Knowing how to find ARV on Zillow can help investors estimate the future value of a property after renovations are completed.
ARV, or After Repair Value, is one of the most important metrics used by:
- house flippers
- BRRRR investors
- value-add investors
Estimating ARV accurately can mean the difference between:
- a profitable deal
- a costly mistake
Although Zillow does not directly provide ARV, investors can use Zillow’s data to estimate it.
What Is ARV?
ARV stands for:
- After Repair Value
It represents the estimated market value of a property after renovations have been completed.
Formula:
ARV is commonly used to determine:
- purchase price
- renovation budget
- expected profit
For a complete explanation, read: What Is ARV In Real Estate?
Why Investors Use Zillow
Zillow provides access to:
- recently sold properties
- home value estimates
- property characteristics
- neighborhood information
These data points allow investors to estimate what a renovated property might sell for.
Many investors use Zillow as a starting point before performing deeper market research.
Step 1: Search For Similar Properties
Begin by identifying properties that are:
- recently sold
- similar in size
- similar in age
- located in the same neighborhood
Comparable properties, often called “comps,” are the foundation of ARV calculations.
Ideal Comparable Properties
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Distance | Within 1 mile |
| Sale Date | Last 3 to 6 months |
| Bedrooms | Similar |
| Bathrooms | Similar |
| Square Footage | Within 10% |
| Property Type | Same type |
Using comparable properties that closely resemble your target property produces more reliable estimates.
Step 2: Filter Sold Properties
On Zillow:
- search the neighborhood
- select “Sold”
- focus on recent transactions
Recently sold homes provide more reliable information than active listings.
To estimate ARV accurately, investors typically search Zillow’s sold listings and compare recently renovated properties with similar size, age, and location. Zillow’s search filters make it easier to identify comparable sales and estimate future resale values.
You can access Zillow here: https://www.zillow.com/
Listings may reflect:
- seller expectations
…rather than:
- actual market prices
Step 3: Look For Renovated Properties
When estimating ARV, compare your project to homes that already feature:
- updated kitchens
- renovated bathrooms
- modern flooring
- fresh paint
The goal is to answer:
- What would my property look like after repairs?
Step 4: Calculate Average Price Per Square Foot
Example:
| Comparable Sale | Sale Price | Square Feet | Price Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comp A | $420,000 | 2,000 | $210 |
| Comp B | $430,000 | 2,050 | $210 |
| Comp C | $440,000 | 2,100 | $210 |
Average price per square foot:
Suppose your property will have 2,000 square feet after renovations.
Estimated ARV:
Estimated ARV: $420,000
Step 5: Estimate Renovation Costs
ARV alone is not enough.
Investors must also estimate:
- repair costs
- remodeling expenses
- unexpected repairs
Before making an offer, use the Renovation Cost Calculator.
You may also find this guide useful: How To Estimate Renovation Costs Before Buying
Step 6: Estimate Potential Profit
Once ARV and renovation costs are known, investors can estimate:
- resale value
- expected profit
- return on investment
The Flip Profit Calculator helps investors analyze:
- purchase price
- rehab costs
- selling expenses
- expected profits
Common ARV Mistakes
Using Active Listings
Active listings do not represent actual sale prices.
Recently sold properties are usually more reliable.
Comparing Different Neighborhoods
Even nearby areas can have significantly different values.
Ignoring Property Condition
A fully renovated home should be compared with other renovated homes.
Using Old Sales
Markets change.
Recent sales generally provide better estimates.
Typical ARV Errors
| Mistake | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Overestimating ARV | Lower profits |
| Underestimating Repairs | Budget overruns |
| Using Poor Comparables | Incorrect pricing |
| Ignoring Selling Costs | Reduced returns |
| Relying On One Comparable | Inaccurate valuation |
Professional investors usually analyze several comparable properties rather than relying on a single sale.
The 70% Rule
Many flippers use the 70% rule.
Formula:
Example:
- ARV = $400,000
- Repairs = $40,000
Maximum offer:
Maximum offer: $240,000
This rule provides a margin of safety for investors.
How Experienced Investors Use Zillow
Professional investors use Zillow to:
- identify comparable sales
- estimate values
- study neighborhoods
- understand local markets
Many investors begin their research using Zillow’s sold-property search before validating prices with additional sources.
However, they rarely rely on Zillow alone.
They often supplement Zillow with:
- county records
- MLS data
- Redfin
- Realtor.com
Housing market information and home value estimates can also be researched through Zillow Research Data.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to find ARV on Zillow is an essential skill for house flippers and value-add investors.
Accurate ARV estimates help investors:
- avoid overpaying
- control renovation budgets
- estimate profits
- reduce risk
Because successful real estate investing starts with understanding what a property could be worth after the work is complete.
