Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Starting Out
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 6 years ago,

User Stats

10
Posts
6
Votes
Jerry S.
  • Naperville, IL
6
Votes |
10
Posts

Newbie Market Analysis, critiques welcome

Jerry S.
  • Naperville, IL
Posted

Hello Bigger Pockets people.  I'm a newbie investor with zero rental properties to my name.  I've read both of Brandon's books (and listened to the audiobooks) and I'm also slowly working my way through the podcasts (#83 with Marcia Maynard is my fav).  

It seems like a big reoccurring theme is how important it is to know your market.  So, I've started looking for mine by driving around and doing some online market analysis. 

What I want:  A duplex or triplex within 30 minutes of my house that generates $200 per month per door in cash flow.   

My first target area is Downers Grove which is located in the western suburbs of Chicago.  Below is what I've found online.  My conclusion is prices are too expensive compared to the average rents.  I'm thinking it be a better use of my time to look at nearby less affluent towns.  

Please let me know what you think.  I would really appreciate any guidance/criticism you're willing to throw my way.

  • County: DuPage (evictions relatively quick based on my own prof exp).
  • Population: 49,715 (2014, 2% increase from 2000)
  • GreatSchools.org Scores: 10-7 (mostly 9s and 10s);
  • CrimeReports.com: 59 sex offenders; last month 25 violent crimes and 60 property crimes.  Most incidents in the southeast of town. 
    • City has 73 police officers 
  • Median Household Income: $81,000
  • Median Home Price $345,000 (2013)
  • Average Unit Price DuPlex/TriPlex: $222,205 (ouch that's high)
  • Median Gross Rent: $1,136 (from City-data.com).
  • Average Rents:  $900 for 1 bed, 1 bath; $1200 for 2 bed 1 bath; $1350 for 2 bed, 2 bath (based on postings on Craigslist & Trulia)
  • Median Real Estate Taxes: $5,650 (1.8%)
  • Unemployment: 3.6% (Sept. 2015, trending downward)
  • New Construction: 76 permits issues in 2014, average cost $402,300 (steady increase in permits over last 5 years)
  • 3 Starbucks in town (more in immediate surrounding areas)
  • 4 large hospitals in town

Loading replies...