1538 Jill St · Bethlehem, PA 18017

$219,900

3 bd · 1.0 ba · 840 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 3 Days on market

Built 1955 3,354 sqft lot Est $243k · 9% 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).

• Cash flow +19.7/30.0
• ARV discount +11.7/15.0
• DSCR +6.2/10.0
• 1% rule +5.2/10.0
• Livability +4.1/5.0
• Schools +3.5/10.0
• Rent growth +3.2/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

* * MULTIPLE OFFERS-Please submit your offers by 8PM 4/17 * * Opportunity knocks in Bethlehem! This well-maintained semi-detached home is full of potential and ready for its new owner and your personal touch. Offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home features hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpets and charming exposed beams in the living room ceiling, adding character you don’t often find. The layout is functional and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. A good portion of the basement is finished, providing additional living space perfect for a family room, home office, or recreation area. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning, and relax on the fully refurbished front porch, ideal for morning coffee or evening unwinding. While the home may be in need of small cosmetic updates, it has been lovingly cared for over the years and is priced accordingly, making it a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to build equity with simple improvements. All appliances are included, making your move-in or renovation process even easier. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or someone looking to customize a home to your style, this property offers great value in an amazing Bethlehem location, close to shopping, dining, and major all major routes.

Key facts

• Finished basement
• Exposed beams
• Included appliances

Tags

• HARDWOOD FLOORS
• EXPOSED BEAMS
• FINISHED BASEMENT
• CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING
• REFURBISHED FRONT PORCH
• INCLUDED APPLIANCES

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/1.0-bath single-family listed at $220k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $256 ($3k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($2k rent vs $220k).
• Cap rate 7.7% 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.
• Market conditions: Rents rising (+2.6%/yr); 153 active listings in the ZIP; 9 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals leasing fast (median 3d on market — plan ~1-2 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); solid renter incomes; 567 units permitted in Northampton County in 2024 (151 in 5+ unit buildings).

Forward outlook

• Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $2k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $7k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.

Negotiation context

• Only 3 days on market — expect competitive offers; lowballing is unlikely to land.
• 2 sale attempts 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.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1955 — 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 $219,900

Questions for the listing agent

1. Built in 1955 — 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: 1.02% ✓
• Cap rate: 7.69%
• Cash-on-cash: 4.99%
• DSCR: 1.22
• GRM: 8.2

CMA / ARV

• ARV (on-the-fly): $242,760
• Comps found: 7

Show comp detail 7 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
1521 Fleming St	0.15mi	3/1.0	864 (+3%)	7mo	$250,000	$289	82
2029 Michael St	0.42mi	3/1.0	952 (+13%)	8mo	$295,000	$310	52
1918 Renwick St	0.36mi	2/1.5 (-1)	896 (+7%)	21mo	$275,000	$307	47
2946 Northampton St	0.55mi	2/1.0 (-1)	871 (+4%)	21mo	$260,000	$299	46
1835 Carlisle St	0.63mi	2/1.0 (-1)	884 (+5%)	21mo	$230,000	$260	39
914 Radclyffe St	0.65mi	3/1.0	946 (+13%)	16mo	$255,000	$270	35
3116 Keystone St	0.74mi	3/1.0	941 (+12%)	16mo	$262,500	$279	32

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 · 2.6% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: -9.0%
• Equity multiple: 0.67×
• Total profit: $-20,178
• Equity at exit: $32,788

10-year hold

• IRR: -0.0%
• Equity multiple: 1.00×
• Total profit: $-86
• Equity at exit: $19,013

Cash invested: $61,572 (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 18017

• Rents YoY: 2.6%
• Active inventory: 153
• Price-to-rent: 8.2×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $2,242 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,153
• Tax from tax record: −$270 /mo · $3,239/yr
• Insurance: −$92
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$471
• Net cashflow: $256

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,917

Max offer price $219,900

Occupancy floor 84%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $381	-5% $319	+0% $256	+5% $194	+10% $132
Rent	-10% $79	-5% $168	+0% $256	+5% $345	+10% $433
Rate	-1.0pp $367	-0.5pp $312	base $256	+0.5pp $199	+1.0pp $141

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: $54,975
• Closing costs: $6,597
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 9 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
1416 Livingston St Bethlehem, PA	1.0–4.0	1.0–2.0	1002	$2,147	$2.14	3d	20	0.29mi
1130 Pembroke Rd Unit 2 Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0	750	$1,750	$2.33	44d	1	0.70mi
315 Clearfield St Freemansburg, PA	2.0	1.0	1040	$2,000	$1.92	3d	1	0.75mi
315 Clearfield St Unit A Freemansburg, PA	2.0	1.0	1040	$2,000	$1.92	3d	1	0.75mi
214 Clearfield St Freemansburg, PA	3.0	1.0	966	$1,700	$1.76	3d	1	0.86mi
1709 Callone Ave Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0	768	$1,995	$2.60	24d	1	0.90mi
650 E North St Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0–2.0	935	$2,350	$2.51	15d	7	1.31mi
401 E Goepp St #2 Bethlehem, PA	2.0	1.0	750	$1,875	$2.50	24d	1	1.40mi
1410 Johnston Dr Bethlehem, PA	1.0–3.0	1.0–2.0	833	$2,295	$2.76	3d	1	1.46mi

Listing history 5 events

1. 2026-05-18
   soldstatus $228,000 Closed 1326-char remark

   Show marketing remark (1326 chars)

   * * MULTIPLE OFFERS-Please submit your offers by 8PM 4/17 * * Opportunity knocks in Bethlehem! This well-maintained semi-detached home is full of potential and ready for its new owner and your personal touch. Offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home features hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpets and charming exposed beams in the living room ceiling, adding character you don’t often find. The layout is functional and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. A good portion of the basement is finished, providing additional living space perfect for a family room, home office, or recreation area. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning, and relax on the fully refurbished front porch, ideal for morning coffee or evening unwinding. While the home may be in need of small cosmetic updates, it has been lovingly cared for over the years and is priced accordingly, making it a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to build equity with simple improvements. All appliances are included, making your move-in or renovation process even easier. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or someone looking to customize a home to your style, this property offers great value in an amazing Bethlehem location, close to shopping, dining, and major all major routes.

2. 2026-04-18
   status Pending

   Show marketing remark (1326 chars)

   * * MULTIPLE OFFERS-Please submit your offers by 8PM 4/17 * * Opportunity knocks in Bethlehem! This well-maintained semi-detached home is full of potential and ready for its new owner and your personal touch. Offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home features hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpets and charming exposed beams in the living room ceiling, adding character you don’t often find. The layout is functional and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. A good portion of the basement is finished, providing additional living space perfect for a family room, home office, or recreation area. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning, and relax on the fully refurbished front porch, ideal for morning coffee or evening unwinding. While the home may be in need of small cosmetic updates, it has been lovingly cared for over the years and is priced accordingly, making it a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to build equity with simple improvements. All appliances are included, making your move-in or renovation process even easier. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or someone looking to customize a home to your style, this property offers great value in an amazing Bethlehem location, close to shopping, dining, and major all major routes.

3. 2026-04-18
   status Pending 1326-char remark

   Show marketing remark (1326 chars)

   * * MULTIPLE OFFERS-Please submit your offers by 8PM 4/17 * * Opportunity knocks in Bethlehem! This well-maintained semi-detached home is full of potential and ready for its new owner and your personal touch. Offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home features hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpets and charming exposed beams in the living room ceiling, adding character you don’t often find. The layout is functional and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. A good portion of the basement is finished, providing additional living space perfect for a family room, home office, or recreation area. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning, and relax on the fully refurbished front porch, ideal for morning coffee or evening unwinding. While the home may be in need of small cosmetic updates, it has been lovingly cared for over the years and is priced accordingly, making it a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to build equity with simple improvements. All appliances are included, making your move-in or renovation process even easier. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or someone looking to customize a home to your style, this property offers great value in an amazing Bethlehem location, close to shopping, dining, and major all major routes.

4. 2026-04-15
   listed $219,900 Active

   Show marketing remark (1326 chars)

   * * MULTIPLE OFFERS-Please submit your offers by 8PM 4/17 * * Opportunity knocks in Bethlehem! This well-maintained semi-detached home is full of potential and ready for its new owner and your personal touch. Offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home features hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpets and charming exposed beams in the living room ceiling, adding character you don’t often find. The layout is functional and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. A good portion of the basement is finished, providing additional living space perfect for a family room, home office, or recreation area. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning, and relax on the fully refurbished front porch, ideal for morning coffee or evening unwinding. While the home may be in need of small cosmetic updates, it has been lovingly cared for over the years and is priced accordingly, making it a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to build equity with simple improvements. All appliances are included, making your move-in or renovation process even easier. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or someone looking to customize a home to your style, this property offers great value in an amazing Bethlehem location, close to shopping, dining, and major all major routes.

5. 2026-04-15
   listed $219,900 Active 1326-char remark

   Show marketing remark (1326 chars)

   * * MULTIPLE OFFERS-Please submit your offers by 8PM 4/17 * * Opportunity knocks in Bethlehem! This well-maintained semi-detached home is full of potential and ready for its new owner and your personal touch. Offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home features hardwood floors hidden beneath the carpets and charming exposed beams in the living room ceiling, adding character you don’t often find. The layout is functional and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space. A good portion of the basement is finished, providing additional living space perfect for a family room, home office, or recreation area. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning, and relax on the fully refurbished front porch, ideal for morning coffee or evening unwinding. While the home may be in need of small cosmetic updates, it has been lovingly cared for over the years and is priced accordingly, making it a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to build equity with simple improvements. All appliances are included, making your move-in or renovation process even easier. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or someone looking to customize a home to your style, this property offers great value in an amazing Bethlehem location, close to shopping, dining, and major all major routes.

ⓘ 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: $3,239 · $270/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $3,357 · $280/mo
• Expected delta: +$118/yr (+$10/mo · 3.6%)

ⓘ 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 3/10 Moderate
• 🌡 Heat 5/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥100°F today · 15 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 4/10 Moderate 15% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 3 unhealthy d/yr today · 4 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $26,901
• − Mortgage interest: −$12,318
• − Property taxes: −$3,239
• − Insurance: −$1,100
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$2,152
• − Management: −$2,152
• − Depreciation: −$6,397
• Taxable loss: −$456
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$110
• After-tax cash flow: $3,185/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: Northampton County · 236,814 people
• City population: 129,661
• Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
• Population (ZIP): 40,640
• Household income: $91,173
• Rent vs Own: 33.0% rent · 67.0% own
• Severe rent burden: 950.0

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 (64%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 64% Hispanic / Latino 25% Two or more races 14% Black 5% Asian 4%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Puerto Rican 16% Dominican 4%
• Common ancestry: Romanian 4% Polish 2% Lithuanian 1%
• Foreign-born: 10% · Canada, China, Vietnam
• Languages at home: 77% English-only · Spanish 15% Other Indo-European 2% French/Haitian/Cajun 1%

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: ▼ -218.92%
• Current HPI: 203.0358
• Rent YoY: ▲ 2.60%
• 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

+3.7% since first listed

5 events — show timeline

• 2026-05-18 Sold (MLS) $228,000 GLVRMLS
• 2026-04-18 Pending — PMAR
• 2026-04-18 Pending — GLVRMLS
• 2026-04-15 Listed $219,900 PMAR
• 2026-04-15 Listed $219,900 GLVRMLS

Property tax history

+1.9%/yr

Latest (2026): $3,239 · +3.5% YoY. Source: county tax records.