124 Sharon Ave · Battle Creek, MI 49017

$14,000

2 bd · 1.0 ba · 704 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 13 Days on market

Built 1920 4,356 sqft lot $20/sqft · 88% below area

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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).

• Cash flow +15.0/30.0
• ARV discount +7.5/15.0
• 1% rule +5.0/10.0
• DSCR +5.0/10.0
• Livability +3.7/5.0
• Rent growth +2.5/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Schools +1.1/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

Key facts

• 4,356 sq ft lot
• Built 1920
• Listed 13 days

Property features AI

Exterior

• Utilities: Natural gas available; Electricity available; Public water
• Home design: Single-family residence; Residential property; Built in 1920
• Construction: Vinyl siding
• Exterior features: Sidewalk

Interior

• Bathrooms: 1 full bathroom
• Interior features: 6 total rooms; Full basement (Michigan-style)

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2-bed/1.0-bath single-family listed at $14k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $723 ($9k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($1k rent vs $14k).
• Cap rate 68.3% vs local median 5.2% in Battle Creek — 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 73/100 on livability (#198 in MI) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: cost of living A+, housing A+, health & safety A+; Watch: schools C-, amenities C-, crime F.
• Battle Creek Public Schools (urban): math 8% / reading 19% proficiency, ranked #510 of 540 in MI (top 94%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 75% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: 148 active listings in the ZIP; 2 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; 132 units permitted in Calhoun County in 2024 (0 in 5+ unit buildings).

Forward outlook

• Local home prices are declining (-3.0%/yr); year-one equity from $97 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $420 of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Calhoun County population projected at -16% by 2050 — secular population decline; favor cash flow + early exit over multi-decade hold.
• At projected returns (-3.0% appreciation + 3.0% rent growth), your $4k cash investment doubles in ~1 year — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• Only 13 days on market — expect competitive offers; lowballing is unlikely to land.
• 7 sale attempts since 18y 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.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1920 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.

Recommended offer $14,000

Questions for the listing agent

1. Built in 1920 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
2. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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: 7.41% ✓
• Cap rate: 68.26%
• Cash-on-cash: 221.33%
• DSCR: 10.85
• GRM: 1.1

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $120,834
• List price: $14,000
• Delta: -88.41%
• Verdict: UNDERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 4 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
433 Cornell Dr	0.25mi	2/1.0	720 (+2%)	9mo	$139,900	$194	78
239 Sharon Ave	0.33mi	2/1.0	660 (-6%)	13mo	$123,000	$186	63
145 Van Armon Ave	0.24mi	1/1.0 (-1)	808 (+15%)	5mo	$123,000	$152	55
120 Radley St	0.60mi	2/1.0	750 (+6%)	12mo	$100,000	$133	50

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: —
• Equity multiple: 12.17×
• Total profit: $43,795
• Equity at exit: $2,087

10-year hold

• IRR: —
• Equity multiple: 25.87×
• Total profit: $97,494
• Equity at exit: $1,210

Cash invested: $3,920 (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.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 49017

• Home prices YoY: -32.2%
• Active inventory: 148
• Price-to-rent: 1.1×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,038 medium
• Mortgage (P&I): −$73
• Tax est. 1.5%: −$18 /mo · $210/yr
• Insurance: −$6
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$218
• Net cashflow: $723

Break-even live

Break-even rent $122

Max offer price $14,000

Occupancy floor 25%

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: $3,500
• Closing costs: $420
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 2 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
775 Wagner Dr Battle Creek, MI	1.0–2.0	1.0	772	$1,085	$1.40	43d	6	0.52mi
595 Wagner Dr Unit 22 Battle Creek, MI	1.0	1.0	750	$1,050	$1.40	43d	1	0.74mi

Listing history 14 events

1. 2026-05-18
   status Pending 983-char remark

   Show marketing remark (983 chars)

   Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

2. 2026-05-18
   status Pending 983-char remark

   Show marketing remark (983 chars)

   Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

3. 2026-05-18
   status Pending

   Show marketing remark (983 chars)

   Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

4. 2026-05-05
   listed $14,000 Active 983-char remark

   Show marketing remark (983 chars)

   Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

5. 2026-05-05
   listed $14,000 Active 983-char remark

   Show marketing remark (983 chars)

   Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

6. 2026-05-05
   listed $14,000 Active

   Show marketing remark (983 chars)

   Ever wanted to design a home from the ground up--without the inconvenience of existing walls or working electricity? This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is ready for a fresh start. Currently stripped to the studs, it offers a true blank slate for buyers with vision, creativity, and the resources to bring it back to life. Available through the Calhoun County Land Bank's Transform This Home (TTH) Program, this property is open to both owner-occupants (priority given) and investors committed to restoring it into a livable residence. Applicants must submit a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and proof of funds demonstrating the ability to complete the project and achieve occupancy within 12 months. Please note that additional city inspections will be required throughout the process. Offers are reviewed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All submissions must include Proof of Funds and a Preliminary Questionnaire. A completed TTH packet is due within 14 days of acceptance.

7. 2014-09-25
   historical
8. 2009-02-02
   historical
9. 2009-02-02
   historical
10. 2009-01-14
    listed $8,000
11. 2009-01-14
    listed $8,000
12. 2009-01-08
    historical
13. 2008-10-10
    listed $10,000
14. 2008-10-10
    listed $10,000

ⓘ 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 3/10 Moderate 7 d/yr ≥97°F today · 16 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 2/10 Low
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 2 unhealthy d/yr today · 3 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $12,452
• − Mortgage interest: −$784
• − Property taxes: −$210
• − Insurance: −$70
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$996
• − Management: −$996
• − Depreciation: −$407
• Taxable income: $8,988
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$2,157
• After-tax cash flow: $6,519/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: Battle Creek Public Schools
• NCES district ID: 2600005
• Math proficiency: 8% ▼ -2.00%
• Reading proficiency: 19% ▬ 0.00%
• Median HH income: $31,697
• Composite: 10.73/100
• National rank: #9769
• State rank: #510 of 540 in MI

Livability — Battle Creek

• Score: 73/100
• State rank: #198
• US rank: #5031

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• County: Calhoun County · 91,590 people
• City population: 91,590
• Metro: Battle Creek, MI
• Population (ZIP): 21,295
• Household income: $60,885
• Rent vs Own: 25.3% rent · 74.7% own
• Severe rent burden: 697.0

Population outlook (Calhoun County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 130,157 people
• By 2030: 126,691 · -2.7%
• By 2040: 118,517 · -8.9%
• By 2050: 109,855 · -15.6%
• By 2075: 90,486 · -30.5%
• By 2100: 70,766 · -45.6%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly White (78%)
• Race & ethnicity: White 78% Black 9% Two or more races 8% Hispanic / Latino 6%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 4%
• Common ancestry: Slovak 3% Iranian 3% Romanian 2%
• Foreign-born: 3% · Canada, Philippines
• Languages at home: 95% English-only · Spanish 2% Other Asian/Pacific 1% Arabic 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Calhoun

• 2024 margin: R (+14.1) · D 42.3% · R 56.4% · Other 1.3%
• 2008→2024 swing: -23.4pp toward R · 2008: 9.4pp · 2024: -14.1pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+14.1 2020: R+11.1 2016: R+12.5 2012: D+1.6 2008: D+9.4

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -115.68%
• Current HPI: 243.5008
• Rent YoY: —
• Metro: Battle Creek, MI
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 1.37%
• F500 in state: 28

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in MI)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Automotive Parts	3	$48B
▸Automotive	2	$372B
▸Chemicals	1	$45B
▸Automotive Retail	1	$29B
▸Healthcare / Medical Devices	1	$23B
▸Automotive Technology	1	$20B

Price history

+40.0% since first listed

14 events — show timeline

• 2026-05-18 Pending — REALCOMP
• 2026-05-18 Pending — MiRealSource-MiMLS
• 2026-05-18 Pending — SW Michigan MLS
• 2026-05-05 Listed $14,000 SW Michigan MLS
• 2026-05-05 Listed $14,000 MiRealSource-MiMLS
• 2026-05-05 Listed $14,000 REALCOMP
• 2014-09-25 Listing Removed — SW Michigan MLS
• 2009-02-02 Listing Removed — SW Michigan MLS
• 2009-02-02 Listing Removed — REALCOMP
• 2009-01-14 Listed $8,000 SW Michigan MLS
• 2009-01-14 Listed $8,000 REALCOMP
• 2009-01-08 Listing Removed — REALCOMP
• 2008-10-10 Listed $10,000 REALCOMP
• 2008-10-10 Listed $10,000 SW Michigan MLS

Property tax history

+23.1%/yr

Latest (2024): $809 · +209.9% YoY. Source: county tax records.