This brick home in the Merle Hay neighborhood has the kind of curb appeal that just feels welcoming from the moment you pull up. The extra-long driveway is a nice bonus too — plenty of room for parking without feeling cramped.
Inside, the living room has a comfortable, everyday feel with space to spread out and make it your own. The kitchen is cozy and practical, perfect for easy meals and simple mornings. Both bedrooms are a good size, and the clean, unfinished basement gives you tons of extra storage or room to create whatever you need down the road.
The attic is another great feature — currently unfinished, but full of potential. Whether you imagine a third bedroom, a quiet office, it’s a blank slate ready for your ideas.
Out back, the large yard gives you plenty of breathing room. It’s the kind of space where you can garden, host summer get-togethers, or just enjoy some fresh air.
If you want a home with classic charm, a central location, and the flexibility to make it truly yours over time, this one is a fantastic fit.
Pending
Price cut: $15K (1/14)
$185,000
1243 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50311
2beds
937sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1951
6,621.12 Square Feet Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$197/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- 8 days |
- 69 |
- 2 |
Likely to sell faster than
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: January 21, 2026 at 09:21am
Listed by:
Escher, Jake (515)232-4663,
RE/MAX Real Estate Center,
Schorn-Pedro, Jayce,
RE/MAX Real Estate Center
Source: DMMLS,MLS#: 731088
Originating MLS: Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Full bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 2
Heating
- Forced Air, Gas, Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Stove, Washer
Features
- Dining Area, Window Treatments
- Flooring: Tile
- Basement: Unfinished
Interior area
- Total structure area: 937
- Total interior livable area: 937 sqft
Property
Features
- Levels: One and One Half
- Stories: 1.5
- Patio & porch: Deck
- Exterior features: Deck, Fence
- Fencing: Chain Link,Composite,Partial
Lot
- Size: 6,621.12 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 50 x 132
Details
- Parcel number: 10011944000000
- Zoning: N3B
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: One and One Half Story
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Brick
- Foundation: Brick/Mortar
- Roof: Asphalt,Shingle
Condition
- Year built: 1951
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Fire Alarm, Smoke Detector(s)
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Des Moines
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $197/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $182,300
- Annual tax amount: $3,454
- Date on market: 12/4/2025
- Cumulative days on market: 56 days
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,FHA,VA Loan
- Road surface type: Concrete
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/21/2026 | Pending sale | $185,000$197/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 1/14/2026 | Price change | $185,000-7.5%$197/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 12/4/2025 | Listed for sale | $200,000+62.6%$213/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 8/26/2016 | Sold | $123,000-3.9%$131/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 6/14/2016 | Price change | $128,000+3.2%$137/sqft |
Source: Iowa Realty Co., Inc. #519843 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,380 -5.8% | $182,300 |
| 2023 | $3,590 +0.8% | $182,300 +13.1% |
| 2022 | $3,560 +5.1% | $161,200 |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$1,015/mo
Principal & interest
$717
Property taxes
$233
Home insurance
$65
Climate risks
Neighborhood: Merle Hay
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 4/10Windsor Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 0.2 mi
- 5/10Merrill Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 1.3 mi
- 4/10Roosevelt High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 1.2 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- District: Des Moines Independent
Source: DMMLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
- Loading





