6286 Willow Trace Dr · Bessemer, AL 35111

$344,900

5 bd · 3.0 ba · 2,511 sqft · SingleFamily · 43 Days on market

Built 2026 Good condition 7,100 sqft lot $137/sqft · 18% below area Est $419k · 18% under $42/mo HOA · 1% of rent

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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 +15.0/15.0
• Cash flow +10.2/30.0
• Condition / age +4.0/5.0
• 1% rule +3.2/10.0
• Livability +3.0/5.0
• DSCR +2.9/10.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Schools +0.8/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

Key facts

• Gourmet kitchen
• Large pantry
• Walk-in shower

Tags

• GOURMET KITCHEN
• OVERSIZED ISLAND
• LARGE PANTRY
• WALK-IN SHOWER
• PRIVATE BATHROOM
• DOUBLE VANITIES

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 5-bed/3.0-bath single-family listed at $345k. Condition is rated good.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $-198 ($-2k/yr) — negative.
• To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $316k (8.3% below list).
• To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $282k (18.2% below list).
• Recommended offer: $282k (18.2% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.

Location & tenants

• Location reads 59/100 on livability (#331 in AL) — a working-class tenant base; expect higher turnover. Strengths: commute A+, cost of living A+, housing A; Watch: crime F, amenities F, employment F.
• Bessemer City (suburban): math 3% / reading 19% proficiency, ranked #120 of 129 in AL (top 93%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 87% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Zoned schools: Bessemer City Middle School (math 3% / reading 23%, grade F, #215 of 257 statewide, top 84%, 674 students, 88% FRL); Bessemer City High School (math 2% / reading 8%, grade F, #276 of 305 statewide, top 95%, 850 students, 61% FRL).
• Market conditions: 353 active listings in the ZIP; 2 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; solid renter incomes; 2,114 units permitted in Jefferson County in 2024 (556 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent runs 39% of the median local income ($86k/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 $10k 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.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 43 days — a 3% lower offer ($335k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 2 sale attempts 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.

Recommended offer $281,970 (18.2% 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 43 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 18% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
3. What does the HOA fee cover, when was the last increase, and are there any pending special assessments or reserve-fund shortfalls?
4. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
5. Schools are D-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. 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: 0.82% ✗
• Cap rate: 5.60%
• Cash-on-cash: -2.46%
• DSCR: 0.89
• GRM: 10.2

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $418,535
• List price: $344,900
• Delta: -17.59%
• Verdict: UNDERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 2 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
6387 Cove Ln	0.28mi	4/3.5 (-1)	2,604 (+4%)	17mo	$344,000	$132	60
6424 Cheshire Cove Dr	0.75mi	4/2.5 (-1)	2,800 (+12%)	12mo	$309,000	$110	29

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 · 3.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: -20.4%
• Equity multiple: 0.29×
• Total profit: $-68,429
• Equity at exit: $51,426

10-year hold

• IRR: -13.4%
• Equity multiple: 0.22×
• Total profit: $-75,544
• Equity at exit: $29,821

Cash invested: $96,572 (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 35111

• Home prices YoY: -20.0%
• Active inventory: 353
• Price-to-rent: 10.2×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $2,820 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$1,809
• Tax est. 1.5%: −$431 /mo · $5,174/yr
• Insurance: −$144
• HOA: −$42
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$592
• Net cashflow: $-198

Break-even live

Break-even rent $3,070

Max offer price $316,254

Occupancy floor —

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $40	-5% $-79	+0% $-198	+5% $-317	+10% $-436
Rent	-10% $-421	-5% $-309	+0% $-198	+5% $-87	+10% $25
Rate	-1.0pp $-24	-0.5pp $-110	base $-198	+0.5pp $-287	+1.0pp $-378

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: $86,225
• Closing costs: $10,347
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 2 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
6062 Overlook Ln Bessemer, AL	4.0	2.5	2294	$2,605	$1.14	45d	1	1.01mi
6248 Letson Farms Dr Bessemer, AL	4.0	2.5	2300	$2,300	$1.00	12d	1	1.27mi

HOA detail

• Monthly dues: $42 · $504/yr

Listing history 7 events

1. 2026-05-11
   price $344,900 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

2. 2026-05-06
   price $348,950 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

3. 2026-04-28
   status Active 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

4. 2026-04-27
   price $342,900 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

5. 2026-04-06
   status Pending 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

6. 2026-03-25
   price $343,900 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

7. 2026-03-18
   listed $344,900 Active 886-char remark

   Show marketing remark (886 chars)

   Ask about our interest rates, paid closing cost and easily added options. The Hayden is a two-story plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in 2,511 square feet. The main level features a flex room adjacent to the foyer, ideal for a formal dining room or home office. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island for extra seating and a large pantry, and it opens to the dining area and a spacious living room. A bedroom with a full bathroom completes the main level. Bedroom One is on the second level and offers a walk-in shower, private bathroom, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-in laundry room, and a loft-style living room on the second level. Quality materials and workmanship throughout, with superior attention to detail, plus a one-year builders warranty. Your new home also includes our smart home technology package!

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

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $33,836
• − Mortgage interest: −$19,320
• − Property taxes: −$5,174
• − Insurance: −$1,724
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$2,707
• − Management: −$2,707
• − HOA: −$504
• − Depreciation: −$10,033
• Taxable loss: −$8,333
• Est. tax savings @ 24.0%: +$2,000
• After-tax cash flow: $-376/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 80/100 Cosmetic rehab

This two-story home is in excellent condition with no visible repairs needed. It offers a good return on investment with updates that can significantly enhance its resale and rental value.

Value-add opportunities

• Both Painting exterior and interior — Enhances curb appeal and interior aesthetics
• Both Landscaping improvements — Enhances curb appeal and adds value
• Both New flooring in high-traffic areas — Improves appearance and reduces maintenance
• Resale New kitchen appliances — Modernizes the kitchen and appeals to potential buyers
• Resale New bathroom fixtures — Modernizes bathrooms and appeals to potential buyers

Renovation cost estimate screening

Value-add ROI direction

• Both Painting exterior and interior — Enhances curb appeal and interior aesthetics ↑
• Both Landscaping improvements — Enhances curb appeal and adds value ↑
• Both New flooring in high-traffic areas — Improves appearance and reduces maintenance ↑
• Resale New kitchen appliances — Modernizes the kitchen and appeals to potential buyers ↑
• Resale New bathroom fixtures — Modernizes bathrooms and appeals to potential buyers ↑

ⓘ Cost ranges are severity-bucket heuristics (US national rule-of-thumb). Get contractor quotes + a written scope before underwriting a rehab budget.

Schools (NCES district)

• District: Bessemer City
• NCES district ID: 0100330
• Math proficiency: 3% ▼ -18.00%
• Reading proficiency: 19% ▼ -3.00%
• Median HH income: $29,721
• Composite: 8.45/100
• National rank: #9905
• State rank: #120 of 129 in AL

Livability — Bessemer

• Score: 59/100
• State rank: #331
• US rank: #20078

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Bessemer, AL
• County: Tuscaloosa County · 206,491 people
• City population: 48,018
• Metro: Tuscaloosa, AL
• Population (ZIP): 20,342
• Household income: $86,463
• Rent vs Own: 10.8% rent · 89.2% own
• Severe rent burden: 137.0

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 White (69%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 69% Black 24% Hispanic / Latino 3% Two or more races 3% Asian 1%
• Common ancestry: Lithuanian 4% Slovak 2% Italian 1%
• Foreign-born: 3% · Canada, China
• Languages at home: 93% 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: ▼ -51.52%
• Current HPI: 206.3808
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: Tuscaloosa, 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

+0.0% since first listed

7 events — show timeline

• 2026-05-11 Price Changed $344,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-05-06 Price Changed $348,950 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-04-28 Relisted — Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-04-27 Price Changed $342,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-04-06 Pending — Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-03-25 Price Changed $343,900 Greater Alabama MLS
• 2026-03-18 Listed $344,900 Greater Alabama MLS