Welcome to this charming historic 1899 home in South Des Moines! Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathroom across 1,234 sq ft with a finished attic, this home rests on a spacious 0.35-acre lot with mature trees and a tranquil pond. Enjoy peace of mind with a whole-house water filtration system plus filtered water at the kitchen sink. Classic details blend with modern updates, including vinyl siding, a gable roof, and masonry foundation. The 2-car detached garage, built in 1995, offers excellent storage and parking. Relax on the inviting front porch or enjoy the peaceful backyard with room for gardening, entertaining, or simply taking in the pond view. Located in a quiet neighborhood close to parks, schools, and downtown Des Moines. With plenty of opportunity to personalize and restore its timeless character, this historic gem is ready for your finishing touches. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Des Moines history with updated utilities and natural outdoor beauty!
Sold for $189,000
$189,000
1109 Emma Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315
3beds
1,234sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1899
0.35 Acres Lot
$186,200 Zestimate®
$153/sqft
$1,693 Estimated rent
Home value
$186,200
$175,000 - $197,000
$1,693/mo
Zestimate® history
Owner options
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$1,693/mo
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$1,320/mo
Est. payment
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$1,320/mo
Est. payment
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List your homeWhat's special
Masonry foundationMature treesTranquil pondInviting front porchPeaceful backyardGable roofRoom for gardening
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Pennie Carroll (515)490-8025,
Pennie Carroll & Associates
Bought with:
Angie Vivaldo
Keller Williams Realty GDM
Junior Ibarra
Keller Williams Realty GDM
Source: DMMLS,MLS#: 721331
Originating MLS: Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS
Originating MLS: Des Moines Area Association of REALTORSFacts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 3/4 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 1
Heating
- Forced Air, Gas, Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Cooktop, Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator, Stove, Washer
- Laundry: Main Level
Features
- Dining Area, Window Treatments
- Flooring: Carpet, Laminate
- Basement: Unfinished
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,234
- Total interior livable area: 1,234 sqft
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Detached, Garage, Two Car Garage
- Garage spaces: 2
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Open, Patio
- Exterior features: Play Structure, Patio
Lot
- Size: 0.35 Acres
- Dimensions: 85 x 178
- Features: Pond on Lot
Details
- Parcel number: 12000066001000
- Zoning: Res
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Ranch,Traditional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Vinyl Siding
- Foundation: Block, Stone
- Roof: Asphalt,Shingle
Condition
- Year built: 1899
Details
- Warranty included: Yes
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & neighborhood
Security
- Security features: Fire Alarm
Location
- Region: Des Moines
Other
Other facts
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,VA Loan
- Road surface type: Asphalt
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/11/2025 | Sold | $189,000$153/sqft |
Source:  DMMLS #721331 Report a problem | ||
| 7/14/2025 | Pending sale | $189,000$153/sqft |
Source: DMMLS #721331 Report a problem | ||
| 7/1/2025 | Listed for sale | $189,000+410.8%$153/sqft |
Source: DMMLS #721331 Report a problem | ||
| 3/29/2016 | Sold | $37,000-48.3%$30/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 6/30/2005 | Sold | $71,500$58/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,632 +2.3% | $160,800 +13.8% |
| 2024 | $2,574 +8.8% | $141,300 |
| 2023 | $2,366 +0.9% | $141,300 +29.3% |
| 2022 | $2,346 +0.7% | $109,300 |
| 2021 | $2,330 -3.6% | $109,300 +7.2% |
| 2020 | $2,416 +10.4% | $102,000 |
| 2019 | $2,188 +1.3% | $102,000 +13.5% |
| 2018 | $2,160 | $89,900 |
| 2017 | $2,160 +8.9% | $89,900 +7% |
| 2016 | $1,984 | $84,000 |
| 2015 | $1,984 -23.2% | $84,000 +3.2% |
| 2014 | $2,582 | $81,400 |
| 2013 | -- | $81,400 +0.6% |
| 2012 | -- | $80,900 |
| 2011 | -- | $80,900 -3.2% |
| 2010 | -- | $83,600 |
| 2009 | -- | $83,600 -2.6% |
| 2008 | -- | $85,800 |
| 2007 | -- | $85,800 +7.2% |
| 2006 | -- | $80,000 |
| 2005 | -- | $80,000 +9.2% |
| 2003 | -- | $73,290 +17.5% |
| 2002 | -- | $62,350 |
| 2001 | -- | $62,350 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: Watrous South
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Wright Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 0.4 mi
- 3/10Brody Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 1.5 mi
- 1/10Lincoln High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 1.3 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.
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$186,200
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- Iowa
- Polk County
- Des Moines
- 50315
- Watrous South
- 1109 Emma Ave
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