Does this deal pencil?
Runs Arthur's First Time Builder Proforma live. Type the prospect's real numbers and the deal grades itself against the 20% ROI floor.
Prospect's deal
All-in cost
$394,200
land + build + builder fee
Projected profit
$81,823
after realtor + finance
ROI
20.8%
floor: 20%
Cash needed
$39,237
down + fees + interest
Cash-on-cash
209%
profit vs cash in
Cash to close: alone vs with BuildUp lending
A retail lender asks a first-time builder for 20-25% down at 11-13%. Through BuildUp's lending partners this same deal keeps $62,129 of your cash working.
Same build, two builders
Same build: $81,823 profit with a cost-plus spec GC vs a $400,754 loss at the custom quote.
Model from Arthur's First Time Builder Proforma: builder fee 10% (range 8-15%), realtor + closing 6.5%, 9-month build, interest on draws. Per-city cost-plus rates from Arthur's price map (July 2026, starting price and up); custom quotes $200-400/sq ft. Always confirm with local builder bids.