$1,395,000 The Cowles Mansion is now for sale. It is a rare opportunity to live in a home with a significant local history. This magnificent home, built by Gardner Cowles in 1909, the founder of the DM Register, Minneapolis Star Newspaper, and Look Magazine, is set on a 2.5-acre estate with mature oak trees on a hilltop lot on Mansion Row. The home has 15 rooms, 7,151 SF, 6 BRs, 8 baths, 4 fireplaces, all brick exterior, slate roof, 4 car detached garage/carriage house and a 700 SF in-ground pool installed in 1993. The first floor has 9’ ceilings, hardwood floors, a large entry, elegant stairway, huge living room with woodburning FP, parlor/office with woodburning fireplace; formal dining room with beamed ceiling and woodburning fireplace, sitting room/office, sun room, family room, updated kitchen with island and deluxe appliances. The second floor has 4 BRs, 4 baths, primary BR has FP and his & her closets. The third floor is finished with more BRs & baths. All the old home charm remains. Make an appointment to explore this intriguing home. 9 Beds ⋅ 8 Baths ⋅ 742062 MLS The Cowles Mansion is now for sale. It is a rare opportunity to live in a home with a significant local history. This magnificent home, built by Gardner Cowles in 1909, the founder of the DM Register, Minneapolis Star Newspaper, and Look Magazine, is set on a 2.5-acre estate with mature oak trees on a hilltop lot on Mansion Row. The home has 15 rooms, 7,151 SF, 6 BRs, 8 baths, 4 fireplaces, all brick exterior, slate roof, 4 car detached garage/carriage house and a 700 SF in-ground pool installed in 1993. The first floor has 9’ ceilings, hardwood floors, a large entry, elegant stairway, huge living room with woodburning FP, parlor/office with woodburning fireplace; formal dining room with beamed ceiling and woodburning fireplace, sitting room/office, sun room, family room, updated kitchen with island and deluxe appliances. The second floor has 4 BRs, 4 baths, primary BR has FP and his & her closets. The third floor is finished with more BRs & baths. All the old home charm remains. Make an appointment to explore this intriguing home. 100 37th Street, Des Moines
$204,900 Tucked away on a quiet, tree lined street, this charming home offers the perfect blend of character and convenience. Beautiful hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a spacious dining room create welcoming spaces throughout the main level. The finished attic provides a generous third bedroom and additional flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobby space. Outside, mature trees, extensive landscaping, garden bed, and a private patio create a peaceful setting to relax or entertain. New furnace, A/C, and water heater offer added peace of mind. Enjoy being within walking distance of Roosevelt Shopping Center and just minutes from parks, restaurants, the Ingersoll corridor, and downtown Des Moines. 3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 741933 MLS Tucked away on a quiet, tree lined street, this charming home offers the perfect blend of character and convenience. Beautiful hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and a spacious dining room create welcoming spaces throughout the main level. The finished attic provides a generous third bedroom and additional flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobby space. Outside, mature trees, extensive landscaping, garden bed, and a private patio create a peaceful setting to relax or entertain. New furnace, A/C, and water heater offer added peace of mind. Enjoy being within walking distance of Roosevelt Shopping Center and just minutes from parks, restaurants, the Ingersoll corridor, and downtown Des Moines. 931 40th Place, Des Moines
$530,000 Nestled amongst mature trees in the historic and picturesque South of Grand neighborhood, this 2700 sq ft home exudes warmth, character, and cozy vibes. A formal entry opens up to a spacious living room with a wood burning fireplace, an office/study with built in cabinets, an even larger family room with a gas fireplace/built ins. The eat-in kitchen and formal dining room offer great flow for both casual living and entertaining. A rare find in this area, the back addition includes a generously sized primary suite upstairs with ample closet space and a large ensuite bath. 3 additional bedrooms and a full bath round out the upper level. Outside, enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and an unbeatable location, just a short walk to local Ingersoll restaurants, parks, and neighborhood favorites. Homes like this, in a setting like this, don't come around often! 4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 741271 MLS Nestled amongst mature trees in the historic and picturesque South of Grand neighborhood, this 2700 sq ft home exudes warmth, character, and cozy vibes. A formal entry opens up to a spacious living room with a wood burning fireplace, an office/study with built in cabinets, an even larger family room with a gas fireplace/built ins. The eat-in kitchen and formal dining room offer great flow for both casual living and entertaining. A rare find in this area, the back addition includes a generously sized primary suite upstairs with ample closet space and a large ensuite bath. 3 additional bedrooms and a full bath round out the upper level. Outside, enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and an unbeatable location, just a short walk to local Ingersoll restaurants, parks, and neighborhood favorites. Homes like this, in a setting like this, don't come around often! 413 38th Place, Des Moines
$365,000 Rare investment opportunity grossing $4,140 per month in the highly desirable Kingman neighborhood of Des Moines. A 5 unit property with assigned off street parking for each unit. Additionally there is a detached car garage for further potential rental income. The units have been well updated, including 200 amp service metered to each unit, fresh paint, carpet, and the majority of the hardwood flooring being refinished. Current rental rates are: Unit 1 (occupied 8/01) $1200. Unit 2 (occupied) $815 Unit 3 (Occupied) $695. Unit 4 (occupied) $835. Unit 5 (occupied) $595. This is a perfect combination of a well maintained and highly marketable rental property that still has room for future revenue enhancing improvements. 6 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 740269 MLS Rare investment opportunity grossing $4,140 per month in the highly desirable Kingman neighborhood of Des Moines. A 5 unit property with assigned off street parking for each unit. Additionally there is a detached car garage for further potential rental income. The units have been well updated, including 200 amp service metered to each unit, fresh paint, carpet, and the majority of the hardwood flooring being refinished. Current rental rates are: Unit 1 (occupied 8/01) $1200. Unit 2 (occupied) $815 Unit 3 (Occupied) $695. Unit 4 (occupied) $835. Unit 5 (occupied) $595. This is a perfect combination of a well maintained and highly marketable rental property that still has room for future revenue enhancing improvements. 2931 Kingman Boulevard, Des Moines
$184,000 Step into this beautifully updated bungalow that perfectly blends modern convenience with classic charm. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully renovated kitchen featuring sleek new appliances, a stylish tile backsplash, and warm butcher block countertops that add both function and character. The home retains its cozy, inviting feel while offering smart updates throughout. An open, unfinished attic--freshly painted and full of potential--provides a flexible space for a home office, studio, or additional living area. Enjoy peaceful mornings and relaxing evenings in the scenic backyard, bordered by mature trees for added privacy and natural beauty. Whether you're gardening, entertaining or just unwinding, this outdoor space is a true retreat. Located just a short drive from downtown, I-235, Ingersoll and more, this home offers the perfect balance of convenience and charm. Don't miss your chance to make it yours! NEW AC, furnace, water heater & radon system. 2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 740205 MLS Step into this beautifully updated bungalow that perfectly blends modern convenience with classic charm. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully renovated kitchen featuring sleek new appliances, a stylish tile backsplash, and warm butcher block countertops that add both function and character. The home retains its cozy, inviting feel while offering smart updates throughout. An open, unfinished attic--freshly painted and full of potential--provides a flexible space for a home office, studio, or additional living area. Enjoy peaceful mornings and relaxing evenings in the scenic backyard, bordered by mature trees for added privacy and natural beauty. Whether you're gardening, entertaining or just unwinding, this outdoor space is a true retreat. Located just a short drive from downtown, I-235, Ingersoll and more, this home offers the perfect balance of convenience and charm. Don't miss your chance to make it yours! NEW AC, furnace, water heater & radon system. 2808 School Street, Des Moines
$425,000 Love the character of historic homes but worry about expensive repairs? This Sherman Hill gem has already had many of the major updates completed for you. Originally built in 1880 + later converted for Des Moines' first mayor, Judge W.H. McHenry, this home offers the rare combination of historic charm + peace of mind. Major improvements include a newer roof (2020), high-efficiency furnace (2023), central air conditioning (2024), garage door, dishwasher, washer, dryer, + additional system improvements throughout the home. For added confidence, the seller is including a Cinch Home Warranty. The classic brick exterior features a wraparound porch, perennial gardens, a fully fenced yard, Capitol dome views, + no neighbors directly behind. Inside, you'll find original wood floors, exposed brick, 9' ceilings, exposed beams, built-ins, a fireplace, + a flexible layout w/ a primary ensuite + two additional bedrooms. Unlike many historic homes, the lower level is bright + welcoming, w/ eight windows that fill the space w/ light, plus storage, a utility sink, + laundry area w/ a large folding table. Enjoy all the character of a historic Sherman Hill home without taking on a long list of major projects. W/ key systems already updated, Google Fiber available + an active ADT security system, this home offers the perfect blend of charm + reliability. Located just minutes from downtown + within walking distance of Aposto, + the hospital this home delivers the best of Des Moines living. 3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 738432 MLS Love the character of historic homes but worry about expensive repairs? This Sherman Hill gem has already had many of the major updates completed for you. Originally built in 1880 + later converted for Des Moines' first mayor, Judge W.H. McHenry, this home offers the rare combination of historic charm + peace of mind. Major improvements include a newer roof (2020), high-efficiency furnace (2023), central air conditioning (2024), garage door, dishwasher, washer, dryer, + additional system improvements throughout the home. For added confidence, the seller is including a Cinch Home Warranty. The classic brick exterior features a wraparound porch, perennial gardens, a fully fenced yard, Capitol dome views, + no neighbors directly behind. Inside, you'll find original wood floors, exposed brick, 9' ceilings, exposed beams, built-ins, a fireplace, + a flexible layout w/ a primary ensuite + two additional bedrooms. Unlike many historic homes, the lower level is bright + welcoming, w/ eight windows that fill the space w/ light, plus storage, a utility sink, + laundry area w/ a large folding table. Enjoy all the character of a historic Sherman Hill home without taking on a long list of major projects. W/ key systems already updated, Google Fiber available + an active ADT security system, this home offers the perfect blend of charm + reliability. Located just minutes from downtown + within walking distance of Aposto, + the hospital this home delivers the best of Des Moines living. 905 18th Street, Des Moines
$184,500 Handyman Special or Investors Delight. This 3 Bedroom Home with 2 Baths is located near school, parks and shopping. This is a great investment with a little work for Buyer or Investor. Home is SOLD AS IS! 3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 737198 MLS Handyman Special or Investors Delight. This 3 Bedroom Home with 2 Baths is located near school, parks and shopping. This is a great investment with a little work for Buyer or Investor. Home is SOLD AS IS! 1122 59th Street, Des Moines
$332,000 Experience a rare blend of historical beauty and future opportunity in this enchanting turn-of-the century home. Showcasing stunning original woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. From the moment you arrive, the inviting covered front porch sets the tone for what’s inside—classic details that have been thoughtfully preserved, including original flooring, exposed ceiling beams, and ornate built-ins. The main level features a large living room & formal dining room that flow seamlessly into the kitchen and convenient half bath. Upstairs, you’ll find four bedrooms—two with walk-in closets—plus a versatile four-seasons space offering endless possibilities for a home office, reading nook, or retreat. The finished attic provides a bright, flexible space perfect for entertaining or recreation. A rare blend of preserved character and potential—this is a home you won’t want to miss. 5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 736890 MLS Experience a rare blend of historical beauty and future opportunity in this enchanting turn-of-the century home. Showcasing stunning original woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. From the moment you arrive, the inviting covered front porch sets the tone for what’s inside—classic details that have been thoughtfully preserved, including original flooring, exposed ceiling beams, and ornate built-ins. The main level features a large living room & formal dining room that flow seamlessly into the kitchen and convenient half bath. Upstairs, you’ll find four bedrooms—two with walk-in closets—plus a versatile four-seasons space offering endless possibilities for a home office, reading nook, or retreat. The finished attic provides a bright, flexible space perfect for entertaining or recreation. A rare blend of preserved character and potential—this is a home you won’t want to miss. 654 36th Street, Des Moines
$499,900 A rare historic Drake renovation with the charm buyers love and the major updates they hope to find. This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home blends timeless character with extensive modern reconstruction, including a new foundation, roof, windows, mechanicals, updated systems, and a new 2-car garage. The brand-new lower level sets this home apart, offering 9-ft ceilings, large egress windows, and room to create additional bedrooms, a bath, and a living area in the future. The open main floor, inviting kitchen, spacious drop zone, 10-year tax abatement, and future lower-level potential create an exceptional opportunity near Drake University, local restaurants, downtown, and ongoing Invest DSM neighborhood reinvestment. All information obtained from seller and public records. 4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 736490 MLS A rare historic Drake renovation with the charm buyers love and the major updates they hope to find. This beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home blends timeless character with extensive modern reconstruction, including a new foundation, roof, windows, mechanicals, updated systems, and a new 2-car garage. The brand-new lower level sets this home apart, offering 9-ft ceilings, large egress windows, and room to create additional bedrooms, a bath, and a living area in the future. The open main floor, inviting kitchen, spacious drop zone, 10-year tax abatement, and future lower-level potential create an exceptional opportunity near Drake University, local restaurants, downtown, and ongoing Invest DSM neighborhood reinvestment. All information obtained from seller and public records. 1132 26th Street, Des Moines
$110,000 Charming Condo in excellent location near Drake University. Within walking distance to restaurants, bars, groceries and entertainment. Original hardwood floors throughout and a remodeled bathroom mix beautifully with the original built-ins, floor tile, archways and glass knobs to create a cozy living space. Two bedrooms, lots of storage space and in-unit laundry hook-ups make this the best way to quit paying rent and own your own home! Pet friendly. Association dues include water, heat, trash, exterior maintenance and insurance. 2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 733346 MLS Charming Condo in excellent location near Drake University. Within walking distance to restaurants, bars, groceries and entertainment. Original hardwood floors throughout and a remodeled bathroom mix beautifully with the original built-ins, floor tile, archways and glass knobs to create a cozy living space. Two bedrooms, lots of storage space and in-unit laundry hook-ups make this the best way to quit paying rent and own your own home! Pet friendly. Association dues include water, heat, trash, exterior maintenance and insurance. 3932 University Avenue Unit 2, Des Moines
$219,000 Ideal Investment Opportunity! Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac street just off University Avenue, this well-maintained duplex is perfect for investors or someone looking for a place to live while supplementing their income. The main level unit is currently occupied by long-term tenants and features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a cozy living room, formal dining room, kitchen, and an additional office/bonus room. The basement provides ample extra storage space for tenant convenience, plus a shared washer and dryer. The upper-level is a 1 bed, 1 bath unit with a large living room area. Upper unit is also occupied as of April 1, 2026. The upper unit was recently updated with new paint, stove, and flooring. City of Des Moines rental certificate is good through August 23, 2027. Both units are equipped with newer separate water heaters and furnaces. Located close to amenities and transportation, this property offers incredible potential for passive income or multi-generational living. Don't miss your chance to own this fantastic investment property in a prime Des Moines location. 3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 732873 MLS Ideal Investment Opportunity! Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac street just off University Avenue, this well-maintained duplex is perfect for investors or someone looking for a place to live while supplementing their income. The main level unit is currently occupied by long-term tenants and features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a cozy living room, formal dining room, kitchen, and an additional office/bonus room. The basement provides ample extra storage space for tenant convenience, plus a shared washer and dryer. The upper-level is a 1 bed, 1 bath unit with a large living room area. Upper unit is also occupied as of April 1, 2026. The upper unit was recently updated with new paint, stove, and flooring. City of Des Moines rental certificate is good through August 23, 2027. Both units are equipped with newer separate water heaters and furnaces. Located close to amenities and transportation, this property offers incredible potential for passive income or multi-generational living. Don't miss your chance to own this fantastic investment property in a prime Des Moines location. 1134 39th Street, Des Moines
$495,000 This stunning all-brick home blends timeless charm with modern updates and is currently priced $25,000 below August 2025 appraisal—an incredible value you don’t want to miss. The original woodwork and detailing throughout were once described as “far surpassing any of the houses” remodeled or flipped nearby—and it’s true. If you value authentic quality and tasteful historic character over painted reproduction flash, this home will speak to your soul. This property has never been flipped—it’s been lovingly preserved. Every update has been done purposefully and with respect for its heritage. The gleaming hardwood floors, Edison light fixtures, and stunning stained-glass window remain intact, celebrating the home’s old-world charm. The remodeled kitchen provides modern function while honoring its vintage roots. The finished attic is a peaceful retreat that can be a primary or teenagers dream space.. A 3-season room opens to the fenced backyard, and the original carriage house has been converted to a 3-car garage with loft storage. The fireplace has been updated with gas logs, retaining its historical centerpiece. Set in a diverse, welcoming neighborhood near Drake University, this home has truly stood the test of time—offering a rare chance to own genuine craftsmanship in a world of quick makeovers. 5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 708076 MLS This stunning all-brick home blends timeless charm with modern updates and is currently priced $25,000 below August 2025 appraisal—an incredible value you don’t want to miss. The original woodwork and detailing throughout were once described as “far surpassing any of the houses” remodeled or flipped nearby—and it’s true. If you value authentic quality and tasteful historic character over painted reproduction flash, this home will speak to your soul. This property has never been flipped—it’s been lovingly preserved. Every update has been done purposefully and with respect for its heritage. The gleaming hardwood floors, Edison light fixtures, and stunning stained-glass window remain intact, celebrating the home’s old-world charm. The remodeled kitchen provides modern function while honoring its vintage roots. The finished attic is a peaceful retreat that can be a primary or teenagers dream space.. A 3-season room opens to the fenced backyard, and the original carriage house has been converted to a 3-car garage with loft storage. The fireplace has been updated with gas logs, retaining its historical centerpiece. Set in a diverse, welcoming neighborhood near Drake University, this home has truly stood the test of time—offering a rare chance to own genuine craftsmanship in a world of quick makeovers. 1080 31st Street, Des Moines