How to Underwrite a Wholesale Deal in 20 Minutes
A fast, repeatable process to price a deal, estimate rehab, and decide if it belongs in your pipeline.
January 29, 2026·6 min read
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RenovationJanuary 16, 20265 min read
Pricing Renovations: A Practical Budgeting Framework
A realistic way to build a rehab budget that holds up under real contractor bids.
SM
Sofia Martinez
Construction Partner
Start with scope, not price per square foot
Price per square foot is fine for a quick gut check, but it fails on older homes with uneven systems.
Create a short scope list and estimate from the actual work items.
Separate core systems from finishes
Group roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical separately. These items drive schedule and change orders.
Finish work can be value-engineered. Core systems cannot.
Plan for permitting and holding costs
Include time, permits, and holding costs in your model. The cheapest rehab is not always the best deal.
A small delay can erase a thin margin.
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