Offered at $74,500 ($39/sq ft), this 1885 solid brick two-story home in Farmington, Iowa, delivers an extraordinarily low barrier to entry for historic preservation.
Spanning 1,928 sq ft on a prominent 0.18-acre corner lot, the residence balances original late-19th-century character—such as a grand open staircase and living room fireplace—with crucial capital improvements already completed.
Key exterior updates, including a newer roof and all-new replacement windows, remove two of the largest deferred maintenance costs typical for brick homes of this vintage.
Sold “as-is, where-is,” the sale includes all conveying furniture and appliances (including washer/dryer), making it an ideal candidate for an immediate turn-key restoration, rental portfolio addition, or rural Iowa retreat.
Property Snapshot
Price: $74,500 💰 ($39/sq ft)
Location: 301 N 4th St, Farmington, IA 52626 📍
Beds/Baths: 3 🛏️ / 1 🛁
Square Footage: 1,928 sq ft 📐
Year Built: 1885 🕰️
Lot Size: 0.18 Acres (7,920 sq ft corner lot) 🌳
Inclusions: Fully furnished; all appliances convey 🛋️
Condition Notes: Sold AS-IS / Listing agent related to seller
Key Architectural & Property Features
Masonry Construction: Solid exterior brick shell providing thermal mass and long-term structural durability.
Layout & Utility: Features a grand open entry foyer, main-floor formal living spaces with fireplace, 3 upper-level bedrooms, and a second-floor full bath with an adjacent laundry setup.
Recent Envelope Upgrades: Brand-new windows throughout and a updated roof shield the interior plaster and framing from weather exposure.
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Outdoor Space: Spacious corner lot featuring a large rear patio for outdoor living and entertaining.
Location & Investment Perspective
Des Moines River Valley: Farmington sits along the Des Moines River in Van Buren County, near the historic Villages of Van Buren County district—a popular regional tourist draw for antiques, artisans, and historic bed & breakfasts.
Rehabilitation Incentive Potential: While priced well below $100k, qualified rehabilitation expenditures on primary or income-producing historic structures in Iowa may qualify for the Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit (up to 25% state tax credit via SHPO).
Listed by: Lisa Murguia 319-371-5132, Fairfield Real Estate
Zillow link https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/301-N-4th-St-Farmington-IA-52626/235275849_zpid/