521 E Williams St · Barstow, CA 92311

$234,900

4 bd · 3.0 ba · 2,208 sqft · SingleFamily · 139 Days on market

Built 1918 0.41 ac lot $106/sqft · 9% below area Est $260k · 9% 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).

• Cash flow +19.9/30.0
• ARV discount +11.8/15.0
• DSCR +6.3/10.0
• 1% rule +4.1/10.0
• Livability +3.2/5.0
• Rent growth +3.1/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Schools +1.4/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

Key facts

• Private driveway
• Drive-through gate
• 0.41 acre lot

Tags

• ONE BLOCK FROM ROUTE 66
• TWO SEPARATE STRUCTURES
• STREET-LEVEL ACCESS RAMP
• PRIVATE DRIVEWAY
• DRIVE-THROUGH GATE
• MULTIPLE INCOME POSSIBILITIES

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 4-bed/3.0-bath single-family listed at $235k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $285 ($3k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $214k (9.0% below list).
• Recommended offer: $207k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 7.8% vs local median 4.6% in Barstow — 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 63/100 on livability (#444 in CA) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: commute A+, housing A+; Watch: amenities C-, health & safety C-, schools F.
• Barstow Unified (town): math 11% / reading 22% proficiency, ranked #482 of 517 in CA (top 93%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 68% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: Rents rising (+2.3%/yr); 343 active listings in the ZIP; 4 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 24d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 5,458 units permitted in San Bernardino County in 2024 (1,500 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent runs 41% of the median local income ($62k/yr) — at the standard rent-burdened threshold; future hikes will face affordability resistance.

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.
• San Bernardino County population projected at +15% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 139 days — a 12% lower offer ($207k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 4 sale attempts; this cycle's ask has dropped $65k (22%) from the opening price — seller is motivated, your offer sets the floor, not the list.
• Current owner paid $100k; list at $235k implies a 135% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1918 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: extreme-heat days projected 6→17/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $206,712 (12.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 139 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 1918 — 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: 0.91% ✗
• Cap rate: 7.75%
• Cash-on-cash: 5.20%
• DSCR: 1.23
• GRM: 9.2

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $259,528
• List price: $234,900
• Delta: -9.49%
• Verdict: FAIR
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 3 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
820 Lillian Dr	0.61mi	4/1.5	2,300 (+4%)	0mo	$175,000	$76	58
928 Kelly Dr	0.68mi	4/2.0	1,994 (-10%)	2mo	$292,000	$146	47
20 Hill Top	0.65mi	4/2.5	2,501 (+13%)	24mo	$280,000	$112	26

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 · 2.32% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: -8.9%
• Equity multiple: 0.67×
• Total profit: $-21,450
• Equity at exit: $35,024

10-year hold

• IRR: -0.4%
• Equity multiple: 0.98×
• Total profit: $-1,581
• Equity at exit: $20,310

Cash invested: $65,772 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 18 Strongly Tenant-Friendly
• State California: 18 Strongly Tenant-Friendly · D+13
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

AB1482 statewide rent cap (10% + CPI). Cities (SF/LA/Berkeley) layer stricter rules. Just-cause statewide.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 92311

• Home prices YoY: -30.6%
• Rents YoY: 2.3%
• Active inventory: 343
• Price-to-rent: 9.2×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $2,138 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,232
• Tax from tax record: −$74 /mo · $890/yr
• Insurance: −$98
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$449
• Net cashflow: $285

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,777

Max offer price $234,900

Occupancy floor 82%

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: $58,725
• Closing costs: $7,047
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 4 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
211 W Buena Vista St Barstow, CA	3.0	2.0	1434	$2,000	$1.39	24d	1	0.50mi
433 Highland Ave Barstow, CA	4.0	3.0	1800	$2,350	$1.31	4d	1	0.71mi
937 E Elizabeth St Barstow, CA	4.0	1.0	1422	$2,195	$1.54	4d	1	0.79mi
810 Starlight St Barstow, CA	3.0	2.0	1430	$1,895	$1.33	43d	1	1.39mi

Listing history 23 events

1. 2026-06-18
   days on market $234,900 Active 139 DOM
2. 2026-06-17
   days on market $234,900 Active 138 DOM
3. 2026-06-16
   days on market $234,900 Active 137 DOM
4. 2026-06-16
   price $234,900 Active 136 DOM
5. 2026-06-15
   days on market $249,900 Active 136 DOM
6. 2026-06-13
   days on market $249,900 Active 134 DOM
7. 2026-06-13
   days on market $249,900 Active 133 DOM
8. 2026-06-09
   days on market $249,900 Active 130 DOM
9. 2026-06-08
   days on market $249,900 Active 129 DOM
10. 2026-06-07
    days on market $249,900 Active 128 DOM
11. 2026-06-04
    days on market $249,900 Active 125 DOM
12. 2026-06-03
    days on market $249,900 Active 124 DOM
13. 2026-06-02
    days on market $249,900 Active 123 DOM
14. 2026-06-01
    days on market $249,900 Active 122 DOM
15. 2026-05-31
    days on market $249,900 Active 121 DOM
16. 2026-05-07
    status Active 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

17. 2026-05-05
    status Active 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

18. 2026-04-22
    status Pending Sale 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

19. 2026-04-22
    status Pending Sale 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

20. 2026-03-18
    price $249,900 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

21. 2026-01-15
    listed $299,900 Active 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

22. 2026-01-09
    listed $299,900 Active 1229-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1229 chars)

    Unique Downtown Barstow Opportunity – Just One Block from Historic Route 66! Located in the heart of downtown Barstow, just one block from iconic Route 66 / Main Street, this versatile property offers a rare blend of residential and commercial potential. Situated on a single parcel are two separate structures, making it ideal for investors, business owners, or multi-use living. The front structure is currently used as a business and was originally built as a small home featuring two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a basement. Once the business vacates, the space can be easily converted back into a residential unit. A street-level access ramp provides convenient and accessible entry from the sidewalk. The rear structure includes a 1-bedroom, 1-bath home with an attached studio-style apartment on the backside—perfect for extended family, rental income, or live-work flexibility. The property also features a private driveway leading to the rear unit and a drive-through gate accessible from the alley, offering excellent access and parking options. With its prime downtown location, proximity to Route 66, and multiple income or use possibilities, this property is a standout opportunity with endless potential.

23. 2003-07-07
    soldstatus $100,000

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

Tax reassessment forecast CA · Resets to sale price

• Current annual tax: $890 · $74/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $1,785 · $149/mo
• Expected delta: +$895/yr (+$75/mo · 100.5%)

ⓘ 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 8/10 Severe 6 d/yr ≥102°F today · 17 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 1/10 Low
• 🫁 Air quality 6/10 Major 11 unhealthy d/yr today · 15 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $25,659
• − Mortgage interest: −$13,158
• − Property taxes: −$890
• − Insurance: −$1,174
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$2,053
• − Management: −$2,053
• − Depreciation: −$6,833
• Taxable loss: −$503
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$121
• After-tax cash flow: $3,544/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: Barstow Unified
• NCES district ID: 0604020
• Math proficiency: 11% ▼ -7.00%
• Reading proficiency: 22% ▼ -7.00%
• Median HH income: $44,505
• Composite: 14.44/100
• National rank: #9430
• State rank: #482 of 517 in CA

Livability — Barstow

• Score: 63/100
• State rank: #444
• US rank: #15099

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Barstow, CA
• County: San Bernardino County · 2,030,291 people
• City population: 33,954
• Metro: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
• Population (ZIP): 33,954
• Household income: $61,862
• Rent vs Own: 50.0% rent · 50.0% own
• Severe rent burden: 1305.0

Population outlook (San Bernardino County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 2,300,329 people
• By 2030: 2,378,907 · +3.4%
• By 2040: 2,523,137 · +9.7%
• By 2050: 2,642,388 · +14.9%
• By 2075: 2,880,769 · +25.2%
• By 2100: 2,909,436 · +26.5%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Diverse neighborhood (Simpson 0.68)
• Race & ethnicity: Hispanic / Latino 46% White 29% Two or more races 22% Black 15% Native American 3% Asian 2% Pacific Islander 1%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 39% Puerto Rican 2%
• Common ancestry: Portuguese 1% Lithuanian 1% Italian 1%
• Foreign-born: 9% · Canada, South Korea
• Languages at home: 77% English-only · Spanish 20% Tagalog/Filipino 1% Other Indo-European 1%

Political lean MEDSL · San Bernardino

• 2024 margin: Toss-up / Even · D 47.5% · R 49.7% · Other 2.8%
• 2008→2024 swing: -8.5pp toward R · 2008: 6.3pp · 2024: -2.1pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+2.1 2020: D+10.7 2016: D+9.8 2012: D+5.4 2008: D+6.3

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -139.26%
• Current HPI: 316.4858
• Rent YoY: ▲ 2.32%
• Metro: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 3.21%
• F500 in state: 116

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in CA)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Technology	27	$1,492B
▸Financial Services	3	$174B
▸Retail	3	$44B
▸Insurance	3	$26B
▸Media / Entertainment	2	$115B
▸Pharmaceuticals / Biotech	2	$62B

Price history

+149.9% since first listed

8 events — show timeline

• 2026-05-07 Relisted — CRMLS
• 2026-05-05 Relisted — CRMLS
• 2026-04-22 Pending — CRMLS
• 2026-04-22 Pending — CRMLS
• 2026-03-18 Price Changed $249,900 CRMLS
• 2026-01-15 Listed $299,900 CRMLS
• 2026-01-09 Listed $299,900 CRMLS
• 2003-07-07 Sold (Public Records) $100,000 Public Records

Property tax history

+1.8%/yr

Latest (2025): $890 · +1.8% YoY. Source: county tax records.