House Flipping Calculator — ARV, Rehab & Profit
Calculate a house-flip's expected profit from purchase price, rehab budget, holding costs, and after-repair value (ARV) before you make an offer.
Reviewed by Sahil, Senior Finance & Tax Editor
Formula
Net Profit = ARV - Purchase Price - Repairs - Closing Costs - Holding Costs - Financing Costs
The net profit is calculated by subtracting all costs from the after-repair value (ARV). Closing costs include both buying costs (typically 2-4% of purchase price) and selling costs (typically 5-8% of ARV including agent commissions). Holding costs are monthly expenses multiplied by the project duration. ROI is calculated as net profit divided by total cash invested.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Standard House Flip Profit Analysis
Problem:Purchase a distressed property for $200,000, invest $50,000 in renovations, with an ARV of $320,000. Holding period is 6 months with $1,500/month holding costs, 10% hard money loan at 80% LTV.
Solution:Purchase price: $200,000\nRepair costs: $50,000\nBuying closing costs (3%): $6,000\nSelling closing costs (6%): $19,200\nHolding costs: $1,500 x 6 = $9,000\nLoan amount: $200,000 x 80% = $160,000\nFinancing costs: $160,000 x 10%/12 x 6 = $8,000\n\nTotal costs: $292,200\nNet profit: $320,000 - $292,200 = $27,800\nCash invested: $40,000 + $50,000 + $6,000 + $9,000 + $8,000 = $113,000\nROI: 24.6% over 6 months = 49.2% annualized
Result:Net Profit: $27,800 | ROI: 24.6% (6 months) | 70% Rule Max: $174,000
Example 2: Cosmetic Flip Quick Turnaround
Problem:Buy a dated home for $180,000, do $20,000 in cosmetic updates, ARV of $240,000. Complete in 3 months, no financing (cash purchase).
Solution:Purchase price: $180,000\nRepair costs: $20,000\nBuying closing costs (3%): $5,400\nSelling closing costs (6%): $14,400\nHolding costs: $1,200 x 3 = $3,600\nFinancing costs: $0 (cash deal)\n\nTotal costs: $223,400\nNet profit: $240,000 - $223,400 = $16,600\nCash invested: $180,000 + $20,000 + $5,400 + $3,600 = $209,000\nROI: 7.9% in 3 months = 31.8% annualized\n70% Rule max: $240,000 x 0.70 - $20,000 = $148,000
Result:Net Profit: $16,600 | ROI: 7.9% (3 months) | Annualized: 31.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is house flipping and how does the process work?
House flipping is a real estate investment strategy where you purchase a property, typically below market value, renovate or improve it to increase its value, and then sell it for a profit within a relatively short timeframe, usually 3 to 12 months. The process involves finding undervalued or distressed properties, accurately estimating repair costs and after-repair value, securing financing, managing the renovation, and marketing the finished property for sale. Successful flippers develop expertise in identifying properties with strong profit potential, building reliable contractor networks, managing renovation budgets and timelines, and understanding local real estate market dynamics. The key to profitability is buying at the right price, controlling renovation costs, and completing the project quickly to minimize holding costs.
What is the 70% Rule in house flipping?
The 70% Rule is a widely used guideline that helps real estate investors quickly determine the maximum price they should pay for a flip property. The rule states that you should pay no more than 70% of the after-repair value (ARV) minus the estimated repair costs. For example, if a property has an ARV of $300,000 and needs $40,000 in repairs, the maximum purchase price should be ($300,000 x 0.70) - $40,000 = $170,000. The remaining 30% provides a buffer for closing costs, holding costs, financing costs, and profit margin. While the 70% Rule is a useful screening tool, experienced investors may adjust the percentage based on local market conditions, their experience level, and how much profit they require. In highly competitive markets, some investors use 75% or even 80%, accepting lower profit margins.
What costs are involved in flipping a house beyond the purchase price?
House flipping involves numerous costs beyond the acquisition price that can significantly impact profitability if not properly accounted for. Buying closing costs typically include title insurance, escrow fees, inspections, appraisal, and lender origination fees, usually totaling 2-4% of the purchase price. Selling closing costs include real estate agent commissions (typically 5-6%), transfer taxes, title insurance for the buyer, and other settlement fees. Holding costs encompass property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, and lawn maintenance during the renovation period, often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per month. Financing costs include interest on hard money loans or other investment property financing, which can run 8-15% annually. Unexpected repairs, permit fees, and staging costs should also be budgeted.
What types of financing are available for house flipping?
House flippers use several financing options depending on their experience, capital, and deal characteristics. Hard money loans are the most common, offered by private lenders based on the property value rather than the borrower creditworthiness, with interest rates typically between 8-15% and loan terms of 6-18 months. These loans fund quickly but are expensive. Traditional bank loans offer lower rates but are slower to close, have stricter qualification requirements, and may not fund renovation costs. Private money loans from individual investors or personal networks can offer flexible terms. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) on your primary residence can provide cheap capital. Cash purchases eliminate financing costs entirely and make offers more competitive but tie up significant capital. Some flippers use a combination of methods.
References
Reviewed by Sahil, Senior Finance & Tax Editor · Editorial policy