MAO (Max Allowable Offer) Calculator — Milwaukee, WI
Pre-filled with localized assumptions for Milwaukee. Replace the defaults with your real numbers (rent comps, taxes, insurance, repairs, and reserves) to get an accurate result.
Inputs
Results
Tip: Many buyers vary between 65–75% depending on market, financing, and rehab complexity.
Milwaukee Local Market Note
Informational onlyMilwaukee posts some of the best rent-to-price ratios of any major metro, with classic duplex stock in neighborhoods like Bay View, Riverwest, and Washington Heights well-suited to house hacking. Wisconsin preempts local rent control and is procedurally landlord-friendly. Watch the city's above-average property taxes and require a recent assessment check — reassessments after sale can move the bill meaningfully.
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 Milwaukee, WI. 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 Milwaukee
Start with the pre-filled assumptions for Milwaukee, 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 WI
Explore nearby cities to compare assumptions and outcomes.