153 Carolina Ave · Chester, WV 26034

$95,000

2 bd · 1.5 ba · 1,497 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 59 Days on market

Built 1924 7,013 sqft lot Est $145k · 35% 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).

• ARV discount +15.0/15.0
• Cash flow +11.4/30.0
• Appreciation +6.3/10.0
• Livability +3.7/5.0
• Schools +3.4/10.0
• DSCR +3.3/10.0
• 1% rule +2.5/10.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0

Listing remarks MLS

Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

Key facts

• Fenced yard
• Front porch
• 7,013 sq ft lot

Tags

• FENCED YARD
• FRONT PORCH
• EASY ACCESS TO SHOPPING
• EASY ACCESS TO DINING
• EASY ACCESS TO RECREATION

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2-bed/1.5-bath single-family listed at $95k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $-33 ($-401/yr) — negative.
• To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $89k (6.2% below list).
• To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $71k (25.0% below list).
• Recommended offer: $71k (25.0% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.

Location & tenants

• Location reads 73/100 on livability (#36 in WV, #5,000 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: crime A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: schools D, amenities F, commute F.
• Hancock County Schools (urban): math 37% / reading 43% proficiency, ranked #7 of 55 in WV (top 13%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases.
• Market conditions: 17 active listings in the ZIP; 2 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; 15 units permitted in Hancock County in 2024 (0 in 5+ unit buildings).

Forward outlook

• In year one you build about $3k of equity ($657 loan paydown + $2k appreciation (2.5% local appreciation)).
• Hancock County population projected at -15% by 2050 — secular population decline; favor cash flow + early exit over multi-decade hold.
• At projected returns (2.5% appreciation + 3.0% rent growth), your $27k cash investment doubles in ~8 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 59 days — a 3% lower offer ($92k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 2 sale attempts; this cycle's ask is 726% above the opening price — seller raised mid-cycle; expect resistance to lowballs.
• Current owner paid $80k; 19% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1924 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: major flood risk — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $71,250 (25.0% 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 59 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 25% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
3. Built in 1924 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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: 0.75% ✗
• Cap rate: 5.87%
• Cash-on-cash: -1.51%
• DSCR: 0.93
• GRM: 11.1

CMA / ARV

• ARV (on-the-fly): $145,209
• Comps found: 8

Show comp detail 8 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
340 Indiana Ave	0.29mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,518 (+1%)	2mo	$110,000	$72	75
147 Indiana Ave. Ave	0.11mi	3/1.0 (+1)	1,319 (-12%)	10mo	$135,000	$102	60
214 Indiana Ave	0.15mi	2/1.5	1,340 (-10%)	23mo	$60,000	$45	56
532 River St	0.53mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,518 (+1%)	14mo	$255,000	$168	54
420 Vine St	0.69mi	3/1.5 (+1)	1,440 (-4%)	3mo	$119,000	$83	54
521 Georgia Ave	0.58mi	3/1.0 (+1)	1,420 (-5%)	8mo	$115,000	$81	51
562 California Ave	0.54mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,376 (-8%)	9mo	$133,000	$97	47
460 Georgia Ave	0.52mi	3/1.5 (+1)	1,344 (-10%)	22mo	$140,000	$104	35

Match score weights: distance 35% · size 25% · config 20% · recency 20%. Top-matched comps best support the ARV.

Projected returns pro-forma

2.52% appreciation · 3.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: 4.7%
• Equity multiple: 1.26×
• Total profit: $6,911
• Equity at exit: $40,186

10-year hold

• IRR: 8.0%
• Equity multiple: 2.15×
• Total profit: $30,580
• Equity at exit: $60,031

Cash invested: $26,600 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
• State West Virginia: 83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+22
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

Landlord-favorable; preempted; minimal protections.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 26034

• Home prices YoY: 1.8%
• Active inventory: 17
• Price-to-rent: 11.1×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $712 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$498
• Tax from tax record: −$59 /mo · $702/yr
• Insurance: −$40
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$150
• Net cashflow: $-33

Break-even live

Break-even rent $755

Max offer price $89,097

Occupancy floor 100%

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: $23,750
• Closing costs: $2,850
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 2 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
707 Saint Clair Ave Unit 06 East Liverpool, OH	2.0	1.0	900	$725	$0.81	43d	1	0.95mi
707 Saint Clair Ave Unit 03 East Liverpool, OH	2.0	1.0	900	$700	$0.78	43d	1	0.95mi

Listing history 12 events

1. 2026-02-13
   soldstatus $80,000 Closed 771-char remark

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

2. 2026-02-05
   historical 771-char remark

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

3. 2026-01-09
   status Pending

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

4. 2026-01-09
   historical Contingent 771-char remark

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

5. 2026-01-05
   price $95,000

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

6. 2026-01-05
   price $95,000 771-char remark

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

7. 2025-11-12
   price $115,000
8. 2025-11-11
   listed $115,000 Active 771-char remark

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

9. 2025-11-11
   listed $11,500 Active

   Show marketing remark (771 chars)

   Charming Home with Fenced Yard & Convenient Location Welcome to 153 Carolina Ave in the heart of Chester! This inviting home features a spacious fenced-in yard perfect for pets, play, or gardening, and a large front porch ideal for relaxing evenings or morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find classic charm and great potential for anyone looking to add their own finishing touches. Enjoy convenient access to major routes—just 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport and only a short drive to Weirton, WV, shopping, dining, and local amenities. Whether you’re an investor, first-time buyer, or DIY enthusiast, this property offers excellent value and opportunity. Property is being sold As Is. Don’t miss your chance to make it your own!

10. 2025-10-16
    soldstatus $66,000
11. 2017-11-17
    soldstatus $88,500
12. 1992-12-17
    soldstatus $43,000

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

Tax reassessment forecast WV · Resets to sale price

• Current annual tax: $702 · $59/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $702 · $59/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 6/10 Major FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 33% chance over 30 yrs
• 🔥 Wildfire 3/10 Moderate
• 🌡 Heat 4/10 Moderate 8 d/yr ≥97°F today · 20 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 1/10 Low
• 🫁 Air quality 2/10 Low 1 unhealthy d/yr today · 2 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $8,550
• − Mortgage interest: −$5,321
• − Property taxes: −$702
• − Insurance: −$475
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$684
• − Management: −$684
• − Depreciation: −$2,764
• Taxable loss: −$2,080
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$499
• After-tax cash flow: $98/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: Hancock County Schools
• NCES district ID: 5400450
• Math proficiency: 37% ▼ -11.00%
• Reading proficiency: 43% ▼ -5.00%
• Median HH income: $39,803
• Composite: 33.5/100
• National rank: #5445
• State rank: #7 of 55 in WV

Livability — Chester

• Score: 73/100
• State rank: #36
• US rank: #5000

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Chester, WV
• Population (ZIP): 4,555

Population outlook (Hancock County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 28,704 people
• By 2030: 27,913 · -2.8%
• By 2040: 26,078 · -9.1%
• By 2050: 24,521 · -14.6%
• By 2075: 21,630 · -24.6%
• By 2100: 17,867 · -37.8%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly White (96%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 96% Pacific Islander 2% Two or more races 2%
• Common ancestry: Serbian 9% Romanian 3% Lithuanian 2%
• Languages at home: 99% English-only · Spanish 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Hancock

• 2024 margin: Solid R (+46.8) · D 25.8% · R 72.6% · Other 1.6%
• 2008→2024 swing: -31.6pp toward R · 2008: -15.2pp · 2024: -46.8pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+46.8 2020: R+43.6 2016: R+44.5 2012: R+21.6 2008: R+15.2

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▲ 2.52%
• Current HPI: 146.1433
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: —
• State GDP YoY: —
• F500 in state: 0

Price history

+86.0% since first listed

12 events — show timeline

• 2026-02-13 Sold (MLS) $80,000 MLSNOW
• 2026-02-05 Listing Removed — MLSNOW
• 2026-01-09 Pending — WBOR
• 2026-01-09 Contingent — MLSNOW
• 2026-01-05 Price Changed $95,000 WBOR
• 2026-01-05 Price Changed $95,000 MLSNOW
• 2025-11-12 Price Changed $115,000 WBOR
• 2025-11-11 Listed $11,500 WBOR
• 2025-11-11 Listed $115,000 MLSNOW
• 2025-10-16 Sold (Public Records) $66,000 Public Records
• 2017-11-17 Sold (Public Records) $88,500 Public Records
• 1992-12-17 Sold (Public Records) $43,000 Public Records

Property tax history

+9.5%/yr

Latest (2025): $702 · +4.1% YoY. Source: county tax records.