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📞 (563) 513-8771  |  ✉️ sarah@smartmovedsm.com
Your Personal Agent

Sarah Ingles — Des Moines REALTOR®, SRES® & CPCU®

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

I combine 10+ years of property insurance expertise with cutting-edge technology to help you make smarter, safer real estate decisions—every step of the way. Explore my free planning tools to see how.

10+
Years Insurance Expertise
SRES®+CPCU®
Only in DSM Metro
12
Metro Cities Served
Schedule Consultation Call (563) 513-8771 View Services
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Smart Move Des Moines
Licensed REALTOR®
SRES® Certified
Fathom Realty
Greater Des Moines Area
My Story

A Different Kind of Real Estate Experience

Before I was a REALTOR®, I spent more than a decade in property and casualty insurance — reviewing claims, walking damaged properties, and learning exactly how homes fail. People called me after fires. I've seen what happens when a Federal Pacific panel finally gives out, what deferred maintenance actually costs an estate, what kills a deal at inspection three days before closing. I built Smart Move Des Moines because I kept watching buyers discover those problems after they signed — and sellers lose deals over issues I could have flagged on day one. I walk into every showing and every listing appointment with that lens. It's not a credential. It's ten years of seeing the worst outcomes, and knowing how to prevent them.

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.
Specialized Expertise

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.

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.

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.

Property Risk Assessment

My insurance background means I spot issues others miss—flood zones, roof conditions, foundation concerns, insurability red flags. I use my planning tools to help you identify 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.

📚 Planning Resources

Free tools to help you make informed decisions

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Senior Move Calculator
Timeline & cost planning
🏠
Home Sale Readiness
Net proceeds estimator
🧮
Mortgage Calculator
Monthly payment estimate
✅
Moving Checklist
8-week planning guide
🗺️
Neighborhoods
Explore Des Moines suburbs
🛠️
All Tools
Calculators & planners
The Smart Move Difference

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.

  • Insurance-Informed Expertise: I see risks and opportunities others miss—explore my risk assessment 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
Client Stories

What Families Say

★★★★★ 5.0 · Based on 44 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
★★★★★

"Working with Sarah is an absolute blessing. Her knowledge, communication, and genuine care set her apart. If you're navigating a move in the Des Moines area, Sarah is the person you want in your corner."

— Molly Kelzer · Des Moines move
★★★★★

"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
Service Areas

Serving Greater Des Moines

West Des Moines Urbandale Waukee Ankeny Johnston Grimes Des Moines Clive Altoona Norwalk Pleasant Hill Carlisle
Common Questions

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 insurance expertise help in real estate?
With 10+ years in property insurance, I identify risks that other agents miss—including flood zone issues, roof conditions, foundation concerns, claims history, and coverage gaps. This helps buyers avoid costly surprises and helps sellers address issues before listing. Use my free planning tools to see how I approach risk assessment.
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 property risk assessment (identifying insurance and safety concerns).
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.

Schedule Consultation Browse Neighborhoods

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

Smart Move Des Moines | Fathom Realty

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

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