®

SRES® Certified

CPCU® Certified

Fathom Realty

What I Do

Senior Moves, Downsizing & Full-Service Real Estate in Des Moines

Whether you're downsizing in Des Moines, helping aging parents transition, or buying your first home — Smart Move Des Moines makes it simpler, faster, and better. Seniors 65+? Learn about Iowa property tax benefits.

Senior Moves & Transitions

SRES® certified specialist helping seniors with downsizing in Des Moines, estate sales, and life transitions. Patient guidance through every step of your move.

Senior Housing Guide →

Insurance Risk Assessment

My 10+ years in property insurance means I identify insurability risks and coverage issues BEFORE you buy — protecting you from costly surprises.

About My Background →

Out-of-State Relocations

Moving to Des Moines from another state? I'll be your local expert, guiding you through neighborhoods, schools, and market dynamics remotely.

Explore Des Moines Neighborhoods →

Estate Sales & Settlements

Compassionate handling of estate properties with comprehensive support for families navigating the sale of inherited homes. Work with a probate real estate specialist in Des Moines who understands the legal and insurance complexities.

Estate Sale Help →

Local Des Moines Listings

Browse current Central Iowa homes for sale with a trusted local specialist guiding your search — from first showing to closing day.

Browse Listings →

First-Time Buyer Guidance

Navigating your first home purchase? Get expert guidance on financing, inspections, and finding the right home in Des Moines.

2026 Iowa Mortgage Guide →

Helping Mom or Dad Sell the Family Home?

You're already carrying enough. We coordinate everything — so you don't have to manage it from across town or across the country.

Learn How We Help Adult Children →

Helping Your Adult Child Buy in Des Moines?

You did the research, found the agent, and now want to bring your son or daughter into the conversation. We welcome the whole family in the buyer process — and the buyer agreement still belongs to the buyer.

For Parents Helping Adult Children Buy →

Reviews & Endorsements

What Clients Say About Sarah Ingles

Trusted by home buyers, sellers, and respected by industry professionals across Des Moines.

"Great to work with. Easy communication and went the extra steps for us when searching for a house. She is extremely professional and honest in her dealings. I would strongly recommend her services."

Carter Booth

Home Buyer

Professional Endorsement

"Sarah Ingles is the kind of realtor every family hopes to find. She has a true gift for helping active seniors navigate big transitions—whether it's selling a longtime home to move into assisted living, downsizing to something more manageable, or finding the perfect place without stairs."

Melisha Pals

Industry Colleague

Professional Endorsement

"I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah Ingles for over ten years. Her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and positive, can-do attitude are truly exceptional. Sarah possesses outstanding analytical skills and is an adept negotiator. I give her my highest recommendation."

Marty Einstein

Industry Colleague

Want this kind of guidance for your move?

Book a Free Consultation →

Trusted Partners

Your Complete Support Ecosystem

More than just a realtor — access a network of premium services for seamless transitions

Fathom Realty

Des Moines Premier Brokerage

Fathom Realty is a publicly traded nationwide brokerage supporting over 10,000 agents across 40+ states, giving Smart Move Des Moines clients the backing of one of the largest independent brokerages in the country.

fathomrealty.com →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) in Des Moines?

A Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) is a REALTOR® with advanced training in helping adults 50+ navigate real estate transitions. Sarah Ingles holds the SRES® designation and specializes in downsizing, senior moves, and estate sales in Des Moines.

What areas in Des Moines does Sarah Ingles serve?

Sarah Ingles serves Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.

Still have questions? I'd rather talk than type.

Talk to Sarah →

Selling Mom's house. Settling an estate. Buying with parents' help.

Discover Your Perfect Des Moines Home

Classic Curb Appeal

West Des Moines Living

Des Moines

Not Just Another Agent — Your Personal Advocate

Insurance Expertise Others Don't Have

SRES® Certified Senior Specialist

Tech-Forward, Human-Centered

Senior Moves, Downsizing & Full-Service Real Estate in Des Moines

Senior Moves & Transitions

Insurance Risk Assessment

Out-of-State Relocations

Estate Sales & Settlements

Local Des Moines Listings

First-Time Buyer Guidance

Helping Mom or Dad Sell the Family Home?

Helping Your Adult Child Buy in Des Moines?

What Clients Say About Sarah Ingles

Carter Booth

Melisha Pals

Marty Einstein

Your Complete Support Ecosystem

Fathom Realty

Proudly Serving the Greater Des Moines Metro

Ready to Make Your Smart Move?

Frequently Asked Questions