Max Bid Calculator
The one number that stops you overbidding at auction: the most you can pay and still clear your profit. Set it cold, days before the sale — then just stop when it’s crossed.
What the home is worth once fully fixed up. Use the conservative comps number.
Rehab budget. Typical single-family: $25k–$75k. Budget high — you can't see inside.
Tax liens / a first mortgage that survive the sale. These can quietly erase your equity.
Commissions, closing, taxes, months of carry. Roughly 8–12% of ARV is a safe start.
The minimum you refuse to give up. Rule of thumb: 15–30% of ARV.
Set this number cold, before the auction. At the sale your only job is to stop when it's crossed. Auctions are built to make you cross it.
max bid = ARV − repairs − liens − costs − profit