Sara Elmer, Realtor - Iowa Realty

10/23/2026

🍾🎊Closing on my parents place today! Elsa HAD to be a part of the signing session.. 🐕🐾🎉🥳

10/02/2026

If you could design your dream home any way you'd like, what would you choose? 🏡✨

Maybe it's the oversized kitchen where everyone gathers, a sun-filled living room that feels open and inviting, a backyard made for long summer evenings, or a bedroom that feels like a quiet escape at the end of the day.

The little details are what make a home feel personal. The layout that makes everyday life easier. The outdoor space you'll actually use. The kitchen you'll want to linger in. The cozy corner that quickly becomes your favorite spot.

So, if you could only keep one feature, what would make the cut?

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

09/30/2026

Never DIY this, unless you want to DIE. In a famous Australia public service ad, one of the Dumb Ways to Die was "doing your own electrical work."

We asked two contractors which DIY you should never try on your own. Here’s what they said, and why you should call a pro next time.

09/28/2026

The most meaningful things in life rarely come easy.

09/25/2026

Which do you prefer?

09/20/2026

How to downsize correctly and make your move easier.

Start early!

09/17/2026

Security or surveillance? HOAs are installing more cameras - at entrances, parks & pools - but that's giving some buyers Big Brother vibes.

License plate reader cameras are being used in more neighborhoods and are sometimes touted as an amenity. But not every buyer sees them as a selling point.

09/15/2026

Back-to-school is easier when your home is set up to support the routine. 🎒🏡

A few intentional changes can help mornings run smoother, reduce clutter, and keep everyone organized throughout the school year.

Here are a few simple ideas to try:

📚 Create a dedicated homework zone with good lighting, minimal distractions, and easy access to school supplies.
🎒 Set up a drop zone near the entryway for backpacks, shoes, lunch bags, and jackets so nothing gets misplaced.
🗓️ Use a family command center with a shared calendar, reminders, and activity schedules to keep everyone on the same page.
🍎 Prep snacks and lunches in advance by organizing the pantry and refrigerator with grab-and-go options.
🔌 Create a charging station for laptops, tablets, and phones so devices are ready for the next school day.
🧺 Declutter high-traffic areas to make busy mornings feel less chaotic and give everyone more space to move around.

Small systems like these can make a big difference, helping your home work with your family's routine instead of against it!

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

09/13/2026

📍 2050 NE 80th Street, Altoona, IA
💰 $459,900
🛏 3 bedrooms | 🛁 3 bathrooms

Updated kitchen, main-level laundry, oversized garage, fenced yard, raised garden beds, plus a 48’x36’ shop with a heated/cooled workroom, hoist, mezzanine storage, and RV hookup. Come see it Sunday, September 13 from 1–3 PM!

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

09/11/2026

On Patriot Day, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders, service members and everyday heroes who stepped forward.

As we mark the 25th anniversary, we remember, reflect and carry forward the spirit of unity shown in the days that followed.