How to Calculate Your Max Offer Using the 70% Rule

The 70% rule is one of the most trusted formulas in real estate investing. It helps flippers determine the maximum price they should pay for a property—based on its After Repair Value (ARV) and rehab costs.

 The Formula

Max Offer = (ARV × 0.70) – Rehab Costs

This ensures you leave room for profit, closing costs, and unexpected expenses.

 Example Scenario

Let’s say:

  • ARV = $400,000
  • Rehab Costs = $60,000

Max Offer = ($400,000 × 0.70) – $60,000 Max Offer = $280,000 – $60,000 = $220,000

If the seller wants $250K, you walk. If they’ll take $220K or less, you’ve got a deal.

When to Adjust the Rule

  • Hot Markets: You might stretch to 75% if resale velocity is high
  • Heavy Rehabs: Drop to 65% to protect margins
  • Wholesale Deals: Use 60–65% to leave room for your buyer’s profit

HardMoneyMan.com LLC helps investors fund deals that meet the 70% rule—and close fast.

 Internal Resources

Explore our Fix & Flip Loans page for full program details. 

Check out our Loan Requirements Guide for approval criteria. 

Use our 70% Rule Infographic to visualize the formula.

Ken has been a hard money lender for over 25 years. He has funded over 25k deals for investors in that time. Ken specializes in fix and flips, ground up spec construction and 30 year DSCR loans.

Need help funding a deal that fits the 70% rule? Apply now and get approved in 7 days or less.

Need help funding a deal that fits the 70% rule? Apply now and get approved in 7 days or less.

FAQ’s 70% Rule

It’s a formula that helps flippers calculate the max price they should pay for a property: (ARV × 0.70) – Rehab Costs.
HardMoneyMan reviews deals case-by-case and considers market velocity, resale comps, and investor experience