To anyone that has been an agent for awhile you can tell a flip just be looking at the photographs. They all look exactly the same.  Same paint colors, same new kitchen cabinets and counters.  Just bland and boring.  But with the promise that everything is updated.

What I try to tell my buyers is that it may say "everything is updated and new" but did the flipper know what they are doing.  Anybody can buy a foreclosure, throw in some paint and have their Uncle Charlie put up some cabinets.  It doesn't mean it was done right.  More often than not, when we get to the property I immediately seen problems and signs that armatures worked on this home.  Poorly done finish work is a good sign that it was not done right.  Unless you are a professional those little details are hard to complete well.

Many flippers just make cosmetic changes, but do not update any mechanics such as a furnace or electric.  Some may even tackle a new roof with their friends on a Saturday afternoon.  Making everything look pretty does not warrant you making $60,000 in profit.  It really has to be updated from top to bottom.

I always recommend to my buyers that if the house you are buying is a flip and promises have been made that the electric, plumbing, etc were updated, ask for receipts. See that these items were done by someone who is licensed to do so.  If there is a new roof, ask who did the roof and do they do this for a living.  A roof may look easy, but if not done right can end up costing the buyer money in the future.  Many times flips are purchased by contractors and they are doing the work. Find out the name of their company and ask for references regarding their previous work.  Anyone can call themselves a contractor, but it should be backed up with a high level of workmanship. 

Just remember that just because it looks pretty doesn't mean there aren't many problems lurking under the surface you cannot see.  And always get a home inspection.  The home inspector can uncover any mistakes that were made and anything that was not updated.