Central Iowa real estate, explained
Probate and inherited property, senior downsizing, and smart moves across the Des Moines metro — written by Sarah Ingles, SRES®.
Why Out-of-State Parents Are Buying Instead of Renting for Their Des Moines Resident — and the 3-Year Math That Drives the Decision
2026-09-15 · Wealth & InvestmentBuying a home in Des Moines for your adult child? Run the 3-year buy-vs-rent math first. Iowa REALTOR Sarah Ingles walks out-of-state parents through it.
Selling an Inherited Iowa House: Who Handles What Between the Probate Attorney and Your Agent
2026-09-01 · Out of State HeirsWhen selling an inherited house, your Iowa probate attorney real estate agent team each play distinct roles. Here's who does what.
The Inherited House Two Siblings Almost Sold for $23,000 Less Than It Was Worth
2026-08-26 · Probate & Estate SalesJust inherited a house in the Des Moines area? Here's what to do first, and whether to sell as-is, list it, or prep it first - decided on the numbers.
The Des Moines Family That Almost Paid for Care Their Mom Didn't Need Yet
2026-08-26 · Senior Moves & DownsizingHelping an aging parent decide where to live next? Compare staying home, a smaller house, independent living, and full care - on cost and real need today.
After a Parent Dies: The Iowa Order of Operations for the House They Left
2026-08-23 · ProbateWhen a parent dies and leaves an Iowa house, the order of steps matters: who signs, the vacancy-insurance clock, the 6-9 month timeline, and keep/rent/sell.
Cash Offer or List It As-Is? What Actually Nets More on a Des Moines House
2026-08-23 · Home SellingA cash offer is fast, but listing as-is usually nets more. See how the two compare on a Des Moines net sheet - and what you must still disclose in Iowa.
Selling the House in a Divorce: How One Neutral Agent Keeps It Fair for Both
2026-08-23 · DivorceDivorcing after 50 and selling the marital home? How a neutral agent runs a fair sale for both spouses in Iowa - the options, the process, the numbers.
Ready for Less House? A Des Moines Downsizing Plan That Starts With the Numbers
2026-08-23 · Senior DownsizingThinking about downsizing in Des Moines? When to start, what it costs, and how to decide keep, sell, or right-size - on the numbers, at your pace.
Can I Sell My Parent's Iowa House Without Flying Back? What's Actually Possible Remotely.
2026-08-18 · Out of State HeirsFor most Des Moines estates in the $200,000 to $400,000 range, a trip back to Iowa is optional: remote signing, video walkthroughs, and local vendors.
Does Iowa Still Have an Inheritance Tax? What Heirs Selling in 2026 Actually Owe
2026-08-05 · Out of State HeirsIowa's inheritance tax ended for deaths on or after Jan 1, 2025 — but big websites still say otherwise. What heirs selling an inherited Iowa house really pay.
Iowa Ancillary Probate: Selling the Iowa House When the Estate Is Probated in Another State
2026-08-05 · Out of State HeirsWhen the main probate runs in another state, the Iowa house needs its own authority. How ancillary probate works, the foreign-will shortcut, and the timeline.
How Long Does Iowa Probate Take Before You Can Sell the House? A Timeline for Out-of-State Heirs
2026-08-04 · Out of State HeirsIowa probate takes a minimum of 6 months — the question is when can you actually list and sell the house. Here's the complete timeline for out-of-state heirs.
Selling an Inherited Iowa House When Siblings Want Different Things: How Families Get Unstuck
2026-07-21 · Out of State HeirsWhen siblings disagree about selling an inherited Iowa house, it is the most common friction point in an estate sale. The framework families use to get unstuck.
The Cash Offer an Out-of-State Heir Almost Took on Her Des Moines Inheritance
2026-07-07 · Out of State HeirsInherited house Des Moines: compare a cash offer vs. listing as-is with a local probate agent. See which path fits your timeline and out-of-state situation.
When a Parent Dies in Iowa: What the Family Should Do in the First 24 Hours
2026-06-23 · Out of State HeirsDealing with an Iowa house after a parent dies, from out of state? You don't know where to start. Here's exactly what to do first — and what can wait.
Iowa Eliminated Its Inheritance Tax. Here's What Out-of-State Heirs Are Still Getting Wrong.
2026-06-09 · Out of State HeirsNo Iowa inheritance tax in 2026: it ended for deaths on or after January 1, 2025. The five things out-of-state heirs of an Iowa house still get wrong, with numbers.
What an Out-of-State Heir Needs to Know About the Iowa Probate Timeline Before Listing
2026-05-24 · Out of State HeirsUnderstand the Iowa probate timeline before listing an inherited home. A guide for out-of-state heirs on legal authority, insurance risks, and next steps.
Vacant Home Insurance For Inherited Iowa Houses
2026-05-15 · Probate & Estate SalesVacant home insurance Iowa rules trip up out-of-state heirs. Here are the 5 coverage gaps that leave inherited homes uninsured — and how to spot them.
How to Sell an Inherited House in Iowa: Key Steps
2026-04-16 · Out of State HeirsWant to sell an inherited house in Iowa? This guide covers Iowa probate authority, timing, pricing, and closing — for executors and out-of-state heirs.
How to Price an Inherited House in Des Moines
2026-03-25 · Probate & Estate SalesWant to price an inherited house in Des Moines correctly? Learn how to set the right value for estate property, decide on repairs, and maximize net proceeds.
Vacant Home Insurance for Executors of Inherited Iowa Property
2026-03-23 · Probate & Estate SalesVacant home insurance for executors Iowa: protect inherited Iowa property during probate. What coverage executors need and when standard policies expire.
How to Sell an Inherited Iowa Home From Out of State
2026-03-23 · Out of State HeirsNeed to sell an inherited Iowa home from out of state? This guide covers probate authority, remote listing, pricing, and closing for out-of-state heirs.
What Happens to a House When Someone Dies in Iowa?
2026-03-23 · Probate & Estate SalesWhat happens to a house when someone dies in Iowa: who can sign, how probate affects the property, your options as an heir, and when you have to act.
Can You Sell a House in Probate in Iowa? | Executor's Guide
2026-03-16 · Probate & Estate SalesYes, you can sell a house in probate in Iowa. Learn the Iowa executor process, court requirements, and how to navigate a probate property sale in Des Moines.
What Happens to Home Insurance When a Parent Passes Away in Iowa?
2026-03-16 · Probate & Estate SalesLearn what happens to home insurance when a parent passes away in Iowa. Iowa executors have as little as 30 days before coverage lapses on vacant property.
How to Sell a Probate Home in Des Moines
2026-03-11 · Probate & Estate SalesLearn how to sell a probate home in Des Moines step by step. Iowa executor guide covering court approval, pricing, and working with a probate REALTOR®.
Mastering 1031 Exchange Strategies for Iowa Real Estate Investments
2026-02-19 · Wealth & InvestmentMaster 1031 exchange Iowa rules to defer capital gains and grow your real estate portfolio. Smart Move Des Moines guides investors through every step.
The Ultimate Guide to House Hacking a Des Moines Duplex
2026-02-19 · Wealth & InvestmentDiscover house hacking Des Moines duplex strategies: live in one unit, rent the other, and slash your mortgage. Expert guide by Smart Move Des Moines.
Estate Sale Vs Selling Items When Downsizing Guide
2026-02-19 · Senior Moves & DownsizingEstate sale vs selling items downsizing: compare both options for clearing a home after a loved one's passing. Smart Move Des Moines helps seniors decide.
The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist for Des Moines Buyers
2026-02-19 · Buying a Home in Des MoinesUse our home inspection checklist Des Moines buyers rely on. Avoid costly mistakes and close with confidence. Expert guidance from Smart Move Des Moines.
2026 Cost of Living in Des Moines, Iowa: Comprehensive Guide
2026-02-19 · DSM Market & NeighborhoodsWhat does it really cost to live in Des Moines in 2026? A full breakdown of housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, taxes — and how the metro compares nationally.
Best Time to Sell Your Des Moines Iowa Home in 2026
2026-02-19 · Selling a Home in Des MoinesFind the best time to sell Des Moines home in 2026. Data-driven insights on market timing, spring vs. fall, and pricing strategy from Smart Move Des Moines.
Best Des Moines Neighborhoods for Families in 2026
2026-02-14 · DSM Market & NeighborhoodsDiscover the best Des Moines neighborhoods families love in 2026: top schools, safety ratings, commute times, and more. Expert guide by Smart Move Des Moines.
Downsizing vs Aging in Place: Des Moines Budget Guide
2026-02-14 · Senior Moves & DownsizingDownsizing vs aging in place Des Moines: compare real costs, benefits, and risks. Smart Move Des Moines helps seniors choose wisely for 2026.
2026 Guide: Building a Multi-State Real Estate Empire from Des Moines
2026-02-14 · Wealth & InvestmentMaster multi-state real estate investing Des Moines investors use to build wealth beyond Iowa. Expert strategies and market insights from Smart Move Des Moines.
Why Des Moines Is the Smart Move for 2026: Growth, Opportunity, Lifestyle
2026-02-14 · DSM Market & NeighborhoodsDes Moines in 2026: housing 30 to 50% more affordable than similar Midwest metros, expanding employers, and city energy with a small-town feel.
The Complete Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Des Moines
2026-02-14 · Senior Moves & DownsizingYour complete guide to downsizing home Des Moines seniors and empty nesters follow. From decluttering to moving, Smart Move Des Moines SRES expert guides you.
2026 Central Iowa 55+ Living Guide: Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale
2026-02-14 · Senior Moves & DownsizingFind the best 55+ living Central Iowa Des Moines options in 2026. Compare Ankeny, Waukee, and Urbandale communities with Smart Move Des Moines SRES guidance.
Iowa Property Taxes at 65 in 2026: Cut Des Moines Bill Fast
2026-02-14 · Senior Moves & DownsizingIowa property taxes 65 Des Moines seniors can cut with homestead exemptions. Learn which credits apply in 2026 and how to file. Smart Move Des Moines.
2026 Mortgage Rates Forecast for Iowa First-Time and Move-Up Buyers
2026-02-14 · Buying a Home in Des MoinesWhat will mortgage rates Iowa 2026 look like? Expert analysis for first-time and move-up Des Moines buyers on rates, payments, and timing your purchase.
Sell My House Fast in Des Moines: 7 Proven Strategies for 2026
2026-02-13 · Selling a Home in Des MoinesWant to sell house fast Des Moines in 2026? These 7 proven strategies cut days on market. Expert tips from Smart Move Des Moines SRES specialist Sarah Ingles.
6 Costly Downsizing Mistakes Des Moines Seniors Make in 2026
2026-02-13 · Senior Moves & DownsizingAvoid costly downsizing mistakes Des Moines seniors make when selling. Sarah Ingles, SRES®, helps families transition smoothly in the Des Moines metro.
Iowa Tax Strategies for Multi-Location Real Estate Investors
2026-02-13 · Wealth & InvestmentDiscover proven Iowa tax strategies for real estate investors with multi-location portfolios. Minimize capital gains and maximize returns across Des Moines.
2026 Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines: What to Know
2026-02-13 · Buying a Home in Des MoinesDiscover the top home insurance risks Des Moines homeowners face in 2026 — the property conditions that affect insurability, from Sarah Ingles, SRES® CPCU®.
First Keys to Final Chapters: Your Des Moines Move
2026-02-13 · DSM Market & NeighborhoodsYour complete Des Moines real estate guide — from first-time buyers to seniors downsizing. Sarah Ingles, SRES® CPCU®, helps every family in Des Moines.
Downsizing vs. Rightsizing: Which Fits Your Des Moines Move?
2026-02-13 · Senior Moves & DownsizingDownsizing vs rightsizing Des Moines — which approach is right for your next move? Sarah Ingles, SRES®, helps you make a confident decision for your lifestyle.
Ranch vs. Two-Story Homes in West Des Moines 2026
2026-02-13 · Buying a Home in Des MoinesRanch vs two-story homes in West Des Moines — compare costs, maintenance, lot size, and resale value to find the right fit for your family in 2026.
Main-Floor Living & Best Neighborhoods in West Des Moines 2026
2026-02-13 · Senior Moves & DownsizingFind main floor living West Des Moines homes in 2026 — ranch houses, villas, and 55+ communities for seniors and downsizers. Guide by Sarah Ingles, SRES.
Starter Home vs. Forever Home Des Moines 2026
2026-02-13 · Buying a Home in Des MoinesStarter home vs forever home Des Moines — compare costs, timing, and lifestyle to make the right call in 2026. Expert advice from Sarah Ingles, SRES.
First-Time Buyer Grants and Programs in Des Moines (2026)
2026-02-13 · Buying a Home in Des MoinesDiscover first-time homebuyer grants in Des Moines for 2026. Iowa programs offer thousands toward your down payment. Expert guide by Sarah Ingles, SRES.
Senior Housing Costs in Des Moines: 2026 Guide
2026-02-13 · Senior Moves & DownsizingSenior housing costs in Des Moines for 2026, up about 19% in Iowa since 2021: independent living, assisted living, memory care, staying home, and when to sell.
Selling Your Parents' Home in Des Moines: 2026 Guide
2026-02-13 · Senior Moves & DownsizingSelling your parents' home in Des Moines? Get a calm, clear plan for estate, probate, and senior transition sales. Expert guidance from Sarah Ingles, SRES®.