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1427 34th Ave SW #217
D Composite 44.08
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 +10.5/15.0
  • Cash flow +7.5/30.0
  • Schools +7.2/10.0
  • 1% rule +4.8/10.0
  • Livability +4.0/5.0
  • Condition / age +4.0/5.0
  • Rent growth +3.7/5.0
  • DSCR +2.5/10.0
  • Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$164,900

1427 34th Ave SW #217 · Altoona, IA 50009
2 bd · 2.0 ba · 1,417 sqft · Condo · 161 Days on market
55+ age-restricted Built 2020 Good condition $116/sqft · 7% below area Est $177k · 7% under $2365/mo HOA · 149% of rent ↓ 16% since listing

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

Listing remarks MLS

This 2 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath, Cedar floorplan, offers 1417 sq ft of living space with an open kitchen & living room, vaulted ceilings, upgraded white cabinetry, and abundant of natural light. The primary bedroom features a walk-in shower & walk-in closet. Additional features are an in-unit laundry room with washer & dryer, private deck, and attached garage. Is the 55+cooperative lifestyle right for you? Are you tired of maintaining your home, shoveling snow & mowing the lawn? Ready to downsize but still want ownership & a voice in your community? If you enjoy social activities & a strong sense of connection, Classic 55+ Community of Altoona may be the perfect fit. The cooperative is member-led, serving on committees & a board that guides social activities, marketing ideas, financial decisions, & building & grounds planning. Enjoy access to shared amenities including an on-site library, wood shop, fitness center, outdoor patio and reservable common spaces such as the multi-purpose room, great room, club room, & guest suite for hosting family & friends. Located in a prime spot, close to Des Moines, but without the hustle & bustle of the city. * Monthly Investment includes-Int/Ext maint and more (please see comparison picture) Contact your agent for more information about cooperatives.

Key facts

  • Private deck
  • In-unit laundry room
  • Fitness center

Tags

OPEN KITCHENPRIVATE DECKIN-UNIT LAUNDRY ROOMSHARED AMENITIESON-SITE LIBRARYFITNESS CENTER

Neighborhood map

Property Rental comp Retail Costco Walmart Transit Schools Stadiums Fortune 500 · Circle radius: 6.0 mi
Loading POIs…

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

  • This is a 2-bed/2.0-bath condo listed at $165k. Condition is rated good.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $-2k ($-27k/yr) — negative.
  • Rent doesn't cover operating costs at any purchase price — skip.
  • To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $159k (3.9% below list).
  • Recommended offer: $145k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
  • Cap rate -10.1% vs local median 3.0% in Altoona — below-typical yield; the buyer is paying a premium for something (appreciation thesis, condition, location) that the cap rate doesn't capture.

Location & tenants

  • Location reads 80/100 on livability (#85 in IA, #1,757 nationally) — a professional / high-income tenant draw. Strengths: cost of living A+, housing A+, health & safety A+; Watch: amenities F, commute F.
  • Southeast Polk Community School District (rural): math 73% / reading 73% proficiency, ranked #70 of 289 in IA (top 24%) — strong family-tenant draw, lease renewals of 3-5y typical.
  • Zoned schools: Willowbrook Elementary (math 69% / reading 64%, grade B+, #313 of 616 statewide, top 51%, 533 students, 50% FRL); Southeast Polk Junior High (math 74% / reading 71%, grade A, #90 of 246 statewide, top 38%, 1,088 students, 37% FRL); Southeast Polk High School (math 65% / reading 74%, grade B, #152 of 336 statewide, top 52%, 2,353 students, 32% FRL) — zoned schools average 40% FRL vs 23% district-wide (17 pts higher); higher-poverty schools than district average — tighter screening recommended.
  • Market conditions: Rents rising fast (+4.6%/yr); 389 active listings in the ZIP; 6 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 16d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); solid renter incomes; 2,953 units permitted in Polk County in 2024 (540 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.
  • Polk County population projected at +37% by 2050 — long-run rental-demand tailwind backs the buy-and-hold thesis.

Negotiation context

  • It's been on market 161 days — a 12% lower offer ($145k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
  • 12 sale attempts since 5y 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.

Risks & watch-outs

  • Watch-outs: HOA is 149% of rent.
Recommended offer $145,112 (12.0% 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 161 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 12% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
  3. What does the HOA fee cover, when was the last increase, and are there any pending special assessments or reserve-fund shortfalls?
  4. Any open or pending special assessments — roof, HVAC, plumbing, elevator, façade? What's the per-unit balance and payoff schedule, and is the seller paying it off at close or rolling it to the buyer?
  5. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
  6. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  7. Schools are A-rated — typically a magnet for longer-tenancy family renters. What's the average tenant stay here, and is there a school-zone premium baked into asking?
  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 apartment / multifamily construction is in the pipeline within 1–3 miles? Heavy new supply (>2% of stock underway) typically softens rents 12–24 months out; light construction supports rent growth.

Investment metrics

1% rule
0.96%
Cap rate
-10.10%
Cash-on-cash
-58.54%
DSCR
-1.60
GRM
8.7

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$176,561
List price
$164,900
Delta
-6.60%
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
2812 Orinoco Ct SW 0.34mi 2/2.0 1,244 (-12%) 0mo $235,000 $189 63
4413 E 44th St 1.30mi 3/2.0 (+1) 1,390 (-2%) 0mo $282,000 $203 57
4911 Richmond Ave 1.16mi 3/2.5 (+1) 1,400 (-1%) 0mo $285,000 $204 56
4303 Grover Woods Ln 1.36mi 3/2.0 (+1) 1,365 (-4%) 0mo $279,500 $205 54
3799 Village Run Dr #511 0.88mi 2/1.5 1,308 (-8%) 1mo $162,900 $125 50
3799 Village Run Dr #906 0.88mi 2/1.5 1,308 (-8%) 1mo $151,900 $116 50
2829 Orinoco Ct SW 0.34mi 3/3.5 (+1) 1,148 (-19%) 0mo $225,500 $196 48
3701 Brook Ridge Ct #308 0.69mi 2/1.5 1,264 (-11%) 1mo $184,000 $146 47
4279 Grover Woods Ln 1.41mi 3/2.5 (+1) 1,550 (+9%) 0mo $314,900 $203 42
2612 Brook View Dr 1.40mi 3/3.0 (+1) 1,253 (-12%) 0mo $314,990 $251 36
2605 E 50th Ct 1.43mi 3/3.0 (+1) 1,253 (-12%) 0mo $296,990 $237 36
4283 Grover Woods Ln 1.41mi 3/3.0 (+1) 1,213 (-14%) 1mo $324,900 $268 31

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 · 4.61% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
Equity multiple
-2.60×
Total profit
$-166,092
Equity at exit
$24,587
10-year hold
IRR
Equity multiple
-5.76×
Total profit
$-312,289
Equity at exit
$14,258

Cash invested: $46,172 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

Overall (STATE)
83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
State Iowa
83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+6
County
— inherits STATE
City
— inherits STATE
3-day pay-or-quit; mostly landlord-friendly statewide.

Active competition Active MLS

For sale now
1 active
Median asking
$169,900 ($121/sqft)
Median days on market
154 d
This list price
lowest-priced of the active set
ARV vs active asking
+3.2% vs current asking $/sqft

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

ZIP-level market 50009

Rents YoY
4.6%
Active inventory
389
Price-to-rent
8.7×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$1,585 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$865
Tax est. 1.5%
$206 /mo · $2,474/yr
Insurance
$69
HOA
$2,365
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$333
Net cashflow
$-2,252

Break-even live

Break-even rent $4,436
Max offer price
Occupancy floor

Sensitivity live

Price -10% $-2,138 -5% $-2,195 +0% $-2,252 +5% $-2,309 +10% $-2,366
Rent -10% $-2,378 -5% $-2,315 +0% $-2,252 +5% $-2,190 +10% $-2,127
Rate -1.0pp $-2,169 -0.5pp $-2,210 base $-2,252 +0.5pp $-2,295 +1.0pp $-2,339

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
$41,225
Closing costs
$4,947
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 6 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
1490 34th Ave SW Altoona, IA 1.0–3.0 1.0–2.0 996 $1,548 $1.55 15d 9 0.09mi
1523 Bailie Ln SW Altoona, IA 3.0 1.0 1008 $1,245 $1.24 15d 2 0.23mi
1554 28th Ave SW Altoona, IA 3.0 1.0 1051 $1,400 $1.33 93d 1 0.26mi
2830 20th St SW Altoona, IA 3.0 2.0 1290 $2,095 $1.62 15d 1 0.44mi
2822 20th St SW Altoona, IA 3.0 2.0 1180 $2,095 $1.78 63d 1 0.45mi
4216 E 50th St Des Moines, IA 1.0–3.0 1.0–2.0 870 $1,240 $1.42 15d 16 0.72mi

HOA detail $2,365/mo · $28,380/yr condo

Likely covers
landscapinggym
Assessments
None detected in remarks — confirm with the listing agent.

Listing history 42 events

  1. 2026-06-17
    days on market $164,900 Active 161 DOM
  2. 2026-06-16
    days on market $164,900 Active 160 DOM
  3. 2026-06-15
    days on market $164,900 Active 159 DOM
  4. 2026-06-14
    days on market $164,900 Active 157 DOM
  5. 2026-06-10
    days on market $164,900 Active 154 DOM
  6. 2026-06-09
    days on market $164,900 Active 153 DOM
  7. 2026-06-08
    days on market $164,900 Active 152 DOM
  8. 2026-06-07
    days on market $164,900 Active 151 DOM
  9. 2026-06-03
    days on market $164,900 Active 147 DOM
  10. 2026-06-02
    days on market $164,900 Active 146 DOM
  11. 2026-06-01
    days on market $164,900 Active 145 DOM
  12. 2026-05-31
    days on market $164,900 Active 144 DOM
  13. 2026-05-31
    days on market $164,900 Active 143 DOM
  14. 2026-01-05
    listed $164,900 Active 1371-char remark
    Show marketing remark (1371 chars)

    This 2 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath, Cedar floorplan, offers 1417 sq ft of living space with an open kitchen & living room, vaulted ceilings, upgraded white cabinetry, and abundant of natural light. The primary bedroom features a walk-in shower & walk-in closet. Additional features are an in-unit laundry room with washer & dryer, private deck, and attached garage. Is the 55+cooperative lifestyle right for you? Are you tired of maintaining your home, shoveling snow & mowing the lawn? Ready to downsize but still want ownership & a voice in your community? If you enjoy social activities & a strong sense of connection, Classic 55+ Community of Altoona may be the perfect fit. The cooperative is member-led, serving on committees & a board that guides social activities, marketing ideas, financial decisions, & building & grounds planning. Enjoy access to shared amenities including an on-site library, wood shop, fitness center, outdoor patio and reservable common spaces such as the multi-purpose room, great room, club room, & guest suite for hosting family & friends. Located in a prime spot, close to Des Moines, but without the hustle & bustle of the city. * Monthly Investment includes-Int/Ext maint and more (please see comparison picture) Contact your agent for more information about cooperatives.

  15. 2025-01-20
    historical
  16. 2024-10-30
    listed $149,900 Active
  17. 2024-10-23
    historical
  18. 2024-08-22
    price $149,900
  19. 2024-07-29
    price $167,906
  20. 2024-02-23
    listed $187,906 Active
  21. 2024-02-12
    historical
  22. 2023-12-06
    listed $187,906 Active
  23. 2023-11-28
    historical
  24. 2023-10-05
    listed $207,906 Active
  25. 2023-09-30
    historical
  26. 2023-07-11
    listed $207,906 Active
  27. 2023-06-30
    historical
  28. 2023-04-26
    listed $207,906 Active
  29. 2023-04-24
    historical
  30. 2023-02-23
    listed $207,906 Active
  31. 2023-02-22
    historical
  32. 2023-01-18
    price $207,906
  33. 2023-01-18
    price $206,438
  34. 2022-11-23
    listed $202,094 Active
  35. 2022-11-22
    historical
  36. 2022-09-16
    listed $202,094 Active
  37. 2022-09-15
    historical
  38. 2022-04-29
    price $202,094
  39. 2022-01-11
    price $201,994
  40. 2021-09-16
    listed $196,605 Active
  41. 2021-09-15
    historical
  42. 2021-03-25
    listed $196,605 Active

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

Climate risk First Street

  • 🌊 Flood 1/10 Low FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 0% chance over 30 yrs
  • 🔥 Wildfire 3/10 Moderate
  • 🌡 Heat 3/10 Moderate 7 d/yr ≥103°F today · 15 d/yr by 30 yrs out
  • 💨 Wind 2/10 Low
  • 🫁 Air quality 1/10 Low 0 unhealthy d/yr today · 0 by 30 yrs out

Nearby sold comps map

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Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

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Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income
$19,020
− Mortgage interest
−$9,237
− Property taxes
−$2,474
− Insurance
−$824
− Repairs & maintenance
−$1,522
− Management
−$1,522
− HOA
−$28,380
− Depreciation
−$4,797
Taxable loss
−$29,735
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax savings @ 24.0%
+$7,136
After-tax cash flow
$-19,892/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 · 12 photos

Good 80/100 None rehab

This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is in excellent condition with modern amenities and a well-maintained exterior. It's ready for immediate occupancy and would be a great investment.

Value-add opportunities

  • Resale Paint exterior siding — Enhances curb appeal
  • Rental Clean gutters — Keeps property in good condition
B Composite school gradezoned avg 72/100

Zoned Schools

Elementary Willowbrook Elementary B+ IA #313/616 Nat'l #4,825/41,679 Middle Spring Creek - 6th Grade A+ IA #44/246 Nat'l #332/14,009 High Southeast Polk High School B IA #152/336 Nat'l #2,167/17,239

Schools (NCES district)

District
Southeast Polk Community School District
NCES district ID
1926820
Math proficiency
73% ▼ -8.00%
Reading proficiency
73% ▼ -3.00%
Median HH income
$73,440
Composite
64.1/100
National rank
#575
State rank
#70 of 289 in IA
A Composite livability gradescore 80/100

Livability — Altoona

Score
80/100
State rank
#85
US rank
#1757

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place
Altoona, IA
County
Polk County · 548,042 people
City population
22,886
Metro
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Population (ZIP)
22,886
Household income
$88,447
Rent vs Own
29.5% rent · 70.5% own
Severe rent burden
5% of renters

Population outlook (Polk County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
548,042 people
By 2030
588,557 · +7.4%
By 2040
670,629 · +22.4%
By 2050
752,830 · +37.4%
By 2075
955,069 · +74.3%
By 2100
1,115,436 · +103.5%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Predominantly White (84%)
Race & ethnicity
White 84% Hispanic / Latino 7% Two or more races 5% Black 3% Asian 2%
Hispanic origin (detail)
Mexican 6%
Common ancestry
Iranian 5% Portuguese 3% Italian 3%
Foreign-born
5% · Canada, South Korea
Languages at home
95% English-only · Spanish 3% Arabic 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Polk

2024 margin
D (+10.9) · D 54.8% · R 43.9% · Other 1.3%
2008→2024 swing
-3.7pp toward R · 2008: 14.6pp · 2024: 10.9pp
All cycles
2024: D+10.9 2020: D+15.2 2016: D+11.5 2012: D+14.2 2008: D+14.6

Not yet ingested

Civics

Price history

-16.1% since first listed
29 events — show timeline
  • 2026-01-05 Listed $164,900 DMMLS
  • 2025-01-20 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2024-10-30 Listed $149,900 DMMLS
  • 2024-10-23 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2024-08-22 Price Changed $149,900 DMMLS
  • 2024-07-29 Price Changed $167,906 DMMLS
  • 2024-02-23 Listed $187,906 DMMLS
  • 2024-02-12 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2023-12-06 Listed $187,906 DMMLS
  • 2023-11-28 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2023-10-05 Listed $207,906 DMMLS
  • 2023-09-30 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2023-07-11 Listed $207,906 DMMLS
  • 2023-06-30 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2023-04-26 Listed $207,906 DMMLS
  • 2023-04-24 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2023-02-23 Listed $207,906 DMMLS
  • 2023-02-22 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2023-01-18 Price Changed $207,906 DMMLS
  • 2023-01-18 Price Changed $206,438 DMMLS
  • 2022-11-23 Listed $202,094 DMMLS
  • 2022-11-22 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2022-09-16 Listed $202,094 DMMLS
  • 2022-09-15 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2022-04-29 Price Changed $202,094 DMMLS
  • 2022-01-11 Price Changed $201,994 DMMLS
  • 2021-09-16 Listed $196,605 DMMLS
  • 2021-09-15 Listing Removed DMMLS
  • 2021-03-25 Listed $196,605 DMMLS

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

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