Is 226 Amber Ave in Calera, AL a good investment?

CashFlowRE grades it D- with a 5.3% cap rate and $-188/mo modeled cash flow at a $224,900 list price. See the full underwriting and recommended offer on the page.

What is the cap rate for 226 Amber Ave?

The modeled cap rate is 5.3% — annual NOI divided by price, using CashFlowRE's rent and expense estimates.

What would this property rent for?

Estimated market rent is $1,729/month, from CashFlowRE's rent model.

D- Composite 39.05

Why this score? — see what drove the D- 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).

ARV discount +11.5/15.0
Cash flow +8.7/30.0
Condition / age +5.0/5.0
Rent growth +3.4/5.0
Livability +3.0/5.0
1% rule +2.7/10.0
DSCR +2.4/10.0
Schools +2.3/10.0
Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$224,900

226 Amber Ave · Calera, AL 35040

3 bd · 2.0 ba · 1,143 sqft · SingleFamily · 30 Days on market

Built 2026 Excellent condition 7,840 sqft lot 2-car garage $197/sqft · 9% below area Est $247k · 9% under

🖨 Deal sheet (PDF) 📄 Offer letter ✓ Due diligence

Listing remarks MLS

The beautiful RC Coleman plan is full of curb appeal with its welcoming covered front porch and front yard landscaping. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2bathrooms, the RC Coleman plan offers a practical and comfortable living space. Multiple bedrooms provide flexibility for your family, guests, or even a home office. The large living room allows for a spacious area for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. * Photos are renderings and stock photos of a completed "RC Coleman" floorplan. Colors and finishes may vary. WASHER/DRYER, REFRIGERATOR, AND BLINDS INCLUDED. LVP FLOORING THROUGHOUT HOME, (NO CARPET).

Key facts

Private master suite
Beautiful kitchen
Walk in closet

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

This is a 3-bed/2.0-bath single-family listed at $225k. Condition is rated excellent.

Deal economics

At list price, monthly cash flow is $-188 ($-2k/yr) — negative.
To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $198k (12.1% below list).
To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $173k (23.1% below list).
Recommended offer: $173k (23.1% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.

Location & tenants

Location reads 59/100 on livability (#325 in AL) — a working-class tenant base; expect higher turnover. Strengths: cost of living A+, housing A+, employment A-; Watch: amenities F, commute F, health & safety F.
Shelby County (suburban): math 30% / reading 58% proficiency, ranked #16 of 129 in AL (top 12%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases.
Zoned schools: Calera Elementary (752 students, 64% FRL); Calera Middle (math 9% / reading 45%, grade F, #147 of 257 statewide, top 58%, 755 students, 61% FRL); Calera High (math 18% / reading 21%, grade F, #169 of 305 statewide, top 59%, 1,066 students, 59% FRL) — zoned schools average 62% FRL vs 26% district-wide (36 pts higher); higher-poverty schools than district average — tighter screening recommended.
Zoned-school proficiency averages 23% at this address vs 44% district-wide (-21 pts) — the specific schools serving this property underperform the Shelby County average; the district grade overstates school quality for this exact location.
Market conditions: Rents rising (+3.7%/yr); 472 active listings in the ZIP; 16 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 86d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 69% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; solid renter incomes; 987 units permitted in Shelby County in 2024 (0 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.
Shelby County population projected at +23% by 2050 — long-run rental-demand tailwind backs the buy-and-hold thesis.

Negotiation context

It's been on market 30 days — a 2% lower offer ($222k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
4 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.

Recommended offer $172,920 (23.1% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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: 0.77% ✗
Cap rate: 5.29%
Cash-on-cash: -3.59%
DSCR: 0.84
GRM: 10.8

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp): $247,039
List price: $224,900
Delta: -8.96%
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
817 Ashford Dr	0.31mi	3/2.0	1,143 (0%)	5mo	$213,620	$187	82
609 Klynes Dr	0.32mi	3/2.0	1,143 (0%)	5mo	$230,000	$201	81
283 Amber Ave	0.13mi	3/2.0	1,209 (+6%)	5mo	$232,000	$192	80
608 Klynes Dr	0.39mi	3/2.0	1,143 (0%)	5mo	$230,000	$201	78
813 Ashford Dr	0.31mi	3/2.0	1,068 (-7%)	5mo	$211,620	$198	71
877 Ashford Dr	0.31mi	3/2.0	1,068 (-7%)	5mo	$209,900	$197	70
252 18th St	0.36mi	3/1.5	1,215 (+6%)	4mo	$192,000	$158	67
625 Klynes Dr	0.44mi	3/2.0	1,209 (+6%)	5mo	$229,555	$190	65
821 Ashford Dr	0.31mi	3/2.0	1,012 (-12%)	4mo	$206,500	$204	63
1003 Meriweather Dr	0.69mi	3/2.0	1,177 (+3%)	6mo	$225,000	$191	58
117 Renwick Ln	0.46mi	3/2.0	1,269 (+11%)	6mo	$230,000	$181	55
232 Hampton Dr	0.73mi	3/2.0	1,274 (+12%)	3mo	$235,000	$184	44

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 · 3.67% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

IRR: -21.6%
Equity multiple: 0.25×
Total profit: $-47,228
Equity at exit: $33,533

10-year hold

IRR: -13.7%
Equity multiple: 0.18×
Total profit: $-51,570
Equity at exit: $19,445

Cash invested: $62,972 (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 →

Buyer's market Market conditions within 1.0 mi — comparable homes for sale

Active competition Active MLS

For sale now: 36 active · 19 under contract
Months of supply: 9.0 mo (11%/mo absorbed)
Median asking: $244,500 ($183/sqft)
Median days on market: 144 d
This list price: 17% of active listings are priced below it
ARV vs active asking: +18.3% above current asking $/sqft

Closed sales set the value; these active listings set current market conditions and a practical price ceiling.

ZIP-level market 35040

Home prices YoY: -16.5%
Rents YoY: 3.7%
Active inventory: 472
Price-to-rent: 10.8×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent: $1,729 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I): −$1,179
Tax est. 1.5%: −$281 /mo · $3,374/yr
Insurance: −$94
HOA: −$0
Lot rent: −$0
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$363
Net cashflow: $-188

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,967

Max offer price $197,672

Occupancy floor —

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $-33	-5% $-110	+0% $-188	+5% $-266	+10% $-344
Rent	-10% $-325	-5% $-256	+0% $-188	+5% $-120	+10% $-52
Rate	-1.0pp $-75	-0.5pp $-131	base $-188	+0.5pp $-246	+1.0pp $-306

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: $56,225
Closing costs: $6,747
Club membership (one-time): —
Reserves months: —
Total cash needed: —

Loan-product check · same deal, 3 products live

Conventional

25% down · 7.5% · 30yr

Cash invested: —
Monthly P&I: —
Monthly cashflow: —
DSCR: —
Eligible?: —

Personal DTI + credit; lowest rate.

DSCR

20% down · 8.5% · 30yr

Cash invested: —
Monthly P&I: —
Monthly cashflow: —
DSCR: —
Eligible?: —

No personal income docs; deal must DSCR.

Hard money

10% down · 12.0% · 12mo

Cash invested: —
Monthly P&I: —
Monthly cashflow: —
DSCR: —
Eligible?: —

Short-term bridge; refi at stabilization.

Rent comps 16 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
1114 Emerald Ridge Dr Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1166	$1,476	$1.27	93d	1	0.13mi
1925 2nd Ave Calera, AL	3.0	1.5	1005	$1,618	$1.61	80d	1	0.31mi
813 Ashford Dr Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1068	$2,084	$1.95	85d	1	0.31mi
821 Ashford Dr Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1012	$1,895	$1.87	119d	1	0.31mi
817 Ashford Dr Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1143	$1,895	$1.66	119d	1	0.31mi
884 Camden Loop Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1143	$1,485	$1.30	7d	1	0.35mi
127 Renwick Ln Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1395	$1,501	$1.08	119d	1	0.45mi
747 17th St Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1288	$1,300	$1.01	7d	1	0.58mi
512 Camden Cove Cir Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1500	$1,700	$1.13	86d	1	0.67mi
512 Camden Cove Cir Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1500	$1,700	$1.13	88d	1	0.67mi
141 Flagstone Ln Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1320	$1,496	$1.13	6d	1	0.73mi
108 Flagstone Ln Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1278	$1,385	$1.08	71d	1	0.79mi
208 Hampton Dr Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1293	$1,738	$1.34	112d	1	0.80mi
134 Mayfair Ln Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1148	$1,600	$1.39	7d	1	0.81mi
104 Mayfair Ln Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1446	$1,461	$1.01	4d	1	0.83mi
500 Margaret Ln Calera, AL	3.0	2.0	1337	$1,653	$1.24	65d	1	0.88mi

Property features AI

Finance

Financial info: Monthly garbage fee ($25)
HOA & community: HOA fees cover common grounds maintenance and management

Exterior

Parking: Front entry attached 2-car garage
Utilities: Public waterConnected sewerGas water heaterUnderground utilitiesInternet available from AT&T or Spectrum
Home design: Single-family home (under construction)One main living levelFoundation on slabOne-side brick and vinyl siding constructionLocated in Camden Park subdivision
Construction: Under constructionSlab foundation1-side brick with vinyl siding
Exterior features: Open patioPorchSidewalksStreet lights

Interior

Kitchen: Solid surface and stone countertopsBreakfast bar and eating areaPantryBuilt-in dishwasherGarbage disposalBuilt-in microwaveSelf-cleaning rangeGas stoveRefrigerator includedSome stainless appliances
Bedrooms: Master bedroom on main levelTwo additional bedrooms on main level
Flooring: Hardwood laminateVinyl
Bathrooms: Two full bathroomsMaster bath with double showerAdditional bath with tub/shower comboLinen closet
Heating & cooling: Gas heatingCentral cooling
Interior features: 9 ft.+ ceilingsRecessed lightingAll window treatments remainAttic with pull-down access
Laundry & utility: Main-level laundry roomWasher hookupElectric dryer hookup

Listing history 50 events

2026-09-24

days on market $224,900 Active 30 DOM
2026-09-23

days on market $224,900 Active 29 DOM
2026-09-22

days on market $224,900 Active 28 DOM
2026-09-21

days on market $224,900 Active 27 DOM
2026-09-20

days on market $224,900 Active 26 DOM
2026-09-19

days on market $224,900 Active 25 DOM
2026-09-18

days on market $224,900 Active 24 DOM
2026-09-17

days on market $224,900 Active 23 DOM
2026-09-16

days on market $224,900 Active 22 DOM
2026-09-15

days on market $224,900 Active 21 DOM
2026-09-14

days on market $224,900 Active 20 DOM
2026-09-13

days on market $224,900 Active 19 DOM
2026-09-12

days on market $224,900 Active 18 DOM
2026-09-12

price $224,900 Active 17 DOM
2026-09-11

days on market $234,770 Active 17 DOM
2026-09-05

days on market $234,770 Active 11 DOM
2026-09-04

days on market $234,770 Active 10 DOM
2026-09-03

days on market $234,770 Active 9 DOM
2026-08-31

days on market $234,770 Active 6 DOM
2026-08-30

days on market $234,770 Active 5 DOM
2026-08-29

days on market $234,770 Active 4 DOM
2026-08-28

days on market $234,770 Active 3 DOM
2026-08-27

days on market $234,770 Active 2 DOM
2026-08-25

remarks 687-char remark
2026-08-25

pricedays on marketlisting id $234,770 Active 1 DOM
2026-08-25

days on market $243,790 Active 77 DOM
2026-08-24

days on market $243,790 Active 76 DOM
2026-08-23

days on market $243,790 Active 75 DOM
2026-08-22

days on market $243,790 Active 74 DOM
2026-08-21

days on market $243,790 Active 73 DOM
2026-08-20

days on market $243,790 Active 72 DOM
2026-08-19

days on market $243,790 Active 71 DOM
2026-08-18

days on market $243,790 Active 70 DOM
2026-08-17

days on market $243,790 Active 69 DOM
2026-08-16

days on market $243,790 Active 68 DOM
2026-08-15

days on market $243,790 Active 67 DOM

Show marketing remark (626 chars)

The beautiful RC Coleman plan is full of curb appeal with its welcoming covered front porch and front yard landscaping. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2bathrooms, the RC Coleman plan offers a practical and comfortable living space. Multiple bedrooms provide flexibility for your family, guests, or even a home office. The large living room allows for a spacious area for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. * Photos are renderings and stock photos of a completed "RC Coleman" floorplan. Colors and finishes may vary. WASHER/DRYER, REFRIGERATOR, AND BLINDS INCLUDED. LVP FLOORING THROUGHOUT HOME, (NO CARPET).
2026-08-15

price $243,790 Active 66 DOM

Show marketing remark (626 chars)

The beautiful RC Coleman plan is full of curb appeal with its welcoming covered front porch and front yard landscaping. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2bathrooms, the RC Coleman plan offers a practical and comfortable living space. Multiple bedrooms provide flexibility for your family, guests, or even a home office. The large living room allows for a spacious area for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. * Photos are renderings and stock photos of a completed "RC Coleman" floorplan. Colors and finishes may vary. WASHER/DRYER, REFRIGERATOR, AND BLINDS INCLUDED. LVP FLOORING THROUGHOUT HOME, (NO CARPET).
2026-08-14

days on market $242,290 Active 66 DOM
2026-08-13

days on market $242,290 Active 65 DOM

Show marketing remark (392 chars)

At the heart of this new single-level home is a welcoming living room ideal for gatherings and a peninsula-style kitchen to craft delicious meals. The owner's suite is a serene retreat and situated at the opposite side of the home from the two secondary bedrooms, granting homeowners maximum privacy. Rounding out the space is a two-car garage at the front to provide versatile storage space.
2026-08-12

days on market $242,290 Active 64 DOM
2026-08-11

days on market $242,290 Active 63 DOM
2026-08-10

days on market $242,290 Active 62 DOM
2026-08-09

days on market $242,290 Active 61 DOM
2026-08-08

days on market $242,290 Active 60 DOM
2026-08-07

days on market $242,290 Active 59 DOM
2026-08-06

days on market $242,290 Active 58 DOM
2026-08-05

days on market $242,290 Active 57 DOM
2026-08-04

days on market $242,290 Active 56 DOM
2026-08-03

days on market $242,290 Active 55 DOM
2026-08-01

price $242,290 Active 52 DOM

Show marketing remark (626 chars)

The beautiful RC Coleman plan is full of curb appeal with its welcoming covered front porch and front yard landscaping. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2bathrooms, the RC Coleman plan offers a practical and comfortable living space. Multiple bedrooms provide flexibility for your family, guests, or even a home office. The large living room allows for a spacious area for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. * Photos are renderings and stock photos of a completed "RC Coleman" floorplan. Colors and finishes may vary. WASHER/DRYER, REFRIGERATOR, AND BLINDS INCLUDED. LVP FLOORING THROUGHOUT HOME, (NO CARPET).

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

Nearby sold comps map

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Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

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Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income: $20,750
− Mortgage interest: −$12,598
− Property taxes: −$3,374
− Insurance: −$1,124
− Repairs & maintenance: −$1,660
− Management: −$1,660
− Depreciation: −$6,543
Taxable loss: −$6,208

Your marginal tax rate % combined federal + state — saved on this device

Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$1,490
After-tax cash flow: $-768/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.

Condition & rehab AI · 1 photo

Excellent 100/100 None rehab

This single-family home is in excellent condition with no visible repairs or maintenance needed. It offers a good return on investment with updates that can significantly increase its resale and rental value.

Value-add opportunities

Both Painting exterior and interior — Enhances curb appeal and interior aesthetics ↑
Both Landscaping improvements — Enhances curb appeal and adds value ↑
Both New flooring in bathrooms — Improves aesthetics and functionality ↑
Both New kitchen backsplash — Enhances kitchen aesthetics and functionality ↑

F Composite school gradezoned avg 23/100

Zoned Schools

Elementary Calera Elementary Middle Calera Middle F AL #147/257 Nat'l #9,793/14,009 High Calera High F AL #169/305 Nat'l #14,491/17,239

Schools (NCES district)

District: Shelby County
NCES district ID: 0103030
Math proficiency: 30% ▼ -28.00%
Reading proficiency: 58% ▲ 2.00%
Median HH income: $66,672
Composite: 39.29/100
National rank: #3995
State rank: #16 of 129 in AL

D Composite livability gradescore 59/100

Livability — Calera

Score: 59/100
State rank: #325
US rank: #19917

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place: Calera, AL
County: Shelby County · 237,024 people
City population: 19,304
Metro: Birmingham-Hoover, AL
Population (ZIP): 19,304
Household income: $84,554
Rent vs Own: 21.1% rent · 78.9% own
Severe rent burden: 6% of renters

Population outlook (Shelby County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025): 237,024 people
By 2030: 249,868 · +5.4%
By 2040: 272,778 · +15.1%
By 2050: 291,062 · +22.8%
By 2075: 326,049 · +37.6%
By 2100: 335,870 · +41.7%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character: Diverse neighborhood (Simpson 0.56)
Race & ethnicity: White 59% Black 30% Hispanic / Latino 9% Two or more races 3%
Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 7%
Common ancestry: Slovak 3% Italian 1% Serbian 1%
Foreign-born: 6% · Canada, China
Languages at home: 91% English-only · Spanish 6% Arabic 1% Chinese 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Shelby

2024 margin: Solid R (+40.9) · D 29.0% · R 69.9% · Other 1.1%
2008→2024 swing: +12.6pp toward D · 2008: -53.4pp · 2024: -40.9pp
All cycles: 2024: R+40.9 2020: R+40.4 2016: R+50.3 2012: R+55.6 2008: R+53.4

Not yet ingested

Civics: —

Market trends

HPI YoY: ▼ -43.58%
Current HPI: 220.2843
Rent YoY: ▲ 3.67%
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
#317 Regions Financial Birmingham $8.2B
Healthcare	1	$5B
#300 Encompass Health Birmingham $5.3B

Price history

-0.3% since first listed

14 events — show timeline

2026-08-25 Listed $234,770 Greater Alabama MLS
2026-08-15 Price Changed $243,790 Greater Alabama MLS
2026-08-13 Price Changed $243,790 Zillow
2026-08-01 Price Changed $242,290 Greater Alabama MLS
2026-07-22 Price Changed $242,290 Zillow
2026-07-14 Price Changed $241,290 Zillow
2026-07-14 Relisted — Zillow
2026-07-04 Price Changed $240,290 Greater Alabama MLS
2026-06-16 Delisted — Zillow
2026-06-09 Listed $238,790 Greater Alabama MLS
2026-05-26 Price Changed $238,790 Zillow
2026-04-23 Price Changed $232,790 Zillow
2026-04-16 Price Changed $229,790 Zillow
2026-04-08 Listed $235,540 Zillow

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

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