1525 Meadow Ln · Birmingham, AL 35228

$27,500

2 bd · 1.0 ba · 752 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 224 Days on market

Built 1948 8,276 sqft lot $37/sqft · 51% below area ↓ 36% since listing

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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
• 1% rule +10.0/10.0
• DSCR +10.0/10.0
• ARV discount +7.5/15.0
• Livability +3.4/5.0
• Appreciation +2.6/10.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Rent growth +2.1/5.0
• Schools +0.9/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Uncover the potential of this promising fixer-upper, ready for a complete transformation in a historic neighborhood. This property presents a unique opportunity for investors or homebuyers with a vision to renovate and create their dream home. This home is a blank canvas awaiting your design and personal touch. With its solid structure, its ripe for a full renovation, offering the chance to build instant equity in a neighborhood known for its character and charm. I deal for those looking to capitalize on the thriving Birmingham real estate market. This house can become a stunning and cozy residence. Don't miss this one, cal today!

Key facts

• 8,276 sq ft lot
• Built 1948
• Listed 224 days

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2-bed/1.0-bath single-family listed at $28k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $597 ($7k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($1k rent vs $28k).
• Recommended offer: $24k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 32.3% 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: Rents soft (-1.5%/yr); 87 active listings in the ZIP; 40 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 44d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 68% 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 (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $190 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $825 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 (-3.0% appreciation + 0.0% rent growth), your $8k cash investment doubles in ~2 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 224 days — a 12% lower offer ($24k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 3 sale attempts since 5y ago; this cycle's ask has dropped $12k (31%) from the opening price — seller is motivated, your offer sets the floor, not the list.
• Current owner paid $22k; 22% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1948 — 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 $24,200 (12.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 224 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 1948 — 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: 3.65% ✓
• Cap rate: 32.33%
• Cash-on-cash: 92.97%
• DSCR: 5.14
• GRM: 2.3

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $56,399
• List price: $27,500
• Delta: -51.24%
• Verdict: UNDERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 10 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
1609 34th St SW	0.30mi	2/1.0	726 (-4%)	4mo	$20,000	$28	77
5857 Court Q	0.22mi	2/1.0	720 (-4%)	10mo	$60,000	$83	74
5848 Court Q	0.25mi	2/1.0	800 (+6%)	12mo	$45,000	$56	68
1272 Pineview Rd	0.37mi	2/1.0	816 (+8%)	9mo	$60,000	$74	61
1437 58th St W	0.29mi	2/1.0	822 (+9%)	15mo	$45,000	$55	58
5115 Avenue P	0.66mi	2/1.0	760 (+1%)	12mo	$24,900	$33	58
5800 Court	0.33mi	2/1.0	860 (+14%)	6mo	$83,700	$97	56
1100 Pineview Rd	0.51mi	2/1.0	842 (+12%)	5mo	$106,000	$126	52
5321 Avenue K	0.74mi	2/1.0	792 (+5%)	8mo	$30,100	$38	50
2905 Steiner Ct	0.68mi	3/1.0 (+1)	852 (+13%)	20mo	$75,000	$88	24

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 · 0.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: 90.3%
• Equity multiple: 4.98×
• Total profit: $30,615
• Equity at exit: $4,100

10-year hold

• IRR: 92.6%
• Equity multiple: 9.35×
• Total profit: $64,284
• Equity at exit: $2,378

Cash invested: $7,700 (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 35228

• Home prices YoY: -3.5%
• Rents YoY: -1.5%
• Active inventory: 87
• Price-to-rent: 2.3×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,005 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$144
• Tax from tax record: −$42 /mo · $499/yr
• Insurance: −$11
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$211
• Net cashflow: $597

Break-even live

Break-even rent $250

Max offer price $27,500

Occupancy floor 36%

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: $6,875
• Closing costs: $825
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 40 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
1012 33rd St SW Birmingham, AL	1.0–2.0	1.0–2.0	800	$750	$0.94	2d	1	0.21mi
1340 Pineview Rd Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1116	$1,075	$0.96	43d	1	0.26mi
5832 Court Q Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	912	$950	$1.04	44d	1	0.29mi
5820 Court Q Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	902	$1,200	$1.33	43d	1	0.32mi
5725 Avenue O Unit O Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	957	$1,073	$1.12	23d	1	0.33mi
5717 Avenue O Unit O Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1029	$1,250	$1.21	43d	1	0.35mi
1272 Meadow Ln Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	744	$800	$1.08	43d	1	0.36mi
1417 Brighton Rd Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1048	$1,200	$1.15	43d	1	0.44mi
5516 Avenue P Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	888	$1,000	$1.13	43d	1	0.46mi
5714 Court M Unit 5720 Birmingham, AL	1.0	1.0	600	$700	$1.17	43d	1	0.49mi
5320 Ter Q Unit Q Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1116	$1,250	$1.12	43d	1	0.57mi
5219 Court Q Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1082	$1,200	$1.11	19d	1	0.63mi
3000 Dawson Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1092	$925	$0.85	43d	1	0.65mi
5710 Monte Sano Dr Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	700	$950	$1.36	43d	1	0.65mi
5211 Ter Q Unit Q Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	756	$775	$1.03	43d	1	0.66mi
1045 57th St Birmingham, AL	1.0	1.0	700	$775	$1.11	43d	1	0.69mi
2709 Powderly Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	1056	$950	$0.90	23d	1	0.75mi
1781 51st Street Ensley Unit ENSLEY Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.5	1069	$950	$0.89	43d	1	0.75mi
5712 Monte Sano Rd Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	700	$900	$1.29	43d	1	0.77mi
1112 S Gale Dr Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.5	1053	$1,175	$1.12	43d	1	0.79mi
612 26th St SW Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	988	$825	$0.84	43d	1	0.88mi
2300 31st St SW Unit ENSLEY2316 A Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	750	$1,000	$1.33	2d	1	0.89mi
4929 Avenue R Unit R Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	962	$950	$0.99	43d	1	0.91mi
1429 47th Street Ensley Unit ENSLEY Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	768	$750	$0.98	43d	1	0.93mi
1317 Woodward Rd Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	672	$800	$1.19	1d	1	0.95mi
2519 Saint Charles Ave SW Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	990	$975	$0.98	44d	1	1.02mi
4724 Court R Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	1016	$895	$0.88	14d	1	1.04mi
1376 Creel Ct Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1008	$1,000	$0.99	43d	1	1.07mi
407 S Park Rd SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1050	$900	$0.86	43d	1	1.07mi
340 McPherson Ave Birmingham, AL	2.0	1.0	924	$910	$0.98	43d	1	1.09mi
336 McPherson Ave Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1094	$1,100	$1.01	23d	1	1.10mi
5503 Myron Massey Blvd Fairfield, AL	3.0	2.0	1119	$1,200	$1.07	43d	1	1.11mi
1604 44th Street Ensley Unit ENSLEY Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1100	$1,200	$1.09	23d	1	1.14mi
2804 32nd Way SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	840	$900	$1.07	43d	1	1.16mi
2805 32nd Way SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	792	$900	$1.14	43d	1	1.16mi
1228 19th Pl SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	2.0	978	$1,195	$1.22	3d	1	1.19mi
914 21st St SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	784	$1,200	$1.53	21d	1	1.21mi
1209 19th Pl SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1050	$1,275	$1.21	43d	1	1.22mi
2216 Lee Ave SW Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	902	$900	$1.00	23d	1	1.23mi
920 47th Street Ensley Birmingham, AL	3.0	1.0	1070	$895	$0.84	3d	1	1.23mi

Listing history 23 events

1. 2026-06-18
   days on market $27,500 Active 224 DOM
2. 2026-06-17
   days on market $27,500 Active 223 DOM
3. 2026-06-16
   days on market $27,500 Active 222 DOM
4. 2026-06-15
   days on market $27,500 Active 221 DOM
5. 2026-06-13
   days on market $27,500 Active 219 DOM
6. 2026-06-10
   days on market $27,500 Active 216 DOM
7. 2026-06-09
   days on market $27,500 Active 215 DOM
8. 2026-06-08
   days on market $27,500 Active 214 DOM
9. 2026-06-07
   days on market $27,500 Active 213 DOM
10. 2026-06-03
    days on market $27,500 Active 209 DOM
11. 2026-06-02
    days on market $27,500 Active 208 DOM
12. 2026-06-01
    days on market $27,500 Active 207 DOM
13. 2026-05-31
    days on market $27,500 Active 206 DOM
14. 2026-04-18
    price $27,500 638-char remark

    Show marketing remark (638 chars)

    Uncover the potential of this promising fixer-upper, ready for a complete transformation in a historic neighborhood. This property presents a unique opportunity for investors or homebuyers with a vision to renovate and create their dream home. This home is a blank canvas awaiting your design and personal touch. With its solid structure, its ripe for a full renovation, offering the chance to build instant equity in a neighborhood known for its character and charm. I deal for those looking to capitalize on the thriving Birmingham real estate market. This house can become a stunning and cozy residence. Don't miss this one, cal today!

15. 2026-02-13
    price $35,000 638-char remark

    Show marketing remark (638 chars)

    Uncover the potential of this promising fixer-upper, ready for a complete transformation in a historic neighborhood. This property presents a unique opportunity for investors or homebuyers with a vision to renovate and create their dream home. This home is a blank canvas awaiting your design and personal touch. With its solid structure, its ripe for a full renovation, offering the chance to build instant equity in a neighborhood known for its character and charm. I deal for those looking to capitalize on the thriving Birmingham real estate market. This house can become a stunning and cozy residence. Don't miss this one, cal today!

16. 2025-11-05
    listed $40,000 Active 638-char remark

    Show marketing remark (638 chars)

    Uncover the potential of this promising fixer-upper, ready for a complete transformation in a historic neighborhood. This property presents a unique opportunity for investors or homebuyers with a vision to renovate and create their dream home. This home is a blank canvas awaiting your design and personal touch. With its solid structure, its ripe for a full renovation, offering the chance to build instant equity in a neighborhood known for its character and charm. I deal for those looking to capitalize on the thriving Birmingham real estate market. This house can become a stunning and cozy residence. Don't miss this one, cal today!

17. 2022-12-02
    soldstatus $22,500 Sold 76-char remark

    Show marketing remark (76 chars)

    -2 bed, 1 bath 752 sqft -exterior: low piers and vinyl -Medium Level Rehab

18. 2022-11-22
    status Pending 76-char remark

    Show marketing remark (76 chars)

    -2 bed, 1 bath 752 sqft -exterior: low piers and vinyl -Medium Level Rehab

19. 2022-11-16
    listed $27,500 Active 76-char remark

    Show marketing remark (76 chars)

    -2 bed, 1 bath 752 sqft -exterior: low piers and vinyl -Medium Level Rehab

20. 2022-01-19
    soldstatus $18,500 Sold
21. 2022-01-12
    historical
22. 2021-09-29
    listed $29,900 Active
23. 2019-05-24
    price $42,900

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

Tax reassessment forecast AL · Resets to sale price

• Current annual tax: $499 · $42/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $499 · $42/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 1/10 Low
• 🌡 Heat 6/10 Major 7 d/yr ≥106°F today · 19 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 6/10 Major 27% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 4/10 Moderate 5 unhealthy d/yr today · 5 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $12,058
• − Mortgage interest: −$1,540
• − Property taxes: −$499
• − Insurance: −$138
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$965
• − Management: −$965
• − Depreciation: −$800
• Taxable income: $7,152
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$1,716
• After-tax cash flow: $5,442/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
• County: Jefferson County · 527,445 people
• City population: 210,422
• Metro: Birmingham-Hoover, AL
• Population (ZIP): 10,216
• Household income: $50,815
• Rent vs Own: 41.2% rent · 58.8% own
• Severe rent burden: 456.0

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% Hispanic / Latino 5% Two or more races 5% White 5%
• Foreign-born: 2% · Canada
• Languages at home: 95% English-only · Spanish 5%

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: ▼ -4.84%
• Current HPI: 134.8633
• Rent YoY: ▼ -1.47%
• 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
▸Healthcare	1	$5B

Price history

-35.9% since first listed

10 events — show timeline

• 2026-04-18 Price Changed $27,500 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-02-13 Price Changed $35,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2025-11-05 Listed $40,000 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2022-12-02 Sold (MLS) $22,500 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2022-11-22 Pending — Greater Alabama MLS
• 2022-11-16 Listed $27,500 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2022-01-19 Sold (MLS) $18,500 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2022-01-12 Delisted — Greater Alabama MLS
• 2021-09-29 Listed $29,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2019-05-24 Price Changed $42,900 Greater Alabama MLS

Property tax history

+0.8%/yr

Latest (2025): $499 · +0.0% YoY. Source: county tax records.