18266 Platinum Dr · Lowell, IN 46356

$245,000

3 bd · 1.5 ba · 1,681 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 43 Days on market

Built 2014 2,526 sqft lot $146/sqft · at area comps Est $244k · at est. $115/mo HOA · 4% of rent

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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 +25.0/30.0
• DSCR +8.1/10.0
• ARV discount +7.3/15.0
• 1% rule +6.4/10.0
• Schools +4.5/10.0
• Livability +3.8/5.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

100% USDA FINANCING AVAILABLE!! Providence Townes of Lowell presents the Bayport! Maintenance free townhome living. Conveniently located just minutes from I-65, shopping, dining and Downtown Lowell. Main level features spacious kitchen and an abundance of cabinets. Upper level include an over-sized master bedroom with walk-in closet, and second floor laundry for convenience. Exterior features include attached garage, and professional landscaping package. You will have piece of mind knowing you are purchasing a quality constructed home by Providence Real Estate Development!! * * UNDER CONSTRUCTION * * ESTIMATED JULY COMPLETION.

Key facts

• Largest yards
• Peninsula kitchen
• Owners suite

Tags

• CORNER LOT LOCATION
• LARGEST YARDS
• OPEN CONCEPT LOWER LEVEL
• PENINSULA KITCHEN
• DEDICATED PANTRY
• OWNERS SUITE

Property features AI

Finance

• HOA & community: Homeowners association managed by 1st American Managemen; Monthly HOA fee of $115; HOA covers grounds maintenance, snow removal and structure maintenance; Community landscaping and management services

Exterior

• Parking: Attached garage with garage door opener; Garage faces front; 2 garage spaces
• Utilities: Natural gas connected; Public water; Public sewer; 200+ amp electric service
• Home design: Two-story attached home; Built in 2014
• Construction: Property attached
• Exterior features: Neighborhood view

Interior

• Kitchen: Range; Microwave; Dishwasher
• Bedrooms: Primary bedroom; Bedroom 2; Bedroom 3
• Flooring: Carpet; Vinyl
• Bathrooms: 2 full bathrooms; 1 half bathroom
• Heating & cooling: Forced air heating (natural gas); Central air conditioning
• Interior features: Open floorplan; Walk-in closets
• Laundry & utility: Washer; Dryer

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/1.5-bath single-family listed at $245k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $531 ($6k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($3k rent vs $245k).
• Recommended offer: $238k (3.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 8.9% vs local median 3.8% in Lowell — 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 76/100 on livability (#51 in IN, #3,455 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: crime A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: health & safety C-, amenities F, commute F.
• Tri-Creek School Corporation (town): math 46% / reading 56% proficiency, ranked #39 of 301 in IN (top 13%) — acceptable for families but not a draw, mixed tenant base, ~2y average lease.
• Zoned schools: Three Creeks Elem School (math 55% / reading 48%, grade C-, #256 of 994 statewide, top 26%, 515 students, 30% FRL); Lowell Middle School (math 36% / reading 54%, grade D, #81 of 330 statewide, top 25%, 742 students, 33% FRL); Lowell Senior High School (math 31% / reading 75%, grade C-, #99 of 369 statewide, top 27%, 1,033 students, 29% FRL).
• Market conditions: 351 active listings in the ZIP; 1 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; 1,642 units permitted in Lake County in 2024 (14 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.
• Lake County population projected to shrink 7% by 2050 — rents likely to lag national; underwrite the cash flow, not the appreciation.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 43 days — a 3% lower offer ($238k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 2 sale attempts since 14y ago; this cycle's ask has dropped $15k (6%) from the opening price — seller is motivated, your offer sets the floor, not the list.
• Current owner paid $126k; list at $245k implies a 94% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Recommended offer $237,650 (3.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 43 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 3% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
2. What does the HOA fee cover, when was the last increase, and are there any pending special assessments or reserve-fund shortfalls?
3. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
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: 1.14% ✓
• Cap rate: 8.90%
• Cash-on-cash: 9.30%
• DSCR: 1.41
• GRM: 7.3

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $243,878
• List price: $245,000
• Delta: 1.89%
• 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
18349 Kaiti Dr	0.20mi	3/2.0	1,618 (-4%)	2mo	$361,000	$223	81
4839 Richard Dr	0.29mi	3/2.0	1,725 (+3%)	1mo	$457,500	$265	80
18345 Judith Way	0.27mi	3/2.0	1,620 (-4%)	2mo	$493,300	$305	77
18476 Platinum Dr	0.26mi	4/2.0 (+1)	1,782 (+6%)	4mo	$346,000	$194	68
4905 Stephen Ln	0.29mi	3/2.5	1,795 (+7%)	5mo	$389,300	$217	67
4906 Southview Dr	0.35mi	4/2.0 (+1)	1,732 (+3%)	6mo	$385,000	$222	67
4863 Richard Dr	0.30mi	3/2.0	1,864 (+11%)	1mo	$516,665	$277	65
1634 Northwood Dr	0.49mi	3/2.0	1,552 (-8%)	5mo	$310,000	$200	58
339 Azalea Ln	0.72mi	3/2.0	1,620 (-4%)	2mo	$289,900	$179	57
639 Blackwood Dr	0.63mi	4/1.5 (+1)	1,732 (+3%)	6mo	$299,900	$173	55
1328 Hilltop Dr	0.45mi	3/1.5	1,912 (+14%)	1mo	$269,900	$141	55
2305 Hillcrest Ln	0.68mi	3/2.0	1,757 (+4%)	6mo	$370,000	$211	54

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: -2.2%
• Equity multiple: 0.92×
• Total profit: $-5,818
• Equity at exit: $36,530

10-year hold

• IRR: 7.5%
• Equity multiple: 1.56×
• Total profit: $38,659
• Equity at exit: $21,183

Cash invested: $68,600 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 90 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
• State Indiana: 90 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+11
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

10-day pay-or-quit; landlord-favorable; preempted.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 46356

• Home prices YoY: -30.1%
• Active inventory: 351
• Price-to-rent: 7.3×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $2,800 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,285
• Tax from tax record: −$179 /mo · $2,144/yr
• Insurance: −$102
• HOA: −$115
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$588
• Net cashflow: $531

Break-even live

Break-even rent $2,127

Max offer price $245,000

Occupancy floor 76%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $670	-5% $601	+0% $531	+5% $462	+10% $393
Rent	-10% $310	-5% $421	+0% $531	+5% $642	+10% $753
Rate	-1.0pp $655	-0.5pp $594	base $531	+0.5pp $468	+1.0pp $403

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: $61,250
• Closing costs: $7,350
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 1 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
4507 W 173rd Ave Lowell, IN	4.0	3.0	1900	$2,800	$1.47	20d	1	1.24mi

HOA detail

• Monthly dues: $115 · $1,380/yr
• Likely covers: landscaping

Listing history 19 events

1. 2026-06-21
   pricedays on market $245,000 Active 43 DOM
2. 2026-06-18
   days on market $248,490 Active 40 DOM
3. 2026-06-17
   pricedays on market $248,490 Active 39 DOM
4. 2026-06-16
   days on market $248,495 Active 38 DOM
5. 2026-06-15
   days on market $248,495 Active 37 DOM
6. 2026-06-13
   pricedays on market $248,495 Active 35 DOM
7. 2026-06-09
   days on market $248,500 Active 31 DOM
8. 2026-06-08
   days on market $248,500 Active 30 DOM
9. 2026-06-07
   pricedays on market $248,500 Active 29 DOM
10. 2026-06-04
    days on market $255,000 Active 26 DOM
11. 2026-06-03
    days on market $255,000 Active 25 DOM
12. 2026-06-02
    days on market $255,000 Active 24 DOM
13. 2026-06-01
    days on market $255,000 Active 23 DOM
14. 2026-05-31
    days on market $255,000 Active 22 DOM
15. 2026-05-18
    price $258,000 1811-char remark
16. 2026-05-15
    price $259,990 1811-char remark
17. 2026-05-08
    listed $259,995 Active 1811-char remark
18. 2013-10-21
    soldstatus $126,495 636-char remark

    Show marketing remark (636 chars)

    100% USDA FINANCING AVAILABLE!! Providence Townes of Lowell presents the Bayport! Maintenance free townhome living. Conveniently located just minutes from I-65, shopping, dining and Downtown Lowell. Main level features spacious kitchen and an abundance of cabinets. Upper level include an over-sized master bedroom with walk-in closet, and second floor laundry for convenience. Exterior features include attached garage, and professional landscaping package. You will have piece of mind knowing you are purchasing a quality constructed home by Providence Real Estate Development!! * * UNDER CONSTRUCTION * * ESTIMATED JULY COMPLETION.

19. 2012-11-08
    listed $126,680 636-char remark

    Show marketing remark (636 chars)

    100% USDA FINANCING AVAILABLE!! Providence Townes of Lowell presents the Bayport! Maintenance free townhome living. Conveniently located just minutes from I-65, shopping, dining and Downtown Lowell. Main level features spacious kitchen and an abundance of cabinets. Upper level include an over-sized master bedroom with walk-in closet, and second floor laundry for convenience. Exterior features include attached garage, and professional landscaping package. You will have piece of mind knowing you are purchasing a quality constructed home by Providence Real Estate Development!! * * UNDER CONSTRUCTION * * ESTIMATED JULY COMPLETION.

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

Tax reassessment forecast IN · Partial reset (capped growth)

• Current annual tax: $2,144 · $179/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $2,144 · $179/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 1/10 Low
• 🌡 Heat 3/10 Moderate 7 d/yr ≥101°F today · 16 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 2/10 Low 0% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 2/10 Low 1 unhealthy d/yr today · 2 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $33,600
• − Mortgage interest: −$13,724
• − Property taxes: −$2,144
• − Insurance: −$1,225
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$2,688
• − Management: −$2,688
• − HOA: −$1,380
• − Depreciation: −$7,127
• Taxable income: $2,624
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$630
• After-tax cash flow: $5,748/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: Tri-Creek School Corporation
• NCES district ID: 1811460
• Math proficiency: 46% ▼ -8.00%
• Reading proficiency: 56% ▼ -5.00%
• Median HH income: $64,614
• Composite: 44.97/100
• National rank: #2704
• State rank: #39 of 301 in IN

Livability — Lowell

• Score: 76/100
• State rank: #51
• US rank: #3455

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Lowell, IN
• City population: 19,396
• Population (ZIP): 19,396

Population outlook (Lake County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 484,026 people
• By 2030: 478,091 · -1.2%
• By 2040: 462,974 · -4.3%
• By 2050: 449,894 · -7.1%
• By 2075: 436,169 · -9.9%
• By 2100: 426,607 · -11.9%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly White (88%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 88% Hispanic / Latino 9% Two or more races 6%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 8%
• Common ancestry: Romanian 16% Iranian 10% Lithuanian 2%
• Foreign-born: 4% · Canada
• Languages at home: 95% English-only · Spanish 4% Russian/Polish/Slavic 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Lake

• 2024 margin: Lean D (+5.6) · D 52.1% · R 46.5% · Other 1.5%
• 2008→2024 swing: -28.6pp toward R · 2008: 34.3pp · 2024: 5.6pp
• All cycles: 2024: D+5.6 2020: D+15.1 2016: D+20.6 2012: D+31.0 2008: D+34.3

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -110.73%
• Current HPI: 256.6224
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: —
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 2.90%
• F500 in state: 18

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in IN)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Industrial Machinery	2	$37B
▸Healthcare	1	$177B
▸Pharmaceuticals	1	$45B
▸Metals / Steel	1	$18B
▸Agriculture	1	$17B
▸Packaging	1	$12B

Price history

+96.2% since first listed

9 events — show timeline

• 2026-06-16 Price Changed $248,490 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2026-06-10 Price Changed $248,495 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2026-06-04 Price Changed $248,500 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2026-05-29 Price Changed $255,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2026-05-18 Price Changed $258,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2026-05-15 Price Changed $259,990 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2026-05-08 Listed $259,995 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2013-10-21 Sold (MLS) $126,495 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2012-11-08 Listed $126,680 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid

Property tax history

+34.1%/yr

Latest (2024): $2,144 · +1.8% YoY. Source: county tax records.