REALTOR® · SRES® · CPCU® · Iowa License #S73007000

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

Sarah Ingles is a Des Moines, Iowa REALTOR® (Smart Move Des Moines, brokered by Fathom Realty) whose practice centers on probate and inherited-property sales, senior downsizing and 55+ transitions, and out-of-state heirs — estate sales can run entirely remotely, and in a typical 6–9 month Iowa probate the house is often listable around month 2 once Letters Testamentary issue. Every client gets a private client portal (live timeline, documents, scheduled events — accessible from anywhere) plus weekly written updates. Clients rate her 5.0 stars across 40+ Google reviews. Vendor referrals always come in threes, and insurability concerns are flagged and referred to licensed insurance producers — three referrals, never one. She is one of the only Des Moines metro REALTORS® holding both the SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) and CPCU® designations. She serves Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties — West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, Waukee, Grimes, Altoona, and Beaverdale. Contact: (563) 513-8771, sarah@smartmovedsm.com, Iowa License #S73007000.

You're in the right place. Estate sales, senior moves, and inherited homes are the whole practice — run with numbers up front, a private client portal, and weekly written updates, so you always know where things stand. And yes: one of the only Des Moines metro REALTORS® holding both SRES® and CPCU®.

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

Book a Free Consultation

✓ Private client portal — live timeline & documents✓ 5.0★ across 40+ Google reviews✓ Weekly written updates✓ SRES® + CPCU® · Iowa License #S73007000 · Fathom Realty

Sarah Ingles · Your Des Moines REALTOR®

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

SRES®

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

CPCU®

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter

Probate

Estate & inherited property, working knowledge

The three calls I get most.

Most people who call me are handling one of three things: a parent who needs to move, a house that came with an estate, or a divorce after fifty. Some are handling two at once.

Iowa probate typically runs six to nine months. A vacant inherited home can trip an insurance vacancy exclusion at day 30 or 60 under most carriers. Whether the basis stepped up changes what the sale costs the heirs.

Those are the questions I raise before the listing goes live — not after.

Before real estate, people called me when their house burned down.

I've seen the damage done when hazards are ignored — a caving roof, warped floorboards, a family of raccoons in the attic. Rather than continuing to work in a field where the damage has already been done, I'd rather catch these things before they happen.

I'm not an inspector, and I don't sell insurance. What I do is know what to flag, and when — usually before you write the offer, not after the report comes back.

That matters in an estate sale where the house has sat empty for eight months. It matters just as much when you're buying your first house in Waukee.

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 →

Insurability Issues, Flagged Early

I flag foundation, roof, and insurability concerns early and connect you with licensed insurance producers before they become your problem.

SRES® Certified 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

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

REALTOR®

SRES® Certified

CPCU®

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 →

Insurability Concerns, Flagged

I flag insurability concerns before you buy and connect you with licensed insurance producers, so coverage problems don't surprise you at closing.

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."

Carter Boothe

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 attitude are truly exceptional. Sarah possesses outstanding analytical skills and is an adept negotiator. I give her my highest recommendation without reservation."

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.

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

Which sounds like you?

The three calls I get most.

Before real estate, people called me when their house burned down.

Tell me about your situation

Discover Your Perfect Des Moines Home

Classic Curb Appeal

West Des Moines Living

Des Moines

Not Just Another Agent — Your Personal Advocate

Insurability Issues, Flagged Early

SRES® Certified Specialist

Tech-Forward, Human-Centered

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

Senior Moves & Transitions

Insurability Concerns, Flagged

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 Boothe

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