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Senior Real Estate Specialist Des Moines | SRES® Certified Realtor | Smart Move Des Moines
🏆 SRES® Certified Senior Specialist

Central Iowa's Trusted Senior Real Estate Specialist

Selling a longtime home is more than a transaction — it's a life transition. As an SRES® certified specialist, I bring patience, expertise, and genuine care to help seniors and their families navigate every step with confidence.

✓ Downsizing Expert ✓ Estate Sales ✓ Senior Transitions ✓ No-Pressure Approach
📞 Call (563) 513-8771 Schedule Consultation

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

Certified by the National Association of REALTORS® to serve homeowners aged 50+

Sarah Ingles | License #S73007000
10+
Years Insurance Expertise
SRES®
NAR Certified
50+
Senior Families Helped
7 Days
Availability
What is SRES®?

Specialized Training for Senior Real Estate Needs

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® to agents who complete specialized training focused on serving homeowners aged 50 and older.

Only about 3% of realtors hold this certification. It means I understand the unique emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that come with selling a longtime home — and I'm equipped to guide you through every step.

~3%
of Realtors Are SRES®

SRES® Training Covers:

  • ✓ Psychology of aging and life transitions
  • ✓ Senior housing options (55+, IL, AL, memory care)
  • ✓ Reverse mortgage implications
  • ✓ Medicare/Medicaid housing considerations
  • ✓ Estate planning and probate real estate
  • ✓ Tax implications for seniors
  • ✓ Working with adult children & families
  • ✓ Accessibility and aging-in-place needs
Senior Real Estate Services

How I Help Seniors & Their Families

Whether you're downsizing, managing an estate, or exploring housing options, I provide patient, comprehensive support every step of the way.

📦

Downsizing Assistance

Moving from a larger home to something more manageable? I help you navigate the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing — from decluttering strategies to finding the perfect right-sized home.

View Downsizing Guide →
🏠

Estate Sales

Selling a parent's or loved one's home requires sensitivity and expertise. I manage the entire process, including coordinating with estate sale companies, handling repairs, and working with out-of-state families.

Estate Sale Support →
🏘️

Senior Living Transitions

Moving to independent living, assisted living, or memory care? I partner with Golden Concierge to help you explore options, coordinate the sale, and manage the transition timeline.

Senior Housing Options →
⚖️

Probate Properties

Inherited a property that needs to be sold? I understand Iowa probate requirements and can guide executors through the process efficiently while maximizing value for the estate.

Get Probate Help →
♿

Accessibility Assessment

Planning to age in place? I can evaluate homes for accessibility features like single-level living, zero-entry showers, grab bars, and proximity to healthcare and transportation.

Request Assessment →
🛡️

Insurance Risk Review

With 10+ years in property insurance, I identify potential insurability issues before they become problems — roof conditions, electrical panels, claims history, and more.

Learn About My Background →
Why Work With Me

What Makes a Senior Specialist Different

Not every realtor understands the nuances of senior real estate. Here's what you can expect when working with me.

1

Patient, No-Pressure Approach

I understand that selling a longtime home is a significant decision that can't be rushed. Take all the time you need — I'm here when you're ready, not pushing you to close.

2

Family Communication

I keep adult children and family members in the loop, providing updates and answering questions. Whether family is local or across the country, everyone stays informed.

3

Trusted Service Provider Network

Need help with cleanouts, packing, repairs, or moving? I've built relationships with senior-friendly service providers who understand the pace and care required.

4

Insurance Expertise

With 10+ years in property insurance, I spot issues that could affect your sale or purchase — from roof conditions to insurability concerns that other agents miss.

5

Senior Housing Knowledge

Whether you're looking at 55+ communities, independent living, assisted living, or CCRCs, I understand the options and can connect you with placement specialists.

6

Personal Attention

You work directly with me — not a team or call center. I answer my own phone, respond to your messages, and personally oversee every aspect of your transaction.

The Process

How We Work Together

Every senior's situation is unique, but here's a general overview of how I guide families through the process.

Initial Consultation

We'll meet (in person, by phone, or video) to discuss your situation, timeline, and concerns. No pressure — this is about understanding your needs.

1
2

Home Assessment

I'll visit the property to evaluate condition, identify improvements that add value, and assess any insurance or accessibility considerations.

Planning & Preparation

Together we'll create a timeline that works for you, coordinate any needed services (cleanout, repairs, staging), and prepare the home for market.

3
4

Marketing & Sale

Professional photos, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing to attract the right buyers. I handle showings and keep you informed every step of the way.

Closing & Transition

I coordinate the closing process and can help facilitate your move to your next chapter — whether that's a smaller home, with family, or senior living.

5
Sarah made selling Mom's home so much easier than we expected. She was patient when we needed time, thorough with the details, and kept our whole family informed even though we live in three different states. We couldn't have asked for a better experience during such an emotional time.
👨‍👩‍👧
The Henderson Family
Estate Sale, West Des Moines
Sarah Ingles, SRES® Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist
REALTOR® SRES® 10+ Yrs Insurance

Meet Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | Smart Move Des Moines

I became a senior real estate specialist because I saw how overwhelming the process can be for seniors and their families. After 10+ years in property insurance, I understand not just how to sell homes, but how to identify risks and protect families from costly surprises.

My approach is simple: patience, honesty, and genuine care. Whether you're downsizing after 40 years in the same home, managing a parent's estate from out of state, or helping a loved one transition to senior living, I'm here to make the process as smooth as possible.

I'm active in the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce and proud to serve seniors throughout the Greater Des Moines metro area.

📞 (563) 513-8771 ✉️ [email protected]
Trusted Partner

Senior Living Placement Support

Golden Concierge

When seniors need help finding the right living situation, I partner with Golden Concierge — a local senior living placement service that helps families navigate the options and find the best fit.

  • ★ Free placement service for families
  • ★ Tours of local senior communities
  • ★ Independent living, assisted living, memory care
  • ★ Coordination with home sale timeline
Service Area

Serving Seniors Across Central Iowa

I provide senior real estate services throughout the Greater Des Moines metro, including Polk County, Dallas County, and Warren County.

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

Senior Real Estate FAQ

SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation from the National Association of REALTORS® for agents who have completed specialized training in serving homeowners aged 50 and older. Only about 3% of realtors hold this certification, which covers topics like senior housing options, reverse mortgages, estate planning, and the psychology of aging.

A senior specialist like me brings patience, specialized knowledge, and connections that general realtors may lack. I understand the emotional aspects of selling a longtime home, know senior housing options, work with senior service providers, and take a no-pressure approach that respects the pace seniors need.

Absolutely. I specialize in helping out-of-state families manage the sale of parents' homes in Central Iowa. I can coordinate everything from property assessment and repairs to cleanout services and staging, keeping you informed via video calls and regular updates.

Yes! I partner with Golden Concierge, a senior living placement service, to help seniors explore all housing options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and 55+ communities. I can coordinate the entire transition from selling the current home to moving into the new living situation.

No. Working with me as your SRES® specialist costs the same as working with any other realtor. There's no premium for senior-specific expertise. For sellers, commission is paid from sale proceeds. For buyers, the seller traditionally pays the buyer's agent commission.

I serve seniors throughout Central Iowa including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Grimes, Clive, Norwalk, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and Beaverdale. I cover Polk County, Dallas County, and Warren County.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're just starting to think about your options or ready to move forward, I'm here to help. Let's have a conversation — no pressure, no obligation.

📞 Call (563) 513-8771 Schedule a Consultation
Smart Move Des Moines

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

📞 (563) 513-8771 | ✉️ [email protected]

Brokered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate

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