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45297 Universal Ct
D- Composite 35.51
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 +12.1/15.0
  • Cash flow +5.7/30.0
  • Condition / age +3.8/5.0
  • Schools +3.7/10.0
  • Livability +3.5/5.0
  • 1% rule +3.4/10.0
  • Rent growth +3.4/5.0
  • DSCR +0.1/10.0
  • Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$214,000

45297 Universal Ct · Shelby, MI 48317
2 bd · 1.0 ba · 1,268 sqft · Townhouse · 8 Days on market
Built 1986 Good condition 2-car garage $169/sqft · 10% below area Est $238k · 10% under $375/mo HOA · 21% of rent

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

Listing remarks MLS

Welcome to a home that truly has it all-beautifully maintained, thoughtfully updated, and ready for you to move right in! From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the inviting feel of this well-cared-for condo and the extensive improvements made throughout. The updated kitchen is equipped with a newer refrigerator and dishwasher, while the newer washer and dryer add even more everyday convenience. Throughout the home, newer light fixtures, ceiling fans, interior doors, and window screens add a fresh, updated feel. Brand-new carpeting brings warmth and comfort to the living spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels fresh and move-in ready. And the updates aren't just cosmetic. Major mechanical improvements include a newer furnace with humidifier, newer A/C, and newer hot water tank, giving you the comfort and confidence of knowing many of the important components of the home have already been updated. A newer garage door adds another layer of convenience and peace of mind. Step outside and you'll find a beautifully maintained yard that gives you a wonderful place to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy some fresh air. It's the kind of outdoor space that adds to the overall appeal and makes this condo feel like home. With its combination of extensive updates, newer appliances, beautiful outdoor space, and meticulous upkeep, this property offers an easy, comfortable lifestyle without the worry of a long list of projects. Just unpack, settle in, and start enjoying everything this exceptional condo has to offer! Association fee includes water.

Key facts

  • Newer dryer
  • Newer dishwasher
  • Newer washer

Tags

UPDATED KITCHENNEWER REFRIGERATORNEWER DISHWASHERNEWER WASHERNEWER DRYERNEWER LIGHT FIXTURES

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/1.0-bath townhouse listed at $214k. Condition is rated good.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $-440 ($-5k/yr) — negative.
  • To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $150k (29.8% below list).
  • To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $179k (16.4% below list).
  • Recommended offer: $150k (29.8% below list) — sets the bar for cash-flow.

Location & tenants

  • Location reads 70/100 on livability (#324 in MI) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: crime A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: employment D+, amenities F, commute F.
  • Utica Community Schools (suburban): math 38% / reading 53% proficiency, ranked #126 of 540 in MI (top 23%) — families likely to look elsewhere, expect single-tenant / working-renter base with shorter leases.
  • Zoned schools: West Utica Elementary School (math 22% / reading 32%, grade F, #923 of 1,397 statewide, top 69%, 483 students, 78% FRL); Utica High School (math 33% / reading 62%, grade D, #185 of 713 statewide, top 26%, 1,368 students, 36% FRL) — zoned schools average 57% FRL vs 26% district-wide (31 pts higher); higher-poverty schools than district average — tighter screening recommended.
  • Market conditions: Rents rising (+3.4%/yr); 133 active listings in the ZIP; 22 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals leasing fast (median 10d on market — plan ~1-2 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 41% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 1,321 units permitted in Macomb County in 2024 (86 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 $6k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
  • Macomb County population projected at +9% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.

Negotiation context

  • Only 8 days on market — expect competitive offers; lowballing is unlikely to land.
  • 7 sale attempts since 33y 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 $90k; list at $214k implies a 138% gain — meaningful room to come down on a strong offer.

Risks & watch-outs

  • Watch-outs: HOA is 21% of rent.
Recommended offer $150,327 (29.8% 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. What does the HOA fee cover, when was the last increase, and are there any pending special assessments or reserve-fund shortfalls?
  3. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  4. 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?
  5. 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?
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
0.84%
Cap rate
3.83%
Cash-on-cash
-8.81%
DSCR
0.61
GRM
10.0

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$238,171
List price
$214,000
Delta
-10.15%
Verdict
UNDERPRICED
Comps
20 within 1.0 mi
Show comp detail 12 sales within ~0.75 mi
Address Dist Beds/Ba Sqft Sold Price $/sf Match
5220 W Utica Rd 0.03mi 2/1.0 1,250 (-1%) 1mo $209,900 $168 95
44860 Marigold Dr #282 0.46mi 2/2.0 1,316 (+4%) 3mo $240,000 $182 66
44860 Marigold Dr #282 0.46mi 2/2.0 1,316 (+4%) 3mo $240,000 $182 66
44982 Marigold Dr 0.42mi 2/2.0 1,213 (-4%) 8mo $225,000 $185 62
4576 Berkshire Dr 0.71mi 2/2.0 1,213 (-4%) 1mo $225,000 $185 55
44755 Marigold Dr Unit 234 0.60mi 2/2.0 1,213 (-4%) 7mo $215,000 $177 55
44755 Marigold Dr 0.60mi 2/2.0 1,213 (-4%) 7mo $215,000 $177 55
4578 Berkshire Dr 0.67mi 2/2.0 1,213 (-4%) 4mo $258,000 $213 54
44856 Marigold Dr 0.57mi 2/2.0 1,324 (+4%) 11mo $239,000 $181 53
5397 Twin Oaks Dr 0.67mi 2/2.0 1,455 (+15%) 5mo $230,000 $158 36
5379 Twin Oaks Dr 0.61mi 2/2.0 1,077 (-15%) 9mo $200,000 $186 35
5589 Twin Oaks Dr 0.66mi 2/2.0 1,455 (+15%) 11mo $235,000 $162 32

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 · 3.4% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
-31.1%
Equity multiple
-0.03×
Total profit
$-61,722
Equity at exit
$31,908
10-year hold
IRR
-31.0%
Equity multiple
-0.43×
Total profit
$-85,796
Equity at exit
$18,503

Cash invested: $59,920 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

Overall (STATE)
62 Landlord-Friendly
State Michigan
62 Landlord-Friendly · EVEN
County
— inherits STATE
City
— inherits STATE
7-day pay-or-quit; mixed climate; Detroit/AA have some protections.
Balanced market Market conditions within 1.0 mi — comparable homes for sale

Active competition Active MLS

For sale now
8 active · 15 under contract
Months of supply
3.0 mo (33%/mo absorbed)
Median asking
$229,950 ($191/sqft)
Median days on market
37 d
This list price
25% of active listings are priced below it
ARV vs active asking
-1.6% vs current asking $/sqft

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

ZIP-level market 48317

Rents YoY
3.4%
Active inventory
133
Price-to-rent
10.0×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$1,790 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$1,122
Tax est. 1.5%
$268 /mo · $3,210/yr
Insurance
$89
HOA
$375
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$376
Net cashflow
$-440

Break-even live

Break-even rent $2,347
Max offer price $150,327
Occupancy floor

Sensitivity live

Price -10% $-292 -5% $-366 +0% $-440 +5% $-514 +10% $-588
Rent -10% $-581 -5% $-511 +0% $-440 +5% $-369 +10% $-299
Rate -1.0pp $-332 -0.5pp $-386 base $-440 +0.5pp $-495 +1.0pp $-552

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
$53,500
Closing costs
$6,420
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 22 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
45600 Oak Hill Blvd Shelby Township, MI 1.0–2.0 1.0–2.5 1013 $2,085 $2.06 0d 52 0.22mi
4805 Pebble Crk E Shelby Township, MI 1.0–3.0 1.0–2.0 1000 $1,433 $1.43 10d 16 0.27mi
44944 Marigold Dr #334 Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 2.0 1466 $2,000 $1.36 139d 1 0.50mi
44839 Marigold Dr #239 Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 2.0 1213 $1,750 $1.44 10d 1 0.60mi
5637 Twin Oaks Dr Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 2.0 1530 $1,900 $1.24 120d 1 0.66mi
4576 Berkshire Dr Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 2.0 1213 $1,950 $1.61 0d 1 0.72mi
5400 Pine Aires Dr Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 1.0 1020 $1,700 $1.67 33d 1 0.73mi
5300 Pine Aires Dr Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 2.0 1213 $1,800 $1.48 115d 1 0.74mi
5452 Pine Aires Dr Sterling Heights, MI 2.0 1.0 1020 $1,700 $1.67 139d 1 0.75mi
3695 Eagle Creek Dr Shelby Twp, MI 2.0 2.0 1515 $3,000 $1.98 7d 1 0.82mi
3695 Eagle Creek Dr Shelby Twp, MI 2.0 2.0 1515 $2,800 $1.85 6d 1 0.82mi
47086 Auburn Ct Shelby Township, MI 2.0 1.5 968 $1,700 $1.76 74d 1 0.83mi
4057 Bramford Dr Shelby Township, MI 3.0 1.5 1241 $2,195 $1.77 6d 1 0.83mi
3498 Eagle Creek Dr #15 Shelby Township, MI 2.0 2.0 1358 $1,850 $1.36 80d 1 0.90mi
3737 Cherry Creek Ln Sterling Heights, MI 1.0–3.0 1.0–2.5 1400 $2,028 $1.45 27d 1 0.96mi
47211 Betty St Shelby Township, MI 3.0 1.0 1208 $1,995 $1.65 7d 1 0.99mi
45845 Brownell St Unit 1f Utica, MI 3.0 1.0 1200 $1,400 $1.17 139d 1 1.13mi
45646 Brownell St Utica, MI 2.0 2.0 1850 $1,700 $0.92 4d 1 1.17mi
6030 Cotter Ave Sterling Heights, MI 3.0 1.0 1000 $1,900 $1.90 4d 1 1.26mi
45425 Whispering Lakes Blvd Shelby Township, MI 2.0 2.0 1020 $1,500 $1.47 108d 1 1.42mi
45425 Whispering Lakes Blvd Shelby Township, MI 2.0 2.0 1150 $1,595 $1.39 2d 1 1.42mi
1920 Orchard Crest St Shelby Township, MI 2.0 1.0–1.5 908 $1,597 $1.76 10d 5 1.49mi

Property features AI

Finance

Other
Pets allowed with size limits
HOA & community
Condominium association (monthly fee of $375)Association fee includes water and sewer

Exterior

Parking
Attached 2-car garagePaved driveway
Utilities
Public waterPublic sanitary sewer
Home design
Condominium — ranch-style, first floorBuilt in 1986
Construction
Slab foundation
Exterior features
Brick exteriorPatioLawn sprinklerPaved street access

Interior

Kitchen
17 x 13 kitchenDishwasherDisposalRange/ovenRefrigerator
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1 (Entry level) — carpeted, approx. 12 x 14Bedroom 2 (Entry level) — carpeted, approx. 12 x 13
Flooring
Carpeted bedrooms
Bathrooms
One full bathroom (Entry level)
Heating & cooling
Forced air heatingNatural gas heating fuelCentral air conditioningCeiling fan(s)Gas water heater
Interior features
Fireplace in the living roomTotal of 4 rooms
Laundry & utility
WasherDryerHumidifier

HOA detail $375/mo · $4,500/yr

Likely covers
water

Listing history 50 events

  1. 2026-09-23
    days on market $214,000 Active 8 DOM
  2. 2026-09-22
    days on market $214,000 Active 7 DOM
  3. 2026-09-21
    days on market $214,000 Active 6 DOM
  4. 2026-09-20
    days on market $214,000 Active 5 DOM
  5. 2026-09-19
    days on market $214,000 Active 4 DOM
  6. 2026-09-18
    days on market $214,000 Active 3 DOM
  7. 2026-09-17
    days on market $214,000 Active 2 DOM
  8. 2026-09-16
    pricedays on marketlisting id $214,000 Active 1 DOM
  9. 2026-09-05
    days on market $219,997 Active 173 DOM
  10. 2026-09-04
    days on market $219,997 Active 172 DOM
  11. 2026-09-03
    days on market $219,997 Active 171 DOM
  12. 2026-08-31
    days on market $219,997 Active 168 DOM
  13. 2026-08-30
    days on market $219,997 Active 167 DOM
  14. 2026-08-29
    days on market $219,997 Active 166 DOM
  15. 2026-08-28
    days on market $219,997 Active 165 DOM
  16. 2026-08-27
    days on market $219,997 Active 164 DOM
  17. 2026-08-26
    days on market $219,997 Active 163 DOM
  18. 2026-08-25
    days on market $219,997 Active 162 DOM
  19. 2026-08-24
    days on market $219,997 Active 161 DOM
  20. 2026-08-23
    days on market $219,997 Active 160 DOM
  21. 2026-08-22
    days on market $219,997 Active 159 DOM
  22. 2026-08-21
    days on market $219,997 Active 158 DOM
  23. 2026-08-20
    days on market $219,997 Active 157 DOM
  24. 2026-08-19
    days on market $219,997 Active 156 DOM
  25. 2026-08-18
    days on market $219,997 Active 155 DOM
  26. 2026-08-17
    days on market $219,997 Active 154 DOM
  27. 2026-08-16
    days on market $219,997 Active 153 DOM
  28. 2026-08-15
    days on market $219,997 Active 152 DOM
  29. 2026-08-14
    days on market $219,997 Active 151 DOM
  30. 2026-08-13
    days on market $219,997 Active 150 DOM
  31. 2026-08-12
    days on market $219,997 Active 149 DOM
  32. 2026-08-11
    days on market $219,997 Active 148 DOM
  33. 2026-08-10
    days on market $219,997 Active 147 DOM
  34. 2026-08-09
    days on market $219,997 Active 146 DOM
  35. 2026-08-08
    days on market $219,997 Active 145 DOM
  36. 2026-08-07
    status $219,997 Active 143 DOM
  37. 2026-08-06
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 143 DOM
  38. 2026-08-05
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 142 DOM
  39. 2026-08-04
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 141 DOM
  40. 2026-08-03
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 140 DOM
  41. 2026-07-31
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 137 DOM
  42. 2026-07-30
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 135 DOM
  43. 2026-07-28
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 134 DOM
  44. 2026-07-26
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 132 DOM
  45. 2026-07-24
    days on market $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 130 DOM
  46. 2026-07-23
    statuslisting id $219,997 Keep Showing-Contgcy Appl 129 DOM
  47. 2026-07-23
    days on market $219,997 Active Under Contract 129 DOM
  48. 2026-07-22
    days on market $219,997 Active Under Contract 128 DOM
  49. 2026-07-21
    days on market $219,997 Active Under Contract 127 DOM
  50. 2026-07-20
    days on market $219,997 Active Under Contract 126 DOM

ⓘ 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 1/10 Low
  • 🌡 Heat 2/10 Low 7 d/yr ≥97°F today · 14 d/yr by 30 yrs out
  • 💨 Wind 1/10 Low
  • 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 3 unhealthy d/yr today · 4 by 30 yrs out

Nearby sold comps map

Loading sold comps map…

Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

Loading nearby amenities…

Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income
$21,477
− Mortgage interest
−$11,987
− Property taxes
−$3,210
− Insurance
−$1,070
− Repairs & maintenance
−$1,718
− Management
−$1,718
− HOA
−$4,500
− Depreciation
−$6,225
Taxable loss
−$8,952
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax savings @ 24.0%
+$2,149
After-tax cash flow
$-3,132/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 · 1 photo

Good 75/100 Cosmetic rehab Est. rehab $6,340–$19,020 screening

This move-in ready condo is in excellent condition with recent updates and a well-maintained exterior, making it an attractive investment.

Value-add opportunities

  • Both Painting exterior and interior walls — Enhances curb appeal and interior aesthetics.
  • Both Landscaping improvements — Enhances curb appeal and adds value.
  • Both New flooring in kitchen and bathrooms — Improves functionality and aesthetics, attracting more buyers/renters.
  • Both New window treatments — Enhances curb appeal and interior aesthetics, attracting more buyers/renters.

ⓘ Rehab cost is a screening estimate — Cosmetic scope × the home's square footage at US $/sqft rules of thumb (the same model as the Flip Finder). Get contractor quotes + a written scope before underwriting.

F Composite school gradezoned avg 37/100

Zoned Schools

Elementary West Utica Elementary School F MI #923/1,397 Nat'l #28,475/41,679 High Utica High School D MI #185/713 Nat'l #6,282/17,239

Schools (NCES district)

District
Utica Community Schools
NCES district ID
2634470
Math proficiency
38% ▼ -13.00%
Reading proficiency
53% ▼ -7.00%
Median HH income
$65,953
Composite
40.52/100
National rank
#3709
State rank
#126 of 540 in MI
B Composite livability gradescore 70/100

Livability — Shelby

Score
70/100
State rank
#324
US rank
#7973

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

County
Macomb County · 925,296 people
Metro
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Population (ZIP)
27,565
Household income
$72,917
Rent vs Own
42.5% rent · 57.5% own
Severe rent burden
9% of renters

Population outlook (Macomb County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
925,296 people
By 2030
948,226 · +2.5%
By 2040
983,961 · +6.3%
By 2050
1,010,200 · +9.2%
By 2075
1,076,222 · +16.3%
By 2100
1,077,065 · +16.4%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Predominantly White (79%)
Race & ethnicity
White 79% Asian 6% Two or more races 6% Black 5% Hispanic / Latino 4%
Common ancestry
Romanian 13% Lithuanian 4% Slovak 2%
Foreign-born
18% · Canada, China, South Korea
Languages at home
79% English-only · Other Indo-European 6% Arabic 5% Russian/Polish/Slavic 2%

Political lean MEDSL · Macomb

2024 margin
R (+13.7) · D 42.2% · R 55.9% · Other 1.9%
2008→2024 swing
-22.3pp toward R · 2008: 8.6pp · 2024: -13.7pp
All cycles
2024: R+13.7 2020: R+8.1 2016: R+11.6 2012: D+4.0 2008: D+8.6

Not yet ingested

Civics

Price history

+131.4% since first listed
17 events — show timeline
  • 2026-09-15 Listed $214,000 REALCOMP
  • 2026-09-15 Listed $214,000 MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 2026-09-09 Listing Removed REALCOMP
  • 2026-09-09 Listing Removed MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 2026-08-06 Relisted REALCOMP
  • 2026-08-06 Relisted MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 2026-05-20 Price Changed $219,997 MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 2026-05-20 Price Changed $219,997 REALCOMP
  • 2026-05-15 Contingent REALCOMP
  • 2026-05-15 Contingent MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 2026-04-14 Price Changed $224,900 MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 2026-04-14 Price Changed $224,900 REALCOMP
  • 2026-03-16 Listed $239,900 REALCOMP
  • 2026-03-16 Listed $239,900 MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 1994-05-31 Listing Removed MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 1994-05-27 Sold (MLS) $90,000 MiRealSource-MiMLS
  • 1993-11-29 Listed $92,500 MiRealSource-MiMLS

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

Loading sold comps…