29 N Bentalou St · Baltimore, MD 21223

$151,900

2 bd · 1.0 ba · 1,500 sqft · Townhouse · 174 Days on market

Built 1920 1,012 sqft lot $101/sqft · 125% above area

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Why this score? — see what drove the C 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 +25.5/30.0
• DSCR +8.5/10.0
• ARV discount +7.5/15.0
• 1% rule +6.0/10.0
• Rent growth +4.4/5.0
• Livability +3.8/5.0
• Condition / age +2.5/5.0
• Schools +1.0/10.0
• Appreciation +0.0/10.0

Listing remarks MLS

* * * * * INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY * * * * * PROPERTY INCLUDES RENTAL INCOME OF $1450/MONTH (TENANT OCCUPIED). This exquisite Federal-style townhouse in the heart of Penrose offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern living. The inviting interior features a thoughtfully designed combination kitchen and dining area, perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet meals at home. The rich brick exterior exudes timeless elegance, while the full basement provides ample space for storage or potential customization to suit your lifestyle. With its classic architecture and warm ambiance, this residence invites you to create lasting memories. Enjoy the convenience of on-street parking and the vibrant community surrounding you. This property is not just a home; it's a lifestyle choice that embodies comfort and sophistication. Embrace the opportunity to make this charming townhouse your own, where every corner reflects a sense of belonging and warmth. Experience the perfect balance of historic allure and modern convenience in this exceptional Penrose gem.

Key facts

• Rich brick exterior
• On-street parking
• Full basement

Tags

• RICH BRICK EXTERIOR
• FULL BASEMENT
• ON-STREET PARKING

What this means for you Summary

Snapshot

• This is a 2-bed/1.0-bath townhouse listed at $152k.

Deal economics

• At list price, monthly cash flow is $355 ($4k/yr) — positive.
• The deal already cash-flows at list — no discount required.
• Meets the 1% rule at list price ($2k rent vs $152k).
• Recommended offer: $134k (12.0% below list) — sets the bar for market timing.
• Cap rate 9.1% vs local median 6.0% in Baltimore — 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 76/100 on livability (#90 in MD, #3,396 nationally) — a middle-class / working-renter tenant base. Strengths: amenities A+, commute A+, housing A+; Watch: schools D, crime F.
• Baltimore City Public Schools (urban): math 7% / reading 16% proficiency, ranked #24 of 24 in MD (top 100%) — low school quality limits family demand, transient renter base, plan for 1-2y turnover; 79% free/reduced lunch — lower-income household profile, screen leases tightly.
• Market conditions: Rents rising fast (+7.5%/yr); 422 active listings in the ZIP; 40 comparable units currently listed for rent nearby; rentals at typical pace (median 25d on market — plan ~3-4 weeks tenant-placement turnaround); 42% of comp listings sitting > 30 days — soft ceiling on asking rent; 1,273 units permitted in Baltimore city in 2024 (1,104 in 5+ unit buildings).
• This rent runs 44% of the median local income ($46k/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 $1k of loan paydown is wiped out by about $5k of value loss. Plan a longer hold.
• Baltimore County population projected to shrink 4% by 2050 — rents likely to lag national; underwrite the cash flow, not the appreciation.
• At projected returns (-3.0% appreciation + 7.5% rent growth), your $43k cash investment doubles in ~8 years — after that, you're playing with house money.

Negotiation context

• It's been on market 174 days — a 12% lower offer ($134k) is reasonable based on typical stale-listing flexibility.
• 3 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 $115k; 32% above their basis — modest negotiation headroom, anchor on the comps not their cost.

Risks & watch-outs

• Watch-outs: built in 1920 — expect roof / HVAC / electrical / plumbing capex.
• Climate carrying-cost: major wind risk, 27% chance of damaging wind over 30y; extreme-heat days projected 7→15/yr by 2055 (HVAC capex compounding) — expect insurance premiums to compound above CPI over the hold.

Recommended offer $133,672 (12.0% below list)

Questions for the listing agent

1. It's been on market 174 days. Have you received any prior offers? Is the seller open to a 12% concession, seller financing, or rate buy-down credit?
2. Built in 1920 — when were the roof, HVAC, electrical panel, plumbing, and water heater last replaced?
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. 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. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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: 1.10% ✓
• Cap rate: 9.10%
• Cash-on-cash: 10.01%
• DSCR: 1.45
• GRM: 7.6

CMA / ARV

• ARV (median comp): $67,526
• List price: $151,900
• Delta: 124.95%
• Verdict: OVERPRICED
• Comps: 20 within 1.0 mi

Show comp detail 12 sales within ~0.75 mi

Address	Dist	Beds/Ba	Sqft	Sold	Price	$/sf	Match
2211 W Pratt St	0.28mi	3/1.0 (+1)	1,500 (0%)	2mo	$30,000	$20	80
2216 W Fayette St	0.06mi	3/1.5 (+1)	1,326 (-12%)	1mo	$77,000	$58	70
2416 W Franklin St	0.37mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,435 (-4%)	2mo	$67,000	$47	65
550 S Bentalou St	0.56mi	2/1.5	1,440 (-4%)	4mo	$104,000	$72	62
2218 W Saratoga St	0.22mi	3/1.5 (+1)	1,650 (+10%)	5mo	$232,677	$141	62
2516 W Fairmount Ave	0.23mi	3/1.0 (+1)	1,304 (-13%)	2mo	$30,000	$23	61
2404 W Lafayette Ave	0.70mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,476 (-2%)	2mo	$135,000	$91	54
1503 W Fairmount Ave	0.61mi	3/2.5 (+1)	1,542 (+3%)	4mo	$190,000	$123	53
2514 W Lafayette Ave	0.72mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,560 (+4%)	2mo	$232,000	$149	49
2680 Saint Benedict St	0.74mi	3/2.0 (+1)	1,445 (-4%)	2mo	$45,000	$31	48
605 S Smallwood St	0.60mi	2/1.0	1,666 (+11%)	6mo	$20,000	$12	48
308 S Stricker St	0.71mi	3/1.5 (+1)	1,680 (+12%)	1mo	$62,740	$37	39

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 · 7.51% rent growth · sell at horizon

5-year hold

• IRR: 3.4%
• Equity multiple: 1.14×
• Total profit: $5,896
• Equity at exit: $22,649

10-year hold

• IRR: 16.7%
• Equity multiple: 2.64×
• Total profit: $69,874
• Equity at exit: $13,134

Cash invested: $42,532 (down + closing). Projections, not guarantees.

Landlord ↔ Tenant lean methodology

• Overall (CITY): 12 Strongly Tenant-Friendly
• State Maryland: 27 Tenant-Leaning · D+14
• County: — inherits STATE
• City Baltimore: 12 Strongly Tenant-Friendly · D+58

Just-cause for tenancies > 1 yr.

Methodology + full state rankings →

ZIP-level market 21223

• Rents YoY: 7.5%
• Active inventory: 422
• Price-to-rent: 7.6×

Monthly cashflow live

• Estimated rent: $1,673 high
• Mortgage (P&I): −$797
• Tax from tax record: −$107 /mo · $1,279/yr
• Insurance: −$63
• HOA: −$0
• Vacancy / Maint / Mgmt: −$351
• Net cashflow: $355

Break-even live

Break-even rent $1,223

Max offer price $151,900

Occupancy floor 74%

Sensitivity live

Price	-10% $441	-5% $398	+0% $355	+5% $312	+10% $269
Rent	-10% $223	-5% $289	+0% $355	+5% $421	+10% $487
Rate	-1.0pp $431	-0.5pp $394	base $355	+0.5pp $316	+1.0pp $275

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: $37,975
• Closing costs: $4,557
• Reserves months: —
• Total cash needed: —

Rent comps 40 comps

Address	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Rent	$/sqft	DOM	Units	Dist
39 N Bentalou St Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.5	1844	$1,700	$0.92	3d	1	0.02mi
62 N Gorman Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1100	$2,500	$2.27	18d	1	0.05mi
2232 W Baltimore St Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.0	1250	$1,875	$1.50	24d	1	0.07mi
2225 W Baltimore St Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.5	1200	$1,600	$1.33	24d	1	0.09mi
2516 Hollins St Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1100	$1,700	$1.55	44d	1	0.26mi
2012 W Saratoga St Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.0	1300	$1,700	$1.31	24d	1	0.29mi
2537 Hollins St Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1200	$1,450	$1.21	24d	1	0.29mi
1912 W Baltimore St Unit 2 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.5	1200	$2,100	$1.75	24d	1	0.30mi
110 S Catherine St Unit 1 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1330	$1,500	$1.13	44d	1	0.31mi
1839 W Fayette St Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.5	1426	$1,675	$1.17	24d	1	0.35mi
307 S Smallwood St Baltimore, MD	2.0	2.5	1400	$1,350	$0.96	44d	1	0.37mi
1846 W Saratoga St Unit 1 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1250	$1,300	$1.04	44d	1	0.40mi
1814 Penrose Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.0	1624	$1,700	$1.05	18d	1	0.40mi
2540 Frederick Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.0	1075	$1,400	$1.30	24d	1	0.46mi
2609 Lauretta Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.0	1286	$1,675	$1.30	24d	1	0.49mi
476 S Bentalou St Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.5	1630	$1,300	$0.80	44d	1	0.51mi
1635 Frederick Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1224	$1,850	$1.51	44d	1	0.51mi
2636 Lauretta Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.5	1232	$1,900	$1.54	44d	1	0.53mi
1601 Frederick Ave Unit 3 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1050	$1,050	$1.00	5d	1	0.56mi
1518 1/2 W Lexington St Baltimore, MD	2.0	2.0	1650	$1,200	$0.73	5d	1	0.62mi
514 S Payson St Unit 2 Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1264	$1,750	$1.38	44d	1	0.62mi
1519 Penrose Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1200	$1,875	$1.56	44d	1	0.62mi
2657 Lehman St Unit 1 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1056	$1,000	$0.95	44d	1	0.68mi
918 N Bentalou St Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.5	1485	$1,750	$1.18	44d	1	0.70mi
1509 Edmondson Ave #1 Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1600	$2,275	$1.42	24d	1	0.74mi
813 N Fulton Ave Unit 1 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1200	$1,350	$1.12	44d	1	0.74mi
2671 Saint Benedict St Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1144	$1,325	$1.16	44d	1	0.75mi
1324 W Lombard St Unit 2 Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.5	1100	$1,450	$1.32	44d	1	0.77mi
1324 W Lombard St Unit 1 Baltimore, MD	2.0	2.0	1100	$1,500	$1.36	24d	1	0.77mi
1315 Hollins St Unit 2 Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1096	$1,860	$1.70	5d	1	0.78mi
1315 Hollins St Unit 2 Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1096	$1,950	$1.78	13d	1	0.78mi
2922 Edmondson Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1620	$1,900	$1.17	44d	1	0.78mi
10 S Carey St Baltimore, MD	2.0	1.0	1140	$1,550	$1.36	24d	1	0.79mi
2301 Riggs Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	2.0	1072	$1,600	$1.49	24d	1	0.80mi
607 N Longwood St Baltimore, MD	1.0	1.0	1750	$650	$0.37	5d	1	0.83mi
2738 Wilkens Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.0	1183	$1,500	$1.27	44d	1	0.85mi
2737 Wilkens Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.5	1232	$1,650	$1.34	5d	1	0.87mi
941 Brunswick St Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.5	1516	$1,650	$1.09	18d	1	0.88mi
941 Brunswick St Baltimore, MD	3.0	1.5	1558	$1,600	$1.03	44d	1	0.88mi
104 S Carrollton Ave Baltimore, MD	3.0	4.0	1232	$2,400	$1.95	5d	1	0.89mi

Listing history 23 events

1. 2026-06-18
   days on market $151,900 Active 174 DOM
2. 2026-06-17
   days on market $151,900 Active 173 DOM
3. 2026-06-16
   days on market $151,900 Active 172 DOM
4. 2026-06-15
   days on market $151,900 Active 171 DOM
5. 2026-06-13
   days on market $151,900 Active 169 DOM
6. 2026-06-09
   days on market $151,900 Active 165 DOM
7. 2026-06-08
   days on market $151,900 Active 164 DOM
8. 2026-06-07
   days on market $151,900 Active 163 DOM
9. 2026-06-04
   days on market $151,900 Active 160 DOM
10. 2026-06-03
    days on market $151,900 Active 159 DOM
11. 2026-06-02
    days on market $151,900 Active 158 DOM
12. 2026-06-01
    days on market $151,900 Active 157 DOM
13. 2026-05-31
    days on market $151,900 Active 156 DOM
14. 2025-12-26
    listed $151,900 Active 1070-char remark

    Show marketing remark (1070 chars)

    * * * * * INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY * * * * * PROPERTY INCLUDES RENTAL INCOME OF $1450/MONTH (TENANT OCCUPIED). This exquisite Federal-style townhouse in the heart of Penrose offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern living. The inviting interior features a thoughtfully designed combination kitchen and dining area, perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet meals at home. The rich brick exterior exudes timeless elegance, while the full basement provides ample space for storage or potential customization to suit your lifestyle. With its classic architecture and warm ambiance, this residence invites you to create lasting memories. Enjoy the convenience of on-street parking and the vibrant community surrounding you. This property is not just a home; it's a lifestyle choice that embodies comfort and sophistication. Embrace the opportunity to make this charming townhouse your own, where every corner reflects a sense of belonging and warmth. Experience the perfect balance of historic allure and modern convenience in this exceptional Penrose gem.

15. 2025-06-24
    soldstatus $115,000
16. 2020-02-20
    soldstatus $67,852
17. 2018-02-21
    historical 191-char remark

    Show marketing remark (191 chars)

    BAllROOM AUCTION: Wed, Dec. 13, 2017 @ 11:00AM-See Directions. 2 Story Townhome in Northwest Community Action. Property is Vacant. Believed to contain: 3BR/ 2BA. Agents Register Your Clients.

18. 2018-02-02
    soldstatus $8,000 191-char remark

    Show marketing remark (191 chars)

    BAllROOM AUCTION: Wed, Dec. 13, 2017 @ 11:00AM-See Directions. 2 Story Townhome in Northwest Community Action. Property is Vacant. Believed to contain: 3BR/ 2BA. Agents Register Your Clients.

19. 2018-02-02
    soldstatus $8,000 Sold

    Show marketing remark (191 chars)

    BAllROOM AUCTION: Wed, Dec. 13, 2017 @ 11:00AM-See Directions. 2 Story Townhome in Northwest Community Action. Property is Vacant. Believed to contain: 3BR/ 2BA. Agents Register Your Clients.

20. 2017-12-12
    status Contract
21. 2017-11-16
    listed $8,000 191-char remark

    Show marketing remark (191 chars)

    BAllROOM AUCTION: Wed, Dec. 13, 2017 @ 11:00AM-See Directions. 2 Story Townhome in Northwest Community Action. Property is Vacant. Believed to contain: 3BR/ 2BA. Agents Register Your Clients.

22. 2017-11-16
    listed $8,000 Active

    Show marketing remark (191 chars)

    BAllROOM AUCTION: Wed, Dec. 13, 2017 @ 11:00AM-See Directions. 2 Story Townhome in Northwest Community Action. Property is Vacant. Believed to contain: 3BR/ 2BA. Agents Register Your Clients.

23. 1985-06-18
    soldstatus $12,250

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

Tax reassessment forecast MD · Partial reset (capped growth)

• Current annual tax: $1,279 · $107/mo
• Projected year-2 tax: $1,468 · $122/mo
• Expected delta: +$188/yr (+$16/mo · 14.7%)

ⓘ 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 1/10 Low
• 🌡 Heat 8/10 Severe 7 d/yr ≥103°F today · 15 d/yr by 30 yrs out
• 💨 Wind 6/10 Major 27% chance of damaging wind over 30 yrs
• 🫁 Air quality 3/10 Moderate 3 unhealthy d/yr today · 4 by 30 yrs out

Taxation est. · year 1

• Rental income: $20,071
• − Mortgage interest: −$8,509
• − Property taxes: −$1,279
• − Insurance: −$760
• − Repairs & maintenance: −$1,606
• − Management: −$1,606
• − Depreciation: −$4,419
• Taxable income: $1,893
• Est. tax owed @ 24.0%: −$454
• After-tax cash flow: $3,804/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: Baltimore City Public Schools
• NCES district ID: 2400090
• Math proficiency: 7% ▼ -9.00%
• Reading proficiency: 16% ▼ -5.00%
• Median HH income: $42,108
• Composite: 10.08/100
• National rank: #9805
• State rank: #24 of 24 in MD

Livability — Baltimore

• Score: 76/100
• State rank: #90
• US rank: #3396

Category grades

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

Schools grade is shown separately in the Schools card above.

Census & demographics

• Census place: Baltimore, MD
• County: Baltimore City · 558,601 people
• City population: 588,727
• Metro: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
• Population (ZIP): 19,572
• Household income: $45,840
• Rent vs Own: 68.0% rent · 32.0% own
• Severe rent burden: 1755.0

Population outlook (Baltimore County) Hauer SSP2

• Today (2025): 624,249 people
• By 2030: 621,541 · -0.4%
• By 2040: 609,756 · -2.3%
• By 2050: 597,249 · -4.3%
• By 2075: 552,236 · -11.5%
• By 2100: 513,934 · -17.7%

Race, ethnicity, and origin ACS 2023

• Neighborhood character: Predominantly Black (72%)
• Race & ethnicity: Black 72% White 16% Hispanic / Latino 7% Two or more races 6% Asian 1%
• Hispanic origin (detail): Mexican 3% Puerto Rican 1%
• Common ancestry: Romanian 1%
• Foreign-born: 8% · Canada
• Languages at home: 90% English-only · Spanish 6% French/Haitian/Cajun 2% Other Indo-European 1%

Political lean MEDSL · Baltimore

• 2024 margin: Solid D (+73.0) · D 85.2% · R 12.2% · Other 2.6%
• 2008→2024 swing: -2.5pp toward R · 2008: 75.5pp · 2024: 73.0pp
• All cycles: 2024: D+73.0 2020: D+76.6 2016: D+74.6 2012: D+76.4 2008: D+75.5

Not yet ingested

• Civics: —

Market trends

• HPI YoY: ▼ -97.99%
• Current HPI: 140.5836
• Rent YoY: ▲ 7.51%
• Metro: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
• State GDP YoY: ▲ 2.97%
• F500 in state: 12

Industry mix (Fortune 500 HQ in MD)

Industry	F500 HQs	Revenue
▸Aerospace / Defense	1	$71B
▸Utilities	1	$25B
▸Hotels	1	$24B
▸Consumer Goods	1	$7B
▸Real Estate	1	$6B
▸Chemicals	1	$2B

Price history

+1140.0% since first listed

10 events — show timeline

• 2025-12-26 Listed $151,900 BRIGHT MLS
• 2025-06-24 Sold (Public Records) $115,000 Public Records
• 2020-02-20 Sold (Public Records) $67,852 Public Records
• 2018-02-21 Listing Removed — BRIGHT MLS
• 2018-02-02 Sold (MLS) $8,000 MRIS
• 2018-02-02 Sold (MLS) $8,000 BRIGHT MLS
• 2017-12-12 Pending — MRIS
• 2017-11-16 Listed $8,000 MRIS
• 2017-11-16 Listed $8,000 BRIGHT MLS
• 1985-06-18 Sold (Public Records) $12,250 Public Records

Property tax history

+8.6%/yr

Latest (2025): $1,279 · +1.4% YoY. Source: county tax records.