Are you interested in flipping houses? Well, you aren’t alone. In 2021, 323,465 homes were flipped in the U.S., the most in a single year since 2006.
If you’ve never flipped a property before, the process can sound intimidating. Whether you’re new to investing or if you’ve flipped multiple properties, you’ll find this article useful. This house-flipping guide will give you several tips that will help you invest.
From setting a budget to finding the right neighborhood, we are here to help. Read on, so you know exactly what you need to do to make the most profit possible.
1. Create A Plan
The first step when it comes to flipping houses is to make a plan. Sit down and write out all your goals, short-term and long-term.
You’ll also need to evaluate your finances and your expected ROI (return on investment). Having this information laid out clearly will help you progress. You’ll likely run into some roadblocks, but you’ll find you have fewer issues if you have a business plan.
During this step, you’ll also want to research and interview other professionals who you may want to work with. For example, contractors, real estate agents, and maybe a potential investor or business partner. You will want to educate yourself on city laws concerning permits and regulations.
2. Set A Budget
It’s crucial that you set a budget and stick to it. Every decision you make is going to affect your budget.
Any money you spend over the allotted amount will reduce your profits. Getting quotes from various contractors can help you determine how much the material and labor are going to cost for each project.
After setting a budget, you’ll need to secure financing. There are specific loans that are ideal for investors who are looking to flip houses.
3. Prepare For The Unexpected
Even if you stick to your budget perfectly, there are components that are completely out of your control, for example, the economy and the market. It’s important that you give yourself a buffer. This could mean an emergency fund in case something goes wrong or if the property doesn’t sell as quickly as you expected.
House flipping comes with some risks, and being prepared for anything will help make the process less stressful. Having a place and being ready for anything will allow you to fix the issues quicker and easier.
4. Know The Market and Neighborhood
There are many factors to consider, but one of the most important ones is the current housing market. It can be unpredictable and change without warning. The last thing you want is to pay more than the home is worth on a property that you are trying to make a profit off of. You’re likely excited to get a house and start your project, but be patient. Finding the right property takes time.
Once you determine that it’s the right time to buy, spend some time scooping out different neighborhoods. You can change the house and upgrade it, but you can fix a neighborhood. You can invest your time and money into a home, but it needs to be affordable for your target demographic.
A few things to consider are the local schools, crime rates, future city development plans, and the average price of other properties in the area. It can be easy to only focus on the real estate you own, but looking at the big picture will help you be more profitable.
5. Schedule a Home Inspection
Before buying a property, schedule a home inspection. You don’t want to purchase a house only to find out after that there are major damages that you didn’t account for.
A home inspection will prove invaluable no matter the size of the project. If you’re just starting out and want to do a smaller project, you’ll want to ensure the foundation isn’t cracked and that the home is mold-free.
If you’re investing in a larger project, you’ll want to know how extensive the work will be. Do you need to tear the walls down, or will only cosmetic changes be required? These types of questions will help you when it comes to deciding your budget.
6. Build A Team
The right team can make all the difference in the world. From your lender to the inspectors to the tile contractors and painters and everyone in between the process will go a lot smoother if you are able to communicate with them and trust them. You’ll be able to minimize the number of delays and keep your projects up by having a solid team working with you.
7. Market The Property
The last of our house flipping tips is pricing the renovated house properly and marketing it. If you price the home too high, it’ll sit on the market longer and eat away at your profits. If you set the amount too low, you’ll have the same problem.
It’s crucial that you set it at just the right amount. Once the price is in place, you’ll need to market it. How will anyone know your house is complete if you don’t show it off?
Tips For Flipping Houses
Flipping houses is a tough but rewarding job. It can be profitable, but it also requires a lot of time, energy, resources, and patience.
Don’t be worried about getting the financing secured for your project because we are here to help. We have worked with hundreds of investors, and we are confident we can help you too.
Give our experts a call today! You’ll be started on your house-flipping project in no time