Skip to main content
Your Personal Agent

Sarah Ingles — Des Moines REALTOR® for Probate, Downsizing & Estate Sales

Sarah Ingles is a Des Moines, Iowa REALTOR® whose practice centers on estate and probate property sales, senior downsizing, and out-of-state heirs — families in transition who need a written plan, a realistic timeline, and one local point of contact. Every client gets a private client portal (live timeline, documents, scheduled events) plus weekly written updates. Clients rate her 5.0 stars across 40+ Google reviews. Before real estate she spent 10 years in property insurance (CPCU®), so insurability problems get flagged at the first walkthrough and referred to licensed insurance producers — three referrals, never one. She is one of the only Des Moines metro REALTORS® holding both the SRES® and CPCU® designations, and works through Smart Move Des Moines, brokered by Fathom Realty, serving Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. Contact: (563) 513-8771, sarah@smartmovedsm.com, Iowa License #S73007000.

I walk into every home looking for what most agents walk right past.

My practice is estate sales, senior downsizing, and out-of-state heirs — the moves where a family needs a plan, not a pitch. Every client gets a private portal with a live timeline and weekly written updates, so nobody wonders what's happening with the house. And my 10 years in property insurance mean problems get flagged at the first walkthrough and referred to licensed producers — not discovered at the buyer's inspection. Explore my free planning tools to see how I work.

40+
Five-Star Reviews
SRES®+CPCU®
Rare in the Metro
12
Metro Cities Served
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Smart Move Des Moines
Licensed REALTOR®
SRES® Certified
Fathom Realty
Greater Des Moines Area

A Different Kind of Real Estate Experience

Before I was a REALTOR®, I earned my CPCU® credential in property and casualty insurance — learning exactly how homes fail and what makes them hard to insure. I built Smart Move Des Moines because I kept watching buyers discover insurability problems after they signed — and sellers lose deals over issues no one flagged early. I walk into every showing and every listing appointment with that lens: I flag insurability concerns early and connect you with licensed insurance producers, so coverage problems don't surprise you at closing.

Sarah Ingles - Des Moines REALTOR® specializing in senior transitions and estate sales
Industry Connections
My network of inspectors, lenders, contractors, and insurance professionals helps me solve problems before they derail your transaction.

How I Help You Make Your Smart Move

Explore my real estate tools and calculators designed for each situation.

Senior Transitions

As an SRES® certified specialist, I understand the unique challenges seniors face when selling a longtime home. Patient guidance through every step. Use my senior move timeline and cost calculator to start planning. I also help couples through a gray divorce home sale when a long marriage ends later in life.

Estate Sales

Navigating the sale of a loved one's home requires sensitivity. I help families handle complex estate transactions from cleanouts to closings, including time-sensitive probate and estate sales. For heirs, I walk through the process step by step in my guide to selling an inherited home in Des Moines.

Downsizing

Ready to simplify? I help you find the perfect right-sized home while maximizing the value of your current property. Read about downsizing mistakes Des Moines seniors make to avoid common pitfalls.

Out-of-State Relocations

Moving to Iowa from elsewhere? My Des Moines relocation services give out-of-state buyers virtual tours, neighborhood insights, buy-vs-rent analysis, and seamless coordination. Check out my relocation support and common questions.

Insurability Issues, Flagged Early

I flag insurability concerns early—flood zones, roof conditions, foundation issues, and other insurability red flags—and connect you with licensed insurance producers. My planning tools help surface potential risks before they become costly surprises.

Selling Parents' Homes

Whether Mom's moving to assisted living or you're managing a family property from afar, I specialize in helping adult children navigate these sales. Learn about my senior real estate services.

A Personal Real Estate Experience in Central Iowa

I believe in relationships, not transactions. As your personal agent, I'm invested in your success long after closing day. Contact me to talk about your situation.

  • Insurability Flags, Early: I flag insurability concerns and connect you with licensed insurance producers—explore my planning tools
  • Personal Agent Approach: One dedicated professional who knows your story
  • Responsive Communication: Text, call, or email — I get back to you the same day, every time
  • Deep Industry Network: Connections that open doors and solve problems

What Families Say

★★★★★ 5.0 · Based on 40+ verified client reviews

★★★★★

"Sarah Ingles was an outstanding REALTOR® for our family. We needed to sell my mother's home in a hurry. She really came through. Not only was she informative, well prepared, professional and experienced in the Des Moines market—she also took the extra steps of finding someone to purchase furniture we could no longer use, cleaned the carpets and polished the floors. She is also a wonderful person."

— David Norris · Out-of-state family home sale
★★★★★

"Sarah is so great to work with! Sarah is very motivated to accomplish all that is presented to her and has such a positive outlook! I appreciate her organization and how determined she is to make things happen! Absolutely recommend working with Sarah!!"

— Cassie Ferguson · Google review
★★★★★

"Working with Sarah was an absolute pleasure. She is professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to taking great care of her clients throughout the entire process. She communicates clearly, stays on top of every detail, and makes sure her buyers feel confident and informed every step of the way."

— McKenna Ubinas · Des Moines buyer

Serving Greater Des Moines

About Working Together

What is an SRES® certification?
SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation for REALTORS® trained to address the unique needs of home buyers and sellers aged 50+. SRES® agents understand senior housing options, tax implications, estate planning considerations, and the emotional aspects of selling a longtime home. Learn more about my senior real estate services in Des Moines.
How does your insurability knowledge help in real estate?
I flag insurability concerns early—flood zone issues, roof conditions, foundation concerns, claims history, and coverage gaps—and connect you with licensed insurance producers, so problems surface before they derail a deal. Use my free planning tools to see how.
What areas do you serve?
I serve the Greater Des Moines metro including West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, Grimes, Clive, Altoona, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Carlisle, and Des Moines proper—essentially all of Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties. Explore all Des Moines metro neighborhoods.
What types of clients do you specialize in helping?
I specialize in senior transitions (50+ navigating home sales), estate sales (families selling inherited properties), downsizing (finding right-sized homes), out-of-state relocations (people moving to Iowa), and insurability flagging (spotting concerns early and connecting you with licensed insurance producers).
What is Smart Move Des Moines?
Smart Move Des Moines is my real estate brand. It combines personal service with practical technology — including real-time MLS search, custom property alerts, and educational resources.

Ready to Make Your Smart Move?

Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I'm here to help you navigate every step with confidence. Book a free consultation to talk about your situation.

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

Smart Move Des Moines | Fathom Realty

📞 563-513-8771 | ✉️ sarah@smartmovedsm.com

Get the next one in your inbox

Monthly Iowa real estate insights for senior families, executors, and out-of-state heirs.

Subscribe
Ready to make your smart move? Free Home Value Book Consultation (563) 513-8771
Call Sarah Book