3922 Merced Street

Lower Beaver Neighborhood | Mid-Century Blonde Brick Ranch

The Backstory

3922 Merced is a blonde brick mid-century ranch located on the west side of the Lower Beaver Neighborhood. This was by far and away my favorite project in 2019. In part because of the total transformation of the project but more so because of who we were able to rehab it for.

The term “hoarder” is used often in my line of work. We use it to basically mean “lots of clutter.” After I entered 3922 for the first time, I will never use the term so loosely again. I’ll never forget the first moment that I stepped through the front door. The rooms were full of clutter, and you could only walk on little paths or walkways where the clutter was moved. Every other spot in the home was covered with 2’-4’ garbage.

While I was purchasing this home to buy and flip my quasi-aunt & and uncle Rox and Teresa Laird were looking for a ranch. They are long-time Beaverdalians and were living in a classic Des Moines two-story home on 48th street. They wanted to downsize to a ranch and we were just about to begin the process to sell their home.

I instantly knew this home would be perfect for them. When I got the home under contract to purchase I had them do a drive-by to see the street and the exterior of the home. They were in love! Ironically they did not go into the home until we had fully cleared it out and had practically put the first coat of Kilz on the walls and ceiling. The home was in great shape, but it just had years of garbage, and that left one heck of a smell. It was not until every single surface had been cleaned, sanded, repainted, and/or sealed that we fully mitigated that smell.

After this whole home rehab was done, Rox and Teresa got an awesome home that is customized to them while still living in their ideal location. I still get to go to this home often which is also a joy. This is the type of matchmaking that makes my job as a Realtor so satisfying!

Exterior

Replaced roof - Added 6” (Black) gutters & 5” downspouts - Painted Facia & Soffit (Tricorn Black SW) - Added Soffit Lighting- Windows replaced - Front Elevation Enhanced - Landscaping - Concrete - (Partial Driveway, Front Sidewalk - Stamped Concrete Patio)

Interior

Opened up the kitchen to the living room - New kitchen - Two new baths - Refinished Flooring - Added LVT to Kitchen, Bath, & Landing - New Lighting Package - Hooks & Wainscoting for coats in the back entry. Painted ceiling, walls, and floors in the basement.