Need help with a deal analysis

Need help with a deal analysis

Rental Property Investor · Charlotte NC · Member since 2024 · 7 posts · 5 votes

Hi BP family! 

I am analyzing a deal in South End neighborhood at Charlotte NC. 

The house has some "hard" issues: 

1. pretty steep hill in the front with stairs to the front of the house. No driveway in the front. Street parking. 

2. Back access is a one-way alley shared by 6 properties around. There is a big tree there, limiting the width of the alley to about 8ish inches. It's tight for bigger cars. But the neighbors told me when they built their house from ground 6 years ago, there was no issues for any building materials or trucks going through the alley. 

3. the house is in historic district of Charlotte, meaning there are quite some restrictions on the exterior renovation. There is a process to get the committee review and approve before any works starts. It definitely causes time and effort, at the end money to do any maintenance and repairs.


Why am I still considering? Great location, 5-10 mins walk to many restaurants, shops and light rail station. There are continue developments (residential and commercial). 

I expect the house will appreciate by $80-100K immediately after putting $45K in renovation. I think it will continue to appreciate by another 100K in the next 5+ years.  

I plan to keep the property and rent it out. Given the high interest and the purchase price isn't low, the cash flow won't be as nice as my other rentals or other options in a different neighborhood. 

Would you think the 3 issues above would be too big a trouble? I have a little hard time estimating a fair market value given these conditions as I don't know how much to discount the value of the house with these issues presented. I appreciate any inputs!!  

 

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  • Realtor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2017 · 359 posts · 293 votes
    1y

    Hi Kathy!

    I'm familiar with the Charlotte market (that's my work playground!). Sounds like this is maybe in the Wilmore area if it's in a historic district near South End. I do like the Wilmore/Southend area. Parking will likely be your biggest hurdle. That said, there's quite a few homes in that area that have that challenge (no driveway/street parking). When you're looking at rental comps, I'd look for homes that also don't have a driveway to get an idea of how long it took to find a tenant and if you notice a big difference with the comps. 

    In my experience, something like that might cause the home to sit on the rental market longer to find a tenant that is ok with overlooking that deficit. 

    For the historic district, I would just make sure that you fully understand what requires approval and what that process looks like. Some districts are more strict than others. 

    For the alley, I'm not sure I'm familiar with that set up, so I don't know that I can really comment on that. Did you mean the alley is 8 ft wide, not inches? 

    I think if you're ok with the numbers, go for it. That area is appreciating and is a great spot for those that want the convenience of Southend and walkability. Good luck!

  • Freddy AlbanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2020 · 74 posts · 33 votes
    1y

    Hi Kathy! This property’s location in South End is a major win—walkability to shops, restaurants, and the light rail makes it very desirable. For a long-term hold, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the hill or alley access. Those factors are more critical in a fix-and-flip scenario where you’re focused on resale to an end buyer. As a rental, tenants will likely prioritize the location over minor inconveniences.

    Your strategy of betting on appreciation and eventually pulling equity makes a lot of sense in this market. South End’s growth should support that play. I’d just recommend reviewing the renovation requirements for the historic district since they can add time and cost, but the right team can help streamline the process.

    Good luck with the deal—sounds like a solid opportunity!

    Freddy Alban - Realtor516 Reviews
  • Rental Property Investor · Charlotte NC · Member since 2024 · 7 posts · 5 votes
    1y
    Thank you for your reply Laura. Sorry it was a typo - I was trying to say 8 feet. And yes, the property is in the historic Wilmore area! 

    Quote from @Laura Shinkle:

    Hi Kathy!

    I'm familiar with the Charlotte market (that's my work playground!). Sounds like this is maybe in the Wilmore area if it's in a historic district near South End. I do like the Wilmore/Southend area. Parking will likely be your biggest hurdle. That said, there's quite a few homes in that area that have that challenge (no driveway/street parking). When you're looking at rental comps, I'd look for homes that also don't have a driveway to get an idea of how long it took to find a tenant and if you notice a big difference with the comps. 

    In my experience, something like that might cause the home to sit on the rental market longer to find a tenant that is ok with overlooking that deficit. 

    For the historic district, I would just make sure that you fully understand what requires approval and what that process looks like. Some districts are more strict than others. 

    For the alley, I'm not sure I'm familiar with that set up, so I don't know that I can really comment on that. Did you mean the alley is 8 ft wide, not inches? 

    I think if you're ok with the numbers, go for it. That area is appreciating and is a great spot for those that want the convenience of Southend and walkability. Good luck!


  • Rental Property Investor · Charlotte NC · Member since 2024 · 7 posts · 5 votes
    1y
    Thank you for your reply Freddy. I am always nervous about buying a property that has an easement or weird parking situation like this. You are right about the renovation requirements for the historic areas. Good thing is they don't have rules about the interior remodeling (except the regular county permitting process). There is a faster review/approval process if the exterior works are minor and for maintenance purpose. The historic committee has a list for that. Anything beyond that scope? good luck - 4 months review at least from what I learned.

    Quote from @Freddy Alban:

    Hi Kathy! This property’s location in South End is a major win—walkability to shops, restaurants, and the light rail makes it very desirable. For a long-term hold, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the hill or alley access. Those factors are more critical in a fix-and-flip scenario where you’re focused on resale to an end buyer. As a rental, tenants will likely prioritize the location over minor inconveniences.

    Your strategy of betting on appreciation and eventually pulling equity makes a lot of sense in this market. South End’s growth should support that play. I’d just recommend reviewing the renovation requirements for the historic district since they can add time and cost, but the right team can help streamline the process.

    Good luck with the deal—sounds like a solid opportunity!


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