Sara Elmer, Realtor - Iowa Realty

06/23/2026

🏠🏡Looking for space? Check out this Altoona acreage with Shop!

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandpas, father figures, and mentors who make every house feel more like home. 💙

06/19/2026

The right Realtor should be more than someone who unlocks doors. They should help you understand the market, explain the numbers, point out potential concerns, and make sure you have the information you need to make a confident decision.

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people will ever make. Asking questions isn't just okay, it's essential. If you're thinking about buying a home anywhere in Central Iowa, save this post for later and bring these questions with you when you start your home search.

What is the most important question you think a buyer should ask? 👇

Sara Elmer, Realtor - Iowa Realty
📲 515-829-6393 (Call or Text)
🏡 Licensed to sell real estate in Iowa.

06/17/2026

Timely maintenance, repairs and improvements help protect your home, provide your family with greater comfort and even enhance your home's value.

Timely maintenance and repairs help protect your home, provide your family with greater comfort and even enhance your home's value.

06/15/2026

A little maintenance now can help prevent costly repairs later. Here's your June home checklist:

✅ Clean your grill and outdoor furniture to get ready for summer gatherings
✅ Power wash siding, patios, and walkways to remove dirt and winter buildup
✅ Inspect your foundation and crawlspace for cracks, moisture, or signs of damage
✅ Schedule A/C maintenance to keep your system running efficiently during the hottest months
✅ Clean and seal wood fences to protect against sun, rain, and humidity

Taking care of these simple tasks can help keep your home looking great and performing its best all season long.

06/12/2026

What is escrow? Here’s how I explain it to my clients 🏡👇
Escrow is a neutral third party, usually a title company, that holds money and documents during a real estate transaction.

I always tell my clients… it’s there to protect both sides. Nothing gets released until all parts of the agreement are completed.

That means your funds, paperwork, and timelines are all handled securely while we move toward closing.

It keeps the process smooth, organized, and fair for everyone involved.

If you’re buying or selling in Des Moines and want someone to walk you through every step, I’ve got you 👇

Sara Elmer, Realtor - Iowa Realty
📲 515-829-6393 (Call or Text)
🏡 Licensed to sell real estate in Iowa.

06/10/2026

Create an effective privacy hedge without a hefty price tag by planting a “living wall” of shrubs.

Here are the best hedge plants to create an effective privacy hedge without a hefty price tag and a lot of work.

06/08/2026

Renting and owning both have their place. The right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and financial situation.

One of the biggest differences? When you own a home, your monthly housing payment is generally more predictable, and you're building equity over time instead of helping someone else build theirs. Homeownership also gives you the freedom to paint the walls, update the kitchen, hang shelves, or make the space truly your own. That said, buying isn't the right move for everyone. If you're planning to move soon or aren't ready for the responsibilities that come with owning a home, renting may make more sense.

Thinking about buying but not sure if you're ready? Let's talk through your options and create a plan that works for you.

What do you think is the biggest advantage of owning a home? 👇

Sara Elmer, Realtor - Iowa Realty
📲 515-829-6393 (Call or Text)
🏡 Licensed to sell real estate in Iowa.

06/05/2026

Before any showing, open the blinds, pull back the drapes, and let the light do the work. It costs nothing and makes a bigger difference than most sellers expect. Bright spaces feel larger, warmer, and more inviting the moment a buyer walks through the door.

It's also worth checking your bulbs. Swapping in higher wattage or warmer toned bulbs in darker rooms can change the entire feel of a space, especially on overcast Iowa days when natural light is limited.

Small details like this are easy to overlook but buyers notice them more than you'd think.

Sara Elmer, Realtor - Iowa Realty
📲 515-829-6393 (Call or Text)

06/03/2026

Small outdoor fixes that make a big difference.

From clogged sprinkler heads to hidden foundation issues, experts share the easy-to-miss outdoor chores that can prevent costly damage and set your yard up for a healthy season.