Plain-English investing term

What Is ARV in Real Estate?

ARV means after-repair value. It is the estimated value of a property after a specific renovation scope is complete.

Why it matters

ARV can make or break flips, BRRRRs, and wholesale deals. If the ARV is inflated, the profit, refinance proceeds, maximum offer, and confidence all get inflated with it.

PropLurk take: ARV is not the number you need. It is the number the market can support after you actually create the finished product.

ARV quick check
  • Adjusted comp 1: $315,000
  • Adjusted comp 2: $322,000
  • Adjusted comp 3: $318,000

Result: A reasonable base ARV might be around $318,000, with a downside case below that.

Usually include

  • Recent sold comps
  • Condition adjustments
  • Size and layout differences
  • Renovation scope
  • Market direction

Do not mix in

  • Active listing hopes
  • The highest nearby sale with no adjustment
  • A Zestimate copied without review
  • A resale price that only exists to make the offer work

Common ways investors mess this up

  • Cherry-picking comps
  • Comparing a light rehab to fully renovated sales
  • Ignoring time until resale or refinance
  • Using price per square foot without property-level context

How PropLurk uses it

PropLurk's comp calculator and analysis workflow help keep ARV tied to the evidence instead of the number you want.

This guide is educational and does not provide investment, lending, tax, legal, or appraisal advice. Verify the specific property, lender, and local rules before making decisions.

Build a supported ARV before setting the offer.

PropLurk keeps the definition, formula, assumptions, offer, and decision record connected so the number does not get lost in another spreadsheet.