Real Estate Investing in Thorndike, Maine (04986)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 04986 (Thorndike, ME)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 15.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Thorndike, ME (04986)?
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Market Analysis: 04986 Thorndike
The 04986 ZIP covers a section of Thorndike that demands careful diligence. Prices near $255K look accessible, but the work to make a deal cash flow is real.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $255K asset, 04986 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Regionally, 04986 sits on the difficult end of the ME spectrum. The a solid fit for read — for disciplined operators — is that pricing reflects the difficulty.
The 04986 ZIP's population of 2,323 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that shows the need for careful underwriting.
Distressed ZIPs reward experience. substantial returns are possible in 04986, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Thorndike:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 04986 Compare?
| Metric | 04986 | Thorndike | Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $255,484 | $255,484 | $401,109 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 7.0% | 7.0% | 8.6% |
| Avg Rent | $1,278 | $1,278 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% | 3.9% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 04986 (Thorndike, ME). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $255,484 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,278 |
| Price-to-Rent | 16.7:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.0% |
| Cap Rate | 3.9% |
| 5-Year IRR | 10.9% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +13.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.8% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +7.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +8.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.9%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 04986
Population: 2,323
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 04986
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What real estate strategy is ideal for Thorndike, ME?
Thorndike, ME investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($255K prices, $1,278/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
Does a duplex house hack pencil in Thorndike, ME?
For house hackers, Thorndike, ME is a challenging. The $1,278/mo rent on a unit helps defray the mortgage on a $255K property.
What are vacancy rates like in Thorndike, ME?
Thorndike, ME sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader ME rental market.
Are homes affordable in Thorndike, ME?
Thorndike, ME median home values land near $255K. That is reasonable territory for investors looking at $1,278/mo-per-month rentals.
How strong is Thorndike, ME for real estate investors?
Thorndike, ME rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $255K and rents near $1,278/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
You know 04986 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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