1430 Berkley Ave · Bessemer, AL 35020

$139,900

3 bd · 1.5 ba · 1,338 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 66 Days on market

Built 1920 7,840 sqft lot $105/sqft · 94% above area Est $139k · at est.

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Why this score? — see what drove the F 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 +11.0/30.0
• ARV discount +7.2/15.0
• DSCR +3.2/10.0
• 1% rule +3.1/10.0
• Livability +3.0/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Rent growth +1.7/5.0
• Schools +0.8/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Welcome to 1430 Berkley Avenue—a charming historic home in the heart of Bessemer offering timeless character and great potential. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a flex room and full bath on the main level, providing a wonderful opportunity to make it your own. Inside, you’ll find a spacious layout with inviting living areas and natural light throughout, blending classic charm with everyday functionality. With a little TLC, this home can be refreshed to suit your style while maintaining its character. Whether hosting or relaxing, the space offers comfort and versatility. The location is exceptional—just minutes from shopping and dining, less than eight minutes to interstate access, and near the Bessemer Recreation Center. Enjoy walkability to the local farmers market, quick access to Highway 150, and an easy drive to Homewood. A rare opportunity to create something special in a location that truly connects it all.

Key facts

• 7,840 sq ft lot
• Built 1920
• Listed 66 days

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/1.5-bath single-family listed at $140k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $-59 ($-712/yr) — negative.
• To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $129k (7.5% below list).
• To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $113k (19.1% below list).
• Recommended offer: $113k (19.1% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.

Location & tenants

• Location reads 59/100 on livability (#331 in AL) — a working-class tenant base; expect higher turnover. Strengths: commute A+, cost of living A+, housing A; Watch: crime F, amenities F, employment F.
• Bessemer City (suburban): math 3% / reading 19% proficiency, ranked #120 of 129 in AL (top 93%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 87% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Zoned schools: Jonesboro Elementary School (math 3% / reading 15%, grade F, #593 of 627 statewide, top 95%, 525 students, 78% FRL); Bessemer City Middle School (math 3% / reading 23%, grade F, #215 of 257 statewide, top 84%, 674 students, 88% FRL); Bessemer City High School (math 2% / reading 8%, grade F, #276 of 305 statewide, top 95%, 850 students, 61% FRL).
• Market conditions: Rents falling (-3.1%/yr); 116 active listings in the ZIP; 29 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 26d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); lower-income renter base — watch delinquency; 2,114 units permitted in Jefferson County in 2024 (556 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent runs 38% of the median local income ($35k/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 $967 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $4k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Jefferson County population projected to shrink 4% by 2050 — rents likely to lag national; underwrite the cash flow, not the appreciation.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 66 days — a 6% lower offer ($132k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 3 sale attempts since 15y 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 $120k; 17% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1920 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: major wind risk, 36% chance of damaging wind over 30y; extreme-heat days projected 7→19/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $113,155 (19.1% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. What do current leases actually rent for vs. the listed asking? Can we see a recent rent roll and the last 12 months of T-12 income?
2. It's been on market 66 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 19% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
3. Built in 1920 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
4. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
5. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
6. 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?
7. 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?
8. The area grade is low — what's the realistic commute time and amenity access for the typical tenant pool here? Any planned neighborhood developments (good or bad) we should know about?
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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: 0.81% ✗
• Cap rate: 5.78%
• Cash-on-cash: -1.82%
• DSCR: 0.92
• GRM: 10.3

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $138,944
• List price: $139,900
• Delta: 0.69%
• Verdict: FAIR
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 12 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
419 19th St S	0.47mi	3/2.0	1,430 (+7%)	1mo	$28,000	$20	64
1615 Dartmouth Ave	0.26mi	3/1.0	1,186 (-11%)	5mo	$47,500	$40	63
529 12th St N	0.63mi	3/2.0	1,347 (+1%)	10mo	$90,000	$67	59
1607 Holbrook Ave	0.59mi	3/2.0	1,264 (-6%)	5mo	$31,000	$25	57
1506 Avenue I	0.60mi	3/2.0	1,312 (-2%)	12mo	$141,000	$107	57
1711 Holbrook Ave	0.62mi	3/2.0	1,300 (-3%)	11mo	$124,000	$95	56
1500 7th Ave N	0.71mi	3/2.0	1,421 (+6%)	3mo	$46,000	$32	52
1625 Holbrook Ave	0.60mi	3/2.0	1,288 (-4%)	14mo	$123,500	$96	52
730 Clarendon Ave	0.64mi	3/1.0	1,345 (+0%)	21mo	$70,000	$52	50
820 N 3rd Ave	0.68mi	3/1.5	1,288 (-4%)	17mo	$23,200	$18	48
802 Clarendon Ave	0.61mi	2/2.0 (-1)	1,214 (-9%)	6mo	$106,000	$87	44
1008 Avenue H	0.69mi	3/2.0	1,215 (-9%)	16mo	$85,000	$70	37

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 · 0.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: -22.7%
• Equity multiple: 0.24×
• Total profit: $-29,757
• Equity at exit: $20,860

10-year hold

• IRR: -27.0%
• Equity multiple: -0.11×
• Total profit: $-43,559
• Equity at exit: $12,096

Cash invested: $39,172 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 90 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
• State Alabama: 90 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+15
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

Right-to-evict in 7 days for non-payment; no rent control; preempted statewide; courts move quickly.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 35020

• Home prices YoY: -24.2%
• Rents YoY: -3.1%
• Active inventory: 116
• Price-to-rent: 10.3×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,132 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$734
• Tax from tax record: −$161 /mo · $1,936/yr
• Insurance: −$58
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$238
• Net cashflow: $-59

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,207

Max offer price $129,416

Occupancy floor —

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $20	-5% $-20	+0% $-59	+5% $-99	+10% $-139
Rent	-10% $-149	-5% $-104	+0% $-59	+5% $-15	+10% $30
Rate	-1.0pp $11	-0.5pp $-24	base $-59	+0.5pp $-96	+1.0pp $-132

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: $34,975
• Closing costs: $4,197
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 29 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
320 16th St S Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.5	1792	$950	$0.53	45d	1	0.19mi
1307 3rd Ave N Bessemer, AL	4.0	1.0	960	$1,200	$1.25	45d	1	0.38mi
1622 Fairfax Ave Bessemer, AL	2.0	2.0	1104	$995	$0.90	4d	1	0.40mi
420 19th St S Bessemer, AL	2.0	1.0	910	$850	$0.93	45d	1	0.44mi
1830 Exeter Ave Bessemer, AL	2.0	1.0	913	$850	$0.93	45d	1	0.46mi
419 19th St S Bessemer, AL	3.0	2.0	1200	$1,050	$0.88	13d	1	0.48mi
931 Dartmouth Ave Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	984	$925	$0.94	45d	1	0.50mi
1811 Fairfax Ave Bessemer, AL	4.0	2.0	1732	$1,350	$0.78	25d	1	0.52mi
1600 Holbrook Ave Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	885	$999	$1.13	4d	1	0.56mi
810 Fairfax Ave Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1042	$1,050	$1.01	25d	1	0.68mi
808 Fairfax Ave Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1042	$1,050	$1.01	25d	1	0.68mi
1909 Holbrook Ave Bessemer, AL	2.0	1.0	1064	$930	$0.87	45d	1	0.71mi
830 5th Ave N Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1072	$1,000	$0.93	45d	1	0.76mi
806 4th Ave N Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1092	$1,050	$0.96	25d	1	0.76mi
719 16th St N Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.5	1085	$1,075	$0.99	25d	1	0.76mi
817 15th St N Bessemer, AL	3.0	2.0	1116	$1,125	$1.01	4d	1	0.84mi
434 Bryant St Bessemer, AL	4.0	2.0	1540	$1,523	$0.99	5d	1	0.88mi
704 Avenue I Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1232	$1,200	$0.97	25d	1	0.90mi
1015 11th St N Bessemer, AL	2.0	1.0	876	$975	$1.11	13d	1	1.07mi
300 Norwood Ave Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	966	$1,000	$1.04	25d	1	1.14mi
300 Norwood Ave Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	966	$900	$0.93	13d	1	1.14mi
200 Center St Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.5	1826	$1,200	$0.66	12d	1	1.16mi
18 Center St Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1418	$1,100	$0.78	45d	1	1.23mi
531 W Lake Dr Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1014	$1,200	$1.18	4d	1	1.23mi
510 W Lake Dr Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	950	$1,025	$1.08	18d	1	1.24mi
512 W Lake Dr Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	944	$1,125	$1.19	13d	1	1.25mi
10 Center St Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1152	$1,000	$0.87	45d	1	1.25mi
236 Clifton St Bessemer, AL	3.0	1.0	1450	$1,100	$0.76	45d	1	1.26mi
63 Bluebell St Bessemer, AL	4.0	2.0	1232	$1,399	$1.14	18d	1	1.47mi

Listing history 28 events

1. 2026-06-21
   days on market $139,900 Active 66 DOM
2. 2026-06-18
   days on market $139,900 Active 63 DOM
3. 2026-06-17
   days on market $139,900 Active 62 DOM
4. 2026-06-16
   days on market $139,900 Active 61 DOM
5. 2026-06-15
   days on market $139,900 Active 60 DOM
6. 2026-06-13
   days on market $139,900 Active 58 DOM
7. 2026-06-10
   days on market $139,900 Active 55 DOM
8. 2026-06-09
   days on market $139,900 Active 54 DOM
9. 2026-06-08
   days on market $139,900 Active 53 DOM
10. 2026-06-07
    days on market $139,900 Active 52 DOM
11. 2026-06-05
    days on market $139,900 Active 49 DOM
12. 2026-06-03
    days on market $139,900 Active 48 DOM
13. 2026-06-02
    days on market $139,900 Active 47 DOM
14. 2026-06-01
    days on market $139,900 Active 46 DOM
15. 2026-05-31
    days on market $139,900 Active 45 DOM
16. 2026-04-16
    listed $139,900 Active 950-char remark

    Show marketing remark (950 chars)

    Welcome to 1430 Berkley Avenue—a charming historic home in the heart of Bessemer offering timeless character and great potential. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a flex room and full bath on the main level, providing a wonderful opportunity to make it your own. Inside, you’ll find a spacious layout with inviting living areas and natural light throughout, blending classic charm with everyday functionality. With a little TLC, this home can be refreshed to suit your style while maintaining its character. Whether hosting or relaxing, the space offers comfort and versatility. The location is exceptional—just minutes from shopping and dining, less than eight minutes to interstate access, and near the Bessemer Recreation Center. Enjoy walkability to the local farmers market, quick access to Highway 150, and an easy drive to Homewood. A rare opportunity to create something special in a location that truly connects it all.

17. 2026-04-14
    historical $139,900 950-char remark

    Show marketing remark (950 chars)

    Welcome to 1430 Berkley Avenue—a charming historic home in the heart of Bessemer offering timeless character and great potential. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a flex room and full bath on the main level, providing a wonderful opportunity to make it your own. Inside, you’ll find a spacious layout with inviting living areas and natural light throughout, blending classic charm with everyday functionality. With a little TLC, this home can be refreshed to suit your style while maintaining its character. Whether hosting or relaxing, the space offers comfort and versatility. The location is exceptional—just minutes from shopping and dining, less than eight minutes to interstate access, and near the Bessemer Recreation Center. Enjoy walkability to the local farmers market, quick access to Highway 150, and an easy drive to Homewood. A rare opportunity to create something special in a location that truly connects it all.

18. 2023-06-07
    soldstatus $120,000
19. 2023-05-05
    soldstatus $120,000 Sold 311-char remark

    Show marketing remark (311 chars)

    This charming 2 story home built in 1920 has a lot of character. You will be welcomed by a large front porch, formal living room, dining room, large eat-in kitchen. It has a double sided staircase leading up to the 2nd floor to a large master bedroom, oversized bathroom with a garden tub and 2 large bedrooms.

20. 2023-03-25
    historical Contingent 311-char remark

    Show marketing remark (311 chars)

    This charming 2 story home built in 1920 has a lot of character. You will be welcomed by a large front porch, formal living room, dining room, large eat-in kitchen. It has a double sided staircase leading up to the 2nd floor to a large master bedroom, oversized bathroom with a garden tub and 2 large bedrooms.

21. 2023-03-14
    listed $90,000 Active 311-char remark

    Show marketing remark (311 chars)

    This charming 2 story home built in 1920 has a lot of character. You will be welcomed by a large front porch, formal living room, dining room, large eat-in kitchen. It has a double sided staircase leading up to the 2nd floor to a large master bedroom, oversized bathroom with a garden tub and 2 large bedrooms.

22. 2012-04-09
    soldstatus $48,200
23. 2012-04-09
    soldstatus $48,200
24. 2011-07-08
    listed $49,500
25. 2007-02-20
    soldstatus $90,500
26. 2001-03-05
    soldstatus $86,000
27. 1998-12-02
    soldstatus $63,000
28. 1997-01-13
    soldstatus $42,500

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

Tax reassessment forecast AL · Resets to sale price

• Current annual tax: $1,936 · $161/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $1,936 · $161/mo
• Expected delta: $0/yr ($0/mo · 0.0%)

ⓘ 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 6/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥108°F today · 19 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 6/10 Major 36% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 2 unhealthy d/yr today · 5 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $13,579
• − Mortgage interest: −$7,837
• − Property taxes: −$1,936
• − Insurance: −$700
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$1,086
• − Management: −$1,086
• − Depreciation: −$4,070
• Taxable loss: −$3,136
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$753
• After-tax cash flow: $40/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: Bessemer City
• NCES district ID: 0100330
• Math proficiency: 3% ▼ -18.00%
• Reading proficiency: 19% ▼ -3.00%
• Median HH income: $29,721
• Composite: 8.45/100
• National rank: #9905
• State rank: #120 of 129 in AL

Livability — Bessemer

• Score: 59/100
• State rank: #331
• US rank: #20078

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Bessemer, AL
• County: Jefferson County · 527,445 people
• City population: 48,018
• Metro: Birmingham-Hoover, AL
• Population (ZIP): 24,892
• Household income: $35,362
• Rent vs Own: 40.6% rent · 59.4% own
• Severe rent burden: 1001.0

Population outlook (Jefferson County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 669,185 people
• By 2030: 669,694 · +0.1%
• By 2040: 661,388 · -1.2%
• By 2050: 643,086 · -3.9%
• By 2075: 577,267 · -13.7%
• By 2100: 474,758 · -29.1%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly Black (74%)
• Race & ethnicity: Black 74% Hispanic / Latino 13% White 11% Two or more races 6%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 10%
• Foreign-born: 5% · Canada
• Languages at home: 89% English-only · Spanish 11%

Political lean MEDSL · Jefferson

• 2024 margin: D (+10.4) · D 54.6% · R 44.2% · Other 1.2%
• 2008→2024 swing: +5.4pp toward D · 2008: 5.1pp · 2024: 10.4pp
• All cycles: 2024: D+10.4 2020: D+13.2 2016: D+7.2 2012: D+6.0 2008: D+5.1

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -57.54%
• Current HPI: 179.7702
• Rent YoY: ▼ -3.12%
• Metro: Birmingham-Hoover, AL
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 2.94%
• F500 in state: 4

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in AL)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Financial Services	1	$8B
▸Healthcare	1	$5B

Price history

+229.2% since first listed

13 events — show timeline

• 2026-04-16 Listed $139,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-04-14 Coming Soon $139,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2023-06-07 Sold (Public Records) $120,000 Public Records
• 2023-05-05 Sold (MLS) $120,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2023-03-25 Contingent — Greater Alabama MLS
• 2023-03-14 Listed $90,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2012-04-09 Sold (Public Records) $48,200 Public Records
• 2012-04-09 Sold (MLS) $48,200 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2011-07-08 Listed $49,500 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2007-02-20 Sold (Public Records) $90,500 Public Records
• 2001-03-05 Sold (Public Records) $86,000 Public Records
• 1998-12-02 Sold (Public Records) $63,000 Public Records
• 1997-01-13 Sold (Public Records) $42,500 Public Records

Property tax history

+11.9%/yr

Latest (2025): $1,936 · +5.6% YoY. Source: county tax records.