masterkey logo
1630 W Railroad St
Carnegie, PA

1630 W Railroad St

$105,000
1 bd • 2 ba • sf

This analysis was generated by artificial intelligence on 1/24/2025. It is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as real estate or investment advice.

List Price

$105,000

Price/Sq.Ft

$105000

Year Built

AI Property Analysis

A comprehensive evaluation of this property's features, market position, and investment potential.

The Good

The property at 1630 W Railroad St, Carnegie, PA 15106 offers several positive aspects: 1. Affordable Price Point: At $105,000, this property is priced significantly below the median home value in Carnegie (estimated around $180,000), making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers or investors. 2. Location: The property is situated in Carnegie, which is approximately 5 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, offering a balance between small-town living and proximity to a major city. This location could be appealing for commuters. 3. Unique Exterior: The home features an attractive combination of stone and vinyl siding, giving it a distinctive look that stands out from neighboring properties. 4. Front Porch: The covered front porch adds charm and provides additional outdoor living space, which can be a desirable feature for many buyers. 5. Potential for Appreciation: Given the affordable entry price and Carnegie's ongoing revitalization efforts, there may be potential for property value appreciation over time. 6. Rental Potential: With a median income of $62,658 in the area and average one-bedroom rental rates at $920/month, this property could potentially generate a gross rental yield of around 10.5% annually if used as an investment property. 7. Extra Bathroom: Despite being a one-bedroom home, it offers two bathrooms, which is an unusual and potentially valuable feature for a property of this size.

The Bad

1. Size Limitations: With only one bedroom, the property may have limited appeal to families or those needing more space. The exact square footage is unknown, but it appears to be relatively small compared to average homes in the area. 2. Age and Potential Maintenance Issues: While the exact year built is unknown, the property appears to be older, which could mean higher maintenance costs and potential updates needed for major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical). 3. Foundation Concerns: The visible portion of the foundation appears to be aging concrete block, which may require repairs or waterproofing. This could be a significant expense. 4. Limited Information: The lack of detailed information about features, utilities, and systems makes it difficult to fully assess the property's condition and value. 5. Potential Flood Risk: Given Carnegie's proximity to Chartiers Creek and the property's location on Railroad Street, there may be an elevated flood risk. This could impact insurance costs and future resale value. 6. Steep Steps: The front entrance has a steep set of stairs, which could be a concern for accessibility, especially in winter months or for older residents. 7. Limited Off-Street Parking: There doesn't appear to be a garage or dedicated off-street parking, which can be a drawback in an area where parking can be challenging.

The Ugly

1. Possible Structural Issues: The visible sagging of the front porch roof suggests potential structural problems that could be costly to repair. This may indicate broader structural concerns throughout the house. 2. High Property Taxes: Allegheny County is known for high property taxes. Even at the low purchase price of $105,000, annual property taxes could be around $2,500-$3,000, which is a significant ongoing expense relative to the property value. 3. Potential Environmental Hazards: Given the age of the home and its location near a railroad, there may be concerns about lead paint, asbestos, or soil contamination that would require expensive remediation. 4. Limited Resale Market: The unique layout (1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms) and small size may significantly limit the pool of potential buyers when it comes time to sell, potentially impacting future appreciation. 5. Zoning and Land Use Concerns: The property's proximity to the railroad could mean exposure to noise pollution and potential future land use changes that could negatively impact property values. 6. Hidden Costs: The low purchase price likely means the new owner will need to invest significantly in updates and repairs. Without a thorough inspection, these costs are unknown but could easily exceed $20,000-$30,000 or more. 7. Possible Title Issues: Older properties in established neighborhoods can sometimes have complicated title histories. A thorough title search would be crucial to ensure there are no liens or ownership disputes.

Who is this property for?

These details are presented solely for entertainment purposes and are not meant to steer or limit any prospective buyer.

Best For

This property is best suited for: 1. First-time homebuyers with limited budgets who are willing to take on a project. The low price point of $105,000 makes it accessible for those with household incomes around $35,000-$45,000 annually. 2. Investors looking for a potential rental property. With average one-bedroom rents at $920/month, this could yield a gross rental income of about $11,040 annually, potentially offering a strong return on investment if purchased for $105,000. 3. DIY enthusiasts or contractors who have the skills to renovate and potentially flip the property. The low purchase price leaves room for improvements that could significantly increase its value. 4. Singles or couples who don't need much space and prioritize location over size. The property's proximity to Pittsburgh (about 5 miles) could make it attractive for young professionals. 5. Buyers looking for a pied-à-terre or part-time residence in the Pittsburgh area, who don't need a large living space but want the benefits of homeownership. 6. Those interested in Carnegie's ongoing revitalization, who believe in the area's potential for growth and are willing to invest early in the process.

Not For

This property is not suitable for: 1. Families or individuals needing more than one bedroom. The limited space makes it impractical for those requiring multiple bedrooms or expansive living areas. 2. Buyers seeking a move-in ready home. The apparent need for updates and potential structural issues mean this property isn't ideal for those wanting a turnkey solution. 3. Individuals with mobility issues or the elderly, due to the steep front stairs and potential need for extensive renovations. 4. Risk-averse investors or homebuyers. The potential for high renovation costs, structural issues, and limited resale market make this a high-risk investment. 5. Luxury home seekers. The property's size, location, and condition do not align with high-end or luxury market expectations. 6. Those with a household income below $35,000, as the combination of mortgage payments, high property taxes, and necessary renovation costs could create financial strain. 7. Buyers looking for modern amenities or energy-efficient homes. The age and condition of the property suggest it likely lacks up-to-date features and may have poor energy efficiency. 8. Individuals sensitive to noise or pollution, given the proximity to the railroad and potential environmental concerns associated with older properties in industrial areas.
Demographics
Area Median Income

$62,658

Price Prediction Challenge

Think you know what 1630 W Railroad St will sell for? Put your market expertise to the test!

Be the first to predict

Your local insight could help set the benchmark for other buyers.

No predictions yet

Kick off the challenge by making your guess. You'll help other buyers get a feel for this property’s value—and you might just claim the top spot when it sells.

Unlock Premium Features

Supercharge Your Property Analysis

Get unlimited AI-powered insights and analysis to make confident decisions about any property you're interested in.

Best for serious buyers
  • Unlimited AI analysis
  • Unlimited AI chat
  • Advanced tools & insights
$24.92/mo
Billed yearlySave 17% ($60/year)
Cancel anytime • 30-day money-back guarantee

Risk Assessment

Risk Analysis

1. Structural Integrity: The visible sag in the front porch roof suggests potential structural issues. A full structural assessment could reveal problems with the foundation, load-bearing walls, or roof, with repair costs potentially exceeding $20,000-$30,000. 2. Environmental Hazards: Given the age and location, there's a high risk of lead paint and asbestos. Remediation could cost $10,000-$15,000 or more. Soil testing for contamination from nearby industrial activities may also be necessary. 3. Flood Risk: Carnegie has a history of flooding issues. If the property is in a flood zone, flood insurance could add $1,000-$2,000 annually to ownership costs. Future flooding could cause significant damage and impact resale value. 4. Zoning and Land Use: Proximity to the railroad raises concerns about future land use changes. Any expansion of rail activities could negatively impact property values by 10-15%. 5. Market Volatility: The unique layout (1 bed, 2 bath) limits the buyer pool, potentially leading to longer selling times and reduced appreciation. In a down market, this property could see value declines of 15-20% compared to 10-12% for more standard layouts. 6. High Maintenance Costs: Older homes typically require more upkeep. Budget for annual maintenance costs of 2-3% of the home's value ($2,100-$3,150 based on the purchase price). 7. Utility Efficiency: Older homes often have poor energy efficiency. Expect utility costs to be 20-30% higher than comparably sized modern homes. Upgrading insulation and systems could cost $10,000-$15,000. 8. Property Tax Increases: Allegheny County has a history of reassessments. If the property is currently under-assessed, a reassessment could significantly increase annual tax burden, potentially by 25-40%. 9. Neighborhood Transition: While Carnegie is seeing revitalization, there's no guarantee this will continue. A stall in local economic development could lead to stagnant or declining property values. 10. Hidden Repair Costs: Without a thorough inspection, it's impossible to know the full extent of necessary repairs. Budget for unexpected issues, which could easily add $10,000-$20,000 to initial renovation costs.

Financials

Monthly Costs

Location & Comparables

Subject Property
View on Zillow

Frequently Asked Questions

Property Discussion

Start the Conversation

Share your insights on this property—did you visit the open house? Know of any hidden pros or cons? Your street-level knowledge could be exactly what another buyer needs.

You
Potential Savings

$3,150

Analyze Any Property for Free

Get instant insights and potential savings on any Zillow® listing.

Free Analysis
AI-Powered Insights
Instant Results