How to read your BidWise deal score

The deal score is the fastest way to triage a batch of auction listings — but it is a starting point, not a verdict. This guide explains exactly what goes into it so you know when to trust it and when to dig deeper.

What the score measures

Every score is built from the same underlying math: an estimate of what the property is worth fixed up (the ARV, or after-repair value), minus everything it costs to get there. Those costs are not just the winning bid. BidWise rolls in:

• Rehab — estimated from square footage and the age of the structure.
• Quiet title — a flat allowance for clearing title on a tax-deed parcel.
• Carrying costs — roughly a year of taxes, insurance, and holding expense.
• Selling costs — about 7% of the resale price for commissions and closing.

The score is a normalized expression of the margin left after all of that. A high score means the spread between ARV and total all-in cost is wide enough to absorb surprises. A low score means the margin is thin or negative.

The confidence indicator

Next to the score you'll see a confidence signal. This is separate from the score itself and answers a different question: how much should you trust the inputs?

Confidence drops when:

• There are few comparable sales nearby, or the comps vary widely.
• Square footage, year built, or condition data is missing or estimated.
• The property type is unusual for the area.

A high score with low confidence is an invitation to verify, not a green light. A moderate score with high confidence is often a more reliable deal than a flashy score built on thin data.

A realistic frame for ROI

Tax-deed auctions occasionally produce eye-popping numbers, but a durable return on a well-bought Georgia tax-deed deal typically lands in the 30–60% range once every real cost is included. If a listing shows a return far above that, treat it as a prompt to re-check the ARV and rehab assumptions before you get excited — not as a reason to bid harder.

When to override the recommendation

The score doesn't walk the street. Override it when you have information it can't see:

• You know the neighborhood. Local knowledge of a block, a school zone, or a redevelopment plan beats any model.
• The photos tell a different story. Fire damage, foundation issues, or a teardown won't always be reflected in the data.
• The comps are stale or mismatched. If the model is leaning on sales that aren't truly comparable, your own comp pull is more trustworthy.

Use the score to decide where to spend your due-diligence time — then let your own underwriting make the final call.