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Brokered by CHASE. Collective
Smart Move Des Moines | Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® | Senior Real Estate Specialist
SRES® Certified Senior Specialist

Des Moines Realtor for Seniors, Sellers & Smart Buyers

Search Central Iowa homes, see what your home could be worth in today's market, and get guidance built around your goals — whether you're downsizing, selling, or finding your next chapter.

I'm Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® — a Senior Real Estate Specialist with over 10 years of property insurance expertise. I help seniors navigate downsizing and life transitions, guide sellers through smart pricing and timing, and protect every client from costly surprises before they happen. You'll also have access to my AI-powered app for 24/7 listing alerts — but my real focus is being your trusted guide, not your salesperson.

Brokered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate

Search Des Moines Homes Ready to Sell? What's My Home Worth? Call (563) 513-8771

No pressure. No sales tactics. Just honest guidance when you're ready.

10+
Years Property Insurance
📱
Central Iowa Hyper-Local App
100%
Client Focus
Featured Living

Discover Your Perfect Des Moines Home

From cozy interiors to charming neighborhoods — explore Des Moines metro communities and find what makes Central Iowa special.

Craftsman home with covered porch - Iowa real estate curb appeal

Classic Curb Appeal

Browse Des Moines homes for sale →

 Cozy living room with neutral decor in a Des Moines home

West Des Moines Living

Explore West Des Moines neighborhoods →

 Aerial view of beautiful Des Moines Iowa neighborhood with family homes

Des Moines

Market Trends →
Free Des Moines Real Estate App

Search Central Iowa Homes with the Smart Move Des Moines App

Download the only AI-powered Des Moines real estate app. Get personalized recommendations, instant listing alerts, and market insights — all for free. New to Iowa? Check our 2026 Iowa mortgage rates guide for first-time buyers.

Real-Time MLS Listings
AI-Powered Matching
Save Favorite Homes
Instant New Listing Alerts
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Available on iPhone & Android — No cost, no obligation

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
CHASE. Collective
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Smart Move Des Moines
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.

Estate Sale Help →

AI-Powered Home Search

Access the Smart Move Des Moines real estate app — Central Iowa's only AI-powered platform. Search smarter with personalized recommendations and instant alerts.

Get the Free App →

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 →
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."

CB

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."

MP

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."

ME

Marty Einstein

Industry Colleague

Trusted Partners

Your Complete Support Ecosystem

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

CHASE. Collective Real Estate

Des Moines Premier Brokerage

Founded by Chase and Liz Keller, CHASE. Collective brings unparalleled expertise across residential, commercial, and hospitality properties.

chasecollective.net →
Exclusive Partner

Golden Concierge

Five-Star Senior Transition Services

Founded by Liz Keller with expertise in social work, healthcare, and real estate. Comprehensive support for seniors and families.

  • Senior living community placement
  • In-home safety assessments
  • Care coordination & planning
  • Golden Care Companion program
yourgoldenconcierge.com →

Proudly Serving the Greater Des Moines Metro

Downtown Des Moines West Des Moines Urbandale Waukee Ankeny Johnston Grimes Clive Norwalk Altoona

View all Des Moines neighborhood guides →

Ready to Make Your Smart Move?

Whether you're buying, selling, downsizing, or just exploring options — I'm here to help. Let's start a conversation.

Get Your Free Consultation Call (563) 513-8771

Start Here - What Brings You Today?

🏠

I'm a Buyer

 💰

I'm Selling My Home

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I'm a Senior or Helping Parents

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Divorce or Inheritance

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about buying, selling, and downsizing homes in Des Moines, Grimes, West Des Moines, Waukee and all of Central Iowa.

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+ with their real estate needs. Sarah Ingles holds the SRES® designation and specializes in senior downsizing, estate sales, and helping families navigate the emotional process of selling a longtime home in the Des Moines metro area.

How do I find the best realtor for senior downsizing in Des Moines?

Look for an agent with the SRES® (Senior Real Estate Specialist) designation who understands the unique needs of older adults. Sarah Ingles has specialized training in senior transitions, estate coordination, and works with trusted local vendors for moving, decluttering, and home preparation services throughout the Des Moines metro.

What areas in Des Moines does Sarah Ingles serve?

Sarah Ingles serves the entire Des Moines metro including Grimes, West Des Moines, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Windsor Heights, Pleasant Hill, and surrounding Polk and Dallas County communities. Whether you're buying, selling, or downsizing, she provides personalized service throughout Central Iowa.

What is the Smart Move Des Moines app?

Smart Move Des Moines is a free mobile app that gives you instant access to home values, property searches, and market data for Central Iowa. Download it to search listings, get instant property valuations, and connect directly with Sarah Ingles for personalized real estate guidance.

How long does it take to sell a house in Des Moines?

On average, homes in the Des Moines metro area sell within 30-60 days, depending on market conditions, pricing strategy, and property condition. Well-priced homes in desirable areas like Ankeny, Waukee, and Grimes often sell faster. Sarah Ingles uses data-driven pricing and strategic marketing to help sellers achieve the best timeline.

Does Smart Move Des Moines offer a free home downsizing calculator?

Closing costs for sellers in Iowa typically range from 6-10% of the sale price, including real estate commissions (typically 5-6%), title insurance, transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes. Sarah Ingles provides a detailed net proceeds estimate so you know exactly what to expect at closing.

How does the downsizing calculator help Iowa seniors specifically?

Our free home downsizing calculator helps Des Moines area seniors estimate moving timelines, costs, and determine the right size for their next home. The calculator includes factors specific to Iowa seniors like property tax exemptions for 65+, local moving costs, and senior living options in Grimes, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and surrounding metro areas. Whether you're planning to downsize in 6 months or exploring options for the future, this tool gives you a personalized roadmap. Try the calculator here or schedule a free consultation to discuss your unique situation.