5751 Howells Ferry Rd · Mobile, AL 36618

$159,000

3 bd · 2.0 ba · 1,448 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 80 Days on market

Built 1966 0.38 ac lot $110/sqft · 11% below area Est $183k · 13% 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 +20.4/30.0
• ARV discount +13.3/15.0
• DSCR +6.5/10.0
• 1% rule +4.4/10.0
• Livability +3.8/5.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Schools +2.3/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

This wonderfully-loved home perfectly blends timeless charm with modern upgrades. Featuring a striking white exterior with bold black accents, this home offers classic curb appeal with a fresh, contemporary feel. Inside, you'll find gorgeous hardwood flooring throughout much of the home, complemented by new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the spacious family room - perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The bathrooms have been thoughtfully updated, adding both style and functionality. Situated on a generous lot, the outdoor space is truly special, featuring a mature fig tree that provides both beauty and bounty. For those needing extra space, the property includes two large workshops with electricity - ideal for hobbies, storage, or a home-based business. Not to mention, you can enjoy peace of mind with a fortified roof that's a little over a year old. This property offers the perfect combination of comfort, character, and versatility! Don't miss your opportunity to make it yours!

Key facts

• Hardwood flooring
• Updated bathrooms
• Mature fig tree

Tags

• WHITE EXTERIOR
• BLACK ACCENTS
• HARDWOOD FLOORING
• LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING
• UPDATED BATHROOMS
• MATURE FIG TREE

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/2.0-bath single-family listed at $159k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $206 ($2k/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 $149k (6.3% below list).
• Recommended offer: $149k (6.3% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.
• Cap rate 7.8% vs local median 4.9% in Mobile — 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 75/100 on livability (#20 in AL, #4,262 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: commute A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: schools D-, crime F, employment D-.
• Mobile County (urban): math 15% / reading 39% proficiency, ranked #81 of 129 in AL (top 63%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 67% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: 99 active listings in the ZIP; 14 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 22d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 43% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 1,678 units permitted in Mobile County in 2024 (264 in 5+ unit buildings).

Forward outlook

• Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $1k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $5k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Mobile County population projected to shrink 8% by 2050 — rents likely to lag national; underwrite the cash flow, not the appreciation.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 80 days — a 6% lower offer ($149k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• Current owner paid $135k; 18% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.

Risks & watch-outs

• Climate carrying-cost: severe wind risk, 99% chance of damaging wind over 30y; extreme-heat days projected 7→20/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $149,011 (6.3% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 80 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 6% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
2. Built in 1966 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
3. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
4. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
5. 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?
6. 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?
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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: 0.94% ✗
• Cap rate: 7.85%
• Cash-on-cash: 5.56%
• DSCR: 1.25
• GRM: 8.9

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $182,692
• List price: $159,000
• Delta: -12.97%
• Verdict: UNDERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 12 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
1600 Decatur St	0.39mi	3/1.5	1,400 (-3%)	0mo	$83,000	$59	74
5759 Colonial Ln N	0.26mi	3/1.0	1,332 (-8%)	0mo	$139,000	$104	70
1967 Highland Forest Dr	0.53mi	3/2.0	1,508 (+4%)	2mo	$174,200	$116	67
5512 Overlook Rd	0.62mi	3/2.0	1,404 (-3%)	1mo	$148,000	$105	65
5661 Renn St	0.65mi	3/1.0	1,443 (-0%)	7mo	$85,000	$59	60
5462 Racine Ave	0.60mi	3/2.0	1,558 (+8%)	1mo	$245,000	$157	58
2033 Morganthau Dr	0.41mi	3/2.0	1,630 (+13%)	3mo	$194,000	$119	57
5408 N Colonial Cir	0.52mi	3/1.0	1,574 (+9%)	2mo	$119,000	$76	56
5860 Spyglass Dr	0.66mi	3/2.0	1,560 (+8%)	6mo	$220,000	$141	51
5231 Colonial Cir	0.71mi	2/2.0 (-1)	1,350 (-7%)	4mo	$80,000	$59	47
5524 Overlook Rd	0.59mi	3/1.5	1,597 (+10%)	9mo	$176,000	$110	46
1644 Princess Helen Rd W	0.48mi	3/3.0	1,649 (+14%)	9mo	$105,000	$64	43

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 · 3.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: -7.7%
• Equity multiple: 0.71×
• Total profit: $-12,689
• Equity at exit: $23,707

10-year hold

• IRR: 1.8%
• Equity multiple: 1.13×
• Total profit: $5,633
• Equity at exit: $13,747

Cash invested: $44,520 (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 36618

• Home prices YoY: -22.8%
• Active inventory: 99
• Price-to-rent: 8.9×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,490 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$834
• Tax from tax record: −$71 /mo · $851/yr
• Insurance: −$66
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$313
• Net cashflow: $206

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,229

Max offer price $159,000

Occupancy floor 81%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $296	-5% $251	+0% $206	+5% $161	+10% $116
Rent	-10% $88	-5% $147	+0% $206	+5% $265	+10% $324
Rate	-1.0pp $286	-0.5pp $247	base $206	+0.5pp $165	+1.0pp $123

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: $39,750
• Closing costs: $4,770
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 14 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
5520 Vienna Ave Mobile, AL	3.0	2.0	1745	$1,395	$0.80	44d	1	0.57mi
5751 Overlook Rd Unit A2 Mobile, AL	2.0	1.0	890	$850	$0.96	22d	1	0.59mi
5613 Overlook Rd Mobile, AL	3.0	1.5	1520	$1,450	$0.95	44d	1	0.62mi
5508 Overlook Rd Mobile, AL	3.0	2.0	1260	$1,400	$1.11	14d	1	0.66mi
1631 Colonial Oaks Dr Mobile, AL	3.0	1.0	1196	$1,100	$0.92	44d	1	0.75mi
1728 Tew Dr Mobile, AL	2.0	1.0	912	$995	$1.09	44d	1	0.78mi
5904 Saint Gallen Ave S Unit 1043743P Mobile, AL	4.0	2.0	1496	$3,719	$2.49	22d	1	1.21mi
1305 Middle Ring Rd Mobile, AL	3.0	1.0	1100	$1,400	$1.27	44d	1	1.27mi
5477 Ardell Dr Unit 1043691P Mobile, AL	3.0	2.0	1496	$2,680	$1.79	14d	1	1.31mi
912 Wendover Rd Unit 1043703P Mobile, AL	4.0	2.5	1496	$3,190	$2.13	22d	1	1.32mi
914 David Langan Dr E Mobile, AL	3.0	1.0	1080	$1,450	$1.34	44d	1	1.40mi
5855 Woodvale Dr Mobile, AL	3.0	1.5	1712	$1,350	$0.79	22d	1	1.41mi
1253 Athey Rd Mobile, AL	3.0	2.0	1100	$1,500	$1.36	14d	1	1.47mi
1104 Garland St Mobile, AL	3.0	1.0	1377	$1,450	$1.05	22d	1	1.49mi

Listing history 20 events

1. 2026-06-18
   days on market $159,000 Active 80 DOM
2. 2026-06-17
   days on market $159,000 Active 79 DOM
3. 2026-06-16
   days on market $159,000 Active 78 DOM
4. 2026-06-15
   days on market $159,000 Active 77 DOM
5. 2026-06-14
   days on market $159,000 Active 75 DOM
6. 2026-06-13
   days on market $159,000 Active 74 DOM
7. 2026-06-10
   days on market $159,000 Active 72 DOM
8. 2026-06-09
   days on market $159,000 Active 71 DOM
9. 2026-06-08
   days on market $159,000 Active 70 DOM
10. 2026-06-07
    days on market $159,000 Active 69 DOM
11. 2026-06-05
    days on market $159,000 Active 66 DOM
12. 2026-06-03
    days on market $159,000 Active 65 DOM
13. 2026-06-02
    days on market $159,000 Active 64 DOM
14. 2026-06-01
    days on market $159,000 Active 63 DOM
15. 2026-05-31
    days on market $159,000 Active 62 DOM
16. 2026-05-30
    days on market $159,000 Active 61 DOM
17. 2026-04-07
    price $159,000 1017-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1017 chars)

    This wonderfully-loved home perfectly blends timeless charm with modern upgrades. Featuring a striking white exterior with bold black accents, this home offers classic curb appeal with a fresh, contemporary feel. Inside, you'll find gorgeous hardwood flooring throughout much of the home, complemented by new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the spacious family room - perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The bathrooms have been thoughtfully updated, adding both style and functionality. Situated on a generous lot, the outdoor space is truly special, featuring a mature fig tree that provides both beauty and bounty. For those needing extra space, the property includes two large workshops with electricity - ideal for hobbies, storage, or a home-based business. Not to mention, you can enjoy peace of mind with a fortified roof that's a little over a year old. This property offers the perfect combination of comfort, character, and versatility! Don't miss your opportunity to make it yours!

18. 2026-03-30
    listed $165,000 Active 1017-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1017 chars)

    This wonderfully-loved home perfectly blends timeless charm with modern upgrades. Featuring a striking white exterior with bold black accents, this home offers classic curb appeal with a fresh, contemporary feel. Inside, you'll find gorgeous hardwood flooring throughout much of the home, complemented by new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the spacious family room - perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The bathrooms have been thoughtfully updated, adding both style and functionality. Situated on a generous lot, the outdoor space is truly special, featuring a mature fig tree that provides both beauty and bounty. For those needing extra space, the property includes two large workshops with electricity - ideal for hobbies, storage, or a home-based business. Not to mention, you can enjoy peace of mind with a fortified roof that's a little over a year old. This property offers the perfect combination of comfort, character, and versatility! Don't miss your opportunity to make it yours!

19. 2022-08-02
    soldstatus $135,000
20. 2022-07-29
    soldstatus $135,000 1392-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1392 chars)

    Wonderful and well-loved SINGLE OWNER 3 bedroom / 2 full bathroom home for sale on corner lot off Howells Ferry Rd. This is an estate home, being sold by the owner's adult children who enjoyed the home as young kids. This property has SO much potential for a family or an investor, with only a few minor updates needed. The owner built the home in 1987 for his family, and was a local homebuilder who built other homes in the immediate area. They added a full bathroom later on. As far as the Sellers know, everything is in proper working order however they are making no disclosures or warranties as they have not lived in the home for years. A brand new gas HVAC was installed approx. 1.5 years ago. The home boasts a working wood fireplace with gas starter, 3 nice-sized bedrooms and plenty of closet space. Beautiful hardwoods throughout dining room & bedrooms. Easily move-in ready or, with minor updates to the guest bath, flooring, kitchen and paint, the home will have increased value for resale. The yard is fully fenced with a mature fig tree, scuppernong grapes and 2 large workshops/sheds, each with power and lighting. This home was immaculately cared for by the family, and will be a perfect new home for the next owner! Sellers reserve all contents in outside sheds, and both trailers in yard. No warranties expressed or implied. Buyer to verify everything of importance.

ⓘ 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: $851 · $71/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $851 · $71/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 9/10 Extreme 7 d/yr ≥104°F today · 20 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 9/10 Extreme 99% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 1/10 Low 0 unhealthy d/yr today · 0 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $17,881
• − Mortgage interest: −$8,906
• − Property taxes: −$851
• − Insurance: −$795
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$1,431
• − Management: −$1,431
• − Depreciation: −$4,625
• Taxable loss: −$158
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$38
• After-tax cash flow: $2,512/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: Mobile County
• NCES district ID: 0102370
• Math proficiency: 15% ▼ -28.00%
• Reading proficiency: 39% ▬ 0.00%
• Median HH income: $42,455
• Composite: 22.9/100
• National rank: #8002
• State rank: #81 of 129 in AL

Livability — Mobile

• Score: 75/100
• State rank: #20
• US rank: #4262

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Mobile, AL
• County: Mobile County · 246,577 people
• City population: 205,729
• Metro: Mobile, AL
• Population (ZIP): 17,892
• Household income: $61,550
• Rent vs Own: 24.7% rent · 75.3% own
• Severe rent burden: 542.0

Population outlook (Mobile County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 415,303 people
• By 2030: 411,755 · -0.9%
• By 2040: 399,670 · -3.8%
• By 2050: 382,616 · -7.9%
• By 2075: 337,353 · -18.8%
• By 2100: 283,391 · -31.8%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly Black (65%)
• Race & ethnicity: Black 65% White 27% Two or more races 3% Asian 3% Hispanic / Latino 2%
• Common ancestry: Slovak 1% Serbian 1% Romanian 0%
• Foreign-born: 4% · Canada, China
• Languages at home: 94% English-only · Spanish 3% Chinese 2%

Political lean MEDSL · Mobile

• 2024 margin: R (+16.4) · D 41.3% · R 57.7%
• 2008→2024 swing: -7.7pp toward R · 2008: -8.7pp · 2024: -16.4pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+16.4 2020: R+11.9 2016: R+13.9 2012: R+9.3 2008: R+8.7

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -64.54%
• Current HPI: 218.7133
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: Mobile, 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

+17.8% since first listed

4 events — show timeline

• 2026-04-07 Price Changed $159,000 GCMLS AL
• 2026-03-30 Listed $165,000 GCMLS AL
• 2022-08-02 Sold (Public Records) $135,000 Public Records
• 2022-07-29 Sold (MLS) $135,000 GCMLS AL

Property tax history

-0.5%/yr

Latest (2025): $851 · +2.6% YoY. Source: county tax records.