Location, charm, and instant equity await at this adorable brick ranch in the heart of Des Moines! Perfectly situated between the highly sought-after Waveland and Beaverdale neighborhoods, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a centralized location with easy access to everything the metro has to offer. Listed UNDER appraised value, this home presents an incredible opportunity to build instant equity while making it your own. The main level offers the timeless character and functionality of a classic brick ranch, while the lower level features a nicely partially finished space just waiting for the finishing touch of flooring—perfect for a cozy movie room, man cave, home office, or additional living area. Outside, you'll love the oversized 24x24 two-car detached garage, providing plenty of room for vehicles, storage, or a workshop. With its charming curb appeal, fantastic location, and room to add your own personal touches, this home is packed with potential. Don't miss your opportunity to own an adorable home in one of Des Moines' most established and desirable areas!
Merle Hay, located between I-235 and I-80/35, is a commercial and residential Des Moines neighborhood with a mall corridor and mid-century subdivisions. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around Merle Hay Road and Douglas Avenue, where big-box storefronts, local eateries, and steady traffic set a pragmatic, on-the-go tone. Ranch houses and split-levels sit on curving streets, with pockets of apartments near the main arterials. Merle Hay Mall remains the defining landmark, shaping the area’s retail-first geography. The Des Moines Buccaneers at Buccaneer Arena add a loud, local sports ritual to the week. Sidewalks and multi-use paths link to nearby green space for a break from the corridor pace.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
1900 53rd St · $245,000
$246K and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $246K+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
13 days
The average home goes pending in 27 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.8%
Most homes are selling 1% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Interior features
Partially finished basement
Bedrooms
3 main-level bedrooms
Bathrooms
One three-quarter bathroom
One half bathroom
Kitchen
Stove
Microwave
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Heating & cooling
Forced air heating (natural gas)
Central air conditioning
Exterior features
Corner lot
Concrete road frontage
Home design
Single-story home
Resale property
Parking
Detached two-car garage
Construction
Brick construction
Asphalt shingle roof
Block foundation
Below-grade finished area
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
N3b is intended to preserve the scale and character of residential neighborhoods developed predominantly during the 1950s through 1970s typically in the ranch, split-level, or cottage style pursuant to House B building type in section 135-2.14 of this code and House C in section 135- 2.15 of this code.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Infrastructure
Aug 14, 2025 • Final
Mechanical (residential) - other
HVAC
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 103° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Des Moines, IA • 50310
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
31
14
40
20
59
35
64
45
75
52
83
64
86
69
83
65
81
59
71
49
50
34
38
21
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 10.3 hours in
June and 4.1 hours in December, which is comparable to the
U.S. average for solar exposure.
10.3 hrs
4.1 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 1900 53rd St
$244,265
$735 under list price of $245K
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $215K to $255K.