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Frequently asked questions

1Getting started

What is Prelio?

Prelio analyzes any residential property address and tells you two things: how strong your negotiating position is (Leverage Score) and whether the property works as an investment (Offer Score). It pulls live listing data, runs the math, and gives you a recommended offer price.

Do I need an account?

You can search and view the basic analysis without an account. You need an account to save properties, generate reports, and access your history.

What areas does Prelio cover?

Prelio covers residential properties across the US. Where live market data is available for a zip code (days-on-market averages, rent-to-price norms), we use it; otherwise we fall back to a national baseline.

How fresh is the data?

Listing data is pulled live each time you analyze a property. Estimate (automated valuation) and comp data are refreshed regularly but may lag a few days.

What's the difference between Saved Properties, Recently Viewed, and Nearby Homes?

Saved Properties are ones you've hearted for later. Recently Viewed auto-tracks the last properties you've looked at, most recent first. Nearby Homes shows comparable active listings near a property you've analyzed, useful for a quick gut-check against the local market.


2Scores & signals

What is the Leverage Score?

A 0–10 score that measures how much negotiating room you have. High score = seller has more pressure to deal (long time on market, price drops, relisted, etc.). Low score = fresh listing, motivated buyer pool, less room to negotiate.

What is the Offer Score?

A 0–10 score that measures how good the property is as an investment at the current ask price. It looks at cap rate, cash-on-cash return, DSCR, rent-to-price ratio, and appreciation outlook.

What does "Estimate +$13K" mean in the header?

Estimate is an automated valuation of the property. "+$13K" means the ask price is $13,000 below the estimated value, you're buying with $13K of built-in equity on day one if the Estimate is accurate.

Are the scores guaranteed to be right?

No. They're a starting point. Estimates can be off by 5–10%. Comp data depends on what's sold recently. Use the scores to frame your thinking, not as a guarantee.

What are the five signals in the Leverage Score?

Days on market, seller equity (how long they've owned), listing status (relisted or price drops), property age, and overpricing vs Estimate. Each one is scored 0–10 and weighted.

What does the "🔨 Fix & Flip Candidate" tag mean?

It flags listings that read like a fixer or investor sale, either from language in the listing description (as-is, TLC, handyman special, investor special, etc.) or from a combination of distress signals: a stale listing well past the local days-on-market average, price drops, a relisted status, and vacancy. It's a heads-up to expect renovation work, not an automated inspection.


3Offer strategy

How is the recommended offer price calculated?

We start with your leverage range (based on the Leverage Score) and apply modifiers for days on market, price drops, relisted status, vacancy, and seller tenure. When Estimate is above ask, we reduce the discount range, you already have built-in equity, so you don't need to push as hard.

What does "Floor" and "Ceiling" mean?

Floor is the lowest offer we think is credible without insulting the seller. Ceiling is the top of your range, still below ask but a reasonable opening. The recommended offer is the midpoint.

Should I always offer the recommended price?

Use it as a starting point. If you love the property and it's in a hot area, offer closer to ceiling. If you're flexible and the seller is clearly motivated, try near the floor.

The "What to do" box says to go below ask, but Estimate is already above ask. Why?

When Estimate is above ask, you already have equity at list price. The guidance adjusts, we recommend a smaller additional discount (1–2% rather than 3–5%) because you're already getting a good deal.


4Cash flow & investing

What is DSCR?

Debt Service Coverage Ratio. It's monthly rent divided by your full monthly housing payment (mortgage, property tax, insurance, and HOA, not just P&I). DSCR of 1.25 means rent covers that full payment with 25% to spare. Lenders for this type of loan typically require 1.25 or higher. Below 1.0 means rent doesn't cover the full payment.

What's the "DSCR Lender Flag" warning I sometimes see?

It appears when a property's DSCR falls below 1.25, the minimum most lenders require to approve an investment-property loan. It doesn't mean the deal is dead, just that financing it as a straight rental purchase will be harder at this price and rate, you may need a larger down payment, a different loan program, or a lower offer.

What is cap rate?

Net Operating Income (annual rent minus operating expenses) divided by property price. A higher cap rate means better returns relative to price. What counts as "good" varies a lot by market, a few percent is normal in expensive coastal metros, while 8%+ is common in more affordable markets, so compare against similar properties in the same area rather than one national number.

What is cash-on-cash return?

Annual net cash flow divided by your total cash invested (down payment + closing costs). It tells you what return you're getting on the cash you actually put in.

The cash flow is negative. Should I walk away?

Not necessarily. Negative cash flow means you're subsidizing the property each month. Whether that's worth it depends on appreciation outlook, how long you plan to hold, and your other investments. Prelio shows you how much rent growth would be needed to break even.

What assumptions does the cash flow model use?

Current ask price, 25% down payment, current 30-year fixed rate (pulled live), property tax from listing data, and estimated rent from local comps. You can override the offer price with the slider.


5Reports

What is a Deal Brief?

A one-page PDF summary of the property analysis, scores, cash flow, offer range, three key signals, and assumptions. You can generate one from any analyzed property and share it.

Can my realtor see my reports?

If your realtor invited you to Prelio, they can see reports you've shared with them. They can also generate reports on your behalf.

How long are reports saved?

Reports are saved to your account indefinitely. You can access them from My Reports in the menu.


6Account & billing

Is Prelio free?

It's free if you're the one buying. Analyze as many homes as you like, keep them saved, compare them, and download the Deal Brief. No credit card, and no trial that runs out. Realtors pay $29 a month or $199 a year, and a brokerage with up to 10 agents is $129 a month. That's what funds the free side. Full details on the pricing page.

Do I need a credit card to sign up as a buyer?

No. There's nothing to pay and nothing to cancel.

How do I change my down payment or interest rate assumptions?

Go to Analyzer Settings in the menu. Changes apply to all future analyses in your session.

How do I delete my account?

Email us at hello@prelio.ai. We'll delete your data within 7 days.


7For realtors

How does the realtor plan work?

Realtors get a separate agent account for $29 a month, or $199 a year. You can invite buyer clients, run analyses on their behalf, generate and share Deal Briefs, and manage every client from one dashboard. There's no cap on how many clients you take on. The first 14 days are free and don't need a card.

We're a brokerage. Can we buy for the whole office?

Yes. $129 a month covers 10 agents on one account, which works out at $12.90 each, with one bill and the whole team's activity in a single dashboard. If you have more than 10 agents, tell us what you need and we'll price it.

How do I invite a buyer client?

From My Clients, click "Invite client" and enter their email. They'll get a signup link tied to your account. Their analyses and saved properties will be visible to you.

Can my clients see that I invited them?

Yes. They'll see "Invited by [your name]" in their account menu and can click through to your agent profile.

Can I white-label Prelio reports with my branding?

Yes, that's part of the Realtor plan. Reports you share carry your photo, name, brokerage and license in an agent bar, and your brokerage logo sits on the report itself. Your logo also appears on your public Prelio profile.

What data can I see about my clients?

Searches they've run, properties they've saved, and reports generated. You cannot see their personal financial details.