Maximum bid calculator

Auction fever is how beginners lose money. Set your walk-away number before the sale by working backward from what the property is actually worth.

Estimated market value$Base this on comparable sales, not the assessed valueTarget discount%40% means your all-in cost stays under 60% of valueEstimated repair / cleanup costs$Closing & holding costs$Quiet title, recording, taxes, insurance

Bid up to $12,000

Any winning bid at or below this number keeps your target margin. Write it down and do not exceed it at auction.

How the property's value splits at your max bid

Max bid $12,000Closing & holding $3,000Your equity $10,000

Maximum bid$12,000

All-in cost at max bid$15,000

Implied equity$10,000