12 Rutgers Dr #12

Newark, NJ 07103-3064

$209,000C-

3 bd · 2.5 ba · 1,450 sqft · Built 1990 · Condo · Active · 123 DOM

Cashflow @ list (25.0% down · 7.5%)

• Estimated rent: $2,751/mo
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,096
• Tax + insurance: −$348
• HOA: −$575
• Vac / Maint / Mgmt: −$578
• Net cashflow: $154/mo
• Annual: $1,849/yr
• Cap rate: 7.18%
• Cash-on-cash: 3.16%
• DSCR: 1.14
• 1% rule: 1.32%
• Cash to close: $58,520

Investor read

• This is a 3-bed/2.5-bath condo listed at $209k. Condition is rated poor.
• At list price, monthly cash flow is $154 ($2k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($3k rent vs $209k).
• It's been on market 123 days — a 12% lower offer ($184k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• Recommended offer: $184k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• In year one you build about $8k of equity ($1k loan paydown + $6k appreciation (3.0% local appreciation)).
• Location reads 67/100 on livability (#343 in NJ) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: commute A+, amenities A-; Watch: housing D+, crime F, employment D-.
• Newark Public School District (urban): math 9% / reading 26% proficiency, ranked #452 of 472 in NJ (top 96%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 79% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Zoned schools: Ann Street School (math 13% / reading 34%, grade F, #921 of 1,303 statewide, top 71%, 1,200 students, 78% FRL); East Side High School (math 17% / reading 22%, grade F, #357 of 399 statewide, top 90%, 2,255 students, 77% FRL) — zoned schools at 77% FRL track the district average.
• Watch-outs: HOA is 21% of rent.
• Market conditions: 1 active listings in the ZIP; 40 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals leasing fast (median 12d on market — plan ~1-2 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 3,364 units permitted in Essex County in 2024 (2,551 in 5+ unit buildings).
• Essex County population projected at +3% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.
• At projected returns (3.0% appreciation + 3.0% rent growth), your $59k cash investment doubles in ~6 years — after that, you're playing with house money.
• By year 5, paydown + projected appreciation supports a ~$33k cash-out refi (75% LTV) — recoverable capital for the next deal without selling this one.
• Climate carrying-cost: major wind risk, 27% chance of damaging wind over 30y; extreme-heat days projected 7→15/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.
• Cap rate 7.2% vs local median 3.0% in Newark — 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.

Questions for listing agent

• It's been on market 123 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 12% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
• Have any recent inspections been done? Can we get a copy of the seller's disclosures and any deferred-maintenance estimates?
• What does the HOA fee cover, when was the last increase, and are there any pending special assessments or reserve-fund shortfalls?
• Any open or pending special assessments — roof, HVAC, plumbing, elevator, façade? What's the per-unit balance and payoff schedule, and is the seller paying it off at close or rolling it to the buyer?
• Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
• Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
• Schools are D-rated, which usually means shorter tenancies and higher turnover. Who's the typical renter profile here, and what's been the actual vacancy rate?
• Crime grade is F in this area — have there been break-ins, vandalism, or insurance claims at this property in the last 3 years? What carrier currently insures it and at what premium?

Repairs flagged (vision-AI assessment)

• Major: kitchen cabinets — severely outdated and in poor condition
• Major: kitchen appliances — outdated and in poor condition
• Major: bathroom fixtures — outdated and in poor condition
• Major: flooring — dated linoleum, visible wear
• Major: interior walls — paint peeling, visible damage
• Major: exterior siding — brick siding in need of cleaning, visible wear