520 Maple St · Bethlehem, PA 18018

$259,900

3 bd · 2.0 ba · 1,544 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 4 Days on market

Built 1920 1,760 sqft lot Est $312k · 17% under

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Why this score? — see what drove the C- grade

The composite is a weighted blend of 9 inputs, each scored 0–100. Each bar is that input's sub-score; the figure is the points it added to the 100-point composite (weight × sub-score).

• ARV discount +15.0/15.0
• Cash flow +14.9/30.0
• DSCR +4.6/10.0
• Livability +4.1/5.0
• 1% rule +4.0/10.0
• Schools +3.5/10.0
• Rent growth +2.7/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Bult in 1920, this vintage semi-detached home enjoys an excellent location in North Bethlehem right on the edge of the Historic District. Walking distance proximity to all the restaurants, shops, museums, and other points of interest that the city offers, but with none of the Historic District restrictions. A covered front porch welcomes you through the period oak front door with glass panel and original brass letter slot. The large LR reflects similar period appointments, including classic moldings and newel post. Between the LR and kitchen is the DR, with doors to the half bath and lower level. A real highlight is the large eat-in kitchen, with a door to the side walkway as well as sliders to a small deck. Upstairs there is the potential for up to 3-4 bedrooms (some walk-through), with a large master bedroom at the front. Another highlight is the renovated full bathroom, with updated vanity and artisan tile surround in the tub area. A great opportunity in a picturesque area!

Key facts

• Covered front porch
• Historic district
• Spacious living room

Tags

• NORTH BETHLEHEM LOCATION
• HISTORIC DISTRICT
• COVERED FRONT PORCH
• ORIGINAL OAK FRONT DOOR
• SPACIOUS LIVING ROOM
• TIMELESS PERIOD DETAILS

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/2.0-bath single-family listed at $260k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $78 ($933/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $234k (10.1% below list).
• Recommended offer: $234k (10.1% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.
• Cap rate 6.7% vs local median 4.3% in Bethlehem — top-decile yield for the area; either an underpriced asset or a hidden risk that comps aren't pricing in. Stress-test before assuming the spread holds.

Location & tenants

• Location reads 82/100 on livability (#138 in PA, #1,122 nationally) — a professional / high-income tenant draw. Strengths: amenities A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: commute F.
• Bethlehem Area SD (urban): math 31% / reading 49% proficiency, ranked #342 of 539 in PA (top 64%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases.
• Zoned schools: Thomas Jefferson El Sch (math 30% / reading 50%, grade F, #946 of 1,518 statewide, top 62%, 224 students, 78% FRL); Northeast Ms (math 12% / reading 47%, grade F, #385 of 512 statewide, top 76%, 725 students, 75% FRL); Liberty Hs (math 36% / reading 10%, grade F, #382 of 437 statewide, top 87%, 2,640 students, 50% FRL) — zoned schools average 67% FRL vs 43% district-wide (25 pts higher); higher-poverty schools than district average — tighter screening recommended.
• Market conditions: Rents flat; 105 active listings in the ZIP; 40 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 16d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); solid renter incomes; 567 units permitted in Northampton County in 2024 (151 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent runs 37% of the median local income ($75k/yr) — at the standard rent-burdened threshold; future hikes will face affordability resistance.

Forward outlook

• Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $2k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $8k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.

Negotiation context

• Only 4 days on market — expect competitive offers; lowballing is unlikely to land.
• 3 sale attempts since 20y ago with the ask held roughly flat each time — persistent listings suggest the price (not the market) is what's stuck; bring a comps-based counter.
• Current owner paid $135k; list at $260k implies a 93% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1920 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: extreme-heat days projected 7→15/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $233,700 (10.1% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. Built in 1920 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
2. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
3. Schools are B-rated — typically a magnet for longer-tenancy family renters. What's the average tenant stay here, and is there a school-zone premium baked into asking?
4. What's the average days-on-market for RENTAL listings here right now (not sales)? A rising rental-DOM trend means longer vacancies and softer asking-rent achievability than the comps imply.
5. What's the recent tenant-quality profile in this submarket — average credit score on applications, eviction rate, late-payment / NSF rate, and stable-employment percentage? A property-management company in the area should have these aggregated.
6. How much new for-sale + rental construction is in the pipeline within 1–3 miles? Heavy new supply typically softens prices + rents 12–24 months out; constrained supply supports both.

Investment metrics

• 1% rule: 0.90% ✗
• Cap rate: 6.65%
• Cash-on-cash: 1.28%
• DSCR: 1.06
• GRM: 9.3

CMA / ARV

• ARV (on-the-fly): $311,888
• Comps found: 12

Show comp detail 12 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
46 W Garrison St	0.64mi	3/2.0	1,472 (-5%)	4mo	$300,000	$204	59
128 E Spruce St	0.41mi	3/1.5	1,728 (+12%)	5mo	$285,000	$165	55
55 E North St	0.43mi	4/2.5 (+1)	1,669 (+8%)	8mo	$370,000	$222	52
744 Pembroke Rd	0.59mi	3/1.5	1,488 (-4%)	15mo	$251,500	$169	52
31 E Goepp St	0.56mi	3/1.5	1,670 (+8%)	10mo	$330,000	$198	50
1415 Maple St	0.73mi	3/1.5	1,640 (+6%)	8mo	$350,000	$213	47
1336 Madison Ave	0.72mi	3/1.0	1,472 (-5%)	9mo	$354,950	$241	47
811 Center St	0.46mi	3/1.0	1,368 (-11%)	12mo	$261,000	$191	46
432 E Frankford St	0.47mi	3/1.5	1,767 (+14%)	8mo	$360,000	$204	46
814 Bridge St	0.45mi	3/1.0	1,324 (-14%)	9mo	$267,000	$202	44
40 E Goepp St	0.54mi	4/1.0 (+1)	1,660 (+8%)	13mo	$315,000	$190	43
1210 Railroad St	0.74mi	3/1.0	1,762 (+14%)	13mo	$160,000	$91	27

Match score weights: distance 35% · size 25% · config 20% · recency 20%. Top-matched comps best support the ARV.

Projected returns pro-forma

-3.0% appreciation · 0.85% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: -16.7%
• Equity multiple: 0.42×
• Total profit: $-42,092
• Equity at exit: $38,752

10-year hold

• IRR: -12.8%
• Equity multiple: 0.32×
• Total profit: $-49,653
• Equity at exit: $22,471

Cash invested: $72,772 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 62 Landlord-Friendly
• State Pennsylvania: 62 Landlord-Friendly · EVEN
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

10-day notice; Philadelphia has eviction-court diversion + some protections; otherwise moderate.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 18018

• Rents YoY: 0.8%
• Active inventory: 105
• Price-to-rent: 9.3×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $2,337 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,363
• Tax from tax record: −$297 /mo · $3,567/yr
• Insurance: −$108
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$491
• Net cashflow: $78

Break-even live

Break-even rent $2,239

Max offer price $259,900

Occupancy floor 92%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $225	-5% $151	+0% $78	+5% $4	+10% $-69
Rent	-10% $-107	-5% $-15	+0% $78	+5% $170	+10% $262
Rate	-1.0pp $209	-0.5pp $144	base $78	+0.5pp $10	+1.0pp $-58

UW: 25.0% down · 7.5% · 30yr · 1.5% tax · 5.0% vac · 8.0% maint · 8.0% mgmt

Financing live

Cash to close

• Down payment: $64,975
• Closing costs: $7,797
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 40 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
417 Linden St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.5	1699	$2,450	$1.44	4d	1	0.16mi
239 E Church St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	2.5	1724	$2,950	$1.71	25d	1	0.21mi
316 E Union Blvd Bethlehem, PA	4.0	2.0	1460	$2,145	$1.47	45d	1	0.27mi
802 Elm St Bethlehem, PA	4.0	1.5	1520	$2,800	$1.84	23d	1	0.30mi
822 Elm St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.5	1406	$2,195	$1.56	16d	1	0.33mi
650 E North St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0–2.0	935	$2,350	$2.51	16d	7	0.36mi
537 Goepp Cir Unit B Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.5	1225	$1,895	$1.55	45d	1	0.41mi
42 E Wall St Bethlehem, PA	4.0	1.0	1474	$2,550	$1.73	25d	1	0.43mi
30 E Market St Apt 1 Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0	1200	$1,950	$1.62	45d	1	0.44mi
122 E Goepp St Unit 1 Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1137	$1,895	$1.67	4d	1	0.44mi
129 E Goepp St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	2.0	1648	$2,600	$1.58	4d	1	0.45mi
326 E Frankford St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1250	$2,300	$1.84	45d	1	0.49mi
326 E Frankford St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1250	$2,300	$1.84	25d	1	0.49mi
69 E Goepp St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1100	$2,150	$1.95	4d	1	0.50mi
1214 Maple St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1462	$2,000	$1.37	45d	1	0.63mi
610 E 3rd St Bethlehem, PA	1.0–2.0	1.0–2.0	974	$3,008	$3.09	4d	8	0.63mi
56 W North St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1486	$2,400	$1.62	16d	1	0.64mi
311 E 3rd St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1189	$2,330	$1.96	4d	3	0.67mi
47 W Goepp St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.5	1184	$1,995	$1.68	4d	1	0.68mi
68 W Union Blvd Bethlehem, PA	4.0	1.5	1804	$2,295	$1.27	16d	1	0.69mi
314 State St Bethlehem, PA	4.0	2.0	1654	$2,650	$1.60	16d	1	0.70mi
11 W 2nd St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1620	$2,550	$1.57	25d	4	0.75mi
1136 N New St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1296	$2,300	$1.77	4d	1	0.77mi
1138 Arcadia St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1802	$2,095	$1.16	45d	1	0.78mi
1122 E 4th St Bethlehem, PA	4.0	1.0	1706	$1,800	$1.06	16d	1	0.78mi
436 Pierce St Bethlehem, PA	4.0	2.0	1452	$2,250	$1.55	4d	1	0.78mi
55 E Elizabeth Ave Unit 1 Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1184	$2,250	$1.90	46d	1	0.79mi
612 E 5th St Bethlehem, PA	4.0	2.0	1814	$2,500	$1.38	45d	1	0.79mi
1201 E 4th St Unit 4 Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.5	1100	$1,800	$1.64	45d	1	0.83mi
1320 Chelsea Ave Bethlehem, PA	3.0	2.0	1373	$2,395	$1.74	4d	1	0.83mi
1320 Chelsea Ave Bethlehem, PA	3.0	2.0	1373	$2,349	$1.71	16d	1	0.83mi
754 E Washington Ave Bethlehem, PA	3.0	2.0	1200	$1,900	$1.58	45d	1	0.84mi
830 Media St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1128	$2,100	$1.86	25d	1	0.89mi
830 Media St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	1.0	1128	$2,100	$1.86	45d	1	0.89mi
1275 E 4th St Unit 202 Bethlehem, PA	2.0	2.0	1225	$1,950	$1.59	25d	1	0.93mi
409 E Washington Ave Bethlehem, PA	4.0	1.5	1650	$2,645	$1.60	4d	1	1.03mi
1236 E 7th St Bethlehem, PA	3.0	2.5	1424	$2,350	$1.65	4d	1	1.04mi
1532 N New St Unit B Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.5	1100	$1,845	$1.68	4d	1	1.04mi
34 E Washington Ave Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0	1100	$2,000	$1.82	25d	1	1.04mi
517 Schaffer St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0	1200	$1,900	$1.58	4d	1	1.13mi

Listing history 8 events

1. 2026-04-12
   status Pending
2. 2026-04-08
   listed $259,900 Active
3. 2017-07-03
   soldstatus $135,000
4. 2017-06-28
   soldstatus $135,000 Sold 991-char remark

   Show marketing remark (991 chars)

   Bult in 1920, this vintage semi-detached home enjoys an excellent location in North Bethlehem right on the edge of the Historic District. Walking distance proximity to all the restaurants, shops, museums, and other points of interest that the city offers, but with none of the Historic District restrictions. A covered front porch welcomes you through the period oak front door with glass panel and original brass letter slot. The large LR reflects similar period appointments, including classic moldings and newel post. Between the LR and kitchen is the DR, with doors to the half bath and lower level. A real highlight is the large eat-in kitchen, with a door to the side walkway as well as sliders to a small deck. Upstairs there is the potential for up to 3-4 bedrooms (some walk-through), with a large master bedroom at the front. Another highlight is the renovated full bathroom, with updated vanity and artisan tile surround in the tub area. A great opportunity in a picturesque area!

5. 2017-05-25
   status Pending 991-char remark

   Show marketing remark (991 chars)

   Bult in 1920, this vintage semi-detached home enjoys an excellent location in North Bethlehem right on the edge of the Historic District. Walking distance proximity to all the restaurants, shops, museums, and other points of interest that the city offers, but with none of the Historic District restrictions. A covered front porch welcomes you through the period oak front door with glass panel and original brass letter slot. The large LR reflects similar period appointments, including classic moldings and newel post. Between the LR and kitchen is the DR, with doors to the half bath and lower level. A real highlight is the large eat-in kitchen, with a door to the side walkway as well as sliders to a small deck. Upstairs there is the potential for up to 3-4 bedrooms (some walk-through), with a large master bedroom at the front. Another highlight is the renovated full bathroom, with updated vanity and artisan tile surround in the tub area. A great opportunity in a picturesque area!

6. 2017-04-06
   listed $150,000 Active 991-char remark

   Show marketing remark (991 chars)

   Bult in 1920, this vintage semi-detached home enjoys an excellent location in North Bethlehem right on the edge of the Historic District. Walking distance proximity to all the restaurants, shops, museums, and other points of interest that the city offers, but with none of the Historic District restrictions. A covered front porch welcomes you through the period oak front door with glass panel and original brass letter slot. The large LR reflects similar period appointments, including classic moldings and newel post. Between the LR and kitchen is the DR, with doors to the half bath and lower level. A real highlight is the large eat-in kitchen, with a door to the side walkway as well as sliders to a small deck. Upstairs there is the potential for up to 3-4 bedrooms (some walk-through), with a large master bedroom at the front. Another highlight is the renovated full bathroom, with updated vanity and artisan tile surround in the tub area. A great opportunity in a picturesque area!

7. 2006-05-31
   soldstatus $133,000 403-char remark

   Show marketing remark (403 chars)

   ADORABLE VICTORIAN TWIN! This beautifully remodeled and meticulously maintained Bethlehem home includes a new eat-in kitchen with oak cabinetry and designer features; two sliding doors open the breakfast area to the cozy rear deck/porch. Brand new wall-to-wall carpeting; replacement windows; and updated electrical. Clothes washer, clothes dryer, and refrigerator included. See this lovely home today!

8. 2006-04-07
   listed $129,900 403-char remark

   Show marketing remark (403 chars)

   ADORABLE VICTORIAN TWIN! This beautifully remodeled and meticulously maintained Bethlehem home includes a new eat-in kitchen with oak cabinetry and designer features; two sliding doors open the breakfast area to the cozy rear deck/porch. Brand new wall-to-wall carpeting; replacement windows; and updated electrical. Clothes washer, clothes dryer, and refrigerator included. See this lovely home today!

ⓘ Source: listings_history table (triggers on properties + properties_extension) + one-shot backfill from property_details.listing_events for pre-trigger history.

Tax reassessment forecast PA · Partial reset (capped growth)

• Current annual tax: $3,567 · $297/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $3,836 · $320/mo
• Expected delta: +$270/yr (+$22/mo · 7.6%)

ⓘ Screening estimate from a state-policy table — verify with the county assessor before closing.

Climate risk First Street

• 🌊 Flood 1/10 Low FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 0% chance over 30 yrs
• 🔥 Wildfire 2/10 Low
• 🌡 Heat 5/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥99°F today · 15 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 4/10 Moderate 21% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 4/10 Moderate 3 unhealthy d/yr today · 6 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $28,044
• − Mortgage interest: −$14,558
• − Property taxes: −$3,567
• − Insurance: −$1,300
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$2,244
• − Management: −$2,244
• − Depreciation: −$7,561
• Taxable loss: −$3,428
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$823
• After-tax cash flow: $1,756/yr

For passive investors: Depreciation is non-cash, so a rental often shows a tax loss while cash-flowing — sheltering income. Rental losses are passive: they offset passive income freely, and up to $25,000/yr can offset ordinary (W-2) income if you actively participate and your MAGI is under $100k (phasing out to $0 by $150k); unused losses carry forward. On sale, claimed depreciation is recaptured at up to 25%, and gains may owe capital-gains tax (a 1031 exchange can defer both). Figures are a year-1 estimate at your 24.0% rate — not tax advice; consult a CPA.

Schools (NCES district)

• District: Bethlehem Area SD
• NCES district ID: 4203570
• Math proficiency: 31% ▼ -2.00%
• Reading proficiency: 49% ▼ -6.00%
• Median HH income: $55,124
• Composite: 34.92/100
• National rank: #5068
• State rank: #342 of 539 in PA

Livability — Bethlehem

• Score: 82/100
• State rank: #138
• US rank: #1122

Category grades

Amenities A+ Commute F Cost of living A+ Crime B+ Employment C Housing A+ Health & safety A+ User ratings C+

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Bethlehem, PA
• County: Lehigh County · 333,019 people
• City population: 129,661
• Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
• Population (ZIP): 32,965
• Household income: $75,417
• Rent vs Own: 46.8% rent · 53.2% own
• Severe rent burden: 1361.0

Population outlook (Northampton County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 312,227 people
• By 2030: 314,769 · +0.8%
• By 2040: 316,914 · +1.5%
• By 2050: 318,037 · +1.9%
• By 2075: 334,003 · +7.0%
• By 2100: 344,696 · +10.4%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Majority White (65%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 65% Hispanic / Latino 24% Two or more races 10% Black 6% Asian 2%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 2% Puerto Rican 14% Dominican 3%
• Common ancestry: Romanian 4% Italian 2% Polish 2%
• Foreign-born: 9% · Canada, Jamaica, China
• Languages at home: 81% English-only · Spanish 15% Other Indo-European 2%

Political lean MEDSL · Northampton

• 2024 margin: Toss-up / Even · D 48.6% · R 50.4%
• 2008→2024 swing: -14.1pp toward R · 2008: 12.3pp · 2024: -1.8pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+1.8 2020: D+0.7 2016: R+3.8 2012: D+4.6 2008: D+12.3

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -211.46%
• Current HPI: 301.1699
• Rent YoY: ▲ 0.85%
• Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 1.68%
• F500 in state: 34

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in PA)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Healthcare	2	$309B
▸Insurance	2	$27B
▸Telecommunications / Media	1	$124B
▸Industrial Distribution	1	$22B
▸Financial Services	1	$20B
▸Chemicals / Materials	1	$18B

Price history

+100.1% since first listed

8 events — show timeline

• 2026-04-12 Pending — GLVRMLS
• 2026-04-08 Listed $259,900 GLVRMLS
• 2017-07-03 Sold (Public Records) $135,000 Public Records
• 2017-06-28 Sold (MLS) $135,000 GLVRMLS
• 2017-05-25 Pending — GLVRMLS
• 2017-04-06 Listed $150,000 GLVRMLS
• 2006-05-31 Sold (MLS) $133,000 GLVRMLS
• 2006-04-07 Listed $129,900 GLVRMLS

Property tax history

+1.5%/yr

Latest (2026): $3,567 · +3.5% YoY. Source: county tax records.