1166 Burns Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55106
INVESTIGATE
Price
$280,000
Beds
4
Baths
2
Sq Ft
2,952
Year
1908
Days Listed
6
◆ Executive Summary
Overall: INVESTIGATE — This century-old property presents significant data gaps and risk factors that demand thorough due diligence before proceeding. The complete absence of critical system information for a 118-year-old home is a major red flag, as original electrical, plumbing, and heating systems could require tens of thousands in immediate replacement costs. The catastrophic school district ratings (1-3/10 across all levels) severely limit family marketability and long-term appreciation potential. Environmental concerns including likely lead paint contamination and potential asbestos require professional assessment given the 1908 construction date.
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1166 Burns Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55106 home INVESTIGATE Missing Critical System Information School District Disaster Zone Terrible School District Performance Ancient House System Risk
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▲ Top Findings
Missing Critical System Information×2
No data available on heating/cooling systems, foundation type, or flooring details. For a 1908 home, these are essential for understanding potential major expenses and maintenance needs.
School District Disaster Zone
All three assigned schools score extremely poorly: elementary 3/10, middle 2/10, high school 1/10. This severely impacts resale value and family marketability even in this price range.
Terrible School District Performance
All three assigned schools rate 1-3/10, with high school at catastrophic 1/10. This severely impacts family rental demand and long-term appreciation potential in Saint Paul market.
Ancient House System Risk
This 1908 home is 118 years old with zero information on electrical, plumbing, heating, or foundation systems. Century-old knob-and-tube wiring and cast iron plumbing create rejection risks. Many insurers won't touch homes with original electrical.
High Lead Paint Contamination Risk
Built in 1908, this property has extremely high probability of lead-based paint throughout, presenting serious health risks especially to children. While wood siding was painted in 2022, interior surfaces likely contain original lead paint layers that require professional remediation.
Catastrophic School District Quality
All three assigned schools receive bottom-tier ratings: elementary (3/10), middle (2/10), and high school (1/10). This severely impacts family appeal and long-term property values in a market where school quality drives neighborhood desirability.
Insufficient Comparable Sales Data
Nearby comps show wide price range ($218K-$392K) but lack adequate details on square footage and recent sale dates. Cannot properly assess $95/sqft pricing without stronger comp data.
Favorable School District Concerns
All three assigned schools rate poorly with the high school at 1/10 and middle school at 2/10. This could significantly impact resale value and family appeal.
Multiple Offers Bidding War Signal
Listing explicitly states 'MULTIPLE OFFERS RECEIVED, BIGGEST & BEST DUE MONDAY 4/13 by noon.' This creates pressure tactics and suggests strong demand despite only 6 days on market. Could drive price above asking.
Expert Panel (10/10)
Historic century-owned home at reasonable price per square foot but lacks critical market data for proper valuation.
Missing Critical System Information
No data available on heating/cooling systems, foundation condition, or detailed structural information for this 118-year-old home. Recent boiler and roof updates noted, but comprehensive system details unavailable.
Insufficient Comparable Sales Data
Nearby comps show wide price range ($218K-$392K) but lack adequate details on square footage and recent sale dates. Cannot properly assess $95/sqft pricing without stronger comp data.
Favorable School District Concerns
All three assigned schools rate poorly with the high school at 1/10 and middle school at 2/10. This could significantly impact resale value and family appeal.
Strong Interest Despite Short Listing Period
Property has generated 3,155 views and 199 saves in just 6 days, with multiple offers received. This suggests competitive pricing in current market conditions.
Historic Property with Recent Updates
1908 construction with significant 2022 updates including new roof and professional paint. One-family ownership for 100+ years suggests well-maintained property with recent capital improvements.
Historic century-owned home with bidding war but concerning school scores and missing system details.
Multiple Offers Bidding War Signal
Listing explicitly states 'MULTIPLE OFFERS RECEIVED, BIGGEST & BEST DUE MONDAY 4/13 by noon.' This creates pressure tactics and suggests strong demand despite only 6 days on market. Could drive price above asking.
Missing Critical System Information
No data available on heating/cooling systems, foundation type, or flooring details. For a 1908 home, these are essential for understanding potential major expenses and maintenance needs.
School District Disaster Zone
All three assigned schools score extremely poorly: elementary 3/10, middle 2/10, high school 1/10. This severely impacts resale value and family marketability even in this price range.
Century Family Ownership Anomaly
Never sold in 100+ years suggests either exceptional family attachment or potential title/estate complications. Could indicate deferred maintenance despite recent updates or complex closing process.
Price Per Square Foot Advantage
At $95/sqft, this property is priced significantly below typical market rates for a 4BR/2BA home with recent updates. The large lot (9,975 sqft) adds substantial value proposition.
Rare century-owned historic property with solid fundamentals but concerning data gaps and school quality issues
Missing Critical System Information
No data available on heating/cooling systems, roof condition beyond 2022 replacement, foundation type, or flooring details for a 118-year-old property. HVAC efficiency and structural integrity are crucial for 1908 construction cash flow projections.
Terrible School District Performance
All three assigned schools rate 1-3/10, with high school at catastrophic 1/10. This severely impacts family rental demand and long-term appreciation potential in Saint Paul market.
Strong Price-per-Square-Foot Value
At $95/sqft for 2,952 sqft, significantly below typical metro replacement costs. Large double lot (9,975 sqft) and recent major updates (roof, siding, boiler) suggest solid underlying value despite age.
No Rental or Tax Data Available
Missing rent Zestimate, Zestimate comparison, and property tax information prevents cap rate calculation and cash flow analysis. Cannot assess investment viability without rental income projections.
Immediate Bidding War Signal
Multiple offers received within 6 days of listing, with best-and-final deadline already passed. High view count (3,155) and saves (199) indicate strong demand despite location challenges.
Charming century-old home with recent updates but terrible schools and missing critical system details.
Missing Critical System Information
For a 118-year-old home, knowing heating/cooling, foundation, and electrical details is essential. Old homes can have expensive surprises like knob-and-tube wiring, stone foundations, or failing HVAC systems that cost $10,000-30,000 to replace.
Terrible School District Quality
All three assigned schools rate poorly (1-3/10), which hurts both family livability and resale value. Even non-parents care about schools when selling. This significantly limits your buyer pool.
First-Time Sale After 100+ Years
While romantic, this means no comparable price history and potential title complications. The family may have deferred maintenance or made DIY updates that aren't up to code. Get a thorough inspection.
Old Home Maintenance Reality Check
Built in 1908, this house will need constant attention. Budget $3,000-8,000 annually for maintenance plus major systems (plumbing, electrical, foundation) that could fail unexpectedly. Recent roof and boiler updates are good signs though.
Reasonable Price Per Square Foot
At $95/sqft, this is affordable for the Twin Cities market and reasonable given the large lot and recent updates. The price reflects the area's more modest market compared to Minneapolis proper.
Historic 1908 property with major system unknowns and concerning school ratings despite recent updates.
Missing Critical System Information
HVAC, electrical, plumbing, foundation, and exterior materials are completely unknown. For a 1908 home, this is red flag territory - could have knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized pipes, cast iron sewer, or foundation settlement issues. Physical inspection is absolutely critical before any offer.
Pre-1978 Lead Paint and Asbestos Risk
Built in 1908, this property almost certainly contains lead paint and likely asbestos in various materials. Mandatory lead disclosure and professional testing required. Any renovation work requires EPA-certified contractors and proper containment.
School District Performance Concerns
All three assigned schools rate poorly: elementary 3/10, middle 2/10, high school 1/10. This significantly impacts resale value and family appeal. Consider private school costs or relocation timeline if education quality matters.
118-Year-Old Home System Risks
Original 1908 systems may include knob-and-tube electrical, galvanized supply lines, cast iron sewer, and balloon-frame construction. Despite recent roof and boiler updates, major infrastructure replacements could be needed. Budget $20K-50K+ for electrical/plumbing upgrades.
Never-Sold Property Inspection Gaps
One-family ownership for 100+ years means no recent professional inspections or disclosure requirements. Unknown maintenance deferrals, undisclosed issues, or non-permitted work possible. Extremely thorough inspection with specialists recommended.
No Flood Zone or Environmental Data
Research shows no FEMA flood zone classification, environmental concerns, or radon data available. For a property near parks and waterways, flood risk and soil contamination from 118 years of use should be verified independently.
Historic charm with good bones but serious market positioning and transparency concerns overshadow potential.
Missing Critical System Information
Essential systems data is completely absent - no heating/cooling, foundation, or parking details disclosed. For a 118-year-old home, this lack of transparency about major systems is a significant red flag that suggests potential hidden issues.
Aggressive Market Positioning vs Comps
Listed at $280K but nearby comparables range $218K-$391K with most under $250K. The property commands premium pricing at $95/sqft despite being in a neighborhood with very low-performing schools (1-3/10 ratings).
Century-Long Family Ownership Risk
Never sold in 100+ years means no market validation of condition or pricing. Family-held properties often have deferred maintenance, outdated systems, or undisclosed issues that only surface during professional inspections.
Good Bones with Smart Updates
Recent roof and siding refresh in 2022 plus newer boiler and updated bathrooms show investment in key systems. The 2,952 sqft on nearly 10K sqft lot offers excellent space and expansion potential in a historic neighborhood.
Multiple Offer Frenzy Signal
Immediate multiple offers and tight deadline suggest either exceptional value or artificial urgency tactics. With only 6 days on market and 3,155 views, the property is generating significant interest despite disclosure gaps.
Historic property in transitional neighborhood with solid zoning but subpar school ratings and limited regulatory intelligence available.
School District Performance Risk
All three assigned public schools rate poorly: elementary (3/10), middle (2/10), and high school (1/10). Poor school ratings can significantly impact property values and resale potential, especially for families with children.
Missing Critical Zoning Intelligence
Research confirms residential single-family zoning but lacks density restrictions, setback requirements, or potential upzoning risk analysis. No data on nearby development pressures or municipal planning initiatives that could affect property value.
Tax Assessment Data Gap
No property tax information, assessment cycle details, or Ramsey County assessment practices available. Cannot evaluate tax burden trajectory or appeal potential for this $280K listing.
Environmental Regulatory Blind Spot
No flood zone classification, contamination history, or environmental regulatory constraints identified. For a 1908 property, lead paint and asbestos regulations could apply but weren't researched.
Historic 1908 home with 118-year-old bones and major coverage gaps that could spell underwriting nightmares.
Ancient House System Risk
This 1908 home is 118 years old with zero information on electrical, plumbing, heating, or foundation systems. Century-old knob-and-tube wiring and cast iron plumbing create rejection risks. Many insurers won't touch homes with original electrical.
Missing Critical System Information
Complete blackout on heating/cooling, electrical capacity, plumbing age, and foundation type. Underwriters need these basics to quote coverage. Old homes often hide expensive surprises in the walls.
No Environmental Risk Data
Zero flood zone information for Minnesota property near parks and water features. No radon, soil contamination, or wildfire risk assessment available. Environmental unknowns can trigger coverage exclusions.
Roof Age Discount Window
New roof in 2022 is a major plus for coverage and premiums. Four-year-old roof qualifies for best rates and reduces wind/hail claim probability significantly.
Estimated Annual Premium Range
Historic home with unknown systems likely $2,000-$4,000 annually. Age and system unknowns drive higher premiums. Could be uninsurable without electrical/plumbing updates.
Historic 1908 property with significant environmental concerns despite recent updates - lead, asbestos, and soil contamination risks dominate.
High Lead Paint Contamination Risk
Built in 1908, this property has extremely high probability of lead-based paint throughout, presenting serious health risks especially to children. While wood siding was painted in 2022, interior surfaces likely contain original lead paint layers that require professional remediation.
Asbestos Exposure Probability
As a 1908 home with a newer boiler system, likely contains asbestos in original insulation, flooring, and pipe wrapping. Any renovation or disturbance of these materials requires professional asbestos testing and potential abatement.
Historic Soil Contamination Risk
Over 100 years of single-family ownership suggests potential legacy contamination from historical heating oil tanks, lead paint chips, and early 20th century household chemicals. The large double lot increases exposure area for soil testing needs.
Missing Critical Environmental Data
No information available on flood zone status, radon levels, or nearby contamination sites despite being in an older urban area. Environmental due diligence is incomplete for informed decision-making.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Combination of 1908 construction, recent boiler installation, and potential disturbed lead/asbestos materials creates elevated indoor air quality risks. New smoke detectors are positive but insufficient for comprehensive air safety.
Historic charm meets concerning school district in emerging neighborhood with major data gaps.
Catastrophic School District Quality
All three assigned schools receive bottom-tier ratings: elementary (3/10), middle (2/10), and high school (1/10). This severely impacts family appeal and long-term property values in a market where school quality drives neighborhood desirability.
Missing Critical System Information
No details on heating/cooling systems, foundation condition, or flooring despite the 1908 build date. For a 118-year-old home, these systems could require major investment and buyers need transparency on condition.
Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Positioning
Located in a historic working-class area near Mounds Park with good transit access to downtown Saint Paul. The neighborhood has seen modest investment and the park proximity adds value, though it remains more affordable than western Saint Paul areas.
Rare Century-Plus Ownership History
Never sold before with single-family ownership for 100+ years suggests deep local roots and potentially deferred maintenance issues. This unique provenance could appeal to history buffs but raises questions about systematic upkeep.
Recent Major System Updates
New roof and professional exterior paint in 2022, plus newer boiler, updated bathrooms, and new water heater demonstrate recent investment. These updates reduce near-term capital expenditure risk for buyers.