REALTOR® · SRES® · CPCU · Decade of property insurance underwriting · Des Moines native
Advanced training in working with clients 50+, including probate, reverse mortgages, Medicaid asset transfer rules, and the emotional dimension of leaving a long-term family home. Held by fewer than 5% of REALTORS®.
The highest professional designation in property and casualty insurance. Earned through 8 college-level exams. Sarah is one of the only REALTORS® in Iowa who can review a property for insurability before it ever hits MLS.
Active Iowa real estate license in good standing. Member of the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.
A decade evaluating Iowa homes for insurability — knob-and-tube wiring, polybutylene plumbing, roof age, electrical service, water claims history. This insider perspective prevents deals from falling apart at the lender's underwriting stage.
"Sarah handled my mother's estate sale from start to finish. I live out of state and could not have done this without her. She coordinated with the attorney, kept the house insured, and got us above asking."
"After 42 years in our home, downsizing felt impossible. Sarah's SRES training showed. She gave us time, found us a 55+ community we love, and timed the sale so we never carried two payments."
"Sarah was a neutral, calm presence through a hard divorce. She protected both of our interests and got us a great price. I would recommend her to anyone in this situation."
"Her insurance background caught a roof issue at inspection that would have killed our financing. She negotiated a credit and we closed on time. We had no idea most agents don't look for this stuff."
Active member with full MLS access for the entire Des Moines metro.
Bound by the NAR Code of Ethics — the strictest professional code in U.S. real estate.
Working relationships with probate attorneys across Polk, Dallas, Warren, and Madison counties for seamless estate sales.
Coordinated network of senior move managers, estate sale companies, and donation pickup services across the Des Moines metro.
SRES®-certified service for clients age 50+.
Estate sales coordinated with your attorney.
Right-sizing strategy from a 42-year home to a 55+ community.
Neutral, careful representation in divorce sales.
Tour every 55+ option in the Des Moines metro.
Homestead, senior, and military tax credit guidance.
Every article on this site is written by Sarah Ingles and reflects hands-on experience with Des Moines metro real estate. Sample published work:
2026 step-by-step guide for Iowa executors and heirs.
Complete duty calendar for Iowa personal representatives.
Asset transfer rules, estate recovery, and 5-year look-back.
How to choose the right level of care in the Des Moines metro.
Every line item on an Iowa seller's net sheet explained.
QDROs, IRA transfers, pensions, and the tax rules that matter.
30-minute call, phone or video. We talk through your situation, timeline, and what success looks like. No pressure, no obligation.
I walk the property with my CPCU background in mind — knob-and-tube, polybutylene plumbing, roof age, water claims. Catches issues that would sink a deal at the buyer's lender stage.
Real comps from the last 90 days in your immediate neighborhood, with adjustments for condition and updates. Defensible, not wishful.
We walk through pricing, prep work (if any), timing, and next steps. You decide what you want to do — I tell you what the numbers say.
Professional photos, MLS listing, syndication, targeted buyer outreach, open houses as appropriate. Weekly showing reports so you're never in the dark.
I handle offers, counters, inspection negotiations, and closing coordination. Clear communication throughout so the process is predictable.
Before becoming a REALTOR®, Sarah spent a decade as a property casualty underwriter evaluating Iowa homes for insurability. That experience gives her clients a perspective most agents can't match:
This is the knowledge that makes the difference between a deal that closes on schedule and a deal that dies at the buyer's lender stage. Very few Iowa REALTORS® have this background.
Free 30-minute consultation — phone, video, or in person. I respond same-day, weekends included.
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