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Real Estate Insights & Guides

Practical guidance for seniors, buyers, investors, and families across the Des Moines metro—clear, trustworthy information without sales pressure.

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

Smart Move Des Moines | CHASE. Collective Real Estate

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2026 Central Iowa 55+ Living Guide: Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale

2026 Central Iowa 55+ Living Guide: Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, UrbandaleSarah Ingles Published on: 08/12/2025

Explore the 2026 Central Iowa 55+ Living Guide by Realtor® & SRES® Sarah Ingles. Compare the best communities in Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale, and beyond—plus tour smarter with the Smart Move Des Moines app.

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Downsizing Vs Aging in Place: Which Is Better For Your Retirement Budget?

Downsizing Vs Aging in Place: Which Is Better For Your Retirement Budget?Sarah Ingles Published on: 09/12/2025

Wondering if downsizing or aging in place is better for your retirement budget? Learn how each option affects monthly costs, health, and lifestyle, plus strategic tips from an SRES® Realtor to help Iowa seniors make a smart, financially secure move.

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2026 Mortgage Rates Forecast for Iowa First-Time & Move-Up Buyers

2026 Mortgage Rates Forecast for Iowa First-Time & Move-Up BuyersSarah Ingles Published on: 08/12/2025

2026 mortgage rates forecast for Iowa: See what experts expect for 30-year rates, how a move toward ~6% could impact your payment, and how first-time and move-up buyers in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, and Grimes can use the Smart Move Des Moines app to watch the market, time a move, and protect their budget.​

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First Time Home Buyer Programs Iowa 2026: Complete Guide

First Time Home Buyer Programs Iowa 2026: Complete GuideSarah Ingles Published on: 30/11/2025

Discover Iowa's best first-time buyer programs: IFA FirstHome loans, $30K grants, Des Moines assistance & step-by-step guide. Expert SRES® help.

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6 Costly Mistakes Des Moines Seniors Make When Downsizing in 2026 (and How to Avoid Them)

6 Costly Mistakes Des Moines Seniors Make When Downsizing in 2026 (and How to Avoid Them)Sarah Ingles Published on: 08/12/2025

Learn the six costly mistakes Des Moines seniors make when downsizing in 2026—and how to avoid them. Realtor® & SRES® Sarah Ingles shares expert, compassionate guidance for stress-free transitions in Central Iowa.

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How to Choose the Right Des Moines Neighborhood for Your Growing Family (2026 Guide)

How to Choose the Right Des Moines Neighborhood for Your Growing Family (2026 Guide)Sarah Ingles Published on: 08/12/2025

Post description (meta description, ~155 characters): Discover how to choose the right Des Moines neighborhood for your growing family, from schools and safety to parks, commutes, budget, and local lifestyle support.

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Iowa Property Taxes at 65 in 2026: Cut Your Des Moines Bill Fast

Iowa Property Taxes at 65 in 2026: Cut Your Des Moines Bill FastSarah Ingles Published on: 08/12/2025

Iowa property taxes at 65 in 2026: Learn how the new homestead exemption can lower your bill in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, and Grimes—and how the free Smart Move Des Moines app helps you compare taxes, plan a downsize, and protect your retirement budget.

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2026 Guide: Building a Multi-State Real Estate Empire

2026 Guide: Building a Multi-State Real Estate EmpireSarah Ingles Published on: 02/12/2025

This guide breaks down practical tax strategies for multi-location real estate investors in Iowa, including how tools like 1031 exchanges, cost segregation, and other planning options can help you keep more cash invested in properties instead of going to taxes.​ You’ll see how these approaches can apply to portfolios that span Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, Ankeny, Johnston, and beyond, and how the Smart Move Des Moines app can help you track properties and markets while you work with local professionals to stay compliant and grow your Iowa real estate investments.

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Tax Strategies for Multi-Location Real Estate Investors in Iowa

Tax Strategies for Multi-Location Real Estate Investors in IowaSarah Ingles Published on: 08/12/2025

Discover the top tax strategies for multi-location real estate investors in Iowa with Realtor® & SRES® Sarah Ingles. Learn how to save on Iowa taxes using 1031 exchanges, cost segregation, Opportunity Zones, and more—plus manage it all with the Smart Move Des Moines app.

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Downsizing & Senior Transitions

Helping seniors and families navigate downsizing, aging-in-place upgrades, estate planning decisions, and the move to independent or assisted living — with clarity, compassion, and a trusted expert guiding each step.


→ Read Senior Transition Guides

Residential Buyers & Sellers

Market updates, neighborhood insights, staging and selling strategies, and smart guidance for homebuyers and sellers across the Des Moines metro.


→ Explore Residential Tips

Investors: ALE, Duplex

& Multifamily

A practical guide for investors exploring duplexes, small multifamily, and insurance-paid temporary housing (ALE) opportunities — including rental analysis, cap rate insights, and high-yield strategies tailored to Central Iowa.

→ View Investor Insights

Commercial Real Estate

Practical insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors considering office, retail, or mixed-use properties — including cash-flow strategies, corporate housing, and location analysis for Central Iowa.

→ Browse Commercial Articles