Nestled in the quiet residential community of Cottage Hills, Illinois, this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers 1,344 square feet of living space at a price point that's hard to ignore in today's Metro East market. Priced at $99,000 with just $1,500 down and $1,075 per month, this property delivers genuine ownership opportunity without the barriers of traditional bank financing. Cottage Hills sits in Madison County, just minutes from Alton and within easy reach of the broader St. Louis Metro area via the Clark Bridge and nearby highway access. The community offers a slower pace of life compared to the urban core while keeping residents connected to the employment corridors, shopping, and services that define the Metro East region. For buyers who want proximity to St. Louis without the Illinois city noise, Cottage Hills consistently draws attention for exactly that reason. At 1,344 square feet, the layout provides comfortable room for a family or anyone looking to stop renting and start building equity. Three bedrooms offer flexibility — whether you need dedicated sleeping spaces, a home office, or a guest room, the footprint supports real everyday living. What makes this listing particularly compelling is the accessibility of the terms. A $1,500 down payment is a realistic threshold for buyers who have been priced out or turned away by conventional lenders. Owner financing means the path to ownership runs directly through the seller — no lengthy underwriting process, no waiting on bank approvals. Madison County continues to see steady demand for affordable single-family homes, and properties in this price range in established neighborhoods tend to move. If you've been searching for a practical, affordable entry point into homeownership in the St. Louis Metro East corridor, 1225 East Drive deserves a serious look. ---