673 Santa Fe St · Brownsville, TX 78521

$95,000

3 bd · 2.0 ba · 896 sqft · SingleFamily public records · 112 Days on market

Built 1980 Fair condition 0.29 ac lot $106/sqft · 29% below area Est $134k · 29% under ↓ 9% since listing

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Why this score? — see what drove the B 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 +27.4/30.0
• ARV discount +15.0/15.0
• DSCR +9.6/10.0
• 1% rule +8.4/10.0
• Rent growth +4.5/5.0
• Livability +4.0/5.0
• Schools +2.8/10.0
• Condition / age +2.2/5.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

673 Santa Fe St, Brownsville, TX 78521, Great investment opportunity in Brownsville! Located at 673 Santa Fe St, this 896 sq ft The home features a practical layout and manageable size, making it an attractive low-maintenance property. Conveniently located **near an elementary school**, as well as local shopping, restaurants, and major roads, the property offers easy access to everyday amenities. Its location and size make it appealing for both tenants and buyers seeking a cozy home. Whether you're looking to **expand your investment portfolio** or purchase a **small home in an established neighborhood**, this property offers great potential.

Key facts

• Easy access
• Tenant occupied
• Local shopping

Tags

• INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
• TENANT OCCUPIED
• NEAR AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• EASY ACCESS

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 3-bed/2.0-bath single-family listed at $95k. Condition is rated fair.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $278 ($3k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($1k rent vs $95k).
• Recommended offer: $86k (9.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 9.8% vs local median 5.1% in Brownsville — 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 79/100 on livability (#62 in TX, #2,311 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: commute A+, cost of living A+, housing A+; Watch: amenities D, crime D-, employment F.
• Brownsville ISD (urban): math 20% / reading 34% proficiency, ranked #710 of 826 in TX (top 86%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 83% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Zoned schools: Garza El (math 32% / reading 32%, grade F, #2,268 of 4,322 statewide, top 55%, 238 students, 99% FRL); Besteiro Middle (math 14% / reading 28%, grade F, #1,387 of 1,662 statewide, top 85%, 575 students, 98% FRL); Lopez Early College H S (math 20% / reading 39%, grade F, #1,112 of 1,632 statewide, top 70%, 1,831 students, 95% FRL).
• Market conditions: Rents rising fast (+8.2%/yr); 555 active listings in the ZIP; 12 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals lingering (median 139d on market — plan ~5-8 weeks vacancy on turnover, expect pricing pressure); 75% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; lower-income renter base — watch delinquency; 2,326 units permitted in Cameron County in 2024 (503 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent runs 34% of the median local income ($45k/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 $657 of loan paydown is wiped out by about $3k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Cameron County population projected at +3% by 2050 — modest demand growth; plan on rents tracking national, not racing it.
• At projected returns (-3.0% appreciation + 8.0% rent growth), your $27k cash investment doubles in ~7 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 112 days — a 9% lower offer ($86k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.

Risks & watch-outs

• Climate carrying-cost: severe wind risk, 99% chance of damaging wind over 30y; major wildfire risk; extreme-heat days projected 7→26/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $86,450 (9.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 112 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 9% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
2. Have any recent inspections been done? Can we get a copy of the seller's disclosures and any deferred-maintenance estimates?
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. Crime grade is D 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?
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: 1.34% ✓
• Cap rate: 9.80%
• Cash-on-cash: 12.53%
• DSCR: 1.56
• GRM: 6.2

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $134,000
• List price: $95,000
• Delta: -29.10%
• Verdict: UNDERPRICED
• Comps: 3 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 8 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
1834 Victoria Dr	0.89mi	3/1.0	926 (+3%)	1mo	$134,000	$145	55
6274 Monte Bonito Dr	2.08mi	3/1.0	925 (+3%)	9mo	$160,000	$173	48
3013 Alameda Dr	0.98mi	3/1.0	888 (-1%)	16mo	$90,000	$101	46
155 Sunrise Ln	1.81mi	3/2.0	1,162 (+30%)	3mo	$180,000	$155	37
6674 Monte Bello Cir	2.06mi	4/3.0 (+1)	1,157 (+29%)	2mo	$128,000	$111	29
1949 La Posada Dr	0.93mi	3/1.0	999 (+12%)	45mo	$129,000	$129	22
4518 Del Dr	0.84mi	2/1.0 (-1)	813 (-9%)	26mo	$129,900	$160	21
4508 Palma Blanca Dr	0.98mi	3/2.0	1,121 (+25%)	39mo	$180,000	$161	20

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 · 8.0% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: 8.2%
• Equity multiple: 1.34×
• Total profit: $9,065
• Equity at exit: $14,165

10-year hold

• IRR: 21.6%
• Equity multiple: 3.31×
• Total profit: $61,437
• Equity at exit: $8,214

Cash invested: $26,600 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (STATE): 87 Strongly Landlord-Friendly
• State Texas: 87 Strongly Landlord-Friendly · R+5
• County: — inherits STATE
• City: — inherits STATE

3-day notice; statewide preemption; one of the fastest eviction climates; Travis County (Austin) slightly slower.

Methodology + full state rankings →

Buyer's market Market conditions within 1.0 mi — comparable homes for sale

Active competition Active MLS

• For sale now: 12 active · 4 under contract
• Months of supply: 72.0 mo (1%/mo absorbed)
• Median asking: $142,500 ($168/sqft)
• Median days on market: 28 d
• This list price: lowest-priced of the active set
• ARV vs active asking: -10.9% vs current asking $/sqft

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

ZIP-level market 78521

• Home prices YoY: -26.0%
• Rents YoY: 8.2%
• Active inventory: 555
• Price-to-rent: 6.2×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,269 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$498
• Tax from tax record: −$187 /mo · $2,239/yr
• Insurance: −$40
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$266
• Net cashflow: $278

Break-even live

Break-even rent $917

Max offer price $95,000

Occupancy floor 73%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $332	-5% $305	+0% $278	+5% $251	+10% $224
Rent	-10% $178	-5% $228	+0% $278	+5% $328	+10% $378
Rate	-1.0pp $326	-0.5pp $302	base $278	+0.5pp $253	+1.0pp $228

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: $23,750
• Closing costs: $2,850
• Club membership (one-time): —
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 12 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
4995 Alexa Rd Unit B Brownsville, TX	3.0	2.0	1063	$1,750	$1.65	139d	1	0.69mi
2954 Impala Dr Brownsville, TX	2.0	2.0	800	$1,200	$1.50	139d	1	0.81mi
1919 Taxco Dr Brownsville, TX	3.0	1.0	1024	$1,300	$1.27	116d	1	0.98mi
5824 Southmost Rd Unit 116 122 125 137 Brownsville, TX	3.0	1.5	1100	$995	$0.90	6d	1	1.02mi
224 Morningside Rd Unit 3 Brownsville, TX	2.0	1.0	640	$1,200	$1.88	109d	1	1.04mi
1898 Morningside Rd Unit 4 Brownsville, TX	2.0	1.0	756	$800	$1.06	139d	1	1.04mi
2150 Minnesota Ave Brownsville, TX	1.0–2.0	1.0	782	$990	$1.27	139d	1	1.15mi
2150 Minnesota Ave Brownsville, TX	1.0–2.0	1.0	861	$990	$1.15	6d	1	1.15mi
824 S Central Ave Brownsville, TX	2.0	1.0	640	$1,200	$1.88	139d	1	1.29mi
1010 Apollo Ave Apt 17 Brownsville, TX	2.0	1.0	800	$875	$1.09	6d	1	1.38mi
1010 Apollo Ave Unit 13 Brownsville, TX	2.0	1.0	800	$795	$0.99	139d	1	1.38mi
508 Truman Dr Unit B Brownsville, TX	3.0	1.0	960	$975	$1.02	139d	1	1.42mi

Listing history 48 events

1. 2026-09-23
   days on market $95,000 Active 112 DOM
2. 2026-09-22
   days on market $95,000 Active 111 DOM
3. 2026-09-21
   days on market $95,000 Active 110 DOM
4. 2026-09-20
   days on market $95,000 Active 109 DOM
5. 2026-09-19
   days on market $95,000 Active 108 DOM
6. 2026-09-18
   days on market $95,000 Active 107 DOM
7. 2026-09-17
   days on market $95,000 Active 106 DOM
8. 2026-09-16
   days on market $95,000 Active 105 DOM
9. 2026-09-15
   days on market $95,000 Active 104 DOM
10. 2026-09-14
    days on market $95,000 Active 103 DOM
11. 2026-09-13
    days on market $95,000 Active 102 DOM
12. 2026-09-12
    days on market $95,000 Active 101 DOM
13. 2026-09-11
    days on market $95,000 Active 100 DOM
14. 2026-09-05
    days on market $95,000 Active 94 DOM
15. 2026-09-04
    days on market $95,000 Active 93 DOM
16. 2026-09-03
    pricedays on market $95,000 Active 92 DOM
17. 2026-08-31
    days on market $99,999 Active 89 DOM
18. 2026-08-30
    days on market $99,999 Active 88 DOM
19. 2026-08-29
    days on market $99,999 Active 87 DOM
20. 2026-08-28
    days on market $99,999 Active 86 DOM
21. 2026-08-27
    days on market $99,999 Active 85 DOM
22. 2026-08-26
    days on market $99,999 Active 84 DOM
23. 2026-08-25
    days on market $99,999 Active 83 DOM
24. 2026-08-24
    days on market $99,999 Active 82 DOM
25. 2026-08-23
    days on market $99,999 Active 81 DOM
26. 2026-08-22
    days on market $99,999 Active 80 DOM
27. 2026-08-21
    days on market $99,999 Active 79 DOM
28. 2026-08-20
    days on market $99,999 Active 78 DOM
29. 2026-08-19
    days on market $99,999 Active 77 DOM
30. 2026-08-18
    days on market $99,999 Active 76 DOM
31. 2026-08-17
    days on market $99,999 Active 75 DOM
32. 2026-08-16
    days on market $99,999 Active 74 DOM
33. 2026-08-15
    days on market $99,999 Active 73 DOM
34. 2026-08-15
    days on market $99,999 Active 72 DOM
35. 2026-08-13
    days on market $99,999 Active 71 DOM
36. 2026-08-12
    days on market $99,999 Active 70 DOM
37. 2026-08-11
    days on market $99,999 Active 69 DOM
38. 2026-08-10
    days on market $99,999 Active 68 DOM
39. 2026-08-09
    days on market $99,999 Active 67 DOM
40. 2026-08-08
    days on market $99,999 Active 66 DOM
41. 2026-08-07
    days on market $99,999 Active 65 DOM
42. 2026-08-06
    status $99,999 Active 64 DOM
43. 2026-05-14
    status Pending 660-char remark

    Show marketing remark (660 chars)

    673 Santa Fe St, Brownsville, TX 78521, Great investment opportunity in Brownsville! Located at 673 Santa Fe St, this 896 sq ft The home features a practical layout and manageable size, making it an attractive low-maintenance property. Conveniently located **near an elementary school**, as well as local shopping, restaurants, and major roads, the property offers easy access to everyday amenities. Its location and size make it appealing for both tenants and buyers seeking a cozy home. Whether you're looking to **expand your investment portfolio** or purchase a **small home in an established neighborhood**, this property offers great potential.

44. 2026-05-09
    price $99,999 660-char remark

    Show marketing remark (660 chars)

    673 Santa Fe St, Brownsville, TX 78521, Great investment opportunity in Brownsville! Located at 673 Santa Fe St, this 896 sq ft The home features a practical layout and manageable size, making it an attractive low-maintenance property. Conveniently located **near an elementary school**, as well as local shopping, restaurants, and major roads, the property offers easy access to everyday amenities. Its location and size make it appealing for both tenants and buyers seeking a cozy home. Whether you're looking to **expand your investment portfolio** or purchase a **small home in an established neighborhood**, this property offers great potential.

45. 2026-04-25
    price $100,000 660-char remark

    Show marketing remark (660 chars)

    673 Santa Fe St, Brownsville, TX 78521, Great investment opportunity in Brownsville! Located at 673 Santa Fe St, this 896 sq ft The home features a practical layout and manageable size, making it an attractive low-maintenance property. Conveniently located **near an elementary school**, as well as local shopping, restaurants, and major roads, the property offers easy access to everyday amenities. Its location and size make it appealing for both tenants and buyers seeking a cozy home. Whether you're looking to **expand your investment portfolio** or purchase a **small home in an established neighborhood**, this property offers great potential.

46. 2026-03-11
    listed $110,000 Active 660-char remark

    Show marketing remark (660 chars)

    673 Santa Fe St, Brownsville, TX 78521, Great investment opportunity in Brownsville! Located at 673 Santa Fe St, this 896 sq ft The home features a practical layout and manageable size, making it an attractive low-maintenance property. Conveniently located **near an elementary school**, as well as local shopping, restaurants, and major roads, the property offers easy access to everyday amenities. Its location and size make it appealing for both tenants and buyers seeking a cozy home. Whether you're looking to **expand your investment portfolio** or purchase a **small home in an established neighborhood**, this property offers great potential.

47. 2018-08-03
    soldstatus
48. 2010-06-10
    soldstatus

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

Tax reassessment forecast TX · Resets to sale price

• Current annual tax: $2,239 · $187/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $2,239 · $187/mo
• Expected delta: $0/yr ($0/mo · 0.0%)

ⓘ Screening estimate from a state-policy table — verify with the county assessor before closing.

Climate risk First Street

• 🌊 Flood 4/10 Moderate FEMA zone X (unshaded) · 22% chance over 30 yrs
• 🔥 Wildfire 6/10 Major
• 🌡 Heat 9/10 Extreme 7 d/yr ≥111°F today · 26 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 9/10 Extreme 99% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 2 unhealthy d/yr today · 3 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $15,222
• − Mortgage interest: −$5,321
• − Property taxes: −$2,239
• − Insurance: −$475
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$1,218
• − Management: −$1,218
• − Depreciation: −$2,764
• Taxable income: $1,988
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$477
• After-tax cash flow: $2,857/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 · 3 photos

Fair 45/100 Moderate rehab Est. rehab $22,400–$40,320 screening

This single-family home in Brownsville, TX, presents as a moderate rehab opportunity with average condition. It offers a good investment opportunity with potential for both resale and rental value through updates in paint, landscaping, and interior spaces.

Components & finishes AI

Flooring tile

Deferred maintenance Est. $50,000–$150,000 screening

• Major Roof (roof) — The roof appears to be missing or damaged, indicating a major issue that needs immediate attention.
• Major Windows (windows) — The windows are old and appear to be in poor condition, suggesting a need for replacement.
• Major Electrical (electrical) — The electrical panel is not visible, and the house appears to be in a state of disrepair, indicating potential electrical issues.
• Major Plumbing (plumbing) — The house is in a state of disrepair, and the plumbing system may be outdated or in need of repair.
• Major Exterior (exterior) — The exterior of the house is in poor condition, with visible damage and lack of maintenance.

Repairs flagged

• Minor Exterior paint — Some discoloration visible.
• Moderate Roof inspection — No visible damage but may need inspection.
• Minor Landscaping — Overgrown areas need trimming and mulching.

Value-add opportunities

• Both Painting and updating exterior — Fresh paint enhances curb appeal and value. ↑
• Both Landscaping and curb appeal improvements — Aesthetic improvements can attract more tenants and buyers. ↑
• Both Kitchen and bathroom updates — Modernizing these spaces can significantly increase both resale and rental value. ↑
• Both HVAC maintenance or upgrade — A functional HVAC system is crucial for both comfort and energy efficiency, impacting both resale and rental value. ↑
• Both Landscaping and curb appeal improvements — Aesthetic improvements can attract more tenants and buyers. ↑

ⓘ Rehab cost is a screening estimate — Moderate 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 28/100

Zoned Schools

Elementary Garza El F TX #2,268/4,322 Nat'l #24,950/41,679 Middle Besteiro Middle F TX #1,387/1,662 Nat'l #11,464/14,009 High Lopez Early College H S F TX #1,112/1,632 Nat'l #11,215/17,239

Schools (NCES district)

• District: Brownsville ISD
• NCES district ID: 4811680
• Math proficiency: 20% ▼ -36.00%
• Reading proficiency: 34% ▼ -13.00%
• Median HH income: $30,490
• Composite: 21.8/100
• National rank: #8249
• State rank: #710 of 826 in TX

B Composite livability gradescore 79/100

Livability — Brownsville

• Score: 79/100
• State rank: #62
• US rank: #2311

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Brownsville, TX
• County: Cameron County · 441,603 people
• City population: 212,132
• Metro: Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
• Population (ZIP): 87,380
• Household income: $44,509
• Rent vs Own: 39.7% rent · 60.3% own
• Severe rent burden: 9% of renters

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Population outlook (Cameron County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 441,603 people
• By 2030: 448,113 · +1.5%
• By 2040: 456,385 · +3.3%
• By 2050: 456,294 · +3.3%
• By 2075: 423,851 · -4.0%
• By 2100: 342,787 · -22.4%

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Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly Hispanic (97%)
• Race & ethnicity: Hispanic / Latino 97% Two or more races 45% White 3%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 91%
• Foreign-born: 30% · Canada
• Languages at home: 12% English-only · Spanish 88%

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Political lean MEDSL · Cameron

• 2024 margin: Lean R (+5.8) · D 46.7% · R 52.5%
• 2008→2024 swing: -34.6pp toward R · 2008: 28.8pp · 2024: -5.8pp
• All cycles: 2024: R+5.8 2020: D+13.2 2016: D+32.5 2012: D+32.4 2008: D+28.8

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -81.45%
• Current HPI: 232.1072
• Rent YoY: ▲ 8.19%
• Metro: Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 3.95%
• F500 in state: 110

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Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in TX)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Energy	16	$1,198B
▸Technology	5	$198B
▸Engineering / Construction	4	$72B
▸Energy Services	3	$60B
▸Utilities	3	$41B
▸Healthcare	2	$330B

Price history

-9.1% since first listed

6 events — show timeline

• 2026-05-14 Pending — MCALLENMLS
• 2026-05-09 Price Changed $99,999 MCALLENMLS
• 2026-04-25 Price Changed $100,000 MCALLENMLS
• 2026-03-11 Listed $110,000 MCALLENMLS
• 2018-08-03 Sold (Public Records) — Public Records
• 2010-06-10 Sold (Public Records) — Public Records

Property tax history

+10.5%/yr

Latest (2025): $2,239 · +4.7% YoY. Source: county tax records.