Updated Des Moines Home With Vaulted Ceilings and Fenced Yard Listed for $125,000
A compact but character-filled home on Des Moines’ south side has returned to the market for $125,000, offering two bedrooms, an updated interior, a full basement and a fenced backyard.
Located at 2001 Motley Street, the single-story residence was built in 1918 and provides approximately 656 square feet of finished living space.
The home includes two bedrooms and one full bathroom and sits on a 5,201-square-foot lot measuring roughly 56 by 80 feet.
At the current asking price, the property works out to approximately $191 per finished square foot.
While the interior footprint is modest, several architectural features help make the main living area feel more spacious.
The open living and dining area features soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams and plenty of natural light.
Fresh interior paint and brand-new carpeting are among the recent improvements, giving the home a cleaner, more move-in-ready appearance.
Both bedrooms are located on the main level.
The bathroom has also been updated, while the kitchen provides generous cabinet space and comes with several appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave and stove.
Below the main floor is a full unfinished basement.
Although the basement does not add to the home’s official 656 square feet of finished living area, it provides substantial additional room for storage, utilities or future possibilities.
Heating is supplied through a natural-gas forced-air system, while central air conditioning provides cooling.
The property is connected to public water and public sewer.
Outside, several additional improvements help distinguish the home.
The exterior has been freshly painted, while newer landscaping gives the property added curb appeal.
A wraparound-style deck creates outdoor space for seating, grilling or relaxing.
The backyard is enclosed with chain-link fencing and is shaded by mature trees, potentially making it useful for pets, outdoor gatherings or gardening.
There is no garage listed, but the property provides off-street parking along with additional street parking for visitors.
Another potentially valuable feature for investors is the current City rental certificate mentioned in the listing.
That could make the property appealing not only to owner-occupants but also to buyers considering it as a rental, although any future landlord should independently verify current licensing requirements.
The seller is advertising a variety of purchase options, including cash, conventional financing, FHA, VA and contract terms.
The property originally entered the market on July 2, 2026, for $131,000.
It dropped to $127,500 on July 20 before another reduction brought the price to $125,000 on August 23.
The home went pending in September but returned to active status on October 7 at the same $125,000 price.
Its last recorded public sale occurred in July 2008 for $32,000.
For buyers looking for a large home, 656 square feet may be limiting.
But for someone who prefers smaller-scale living, 2001 Motley Street combines two bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, an updated bathroom, basement, fenced yard and outdoor deck in a package currently priced at $125,000.
Listed on Zillow