How to Avoid House Flipping Hiccups

House flipping can be extremely lucrative if you know what you’re doing. The problem is that it can also be extremely costly when you don’t plan ahead properly. Sometimes, the margin between a successful flip and expensive flop is razor thin.

Don’t Make These Common Mistakes

House flipping is a popular investment strategy for those looking to make a quick profit in real estate. However, without proper planning and due diligence, flipping can quickly turn into an expensive failure.

To ensure a successful house flipping project, you must be well-prepared and have a solid understanding of the process from start to finish.

Here are some suggestions to help you ensure a smooth process and avoid common mistakes.

1. Conduct Thorough Market Research

Before you begin your house flipping project, it is important to research the local real estate market to ensure that you are buying at the right price and in an area that is in demand. This research should include a thorough analysis of comparable properties in the area, including their sale prices, square footage, and age.

2. Create a Detailed Budget and Timeline

Budgeting and planning are critical in house flipping, and it is important to have a solid understanding of the costs involved and a timeline for the project. This includes an accurate estimate of the cost of renovations, including materials, labor, and unforeseen expenses. It is also important to plan for marketing and advertising costs, as well as closing costs and any other fees associated with the sale of the property. A detailed budget and timeline will help you stay on track and ensure that you stay within budget throughout the project.

3. Get a Thorough Inspection

Before purchasing a property, it is essential to get a thorough inspection to uncover any hidden problems that could increase costs or delay the project. This includes a comprehensive inspection of the foundation, roof, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC systems, and any other areas of the property that may need attention. A good inspector will provide you with a detailed report that includes recommendations for repairs and upgrades, which can help you make informed decisions about the property and the renovations you will need to make.

4. Choose the Right Contractor

Choosing the right contractor for your house flipping project is essential to ensuring a successful outcome. Look for contractors with experience in house flipping and renovations and be sure to check references and review their work portfolio before hiring them. A good contractor will have the necessary skills and experience to complete the renovations on time and within budget and will be able to provide you with valuable insights and recommendations throughout the process.

5. Plan Your Renovations Carefully

Once you have a clear understanding of the costs involved and a timeline for the project, it is time to plan the renovations. From deciding on the scope of the work and selecting the appropriate materials and finishes to creating a plan for overseeing the project, everything has to be accounted for.

When planning your renovations, it is important to strike a balance between making the property appealing and keeping the improvements within reason and the target budget. Over-improving the property can eat into profits and make it difficult to sell, so it is important to stay within your budget and focus on making the most impactful improvements.

As far as managing the renovation, you’ll need a plan for how to be as efficient as possible. One “pro tip” is to have a plan for removing debris and materials during the demo. You’re going to create a whole lot more trash than you think – and depending on the neighborhood that the property is in, you could get fined for just tossing it out in the yard or driveway for an extended period of time.

We recommend getting a dependable construction dumpster rental that includes options like same-day delivery and pick up. Sourgum Waste is a great option. They’re basically a one-stop shop for all your waste disposal needs. They’re extremely convenient and unique because of their future-forward technology that lets you order dumpsters from your phone.  (Sourgum is kind of like the Uber of waste disposal.)

6. Stay On Schedule

Renovations take time and rushing the process can lead to mistakes and costly repairs down the line. It is important to stay on schedule throughout the project, and to keep open communication with your contractor to ensure that the work is progressing smoothly.

A well-executed house flipping project requires patience and attention to detail, so be prepared to invest the necessary time and effort to ensure a successful outcome. This isn’t something you can manage from another city or state (at least not your first go round).

7. Properly Market and Advertise the Property

Once the renovations are complete, it is important to properly market and advertise the property to attract potential buyers. Professional photography, staging, and even some offline marketing techniques can help.

Be sure to highlight the unique features and upgrades of the property and provide detailed information about the local area and surrounding amenities. You can also consider hosting an open house or working with a real estate agent to showcase the property and reach a wider audience.

Pricing is also an important key to a successful sale. Overpricing the property can make it difficult to sell, while underpricing it can result in lower profits. Be realistic about the property's value and to price it competitively to attract potential buyers.

8. Be Prepared for Unexpected Expenses

House flipping can be a complicated process, and it is important to be prepared for unexpected expenses that may arise. These may include necessary repairs or upgrades that were not identified in the inspection, unexpected weather conditions, and other unforeseen events that may delay the project or increase costs.

To prepare for these unexpected expenses, it is recommended to build in a contingency budget of 5 to 10 percent of the total renovation budget.

Are You Ready for Your First Flip?

There’s a lot that goes into executing a successful house flip. There’s more to it than what you see on a 30-minute episode of a carefully edited HGTV show. Things can get messy, expensive, and complicated in a hurry. However, if you have a plan and the right partners in place, flipping houses can be very lucrative and rewarding.