How fast can I sell my house in Des Moines?

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.

What is an SRES designation?

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.

What are the best suburbs near Des Moines?

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

What older home features affect insurance in Iowa?

Insurance companies scrutinize: electrical systems (knob-and-tube, aluminum wiring, fuse boxes), plumbing (galvanized steel, polybutylene pipes), roofing (age, material, condition), heating systems (old furnaces, wood stoves), and overall home age. Many insurers won't cover homes with certain issues or charge significantly higher premiums.

Can I get insurance on a home with knob-and-tube wiring?

Most insurers won't cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring, or they'll charge much higher premiums. Some may require an electrical inspection proving the wiring is in good condition with at least 100-amp service. Many lenders also won't finance homes with knob-and-tube until it's replaced.

How does Sarah's insurance background help homebuyers?

With 10+ years in property insurance, Sarah identifies potential insurance problems during showings—before you're under contract. She knows what insurers look for, can estimate if a property will be insurable, and helps negotiate repairs or price reductions when issues are found.

What is HO-8 insurance?

HO-8 is a specialized policy for older homes where replacement cost exceeds market value. It provides more limited coverage (actual cash value vs. replacement cost) and covers fewer perils, but may be the only option for some historic or older properties.

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Older Home Insurance Risks Des Moines | What Buyers Need to Know | Smart Move DSM

⚠️ Know Before You Buy

Older Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines

That charming 1920s bungalow might be uninsurable—or cost a fortune to cover. Learn what insurance companies look for and how my 10+ years of insurance expertise protects your purchase.

Free Risk Assessment Get Expert Guidance

Insurance Red Flags in Older Homes

Issues that can affect coverage, costs, or even your ability to buy

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Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Common in homes built before 1950, this outdated wiring lacks grounding and can overheat, especially when buried in insulation.

Impact: Many insurers won't cover. Others require replacement before closing.

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Aluminum Wiring

Popular in 1960s-70s homes, aluminum expands/contracts and can create loose connections and fire hazards at outlets.

Impact: Higher premiums. May require COPALUM or other remediation.

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Galvanized Steel Plumbing

Pre-1960 pipes corrode from inside, reducing water pressure and eventually leaking or bursting.

Impact: Water damage claims increase. Some insurers require replacement.

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Old Roof (15+ Years)

Aging roofs are more likely to leak or suffer storm damage. Materials matter too—wood shakes are higher risk.

Impact: Coverage may be declined. Actual cash value only. Roof replacement required.

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Fuse Box (No Breakers)

Old fuse boxes can't handle modern electrical loads. Wrong-sized fuses are a common fire cause.

Impact: Many insurers require upgrade to circuit breaker panel before coverage.

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Wood-Burning Stoves/Old Furnaces

Additional fire risk if not properly installed, maintained, and inspected. Old furnaces may have cracked heat exchangers.

Impact: Inspection required. May affect rates or require removal.

How My Insurance Background Helps You

Most agents can't tell you if a home will be insurable—I can. With 10+ years in property insurance, I know exactly what underwriters look for and how to spot red flags before you're under contract.

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