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70% Rule House Flip Calculator

Calculate the maximum offer for a fix-and-flip property using the 70% Rule. Factors in ARV, repair costs, closing costs, and holding costs.

Enter Values

$

Estimated value after all repairs

$
0%100%

Buy + sell closing costs (default 3%)

Months to complete and sell (default 6)

$

Loan interest, taxes, insurance, utilities

Result

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Formula

Max Offer = (ARV × 0.70) − Repair Costs

The 70% Rule is an investor rule of thumb: never pay more than 70% of the After Repair Value (ARV) minus estimated repair costs. The 30% margin covers profit, closing costs, holding costs, and contingency.

Worked Example

ARV: $300,000, Repair Costs: $40,000 Step 1: 70% of ARV = $300,000 × 0.70 = $210,000 Step 2: Max Offer = $210,000 − $40,000 = $170,000 30% margin = $90,000 for profit + costs

What Is the 70% Rule in House Flipping?

The 70% Rule is a widely adopted guideline used by real estate investors to calculate the maximum price they should offer for a fix-and-flip property. This fundamental rule helps ensure a healthy profit margin and accounts for various project expenses. It dictates that an investor should never pay more than 70% of the After Repair Value (ARV) of a property, minus the estimated repair costs. The ARV is the property's anticipated market value after all renovations are completed. The remaining 30% of the ARV is intended to cover the investor's profit, as well as crucial overheads such as closing costs, holding costs during the renovation period, and a contingency fund for unforeseen issues. By adhering to this rule, investors can mitigate risks and increase their chances of a successful and profitable house flip. It provides a structured approach to valuing distressed properties, making it an indispensable tool for both novice and seasoned flippers seeking to make smart investment decisions.
  • A foundational principle for profitable real estate flipping projects.
  • Helps investors determine a safe maximum purchase offer for properties.
  • Crucial for managing risk and unexpected project costs during renovation.
  • Provides a clear profit margin and covers all major investment expenses.

Understanding this strategic valuation method is essential for making informed real estate investment decisions. Try our 70% Rule House Flip Calculator to quickly determine your maximum offer and streamline your property analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 70% Rule?

The 70% Rule states that investors should pay no more than 70% of the After Repair Value (ARV) minus repair costs. The 30% cushion covers profit (target ~15%), closing costs (~3-6%), holding costs, and unexpected expenses.

What is ARV?

After Repair Value (ARV) is the estimated market value of a property after all renovations are complete. It's determined by comparing recent sales of similar renovated properties (comps) in the same neighborhood.

Is 70% always the right rule?

The 70% rule is a starting point. In hot markets, some investors use 75-80% (tighter margins, more competitive offers). In slower markets, 65% may be safer. Always run detailed numbers for each deal.

What holding costs should I include?

Monthly holding costs typically include: mortgage/hard money loan interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, and lawn/property maintenance. These add up quickly over a 4-6 month flip.

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