MAO (Max Allowable Offer) Calculator — Chicago, IL
Pre-filled with localized assumptions for Chicago. Replace the defaults with your real numbers (rent comps, taxes, insurance, repairs, and reserves) to get an accurate result.
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Results
Tip: Many buyers vary between 65–75% depending on market, financing, and rehab complexity.
Chicago Local Market Note
Informational onlyChicago's classic two-to-four-flat buildings, concentrated in neighborhoods like Avondale, Pilsen, and South Shore, remain the city's signature house-hacking and cash-flow vehicle. Cook County property taxes are reassessed on a triennial cycle and can jump sharply — budget for the reassessed bill, not the seller's current one. The city's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) imposes strict security-deposit and disclosure rules that carry meaningful penalties.
Local context for general information — not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current regulations and market data before making investment decisions.
How to Use This MAO Calculator for Wholesaling (Mini Guide)
Use this to back into the highest price you can offer while still leaving room for repairs, your assignment fee, and the end buyer’s margin. These defaults are pre-filled for Chicago, IL. Always replace them with your real numbers when you have them.
MAO in plain English
MAO (Max Allowable Offer) is the highest contract price that still makes the deal work after repairs, fees, and costs.
If your contract is above MAO, the deal usually breaks unless something else changes (ARV, repairs, fee, etc.).
How to set inputs so your MAO is real
ARV: use comps you can defend — don’t anchor to the highest sale.
Repairs: be conservative; underestimating repairs is the #1 reason deals die or get retraded.
MAO %: many buyers land around 65–75% depending on market and rehab risk.
Other costs: include title/closing, holding utilities, cleanup, etc.
How to use it during negotiation
Start with ARV you can defend, then repairs with a buffer.
Pick a MAO % that matches your buyer (ask them!).
Your output is your walk-away number — don’t negotiate above it unless you’re intentionally reducing your fee.
Quick checks to avoid dead deals
If it only works with optimistic ARV + low repairs + high % — it’s probably thin.
If it works with conservative repairs and a lower % — you likely have a real assignment opportunity.
How to use this calculator in Chicago
Start with the pre-filled assumptions for Chicago, then replace them with your deal’s numbers. If you’re an investor, keep vacancy and reserves conservative. If you’re a homeowner, pay special attention to property taxes and insurance — these often drive the rent vs buy decision.
Nearby cities in IL
Explore nearby cities to compare assumptions and outcomes.