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We pride ourselves on tenacity and the ability to problem solve. We build relationships and focus on always doing the right thing for our clients, regardless of our compensation. We go into scary basements. We negotiate like no other. We discover the newest listings, obsess over prices, current market conditions, and strategize on how to win in multiple offer situations. We ONLY care about making sure this is the right investment for you, making sure you don’t buy the wrong home. We have the most in-depth systems and processes in place combined with powerful marketing to make sure your experience with us is the ABSOLUTE best. That is our mission. Years of Experience. Results you want. Full Transparency. Communication Guaranteed.
WE BELIVE IN...
• Making our neighborhoods strong with community involvement
• Being authentic at all times
• Being responsive and available
• Obsessing about the details
• Doing the right thing for the long term
• Hiring the experts for staging
• Professional photography and videography
• Strong partnerships with local lenders
CEO/ REALTOR
SARA HOPKINS
Sara is a proud native of Des Moines, where she was born and raised. With a robust background in marketing and sales, transitioning into real estate was a natural progression for her. Sara's dedication to hard work, clear communication, and exceptional service has established her as a leading figure in the industry, ranking in the top 1% of Realtors in Des Moines.
She leads a successful all-female team that shares her unwavering commitment to making the home buying and selling experience extraordinary. Together, they close over 145 transactions annually, emphasizing constant communication and streamlined processes to minimize stress for their clients. An impressive 90% of Sara’s business is generated through referrals and lasting relationships with past clients.
Sara’s deep roots in the Des Moines community extend beyond real estate; she actively serves on several boards & committees for local non-profits. Her passion for empowering women inspired her to establish HOW (Homeownership for Women), an initiative dedicated to equipping women with the knowledge and confidence necessary to pursue homeownership.
In 2020, she transformed an abandoned building in Highland Park into Des Moines’ only neighborhood real estate office, a space that embodies her commitment to the community and fulfills a lifelong dream. For Sara, real estate is not just a profession; it is a pathway to create positive change and foster lifelong connections.
515-710-6030
DIRECTOR OF SALES/ REALTOR
KATEY FARRELL
There's nothing quite like handing over a set of keys to a new homeowner or closing a successful sale. It's the heart of what drives me in real estate. I believe this business is all about people. It takes listening, responsiveness, and resourcefulness to find the perfect home solution, whether you're buying or selling.
I'm committed to understanding your unique needs and dreams. Together, we'll navigate the real estate journey with empathy and expertise. My goal isn't just to close deals, but to create a meaningful experience as you find or sell your home.
I love the intricacies of the real estate market. I stay up-to-date on trends and use innovative strategies to help you achieve your goals. Every transaction is a chance to show my dedication, integrity, and passion for connecting people with their dream homes.
Let's work together to turn your real estate aspirations into reality. I'm here to guide you every step of the way, making this journey as smooth and rewarding as possible.
515-330-8398
REALTOR
LINDA WESTERGAARD
Linda has been helping families buy and sell homes for more than 23 years. She is the epitome of a dedicated and committed public servant as she currently serves as a city council member for Des Moines' Ward 2.
With past experience on many community boards including serving as the president of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors, she has an intimate understanding of the city’s real estate market and the needs of its residents.
For the past 40 years, Linda has been a tireless advocate for the betterment of Des Moines neighborhoods. She has a wealth of knowledge to share with the team and clients when it comes to buying and selling homes.
515-988-4288
REALTOR
KARI STONE
Kari Stone has a heart deeply rooted in her rural upbringing in Northwest Iowa. With a diverse background in communication, public relations, relationship building, marketing, event production & music, Kari brings a unique set of skills to the world of real estate. She has the remarkable ability to not only understand her clients' needs but also to champion their dreams. Kari is not only a successful realtor but also a dedicated wife to Neil, stepmom to Makayla and a loving dog mom to Gary, Stella, and Keesha.
Beyond real estate, Kari is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She is actively involved with the powerlifting community at Raise the Bar Initiative and the Young Women's Resource Center. With Kari as your realtor, you're not just getting a professional to guide you through the complexities of the real estate market you're building a lasting relationship that will make your real estate dreams a reality.
kari@sarahopkinsrealtor.com
515-402-7066
REALTOR
KRISANNE COLBY
Professional and responsive care of my clients forms the foundation of my real estate services. Holding both a master’s degree in physical therapy (MSPT), with over 25 years of clinical practice, and real estate licenses in both Iowa(13 yrs) and Arizona(3 yrs), I combine both skill sets to fuel my passion and desire to help my clients. I am dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services that go beyond the transaction and build long-term relationships.
REALTOR
TORI SHANKS
Hailing from the heart of Des Moines, Tori isn't your typical Realtor®. She's a passionate guide, leading the way in the journey of homeownership with authenticity and warmth. Tori shares two incredible sons with the love of her life, Tim. Her family is her life’s greatest gift which is why she understands the importance of finding not just a house, but a place to call home.
Outside her professional realm, Tori is an avid lover of the outdoors. Whether she's spending time with family and friends at her family’s cabin in southern Iowa or casting a fishing line at some secret farm ponds, she embodies a zest for life that’s truly infectious.
515-204-3300
PRESIDENT OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
ABI REILAND
Abi Reiland is a seasoned entrepreneur and commercial real estate professional, specializing in tenant representation across diverse sectors including office, retail, flex/industrial, medical, and land. Recognized as a CoStar PowerBroker Top Deal Award recipient, Abi demonstrates exceptional market insight and a dedication to delivering outstanding client experiences.
Beyond her professional achievements, Abi is deeply engaged in the community, serving as a board member for the Young Women's Resource Center (YWRC) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). As a community leader, she is passionate about advancing women in commercial real estate and advocating for women's rights.
REALTOR
HANNAH GARRISON
Whether you’re buying, selling, or dreaming of your next chapter, Hannah is here to guide you through every step of the journey. Her passion lies in working with friends and neighbors, helping them find spaces where their dreams can bloom—whether that’s creating a garden, welcoming a new pet, or growing their family.
As a lifelong Iowan raised in the North of Grand neighborhood right here in Des Moines, Hannah has a deep connection to Central Iowa. Her background in advocacy, negotiations, and data-driven strategies allows her to empower clients with the knowledge and insight needed to make confident, winning decisions. She believes in building strong, lasting relationships through active listening, thoughtful and creative problem-solving, and a dedication to supporting sustainable, thriving neighborhoods.
When she's not helping her community with their real estate needs, you’ll find her hanging out with three of the best nieces in the world, enjoying the company of her two cats (Piggy and Birdie), her dog (Tupelo), or tending to her five chickens (Queso, Highway, Violet Rose, Orchid Hotwheels, and Indigo) on her Beaverdale city-homestead. She's proud to be an active member of my church community and the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association.
515-499-6970
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COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
AMY SPIKE
Communications guru. List lover. Multitasker extraordinaire. Amy Spike is our Communications Director! She comes to the real estate world from the non-profit association industry where she was the Marketing Director of the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. She is an expert at keeping things organized and well communicated. Amy has always had a passion for the real estate industry so when the opportunity to join the team became available she jumped at it! Amy helps coordinate things behind the scenes to ensure clients are updated along the way as well as organize all the fun events we put on throughout the year!
PETER & OLGA
"We couldn’t recommend Sara Hopkins and her wonderful team more highly. From the initial contact to well after the close on our home, Sara went above and beyond our high expectations with her professionalism, communication, and expert knowledge of the local market. As buyers, we felt well represented in the financial transaction. Sara thoroughly explored every scenario regarding the condition of the older home we purchased, and her referrals to home inspectors, structural engineers, and mortgage lenders proved invaluable. Relocating from out of state, Sara’s superlative knowledge of local laws and codes put our minds at ease. It was truly a pleasure to work with Sara and her team."