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With the right pricing strategy and marketing, homes in Des Moines typically sell within 30-60 days. Sarah Ingles uses data-driven pricing and professional marketing to help homes sell quickly.

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SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation for REALTORS who specialize in helping seniors with real estate transactions, including downsizing, relocating to senior living, and estate sales.

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The top suburbs near Des Moines include Ankeny, Grimes, Waukee, Johnston, West Des Moines, and Urbandale. Each offers excellent schools, amenities, and community features.

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Historic Homes Des Moines | Preservation District Properties

Historic Property Specialist

Historic Homes Des Moines

From Victorian mansions in Sherman Hill to Craftsman bungalows in Beaverdale, Des Moines' historic neighborhoods offer character, craftsmanship, and charm you can't find in new construction.

Tax credits available

Renovation grants

Walkable neighborhoods

Unique architecture

Get the Historic Homes Guide

Districts, tax credits & available properties

Full Name

Phone

What Interests You?

Preferred Style

Includes current historic listings

Explore the Districts

Des Moines Historic Neighborhoods

Each historic district has its own personality, architectural styles, and community character.

Sherman Hill

Near Downtown

$180K-600K

Price Range

1870-1920

Era Built

Victorian & Queen Anne styles
Walk to downtown
Active neighborhood association
National Register district

Beaverdale

North Des Moines

$200K-450K

Price Range

1920-1950

Era Built

Craftsman bungalows
Tudor & Colonial Revival
Walkable village center
Strong community events

Ingersoll Park

West of Downtown

$250K-700K

Price Range

1900-1940

Era Built

Mix of architectural styles
Tree-lined streets
Near restaurants & shops
Larger lots

Waterbury

East Side

$150K-350K

Price Range

1910-1940

Era Built

Affordable historic homes
Up-and-coming area
Craftsman & foursquares
Good renovation candidates

South of Grand

Central Des Moines

$400K-1M+

Price Range

1900-1930

Era Built

Grand historic estates
Prestigious address
Large lots
Near Greenwood Park

Not Sure Which?

Let's Explore Together

Each neighborhood has different character, prices, and preservation requirements. I can help you find the right fit.

Schedule a Tour

Know Before You Buy

Preservation District Requirements

Buying in a historic district comes with some rules—but they're designed to protect your investment by maintaining neighborhood character and property values.

Exterior Changes Need ApprovalMajor exterior modifications require review by the historic preservation commission
Interior Is Usually FreeMost interior changes have no restrictions—modernize kitchens and baths freely
Appropriate MaterialsReplacement windows, siding, roofing should match original character
Additions Can WorkAdditions are possible with appropriate design that complements original

What Typically Requires Review

Interior updates — No approval needed

Paint colors — Usually no approval

Like-for-like repairs — No approval needed

Window replacement — Review required

Siding changes — Review required

Additions — Review required

Demolition — Review required

Financial Benefits

Historic Tax Credits

Rehabilitating a historic property can qualify for significant tax credits that help offset renovation costs. Iowa has some of the best historic preservation incentives in the country.

Combined Credits Can Cover 45%

For income-producing properties, the 20% federal credit plus 25% Iowa credit means nearly half of qualified rehabilitation costs can be recovered through tax credits.

Even owner-occupied residential properties can qualify for the Iowa state credit. Work must meet Secretary of Interior standards and be pre-approved, but the savings can be substantial.

Iowa State Credit

25%

Residential & commercial properties

Federal Credit

20%

Income-producing properties only

Minimum Spend

$25K

Required for Iowa credit

Pre-Approval

Req'd

Must apply before work begins

Des Moines Facade Grants

Matching grants for exterior improvements in designated areas. Typically 50% match up to $15,000.

CDBG Housing Programs

Community Development Block Grant programs for income-qualified homeowners. Can cover significant repairs.

Neighborhood Programs

Individual neighborhood associations often have improvement programs. Sherman Hill and Beaverdale are active.

Historic Preservation Loans

Low-interest loans specifically for historic property rehabilitation from various sources.

Additional Resources

Renovation Grants & Programs

Beyond tax credits, several grant and loan programs can help with historic home improvements. Availability changes, so I keep current on what's available.

Many homeowners combine multiple programs—tax credits plus grants plus low-interest loans—to fund significant rehabilitations with manageable out-of-pocket costs.

💡 Start Early

Most programs require application before work begins. If you're considering a historic home purchase with planned renovations, let's discuss available programs during your search—not after you've started work.

Character Home Care

Maintaining a Historic Home

Historic homes require different maintenance approaches than newer construction. Here's what to expect.

Wood Windows

Original wood windows can last 100+ years with proper maintenance. Weatherstripping and storm windows improve efficiency without replacement.

Roof & Flashing

Complex rooflines need attention. Quality materials and experienced roofers are worth the investment to prevent water damage.

Foundation & Masonry

Stone or brick foundations need periodic tuckpointing. Address moisture issues promptly to prevent structural problems.

Mechanical Systems

HVAC, electrical, and plumbing may need updating. Modern systems can be installed while preserving architectural character.

Exterior Paint

Wood siding needs regular painting—typically every 7-10 years. Quality prep and paint extend intervals and protect the wood.

Finding Craftspeople

Historic homes need contractors who understand old-house construction. I maintain a list of trusted specialists for referrals.

Common Questions

Historic Homes FAQ

What are historic district requirements?

Homes in designated historic districts must follow design guidelines for exterior changes. This typically includes maintaining architectural style for windows, siding, roofing, and additions. Interior changes usually have no restrictions.

What is the Iowa Historic Tax Credit?

Iowa offers a 25% state tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses on historic properties. Combined with the 20% federal credit for income-producing properties, this can significantly offset renovation costs.

Are historic homes expensive to maintain?

They can be, depending on condition and your approach. Original features like wood windows cost more to maintain than replacements, but they're also what give these homes their value. I help buyers understand true costs.

Can I make modern updates?

Yes, with some caveats. Interior updates are generally unrestricted. Exterior changes in historic districts need approval but can often incorporate modern conveniences while respecting the original design.