With 26,531 seniors living in Des Moines
(12.45% of the population)
, families here face important decisions about care, finances, and life transitions every day.
Selling a home where you've lived for decades isn't like any other real estate transaction. Senior real estate specialists understand the emotional weight of leaving a family home, the practical challenges of preparing a property that may need updating, and the timeline pressures that often come with health changes or moves to assisted living. They bring both sensitivity and expertise to one of life's biggest transitions.
We've verified 3 senior real estate agents serving Des Moines who have made senior services their specialty. Browse their profiles below to find the right fit for your family.
Population data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2022)
Des Moines has 3 verified Senior Real Estate Agents listed on Sencarta, all holding professional certifications in senior-focused real estate. With over 26,500 residents aged 65 and older in a city of 213,164, the demand for agents who understand senior housing needs is real and growing.
These agents carry credentials like the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation from the National Association of Realtors and the Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) certification, both of which signal specialized training in senior housing transitions. All 3 agents on Sencarta are certified, meaning they have demonstrated specific knowledge of the financial, emotional, and logistical factors that come with buying or selling a home later in life.
Seniors in Des Moines have distinct housing priorities. Some are looking to downsize from longtime family homes in established neighborhoods like Beaverdale or South of Grand. Others want to move closer to medical resources at MercyOne or UnityPoint Health. A senior real estate agent understands these considerations and can guide the process accordingly.
Why Choose a Local Senior Real Estate Agent in Des Moines?
A local Senior Real Estate Agent in Des Moines knows the lay of the land in ways that matter for older adults. They can tell you which neighborhoods have single-level homes with minimal upkeep, which areas are closest to grocery stores and pharmacies, and where property taxes are manageable on a fixed income. Des Moines has a mix of housing stock, from mid-century ranch homes in Urbandale and Windsor Heights to newer senior living communities in West Des Moines and Ankeny. An agent with SRES or CSHP training paired with local knowledge can match seniors to the right fit.
Sencarta helps you find agents you can trust. All 3 Senior Real Estate Agents serving the Des Moines area are credentialed professionals listed with their certification details visible on their profiles. You can review their qualifications before reaching out, so you know exactly who you are working with from the start.
What to Look for in a Senior Real Estate Agent
Look for real estate agents with the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation, which indicates specific training in working with older adults. Beyond credentials, experience matters: ask how many senior clients they've helped in the past year and what percentage of their business involves downsizing situations.
A senior-focused agent should have a network of trusted professionals — estate sale companies, senior move managers, contractors who can handle quick updates — to help prepare a home for sale. They should also be patient with the decision-making process, understanding that selling a longtime home is an emotional journey.
Services Offered by Senior Real Estate Agents
Senior real estate specialists in Des Moines provide tailored support for older sellers:
• Home Valuation: Understanding what your home is worth in today's market
• Preparation Guidance: Recommending which updates provide the best return on investment
• Network Connections: Referrals to estate sale companies, move managers, and contractors
• Flexible Showings: Working around medical appointments and limited mobility
• Clear Communication: Regular updates in the format you prefer — phone, email, or in-person
• Timeline Coordination: Aligning the sale with senior living move-in dates
• Decluttering Support: Connecting with professionals who specialize in downsizing
• Closing Assistance: Helping navigate paperwork and final details
Questions to Ask a Senior Real Estate Agent
Questions to ask a senior real estate specialist:
1. Do you have the SRES designation or similar senior-focused training?
2. What percentage of your clients are seniors downsizing or relocating?
3. Can you connect me with estate sale companies or senior move managers you trust?
4. How do you handle situations where a home needs significant updating before sale?
5. What's your communication style — how often will you update me on showings and offers?
6. How do you coordinate timing between selling this home and moving to senior living?
7. Can you provide references from senior clients you've helped in Des Moines?
8. What happens if I need to move before the house sells?
