Real Estate Investing in Lorimor, Iowa (50149)
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Should you buy in 50149 (Lorimor, IA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- High vacancy: 19.7% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Lorimor, IA (50149)?
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Market Analysis: 50149 Lorimor
This part of Union County is not an easy win. The 50149 ZIP records softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
Stepping back, the numbers look inviting — $274K purchase price, 0.0% nominal cap — the work to hit that pro forma in 50149 is substantial and deserves full respect.
The gap between 50149 and stronger Lorimor ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
Employment concentration in 50149 leans toward sectors with higher volatility. The demographic consequence is income fluctuation that investors need to factor into their pro forma.
New investors are better served looking at Lorimor's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 50149. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Lorimor:
Property Strategy for 50149
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $152,626 | $1,000 | 4.7% | — | $76,313 |
| 3BR | $260,301 | $1,330 | 3.7% | — | $86,767 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 50149 Compare?
| Metric | 50149 | Lorimor | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $273,929 | $273,929 | N/A | $227,232 |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.0% |
| Avg Rent | $900 | $900 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% | 2.6% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 50149 (Lorimor, IA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $273,929 |
| Monthly Rent | $900 |
| Price-to-Rent | 25.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.9% |
| Cap Rate | 2.6% |
| 5-Year IRR | 12.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +15.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +10.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 10-Year CAGR | N/A |
🏠 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 (2.6%). 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 50149
Population: 900
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong are rents in Lorimor, IA?
The typical rental in Lorimor, IA commands about $900/mo monthly. That rent profile stable cash flow against the $274K purchase basis.
What is it like being a landlord in Lorimor, IA?
IA law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Lorimor inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
Is Lorimor, IA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?
For Lorimor, IA, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
Is Lorimor, IA suited for a house hack?
The a challenging house-hack environment in Lorimor, IA reflects the rent-to-price spread. Expect meaningful PITI offset at market rents.
How high is vacancy risk in Lorimor, IA?
Lorimor, IA carries elevated vacancy risk. Expect reliable absorption at market rents of $900/mo.
You know 50149 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 50149 ranks in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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