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Senior Realtor Des Moines | SRES® Specialist | Sarah Ingles
SRES® Certified Specialist

Senior Real Estate Specialist in Des Moines

Compassionate, experienced guidance for life's next chapter. Whether you're downsizing, helping aging parents, navigating an estate sale, or exploring senior living—I'm here to help you every step of the way.

Schedule Free Senior Consultation What's My Home Worth?
Call Sarah: (563) 513-8771
Senior Services Guide
SRES® vs. Regular Agent

Why Work With a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?

The SRES® designation from the National Association of Realtors means I've completed specialized training to understand the unique needs of homebuyers and sellers aged 50+. It's not just a certification—it's a commitment.

Any agent can sell a house. But can any agent understand the emotional weight of selling the home where you raised your children, celebrated 40 holidays, and built a lifetime of memories?

Senior real estate transitions are fundamentally different from typical transactions. They involve complex emotions, multi-generational family dynamics, potential health considerations, and financial decisions that affect retirement security. The SRES® designation ensures your agent is trained in all of these areas.

"Your memories matter. Your timeline matters. Your peace of mind matters. I'm here as your guide, not a salesperson. We move at YOUR pace—always."
🧠

Emotional Transition Training

Understanding the grief, nostalgia, and anxiety that come with leaving a family home—and how to support you through it

🏥

Senior Housing Knowledge

The full spectrum: 55+ communities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and aging-in-place modifications

💰

Financial Considerations

Reverse mortgages, tax implications, Medicare impacts, pension considerations, and how home sales affect retirement income

⚖️

Estate & Probate Experience

Navigating probate real estate, estate sales, inherited properties, and multi-heir family situations

Capability SRES® Agent Regular Agent
Buy & sell real estate ✓ ✓
Reverse mortgage knowledge ✓ Trained Varies
Estate & probate experience ✓ Specialized Varies
Senior service network ✓ Established Varies
Emotional transition training ✓ Certified —
Patient, no-pressure approach ✓ Core principle Varies
Multi-generational communication ✓ Trained —
Senior housing options expertise ✓ Specialized Varies
Insurance risk assessment ✓ 10+ years exp. —

✓ = Trained/Specialized   — = Not typically offered

Downsizing Guide

How to Downsize Your Des Moines Home

Downsizing isn't about giving up—it's about gaining freedom. Whether you're an empty nester, retiree, or simply ready for a simpler lifestyle, here's everything you need to know.

💰

Financial Freedom

Lower mortgage, reduced property taxes, lower utilities, and less maintenance. Free up equity for retirement and travel.

🧹

Less Maintenance

No more weekend yard work, gutter cleaning, or maintaining rooms you never use. Spend time on what you love.

🌟

Simplified Living

Less stuff means less stress. A smaller, organized space is easier to keep clean and more peaceful.

♿

Improved Accessibility

Single-level living, wider doorways, and easier-to-navigate spaces. Plan ahead for changing physical needs.

✈️

Freedom to Travel

Lock the door and go. A smaller home is easier to leave for extended trips, visiting grandchildren, or adventures.

🏘️

Better Location

Move closer to family, healthcare, or a walkable community. Your smaller budget may open up neighborhoods you couldn't afford before.

The Four-Box Decluttering Method

The heart of downsizing. Use this system room by room to make decisions easier and keep making progress.

✅

Keep

Items you use regularly, truly love, and will have room for in your new home

💙

Donate

Good condition items someone else can use. Schedule regular donation pickups

💵

Sell

Valuable items worth selling through estate sales, consignment, or online

🗑️

Discard

Broken, worn out, or items no one would want. Recycle what you can

Your Downsizing Checklist

✓ Start with the easiest room first to build momentum
✓ Talk to family about your plans before you begin
✓ Measure your new space before deciding what to keep
✓ Involve family early for heirloom and keepsake decisions
✓ Digitize photos and important documents
✓ Schedule estate sale 3-4 weeks before listing
✓ Create a "memory box" for irreplaceable small items
✓ Contact a senior real estate specialist for guidance
✓ Research senior housing options before you sell
✓ Use the Senior Move Calculator to estimate costs
What to Expect

The Senior Move Timeline

A thoughtful approach that respects your timeline and emotional needs. Most transitions take 3–12 months, and we move at your pace—never faster.

1
Getting Started

Free Compassionate Consultation

We meet at your home or virtually for a no-pressure conversation about your situation, goals, and concerns. I listen first, advise second.

  • Understand your unique situation and timeline
  • Free home evaluation and market analysis
  • Discuss senior housing options that fit your needs
  • Answer every question—no matter how small
💡 Sarah's tip: "There's no such thing as 'too early' to have this conversation. Many of my clients start 6-12 months before they're ready to move. Information gives you power."
2
6-12 Months Before

Planning & Exploring Options

Create your personalized downsizing timeline and start exploring where you'd like to live next.

  • Tour 55+ communities and other housing options
  • Begin gentle decluttering one room at a time
  • Consult with financial advisor about retirement impact
  • Create a plan for family heirlooms and valuables
3
3-6 Months Before

Decluttering & Preparation

The hands-on work of sorting belongings and getting your home ready for sale.

  • Room-by-room decluttering with the four-box method
  • Coordinate estate sale if needed
  • Arrange donations and disposal
  • Minor repairs and cosmetic improvements
  • Professional staging guidance
💡 Sarah's tip: "Don't try to do everything at once. Twenty minutes a day adds up quickly. And always start with the room that has the least emotional attachment."
4
1-3 Months Before

Marketing & Selling

Strategic marketing and stress-free showings to get you the best price.

  • Professional photography and virtual tours
  • Strategic pricing based on Des Moines market data
  • Managed showings—I handle all the coordination
  • Offer negotiation to maximize your home's value
5
2-4 Weeks Before

Finding Your Next Home

Whether you're buying a condo, renting in a 55+ community, or moving to assisted living, I help coordinate the search.

  • Tour senior housing options in person or via video
  • Coordinate timing between closings
  • Connect with Golden Concierge for care communities
  • Review contracts and lease agreements
6
Move Week

Closing & Moving Day

Coordinated closing and a smooth transition into your new home.

  • Closing coordination and document support
  • Senior-friendly mover recommendations
  • Utility transfers and address changes
  • Final walkthrough of your new space
7
After the Move

Settling In & Follow-Up

My support doesn't end at closing. I check in to make sure you're settled and happy.

  • Post-move check-in call
  • Help with any remaining details
  • Continued connection to senior resources
  • Always available if questions come up
💡 Sarah's tip: "The first few weeks in a new home can feel strange. That's completely normal. Give yourself grace and time to adjust. This is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter."
Housing Options

Senior Living Options in Des Moines

From active adult communities to full-service care, the Des Moines metro offers a wide range of senior housing. Here's what to know about each option.

🏡

55+ Active Adult Communities

Maintenance-free living in a community of peers. Enjoy clubhouses, social activities, fitness centers, and landscaped grounds without the burden of home upkeep.

  • Typically ages 55 and up
  • Own your home, HOA handles exterior maintenance
  • Active social calendars and amenities
  • Popular in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee
Explore 55+ Communities →
🌳

Independent Living

Apartment-style living with optional services like meals, housekeeping, and transportation. Perfect for active seniors who want convenience without home ownership responsibilities.

  • Monthly rent includes services
  • Social dining and organized activities
  • On-site staff for convenience (not medical care)
  • No home maintenance or property tax worries
💝

Assisted Living

Personal care support while maintaining independence and dignity. Staff helps with daily activities like bathing, medications, and meals while residents enjoy private living spaces.

  • 24/7 trained staff on site
  • Help with daily living activities as needed
  • Social programs and wellness activities
  • Golden Concierge can help find the right fit
🏠

Right-Sized Single Family

Not ready for community living? Many seniors downsize to a smaller single-family home in a great neighborhood—closer to family, easier to maintain, and more accessible.

  • Look for single-level or main-floor living
  • Great options in Urbandale, Clive, Johnston
  • Maintain independence and home equity
  • Consider future accessibility needs now
Search Homes in the App →
🏙️

Downtown Condos & Townhomes

Walkable urban living with restaurants, cultural venues, and healthcare nearby. Low-maintenance condo life is increasingly popular with active retirees in the Des Moines metro.

🏥

Continuing Care Communities (CCRC)

Campus-style communities that offer a full spectrum of care levels—from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing—all in one location. Move once, transition care as needed.

  • Age in place as needs change over time
  • Usually requires an entrance fee plus monthly fee
  • Full amenities: dining, fitness, social programs
  • Peace of mind for future care needs
🤝 Trusted Partnership

Golden Concierge—Senior Living Placement Specialists

For families exploring assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities, I've partnered with Golden Concierge—Des Moines' trusted senior living placement specialists. They provide free, personalized guidance to find the right care community for your loved one.

For Families

Helping Adult Children Sell Parents' Home

If you're an adult child trying to help aging parents sell their Des Moines home—especially from out of state—I understand your unique challenges. Distance doesn't have to mean disconnection.

The Family Transition Checklist

1

Have the Conversation

Talk with your parents about their wishes, concerns, and timeline. Listen more than you speak. This is their home and their decision.

2

Assess the Situation

Evaluate safety concerns, maintenance needs, financial considerations, and care requirements. Schedule a free consultation to discuss.

3

Understand Legal Requirements

Determine if power of attorney is needed. Review the deed for ownership details. For probate situations, consult an Iowa estate attorney.

4

Coordinate Belongings

Decide who gets family heirlooms. Arrange an estate sale for remaining items. Digitize photos and documents.

5

Prepare & Sell the Home

I handle everything on the ground—repairs, staging, showings, negotiations—keeping you informed every step of the way.

6

Transition to Next Chapter

Whether your parent is moving to senior living, moving in with family, or downsizing locally, I coordinate the entire transition.

Virtual Transition Support

I work with families from California to Florida helping their Des Moines parents transition. Here's how I bridge the distance:

📱

Live Video Showings

Walk through properties via FaceTime or Zoom so you can see everything in real time

📝

Digital Document Signing

Sign contracts and closing documents electronically from anywhere. Iowa supports remote online notarization

📊

Video Progress Updates

Regular video calls and reports so everyone stays informed throughout the process

🔧

Vendor Coordination

I manage contractors, estate sale companies, movers, and every vendor on your behalf

"I live in California but needed to help my mom sell her Des Moines home. Sarah was my eyes and ears on the ground—sending videos, coordinating repairs, and keeping me informed every step of the way."
— David L., Adult Child (Out-of-State)

Estate Sale Support

Estate Sale & Probate Property Guidance

When a family home needs to be sold due to an estate, probate, or inherited property situation, the process involves unique emotional and legal complexities. I guide families through every step.

📋

Estate Sale Coordination

I connect you with vetted Des Moines estate sale companies who handle belongings with care and maximize the value of your loved one's possessions.

⚖️

Probate Property Sales

Navigating Iowa probate requires specific knowledge. I work alongside estate attorneys to ensure the property sale meets all legal requirements. Learn about probate real estate →

🏠

Property Preparation

Many estate properties need work before listing. I coordinate cleanouts, repairs, and staging—especially important when family members are out of state.

📜

Inherited Property

Recently inherited a Des Moines area home? I help heirs navigate decisions from keeping to selling.

👥

Multi-Heir Situations

Multiple siblings inheriting? I facilitate fair, transparent communication and decision-making.

🕊️

After a Spouse's Passing

Selling after loss requires special sensitivity. I move at your pace with compassion and patience.

🏥

Transition to Care

When a parent moves to assisted living or memory care, the home sale often funds that care.

Empty Nester Transitions

Your Kids Have Launched. Now What?

The kids are grown, the bedrooms are empty, and you're heating 2,500 square feet for two people. If you're wondering whether it's time to right-size your life, you're not alone.

Empty nesting isn't a loss—it's an opportunity. You've spent decades in a home built around raising a family. Now you have the freedom to choose a home built around you: your hobbies, your travel plans, your social life, your comfort.

Many of my clients tell me they wish they'd made the move sooner. Once they're in a right-sized home—whether that's a 55+ community, a downtown condo, or a smaller home in Clive or Urbandale—they rediscover energy they didn't know they had.

Lifestyle Upgrades After Downsizing

🧘

More Time

Less cleaning, less mowing, less maintaining. Use that time for what matters.

💰

More Money

Unlock home equity, lower property taxes, and reduce monthly expenses. Use the Retirement Budget Calculator.

🌍

More Freedom

Travel without worrying about the house. Lock the door and go explore.

👫

More Connection

Community living means built-in neighbors, social events, and new friendships.

Free Senior Tools

Resources to Plan Your Transition

🧮

Senior Move Calculator

Estimate your downsizing timeline and costs
💰

Retirement Budget Calculator

See how downsizing fits your retirement finances
🏠

What's My Home Worth?

Free instant home value estimate
📊

Neighborhood Comparison

Compare Des Moines areas side by side
Trusted Senior Network

Trusted Senior Partners & Resources

I've built a network of Des Moines professionals who share my commitment to compassionate, quality service for seniors and their families.

🤝

Golden Concierge

Free senior living placement services. They help families find the right assisted living, memory care, or independent living community.

🏷️

Estate Sale Companies

Vetted professionals who handle estate sales with care, maximizing value while respecting your family's belongings.

🚚

Senior Moving Companies

Movers who specialize in senior relocations—patient, careful, and experienced with delicate items and downsizing moves.

📦

Senior Move Managers

Professional organizers who help plan, coordinate, and manage every detail of the physical move from start to finish.

⚖️

Estate & Elder Law Attorneys

Iowa attorneys specializing in estate planning, probate, power of attorney, and elder law to protect your family's interests.

💼

Financial Advisors

Retirement planning specialists who understand how a home sale impacts Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and retirement income.

Senior Client Stories

What Families Say

Stories from seniors and families I've had the honor to help through their transitions.

★★★★★

After 42 years in our family home, the thought of selling was overwhelming. Sarah understood the emotional weight and never rushed us. She helped us find a wonderful 55+ community where we're now thriving.

MJ
Margaret & Jim
Downsized after 42 years
★★★★★

I live in California but needed to help my mom sell her Des Moines home. Sarah was my eyes and ears on the ground—sending videos, coordinating repairs, and keeping me informed every step of the way.

DL
David L.
Adult child, out-of-state
★★★★★

Sarah's SRES training really showed. She knew exactly what questions to ask, connected us with an estate sale company, and made the whole process so much less stressful than we expected.

SB
The Berger Family
Estate sale & transition
★★★★★

We weren't sure if we were ready to sell, but Sarah encouraged us to just have a conversation. No pressure—just information. When we were ready six months later, we knew exactly who to call.

RH
Robert & Helen
Clive to West Des Moines
Frequently Asked Questions

Senior Real Estate FAQ

Answers to the questions I hear most from seniors and their families in the Des Moines metro area.

What is an SRES® and why does it matter? ▼
SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation from the National Association of Realtors for agents who complete specialized training on serving clients aged 50+. It covers senior housing options, reverse mortgages, estate planning, probate, emotional transition support, and age-specific financial considerations. Only a small percentage of agents hold this certification—those who do are specifically committed to serving this population well. Learn more about the SRES® difference →
How long does the downsizing process typically take? ▼
Most successful downsizes take 3 to 12 months from initial decision to moving day. The timeline depends on how much decluttering is needed, your home's condition, and where you plan to move. I always recommend starting the conversation early—even if you're a year out. There's never pressure to rush. Use our Senior Move Calculator to estimate your timeline and costs.
Can you help if I live out of state and need to sell my parents' home? ▼
Absolutely. I regularly work with adult children across the country who need to sell a parent's Des Moines area home. I provide live video walkthroughs, digital document signing, regular video progress updates, and coordinate all vendors on site. Iowa supports remote online notarization, so you can close from anywhere. See how virtual transition support works →
What are the best 55+ communities in the Des Moines area? ▼
Des Moines has excellent 55+ options in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and Waukee. Options range from active adult communities with clubhouses and social activities to low-maintenance townhomes and condos. Each community has different amenities, price points, and cultures. I can help you tour and compare options based on your lifestyle and budget. Browse 55+ communities →
How do I decide between staying and downsizing? ▼
Consider these factors: Is home maintenance becoming overwhelming? Are stairs becoming difficult? Are your home costs eating into your retirement budget? Is the house feeling too big and empty? Are you isolated from family and activities? I offer a free, no-pressure consultation to walk through these questions together. There's no obligation, and many clients start with "just a conversation" months before they make a decision.
What happens to all my belongings when I downsize? ▼
I connect you with trusted estate sale companies, donation services, and professional organizers in the Des Moines area. Using the four-box method (keep, donate, sell, discard), you systematically sort belongings room by room. Most families keep 30–40% of their items. I always recommend involving adult children early for heirloom decisions and digitizing important photos and documents.
Does Sarah help with estate and probate properties? ▼
Yes. I have experience with estate sales and probate real estate in Iowa. I coordinate with estate attorneys, handle property preparation, and guide families through the legal and emotional process of selling an inherited or estate property. This includes multi-heir situations where several family members share in the decision.
What does a senior real estate consultation cost? ▼
Initial consultations are always free with no obligation. I'll meet with you at your home or virtually to understand your situation, answer questions, and discuss options. There is never pressure to list or make a decision on the spot. Many families meet with me months or even a year before they're ready, just to understand their options.
How does Sarah's insurance background benefit seniors? ▼
With 10+ years of property insurance claims experience, I can identify risks in older homes that affect both safety and insurability—things like knob-and-tube wiring, basement moisture, roof condition, and outdated electrical panels. This protects seniors when selling (addressing issues proactively before they become negotiation points) and when buying (avoiding costly surprises in older homes). I also use my Insurance Risk Assessment tool to help identify potential concerns.
What is a reverse mortgage and should I consider one? ▼
A reverse mortgage (HECM) allows homeowners 62+ to convert home equity into income without selling. It can be a good option for seniors who want to age in place and need additional income. However, it's not right for everyone—there are fees, interest accumulation, and implications for heirs. I can explain how reverse mortgages work and connect you with a HUD-approved counselor, but I always recommend consulting a financial advisor before making this decision.
Will I have to sell before I find my new place? ▼
Not necessarily. I work to coordinate timing between selling your current home and securing your next one. Options include negotiating a longer closing period, arranging a rent-back agreement, or exploring bridge financing. For seniors moving to rental communities or assisted living, the timeline is often more flexible. Every situation is different, and I'll help you find the approach that minimizes stress and uncertainty.
What if my parent has dementia or cognitive decline? ▼
This is a sensitive and important situation. If your parent has been diagnosed with cognitive decline, having proper legal authority (power of attorney) in place before a home sale is essential. I work with elder law attorneys and Golden Concierge to ensure families have the right support. My SRES® training includes specific guidance on communicating with and supporting clients experiencing cognitive changes, and I treat every person with dignity and patience regardless of their situation.
Free Senior Consultation

Let's Talk About Your Next Chapter

Whether you're ready to move next month or just starting to think about it, I'd love to have a conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch—just compassionate, expert guidance from an SRES® specialist who cares.

Request Your Free Consultation

🔒 Patient, no-pressure approach guaranteed. Your information stays private.

✓ SRES® Certified Senior Specialist
✓ 10+ Years Insurance Expertise
✓ Free, No-Obligation Consultation
✓ We Move at YOUR Pace