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1454 Aber Ave
D- Composite 37.52
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
  • Schools +5.7/10.0
  • Cash flow +5.3/30.0
  • Livability +4.3/5.0
  • Rent growth +3.7/5.0
  • Condition / age +2.5/5.0
  • 1% rule +0.9/10.0
  • DSCR +0.0/10.0
  • Appreciation +0.0/10.0

$204,900

1454 Aber Ave · Iowa City, IA 52246
3 bd · 2.0 ba · 864 sqft · Condo public records · 74 Days on market
Built 1986 $237/sqft · 7% above area Est $312k · 34% under

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

Listing remarks MLS

This 3 bed 2 bath zero-lot in Iowa City has functionality and location. Close enough to I-380 for easy commuting and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Inside is 1300+ sq ft of living space with an open floor plan between the kitchen, great room, and dining room with a small deck out back. 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the main level with a rec room, 1 bedroom, and bathroom in the lower level. Great opportunity for a personal residence or an investment! * * * The property is legally a condominium but functions as a 2-unit divided property similar to a zero-lot. See attached condo docs. * * *

Key facts

  • Easy commuting
  • Open floor plan
  • Small deck

Tags

EASY COMMUTINGRESTAURANTS AND SHOPS NEARBYOPEN FLOOR PLANSMALL DECKREC ROOM

Neighborhood map

Property Rental comp Retail Transit Schools Stadiums Fortune 500 · Circle radius: 3.0 mi
Loading POIs…

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

  • This is a 3-bed/2.0-bath condo listed at $205k.

Deal economics

  • At list price, monthly cash flow is $-455 ($-5k/yr) — negative.
  • To cash-flow at today's rent, offer at most $125k (39.2% below list).
  • To meet the 1% rule (rent ≥ 1% of price), the offer needs to be $122k (40.5% below list).
  • Recommended offer: $122k (40.5% below list) — sets the bar for 1% rule.
  • Cap rate 3.6% vs local median 2.7% in Iowa City — 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 86/100 on livability (#13 in IA, #450 nationally) — a professional / high-income tenant draw. Strengths: amenities A+, commute A+, cost of living A+.
  • Iowa City Community School District (urban): math 65% / reading 70% proficiency, ranked #174 of 289 in IA (top 60%) — acceptable for families but not a draw, mixed tenant base, ~2y average lease.
  • Market conditions: Rents rising fast (+4.9%/yr); 207 active listings in the ZIP; 14 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 45d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 57% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 714 units permitted in Johnson County in 2024 (158 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.
  • Johnson County population projected at +60% by 2050 — long-run rental-demand tailwind backs the buy-and-hold thesis.

Negotiation context

  • It's been on market 74 days — a 6% lower offer ($193k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
  • 4 sale attempts since 9y 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 $150k; 37% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.
Recommended offer $121,883 (40.5% 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 74 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 41% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
  3. Any open or pending special assessments — roof, HVAC, plumbing, elevator, façade? What's the per-unit balance and payoff schedule, and is the seller paying it off at close or rolling it to the buyer?
  4. Why hasn't it sold? Are there any deal-killer items the seller is aware of (foundation, flood, title, zoning, code violations)?
  5. Is there a deadline driving the sale (1031 exchange, divorce, estate, relocation)? That informs how much negotiation room exists.
  6. Schools are A-rated — typically a magnet for longer-tenancy family renters. What's the average tenant stay here, and is there a school-zone premium baked into asking?
  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 apartment / multifamily construction is in the pipeline within 1–3 miles? Heavy new supply (>2% of stock underway) typically softens rents 12–24 months out; light construction supports rent growth.

Investment metrics

1% rule
0.59%
Cap rate
3.63%
Cash-on-cash
-9.51%
DSCR
0.58
GRM
14.0

CMA / ARV

ARV (median comp)
$312,354
List price
$204,900
Delta
-34.40%
Verdict
UNDERPRICED
Comps
20 within 1.0 mi

Projected returns pro-forma

-3.0% appreciation · 4.94% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold
IRR
-31.2%
Equity multiple
-0.04×
Total profit
$-59,706
Equity at exit
$30,551
10-year hold
IRR
-26.6%
Equity multiple
-0.37×
Total profit
$-78,834
Equity at exit
$17,716

Cash invested: $57,372 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

Overall (STATE)
83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
State Iowa
83 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+6
County
— inherits STATE
City
— inherits STATE
3-day pay-or-quit; mostly landlord-friendly statewide.

ZIP-level market 52246

Rents YoY
4.9%
Active inventory
207
Price-to-rent
14.0×

Monthly cashflow live

Estimated rent
$1,219 high interval (Pro) →
Mortgage (P&I)
$1,075
Tax from tax record
$258 /mo · $3,090/yr
Insurance
$85
HOA
$0
Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt
$256
Net cashflow
$-455

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,794
Max offer price $124,609
Occupancy floor

Sensitivity live

Price -10% $-339 -5% $-397 +0% $-455 +5% $-513 +10% $-570
Rent -10% $-551 -5% $-503 +0% $-455 +5% $-406 +10% $-358
Rate -1.0pp $-351 -0.5pp $-402 base $-455 +0.5pp $-508 +1.0pp $-562

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
$51,225
Closing costs
$6,147
Reserves months
Total cash needed

Loan-product check · same deal, 3 products live

Conventional

25% down · 7.5% · 30yr

Down + closing
Monthly P&I
Monthly cashflow
DSCR
Eligible?

Personal DTI + credit; lowest rate.

DSCR

20% down · 8.5% · 30yr

Down + closing
Monthly P&I
Monthly cashflow
DSCR
Eligible?

No personal income docs; deal must DSCR.

Hard money

10% down · 12.0% · 12mo

Down + closing
Monthly P&I
Monthly cashflow
DSCR
Eligible?

Short-term bridge; refi at stabilization.

Rent comps 14 comps

AddressBedsBaths SqftRent$/sqft DOM Units Dist
1447 Aber Ave Apt 4 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 825 $900 $1.09 22d 1 0.01mi
740 1/2 Sunset St Unit 740 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 768 $1,050 $1.37 44d 1 0.56mi
920 Benton Dr Unit 908-13 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 767 $845 $1.10 44d 1 0.63mi
300 Grandview Ct #313 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 628 $1,300 $2.07 22d 1 0.71mi
1014 Oakcrest St Unit 2 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 900 $1,050 $1.17 44d 1 0.73mi
700 Carriage Hl Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 750 $1,150 $1.53 14d 1 0.83mi
707 Oakcrest St Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 750 $1,125 $1.50 44d 1 0.95mi
727 Michael St Unit 731-1 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 795 $875 $1.10 44d 1 0.97mi
205 Woodside Dr Iowa City, IA 2.0 2.0 1100 $1,800 $1.64 44d 1 0.98mi
1165 S Riverside Dr Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 500 $1,375 $2.75 14d 6 1.06mi
740 Westwinds Dr #6 Iowa City, IA 2.0 1.0 900 $1,125 $1.25 44d 1 1.07mi
302 Finkbine Ln Iowa City, IA 1.0–2.0 1.0 765 $955 $1.25 14d 3 1.07mi
629 S Riverside Dr Iowa City, IA 2.0–3.0 2.0 1010 $2,170 $2.15 44d 2 1.22mi
629 S Riverside Dr Iowa City, IA 2.0–3.0 2.0 1040 $2,170 $2.09 22d 1 1.22mi

HOA detail condo

Monthly dues
$0 · $0/yr
Assessments
None detected in remarks — confirm with the listing agent.

Listing history 23 events

  1. 2026-06-19
    days on market $204,900 Active 74 DOM
  2. 2026-06-18
    days on market $204,900 Active 73 DOM
  3. 2026-06-17
    days on market $204,900 Active 72 DOM
  4. 2026-06-16
    days on market $204,900 Active 71 DOM
  5. 2026-06-15
    days on market $204,900 Active 70 DOM
  6. 2026-06-14
    days on market $204,900 Active 68 DOM
  7. 2026-06-13
    days on market $204,900 Active 67 DOM
  8. 2026-06-10
    days on market $204,900 Active 65 DOM
  9. 2026-06-09
    days on market $204,900 Active 64 DOM
  10. 2026-06-08
    days on market $204,900 Active 63 DOM
  11. 2026-06-07
    days on market $204,900 Active 62 DOM
  12. 2026-06-05
    days on market $204,900 Active 59 DOM
  13. 2026-06-03
    days on market $204,900 Active 58 DOM
  14. 2026-06-02
    days on market $204,900 Active 57 DOM
  15. 2026-06-01
    days on market $204,900 Active 56 DOM
  16. 2026-05-31
    days on market $204,900 Active 55 DOM
  17. 2026-05-30
    days on market $204,900 Active 54 DOM
  18. 2026-04-06
    listed $204,900 Active 604-char remark
    Show marketing remark (603 chars)

    This 3 bed 2 bath zero-lot in Iowa City has functionality and location. Close enough to I-380 for easy commuting and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Inside is 1300+ sq ft of living space with an open floor plan between the kitchen, great room, and dining room with a small deck out back. 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the main level with a rec room, 1 bedroom, and bathroom in the lower level. Great opportunity for a personal residence or an investment! * * * The property is legally a condominium but functions as a 2-unit divided property similar to a zero-lot. See attached condo docs. * * *

  19. 2026-04-06
    listed $204,900 Active 603-char remark
    Show marketing remark (603 chars)

    This 3 bed 2 bath zero-lot in Iowa City has functionality and location. Close enough to I-380 for easy commuting and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Inside is 1300+ sq ft of living space with an open floor plan between the kitchen, great room, and dining room with a small deck out back. 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the main level with a rec room, 1 bedroom, and bathroom in the lower level. Great opportunity for a personal residence or an investment! * * * The property is legally a condominium but functions as a 2-unit divided property similar to a zero-lot. See attached condo docs. * * *

  20. 2017-12-27
    soldstatus $150,000
  21. 2017-12-27
    soldstatus $150,000
  22. 2017-11-28
    listed $150,000
  23. 2017-11-28
    listed $150,000

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

Tax reassessment forecast IA · Partial reset (capped growth)

Current annual tax
$3,090 · $258/mo
Projected year-2 tax
$3,153 · $263/mo
Expected delta
+$63/yr (+$5/mo · 2.1%)

ⓘ 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 3/10 Moderate 7 d/yr ≥106°F today · 16 d/yr by 30 yrs out
  • 💨 Wind 2/10 Low
  • 🫁 Air quality 2/10 Low 1 unhealthy d/yr today · 2 by 30 yrs out

Nearby sold comps map

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Walkable amenities ~0.75 mi

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Taxation est. · year 1

Rental income
$14,626
− Mortgage interest
−$11,478
− Property taxes
−$3,090
− Insurance
−$1,024
− Repairs & maintenance
−$1,170
− Management
−$1,170
− Depreciation
−$5,961
Taxable loss
−$9,267
combined federal + state — saved on this device
Est. tax savings @ 24.0%
+$2,224
After-tax cash flow
$-3,230/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
Iowa City Community School District
NCES district ID
1914700
Math proficiency
65% ▼ -6.00%
Reading proficiency
70% ▲ 2.00%
Median HH income
$50,229
Composite
57.3/100
National rank
#1088
State rank
#174 of 289 in IA

Livability — Iowa City

Score
86/100
State rank
#13
US rank
#450

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

Census place
Iowa City, IA
County
Johnson County · 132,710 people
City population
80,235
Metro
Iowa City, IA
Population (ZIP)
22,308
Household income
$62,521
Rent vs Own
54.8% rent · 45.2% own
Severe rent burden
1680.0

Population outlook (Johnson County) Hauer SSP2

Today (2025)
180,405 people
By 2030
200,014 · +10.9%
By 2040
241,428 · +33.8%
By 2050
288,144 · +59.7%
By 2075
420,009 · +132.8%
By 2100
546,596 · +203.0%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

Neighborhood character
Predominantly White (65%)
Race & ethnicity
White 65% Black 12% Asian 11% Hispanic / Latino 8% Two or more races 8%
Hispanic origin (detail)
Mexican 5%
Common ancestry
Portuguese 4% Swedish 3% Slovak 2%
Foreign-born
17% · China, Canada, South Korea
Languages at home
73% English-only · Spanish 6% Arabic 5% Chinese 4%

Political lean MEDSL · Johnson

2024 margin
Solid D (+38.1) · D 68.4% · R 30.3% · Other 1.3%
2008→2024 swing
-3.4pp toward R · 2008: 41.5pp · 2024: 38.1pp
All cycles
2024: D+38.1 2020: D+43.2 2016: D+38.3 2012: D+35.4 2008: D+41.5

Not yet ingested

Civics

Market trends

HPI YoY
▼ -151.08%
Current HPI
159.5713
Rent YoY
▲ 4.94%
Metro
Iowa City, IA
State GDP YoY
▲ 2.48%
F500 in state
4

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in IA)

Industry F500 HQs Revenue

Price history

+36.6% since first listed
6 events — show timeline
  • 2026-04-06 Listed $204,900 ICAARMLS
  • 2026-04-06 Listed $204,900 CRAAR, CDRMLS
  • 2017-12-27 Sold (MLS) $150,000 ICAARMLS
  • 2017-12-27 Sold (MLS) $150,000 CRAAR, CDRMLS
  • 2017-11-28 Listed $150,000 ICAARMLS
  • 2017-11-28 Listed $150,000 CRAAR, CDRMLS

Property tax history

+2.6%/yr

Latest (2025): $3,090 · +1.3% YoY. Source: county tax records.

Cash-flow waterfall

monthly

Sold comps — $/sqft

last 12 mo · ≤1 mi

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