3921 Viola Ave SW · Birmingham, AL 35221

$75,000

3 bd · 1.0 ba · 1,118 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 140 Days on market

Built 1936 5,227 sqft lot $67/sqft · at area comps Est $72k · at est.

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Why this score? — see what drove the B- 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 +30.0/30.0
• DSCR +10.0/10.0
• 1% rule +9.7/10.0
• ARV discount +5.5/15.0
• Appreciation +4.3/10.0
• Livability +3.4/5.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Schools +0.9/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

This updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Birmingham was remodeled just three years ago and is truly move-in ready. Featuring modern finishes, an open and spacious layout, and abundant natural light, this home offers comfortable and stylish living. The updated kitchen includes contemporary cabinetry, updated granite countertops, and newer appliances, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Beautiful flooring flows throughout the home, enhancing the fresh and inviting atmosphere. With a newer roof, updated systems, and low-maintenance living, this property is perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors looking for a turnkey rental opportunity. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and major highways, this Birmingham home combines value, location, and modern updates in one attractive package.

Key facts

• Beautiful flooring
• Newer roof
• Newer appliances

Tags

• UPDATED KITCHEN
• CONTEMPORARY CABINETRY
• UPDATED GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
• NEWER APPLIANCES
• BEAUTIFUL FLOORING
• NEWER ROOF

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/1.0-bath single-family listed at $75k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $321 ($4k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($1k rent vs $75k).
• Recommended offer: $66k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 11.4% vs local median 6.2% in Birmingham — 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 67/100 on livability (#78 in AL) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: commute A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: amenities C-, schools F, crime F.
• Birmingham City (urban): math 4% / reading 20% proficiency, ranked #116 of 129 in AL (top 90%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 82% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: 26 active listings in the ZIP; 38 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 24d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 47% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 2,114 units permitted in Jefferson County in 2024 (556 in 5+ unit buildings).

Forward outlook

• Local home prices are declining (-1.3%/yr); year-one equity from $519 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $988 of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Jefferson County population projected to shrink 4% by 2050 — rents likely to lag national; underwrite the cash flow, not the appreciation.
• At projected returns (-1.3% appreciation + 3.0% rent growth), your $21k cash investment doubles in ~6 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 140 days — a 12% lower offer ($66k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 4 sale attempts since 13y ago; this cycle's ask has dropped $15k (17%) from the opening price — seller is motivated, your offer sets the floor, not the list.
• Current owner paid $42k; list at $75k implies a 79% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1936 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: major wind risk, 27% chance of damaging wind over 30y; extreme-heat days projected 7→19/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $66,000 (12.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 140 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 12% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
2. Built in 1936 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
3. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
4. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
5. Schools are F-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. Crime grade is F in this area — have there been break-ins, vandalism, or insurance claims at this property in the last 3 years? What carrier currently insures it and at what premium?
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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: 1.47% ✓
• Cap rate: 11.42%
• Cash-on-cash: 18.32%
• DSCR: 1.82
• GRM: 5.7

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $71,806
• List price: $75,000
• Delta: 4.45%
• 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
3720 Howard Ave SW	0.16mi	3/1.0	1,092 (-2%)	6mo	$64,000	$59	84
4008 Grasselli Ave	0.22mi	3/1.0	1,153 (+3%)	8mo	$85,000	$74	78
4100 Park Ave	0.30mi	3/1.0	1,125 (+1%)	10mo	$82,500	$73	76
3729 Pine Ave SW	0.25mi	3/1.0	1,067 (-5%)	5mo	$70,000	$66	76
3304 Spaulding St SW	0.29mi	3/2.0	1,140 (+2%)	8mo	$40,000	$35	73
3008 Elmyra Dr	0.32mi	3/2.0	1,104 (-1%)	13mo	$88,000	$80	68
3317 46th St SW	0.48mi	4/2.0 (+1)	1,103 (-1%)	2mo	$6,000	$5	65
4628 SW Hillman Dr	0.50mi	4/2.0 (+1)	1,166 (+4%)	1mo	$69,900	$60	59
3321 Cedar Ave SW	0.71mi	3/1.0	1,100 (-2%)	10mo	$65,000	$59	55
3509 Willard Ave SW	0.48mi	3/1.0	1,040 (-7%)	12mo	$95,000	$91	55
2812 32nd Way SW	0.69mi	3/1.0	1,205 (+8%)	4mo	$35,000	$29	52
3112 Wenonah Dr SW	0.62mi	3/2.0	1,154 (+3%)	14mo	$69,900	$61	50

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

Projected returns pro-forma

-1.32% appreciation · 3.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: 14.7%
• Equity multiple: 1.65×
• Total profit: $13,738
• Equity at exit: $16,967

10-year hold

• IRR: 21.0%
• Equity multiple: 3.07×
• Total profit: $43,420
• Equity at exit: $16,865

Cash invested: $21,000 (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 →

ZIP-level market 35221

• Home prices YoY: -1.1%
• Active inventory: 26
• Price-to-rent: 5.7×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,100 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$393
• Tax from tax record: −$123 /mo · $1,482/yr
• Insurance: −$31
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$231
• Net cashflow: $321

Break-even live

Break-even rent $694

Max offer price $75,000

Occupancy floor 66%

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: $18,750
• Closing costs: $2,250
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 38 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
4029 Walnut Ave SW Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	1300	$1,369	$1.05	3d	1	0.15mi
4120 George Ave SW Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	944	$850	$0.90	23d	1	0.16mi
3720 Howard Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1092	$1,200	$1.10	23d	1	0.19mi
3729 Pine Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1067	$1,100	$1.03	21d	1	0.23mi
4009 Grasselli Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	875	$900	$1.03	23d	1	0.25mi
3736 Oak Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	984	$1,050	$1.07	23d	1	0.32mi
3729 Maple Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1008	$1,200	$1.19	43d	1	0.35mi
3616 Maple Ave SW Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	1488	$950	$0.64	43d	1	0.40mi
3640 Wenonah Rd SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1100	$1,195	$1.09	23d	1	0.59mi
3640 Wenonah Rd SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1100	$1,195	$1.09	11d	1	0.59mi
2804 32nd Way SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	840	$900	$1.07	43d	1	0.70mi
2805 32nd Way SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	792	$900	$1.14	43d	1	0.71mi
3400 Walnut Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1133	$1,200	$1.06	43d	1	0.71mi
3332 Walnut Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1339	$750	$0.56	19d	1	0.79mi
3417 Park Ave SW Birmingham, AL	4.0	1.0	1402	$900	$0.64	43d	1	0.85mi
830 Burwell St Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.5	1011	$1,200	$1.19	43d	1	0.88mi
1441 Creel St Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1319	$1,275	$0.97	3d	1	0.99mi
2300 31st St SW Unit ENSLEY2316 A Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	750	$1,000	$1.33	2d	1	1.08mi
1721 Collier Dr Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	925	$800	$0.86	43d	1	1.10mi
1433 Rayfield Dr Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1064	$950	$0.89	43d	1	1.11mi
408 Midway St Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1301	$1,075	$0.83	19d	1	1.14mi
1112 S Gale Dr Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.5	1053	$1,175	$1.12	43d	1	1.14mi
537 Grant St Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1444	$1,200	$0.83	23d	1	1.14mi
1376 Creel Ct Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1008	$1,000	$0.99	43d	1	1.17mi
1412 Woodward Rd Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1220	$1,203	$0.99	15d	1	1.20mi
517 Grant St Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	912	$850	$0.93	23d	1	1.20mi
913 Daniel Cir Birmingham, AL	4.0	2.0	1317	$1,300	$0.99	43d	1	1.23mi
1417 Brighton Rd Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1048	$1,200	$1.15	43d	1	1.30mi
120 Parkwood St Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.5	1224	$1,150	$0.94	15d	1	1.31mi
336 McPherson Ave Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1094	$1,100	$1.01	23d	1	1.35mi
340 McPherson Ave Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	924	$910	$0.98	43d	1	1.35mi
1838 31st St SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1400	$1,223	$0.87	15d	1	1.38mi
2800 Milan Ct Birmingham, AL	1.0–2.0	1.0–2.0	976	$2,551	$2.61	21d	10	1.38mi
5624 Cairo Ave Birmingham, AL	4.0	2.0	1386	$1,200	$0.87	43d	1	1.40mi
3000 Dawson Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1092	$925	$0.85	43d	1	1.41mi
373 Belcher Dr Birmingham, AL	4.0	1.0	1255	$1,100	$0.88	43d	1	1.41mi
2113 Rambow Ave SW Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	838	$1,250	$1.49	43d	1	1.45mi
2850 Venice Rd Birmingham, AL	1.0–3.0	1.0–2.0	1190	$1,957	$1.64	1d	18	1.49mi

Listing history 31 events

1. 2026-06-18
   days on market $75,000 Active 140 DOM
2. 2026-06-17
   days on market $75,000 Active 139 DOM
3. 2026-06-16
   days on market $75,000 Active 138 DOM
4. 2026-06-15
   days on market $75,000 Active 137 DOM
5. 2026-06-13
   days on market $75,000 Active 135 DOM
6. 2026-06-10
   days on market $75,000 Active 132 DOM
7. 2026-06-09
   days on market $75,000 Active 131 DOM
8. 2026-06-08
   days on market $75,000 Active 130 DOM
9. 2026-06-07
   days on market $75,000 Active 129 DOM
10. 2026-06-03
    pricedays on market $75,000 Active 125 DOM
11. 2026-06-02
    days on market $85,000 Active 124 DOM
12. 2026-06-01
    days on market $85,000 Active 123 DOM
13. 2026-05-31
    days on market $85,000 Active 122 DOM
14. 2026-03-29
    price $85,000 839-char remark

    Show marketing remark (839 chars)

    This updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Birmingham was remodeled just three years ago and is truly move-in ready. Featuring modern finishes, an open and spacious layout, and abundant natural light, this home offers comfortable and stylish living. The updated kitchen includes contemporary cabinetry, updated granite countertops, and newer appliances, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Beautiful flooring flows throughout the home, enhancing the fresh and inviting atmosphere. With a newer roof, updated systems, and low-maintenance living, this property is perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors looking for a turnkey rental opportunity. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and major highways, this Birmingham home combines value, location, and modern updates in one attractive package.

15. 2026-01-29
    listed $90,000 Active 839-char remark

    Show marketing remark (839 chars)

    This updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Birmingham was remodeled just three years ago and is truly move-in ready. Featuring modern finishes, an open and spacious layout, and abundant natural light, this home offers comfortable and stylish living. The updated kitchen includes contemporary cabinetry, updated granite countertops, and newer appliances, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Beautiful flooring flows throughout the home, enhancing the fresh and inviting atmosphere. With a newer roof, updated systems, and low-maintenance living, this property is perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors looking for a turnkey rental opportunity. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and major highways, this Birmingham home combines value, location, and modern updates in one attractive package.

16. 2025-05-23
    price $93,800
17. 2025-04-06
    price $94,000
18. 2024-08-21
    price $110,000
19. 2023-12-05
    price $114,900
20. 2023-10-20
    historical $950
21. 2023-10-05
    listed $950
22. 2022-07-01
    price $950
23. 2022-02-25
    soldstatus $42,000
24. 2019-03-05
    soldstatus $200,000
25. 2019-03-05
    soldstatus $225,000
26. 2014-03-25
    soldstatus $42,000
27. 2014-03-19
    soldstatus $42,000
28. 2014-01-13
    listed $45,000
29. 2013-10-07
    soldstatus $8,500
30. 2013-07-25
    listed $9,270
31. 2007-06-13
    soldstatus $45,000

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

Tax reassessment forecast AL · Resets to sale price

• Current annual tax: $1,482 · $123/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $1,482 · $123/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 6/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥108°F today · 19 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 6/10 Major 27% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 2 unhealthy d/yr today · 5 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $13,195
• − Mortgage interest: −$4,201
• − Property taxes: −$1,482
• − Insurance: −$375
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$1,056
• − Management: −$1,056
• − Depreciation: −$2,182
• Taxable income: $2,844
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$682
• After-tax cash flow: $3,165/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: Birmingham City
• NCES district ID: 0100390
• Math proficiency: 4% ▼ -17.00%
• Reading proficiency: 20% ▼ -4.00%
• Median HH income: $31,988
• Composite: 9.49/100
• National rank: #9850
• State rank: #116 of 129 in AL

Livability — Birmingham

• Score: 67/100
• State rank: #78
• US rank: #10412

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Birmingham, AL
• City population: 210,422
• Population (ZIP): 3,127

Population outlook (Jefferson County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 669,185 people
• By 2030: 669,694 · +0.1%
• By 2040: 661,388 · -1.2%
• By 2050: 643,086 · -3.9%
• By 2075: 577,267 · -13.7%
• By 2100: 474,758 · -29.1%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly Black (89%)
• Race & ethnicity: Black 89% Two or more races 7% Hispanic / Latino 6% White 4%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 6%
• Foreign-born: 3% · Canada
• Languages at home: 93% English-only · Spanish 6%

Political lean MEDSL · Jefferson

• 2024 margin: D (+10.4) · D 54.6% · R 44.2% · Other 1.2%
• 2008→2024 swing: +5.4pp toward D · 2008: 5.1pp · 2024: 10.4pp
• All cycles: 2024: D+10.4 2020: D+13.2 2016: D+7.2 2012: D+6.0 2008: D+5.1

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -1.32%
• Current HPI: 121.0566
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: —
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 2.94%
• F500 in state: 4

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in AL)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Financial Services	1	$8B
▸Healthcare	1	$5B

Price history

+88.9% since first listed

18 events — show timeline

• 2026-03-29 Price Changed $85,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-01-29 Listed $90,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2025-05-23 Price Changed $93,800 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2025-04-06 Price Changed $94,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2024-08-21 Price Changed $110,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2023-12-05 Price Changed $114,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2023-10-20 Rental Removed $950 APPFOLIO
• 2023-10-05 Listed for Rent $950 APPFOLIO
• 2022-07-01 Price Changed $950 APPFOLIO
• 2022-02-25 Sold (Public Records) $42,000 Public Records
• 2019-03-05 Sold (Public Records) $225,000 Public Records
• 2019-03-05 Sold (Public Records) $200,000 Public Records
• 2014-03-25 Sold (Public Records) $42,000 Public Records
• 2014-03-19 Sold (MLS) $42,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2014-01-13 Listed $45,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2013-10-07 Sold (MLS) $8,500 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2013-07-25 Listed $9,270 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2007-06-13 Sold (Public Records) $45,000 Public Records

Property tax history

+17.0%/yr

Latest (2025): $1,482 · +6.9% YoY. Source: county tax records.