1717 Crocker St · Chesterton, IN 46304

$249,000

2 bd · 1.0 ba · 800 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 152 Days on market

Built 1927 6,098 sqft lot $311/sqft · 83% above area Est $408k · 39% under

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Why this score? — see what drove the F 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 +5.1/30.0
• Schools +4.7/10.0
• Livability +3.9/5.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• 1% rule +0.2/10.0
• DSCR +0.0/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Move-in ready with built-in upside, this fully remodeled 11/2-story home offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The basement bedroom and bathroom will be completed before closing. Recent improvements include new roof shingles, windows, doors, trim, abundant kitchen cabinets and countertops, whirlpool tub, waterproof vinyl plank flooring throughout, and central air conditioning. Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious new wraparound deck overlooking a large backyard, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The home is adjacent to the Duneland Prairie Bike Trail, offering immediate access to miles of scenic recreation. The basement is fully framed and electrically roughed in for a private primary suite, including a large 17x20 bedroom, walk-in closet, full bath with double vanity, and laundry area. A new egress window is already in place, making this level bright, functional, and ready to finish with minimal additional investment. Ideally located in the award-winning Chesterton school district, near Hwy 149 and County Rd 1100, this home provides quick access to shopping, restaurants, Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan, the South Shore Train, downtown Chesterton, and the popular European Market, with an easy 45-minute commute to Chicago. A rare opportunity for turnkey comfort with strong future value.

Key facts

• Fully remodeled
• New roof shingles
• New doors

Tags

• FULLY REMODELED
• NEW ROOF SHINGLES
• NEW WINDOWS
• NEW DOORS
• NEW TRIM
• ABUNDANT KITCHEN CABINETS

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2-bed/1.0-bath single-family listed at $249k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $-577 ($-7k/yr) — negative.
• To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $147k (40.9% below list).
• To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $130k (47.8% below list).
• Recommended offer: $130k (47.8% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.
• Cap rate 3.5% vs local median 2.6% in Chesterton — 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 77/100 on livability (#43 in IN, #3,223 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: crime A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: amenities F, commute F.
• Duneland School Corporation (suburban): math 53% / reading 53% proficiency, ranked #30 of 301 in IN (top 10%) — acceptable for families but not a draw, mixed tenant base, ~2y average lease.
• Market conditions: 222 active listings in the ZIP; 1 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; solid renter incomes; 542 units permitted in Porter County in 2024 (0 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent is only 17% of the median local income ($91k/yr) — well below the 30% rent-burden line; pricing power to push rent on renewal without tenant pushback.

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.
• Porter County population projected at +6% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 152 days — a 12% lower offer ($219k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 15 sale attempts since 28y 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.
• Current owner paid $35k; list at $249k implies a 609% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1927 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.

Recommended offer $129,881 (47.8% 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 152 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 48% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
3. Built in 1927 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
4. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
5. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
6. Schools are B-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?
7. 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?
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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: 0.52% ✗
• Cap rate: 3.51%
• Cash-on-cash: -9.93%
• DSCR: 0.56
• GRM: 16.0

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $407,986
• List price: $249,000
• Delta: -38.97%
• Verdict: UNDERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Projected returns pro-forma

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

5-year hold

• IRR: -34.2%
• Equity multiple: -0.11×
• Total profit: $-77,161
• Equity at exit: $37,127

10-year hold

• IRR: -43.6%
• Equity multiple: -0.65×
• Total profit: $-114,739
• Equity at exit: $21,529

Cash invested: $69,720 (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 46304

• Active inventory: 222
• Price-to-rent: 16.0×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,299 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,306
• Tax from tax record: −$194 /mo · $2,324/yr
• Insurance: −$104
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$273
• Net cashflow: $-577

Break-even live

Break-even rent $2,029

Max offer price $147,042

Occupancy floor —

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: $62,250
• Closing costs: $7,470
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 1 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
254 Sandalwood St Portage, IN	2.0–3.0	2.0	1088	$1,379	$1.27	1d	1	1.12mi

Listing history 44 events

1. 2026-06-18
   days on market $249,000 Active 152 DOM
2. 2026-06-17
   days on market $249,000 Active 151 DOM
3. 2026-06-16
   days on market $249,000 Active 150 DOM
4. 2026-06-15
   days on market $249,000 Active 149 DOM
5. 2026-06-13
   days on market $249,000 Active 147 DOM
6. 2026-06-13
   days on market $249,000 Active 146 DOM
7. 2026-06-09
   days on market $249,000 Active 143 DOM
8. 2026-06-08
   days on market $249,000 Active 142 DOM
9. 2026-06-07
   days on market $249,000 Active 141 DOM
10. 2026-06-04
    days on market $249,000 Active 138 DOM
11. 2026-06-03
    days on market $249,000 Active 137 DOM
12. 2026-06-02
    days on market $249,000 Active 136 DOM
13. 2026-06-01
    days on market $249,000 Active 135 DOM
14. 2026-05-31
    days on market $249,000 Active 134 DOM
15. 2026-01-17
    listed $249,000 Active 1315-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1315 chars)

    Move-in ready with built-in upside, this fully remodeled 11/2-story home offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The basement bedroom and bathroom will be completed before closing. Recent improvements include new roof shingles, windows, doors, trim, abundant kitchen cabinets and countertops, whirlpool tub, waterproof vinyl plank flooring throughout, and central air conditioning. Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious new wraparound deck overlooking a large backyard, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The home is adjacent to the Duneland Prairie Bike Trail, offering immediate access to miles of scenic recreation. The basement is fully framed and electrically roughed in for a private primary suite, including a large 17x20 bedroom, walk-in closet, full bath with double vanity, and laundry area. A new egress window is already in place, making this level bright, functional, and ready to finish with minimal additional investment. Ideally located in the award-winning Chesterton school district, near Hwy 149 and County Rd 1100, this home provides quick access to shopping, restaurants, Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan, the South Shore Train, downtown Chesterton, and the popular European Market, with an easy 45-minute commute to Chicago. A rare opportunity for turnkey comfort with strong future value.

16. 2025-02-23
    historical
17. 2025-01-30
    price $194,700
18. 2025-01-23
    listed $200,000 Active
19. 2024-02-26
    historical
20. 2024-02-26
    historical
21. 2018-02-14
    historical
22. 2018-01-29
    listed $100,000
23. 2017-12-30
    historical
24. 2017-09-22
    listed $110,000
25. 2017-03-27
    historical
26. 2017-03-24
    listed $114,700
27. 2011-08-04
    historical
28. 2011-02-24
    historical
29. 2010-11-29
    listed $109,700
30. 2010-11-24
    soldstatus $35,100
31. 2010-10-08
    historical
32. 2010-08-13
    listed $35,000
33. 2010-07-08
    listed $39,900
34. 2009-10-07
    listed $39,900
35. 2009-10-02
    historical
36. 2009-07-01
    historical
37. 2009-07-01
    listed $60,900
38. 2008-06-21
    listed $64,900
39. 1998-09-25
    historical
40. 1998-09-19
    historical
41. 1998-03-25
    listed $82,900
42. 1998-03-25
    listed $82,900
43. 1998-03-19
    listed $69,900
44. 1998-03-19
    listed $69,900

ⓘ 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: $2,324 · $194/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $2,324 · $194/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 2/10 Low 7 d/yr ≥100°F today · 15 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 2/10 Low 0% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 3 unhealthy d/yr today · 4 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $15,586
• − Mortgage interest: −$13,948
• − Property taxes: −$2,324
• − Insurance: −$1,245
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$1,247
• − Management: −$1,247
• − Depreciation: −$7,244
• Taxable loss: −$11,669
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$2,801
• After-tax cash flow: $-4,125/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: Duneland School Corporation
• NCES district ID: 1802800
• Math proficiency: 53% ▼ -4.00%
• Reading proficiency: 53% ▼ -1.00%
• Median HH income: $70,498
• Composite: 47.24/100
• National rank: #2310
• State rank: #30 of 301 in IN

Livability — Chesterton

• Score: 77/100
• State rank: #43
• US rank: #3223

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Chesterton, IN
• County: Porter County · 151,647 people
• City population: 28,307
• Metro: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
• Population (ZIP): 28,307
• Household income: $91,326
• Rent vs Own: 20.6% rent · 79.4% own
• Severe rent burden: 409.0

Population outlook (Porter County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 177,804 people
• By 2030: 181,552 · +2.1%
• By 2040: 185,830 · +4.5%
• By 2050: 187,498 · +5.5%
• By 2075: 189,585 · +6.6%
• By 2100: 183,722 · +3.3%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly White (84%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 84% Hispanic / Latino 10% Two or more races 7% Black 2% Asian 2%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 7% Puerto Rican 2%
• Common ancestry: Romanian 8% Italian 3% Iranian 2%
• Foreign-born: 4% · Canada, China
• Languages at home: 94% English-only · Spanish 3% Russian/Polish/Slavic 1% Other Asian/Pacific 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Porter

• 2024 margin: R (+10.5) · D 43.8% · R 54.3% · Other 1.8%
• 2008→2024 swing: -17.7pp toward R · 2008: 7.2pp · 2024: -10.5pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+10.5 2020: R+6.1 2016: R+6.8 2012: D+3.8 2008: D+7.2

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -150.59%
• Current HPI: 178.7691
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
• 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

+256.2% since first listed

30 events — show timeline

• 2026-01-17 Listed $249,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2025-02-23 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2025-01-30 Price Changed $194,700 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2025-01-23 Listed $200,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2024-02-26 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2024-02-26 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2018-02-14 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2018-01-29 Listed $100,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2017-12-30 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2017-09-22 Listed $110,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2017-03-27 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2017-03-24 Listed $114,700 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2011-08-04 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2011-02-24 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2010-11-29 Listed $109,700 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2010-11-24 Sold (MLS) $35,100 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2010-10-08 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2010-08-13 Listed $35,000 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2010-07-08 Listed $39,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2009-10-07 Listed $39,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2009-10-02 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2009-07-01 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2009-07-01 Listed $60,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 2008-06-21 Listed $64,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 1998-09-25 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 1998-09-19 Listing Removed — NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 1998-03-25 Listed $82,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 1998-03-25 Listed $82,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 1998-03-19 Listed $69,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid
• 1998-03-19 Listed $69,900 NIRA MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid

Property tax history

+3.4%/yr

Latest (2024): $2,324 · +2.8% YoY. Source: county tax records.