This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been beautifully updated and is ready for its new owner. Conveniently located near Merle Hay Mall with easy access to shopping, dining, schools, and major roadways. The finished upstairs attic provides a versatile bonus space that can be used as a lounge, home office, or hobby area. This cute, cozy home offers comfort, character, and a great location.
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
3938 57th St · $184,000
$184K and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $184K+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
38 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
Unfinished basement
Resale condition
Bedrooms
Two main-level bedrooms
Bathrooms
One full bathroom
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Microwave
Stove
Refrigerator
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Heating & cooling
Central air
Window unit(s)
Forced air heating
Natural gas heating
Exterior features
Chain link fencing
Rectangular lot
Concrete road frontage
Home design
Single-family property (Res zoning)
Parking
Detached one-car garage
Construction
Vinyl siding
Asphalt shingle roof
Block foundation
Built prior to current listing (resale)
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
HOA & community
Sidewalks in the community
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Who doesn't love a 1.5 story home for the extra space. A wonderful opportunity to own a great starter house with an affordable price tag only 1 block from a grocery store and Merle Hay Mall. The finished attic is bonus area that can be utilized as a 3rd bedroom, playroom or office. Fenced yard with deck. One car detached garage. No worries with a new sewer line installed Oct 2019. Additional updates: dishwasher 2016 and sump pump 2018. Start planning your garden for spring. Call for a showing or contact your agent to make an appointment.
DMMLS #420809
Aug 22, 2014
Sold
$88,500
$98/sq ft
Jul 1, 2013
Listed
$90,000
$99/sq ft
DMMLS #316077
Nov 30, 2007
Sold
$101,000
$111/sq ft
Sep 28, 2007
Listed
$104,900
$116/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$2,360 (+2.3%)
$36,400 + $107,900
$144,300
2024
$2,308 (−2.2%)
$31,700 + $96,100
$127,800
2023
$2,360 (−7.5%)
$31,700 + $96,100
$127,800
2022
$2,550 (−5.3%)
$27,900 + $81,100
$109,000
2021
$2,692 (−3.8%)
$27,900 + $81,100
$109,000
2020
$2,798 (+8.4%)
$27,900 + $81,100
$109,000
2019
$2,582 (+1.0%)
$26,000 + $81,900
$107,900
2018
$2,556 (+7.8%)
$26,000 + $81,900
$107,900
2017
$2,372 (+20.0%)
$22,700 + $73,400
$96,100
2016
$1,976 (+7.2%)
$20,400 + $67,300
$87,700
2013
$1,844
$19,000 + $64,100
$83,100
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
2
Baths
1
Stories
1
Lot width
50 ft.
Lot depth
130 ft.
Lot size
6,500 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
907
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
907
Year built
1942
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Polk County
APN
10009498007000
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 10, 2026.
N3B
Neighborhood District
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
Jun 7, 2010 • Final
Tidemark import - ele
Electrical
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
93/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in Des Moines. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.3 hrs
5.4 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 3938 57th St
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $100,000 and $236,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 5 recent nearby sales, priced between $100K to $236K.