If you want to become a successful house flipper, there are a few important things you have to keep in mind. Without a good plan of attack you risk losing a lot of money in real estate investing.
Understand the risks involved in Flipping Houses
No real estate investing strategy is risk-free. As you take on more debt, the level of risk increases. To somehow reduce the risk, make it a point to purchase flip homes for cash. That way, you no longer have to deal with mortgages and equity lines. If your money is not enough to handle all the expenses, then you have to partner with other investors. Of course, you have to split the profit too.
Understand where the return on investment will come from
Efficiency is a must in the house flipping business, especially if you want to make a huge profit. You have to purchase a property and do the renovation as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of work. After which, you have to make sure you sell the property fast. Many house flippers sell the flipped property at an affordable price so as to dispose it the earliest possible time. A small profit is enough as long as they get to resell the property immediately to target buyers. If you overpriced the property, it could be sitting in the market for a long period of time, which of course can lead to losing its value. It could also mean an additional expense on your side because you need to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the property. A small profit per house flipping project may not be enough but if you are doing house flips three to four times a year, then it could significantly improve your overall income.
What kind of rehab work is needed?
As a house flipper, you have to identify what kind of rehab work the property needs. On top of that, you also need to know beforehand how much money is needed for the kind of work the property needs. Knowing the figures is a must as it will set the stage for you to do all the work. If you have a very limited money at hand, then you have to choose a property that does not require that much repair and cosmetic update. Changing the paints and some kitchen and bathroom fixtures can make a huge difference in the overall look of the property. It will also make the property appealing to your target market. As much as possible, you have to avoid properties that warrant structural repair as it could eat a huge portion of your budget.