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Flipping A House

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

Some people make it sound so easy: You can buy a neglected property cheap, fix it up, and sell it for a huge profit. That's what first-time rehabbers think.

When flipping a house, it’s important to plan your timeline carefully. Depending on the amount of work needed, renovations can take anywhere from one to six months. Make sure to include time for any necessary building inspections.

Hiring a general contractor is smart if you’re not skilled in renovations. Look for qualified tradespeople and check their licenses and references.  Make sure the quotes fit within your budget and timeline.

Once the renovations are complete, you can sell your property. A real estate agent can assist you with pricing and marketing the home. 

There are common mistakes to watch out for during this process. One major pitfall is underestimating costs. Stick to a budget that you can afford. Not every house flip has to be an extensive project; sometimes, simple renovations work well. Be cautious of contractors who might take advantage of your lack of experience.

Another mistake is thinking that house flipping is easy. It’s not as glamorous as it appears on TV. Flipping a house requires significant time, effort, and money, so prepare yourself for challenges that may arise.

Remember your time commitment. Flipping a house can be challenging if you have another job. Make sure you can dedicate enough attention to manage the project properly.

Flipping houses can be profitable, but it does come with risks. Do you have an emergency fund in place and a reliable team to support you throughout the process?

Thinking about buying a home

Call Margaret Rome

 

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Show All Comments Sort:
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good post on Flipping houses! It's not for the faint of heart and does take time and costs money. Know your costs and stick with in your budget or you might find your self with less than anticipated profit! 

Mar 06, 2025 06:42 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

HI Margaret- flipping is not for people who "think" they're flippers. You need a healthy budget and a forgiving timeframe.  You have to be prepared for what you're not prepared for!

Mar 06, 2025 07:47 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - Such a gamble! However, flipping houses could help you to retire quicker.

Mar 06, 2025 07:55 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 very valuable detailed educational report about flipping a house.

Mar 06, 2025 08:19 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Definitely the best use of art in a real estate blog—- that I’ve ever seen. Forgive the grammar, but the awesomeness nose, no bounds!

Mar 06, 2025 10:10 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Margaret - just like countless things in everyday life, flipping houses is not as simple as some may say it is.  Being realistic is in any endeavor is wise.   

Mar 07, 2025 03:39 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Margaret,
I just love the image you used! That syrup pouring out of the front door of the house could represent the money you have to pour into a flip, especially if you're hiring most of the work done. Estimating costs now days is very difficult. 

Even the flippers on those TV shows run into unexpected problems and end up going over budget or having to cut back somewhere else. Doing flips is a challenge, and buying one can be risky, too, if the flippers are cutting corners to save money. You know what they say about putting lipstick on a pig.

Mar 07, 2025 03:41 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Thanks for sharing Margaret!!! I know what its like to flip a home, I done 18 of them.

When flipping a house, it’s important to plan your timeline carefully. Depending on the amount of work needed, renovations can take anywhere from one to six months. Make sure to include time for any necessary building inspections.

Mar 07, 2025 03:45 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Excellent post, and love your graphics! House flipping can be lucrative if done correctly, but not only does a flipper need funds for the flip, but also for the loan if there is one, and ongoing utilities/maintenance costs.

Mar 07, 2025 05:10 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Margaret. Back in the early 90's had a close friend who was flipping houses, He was knowledgeable and extremely talented. He did most of his own labor. He was prepared and sometimes relished surprises. His advice, it is not for everyone. And, I agree. Enjoy your day.

Mar 07, 2025 05:47 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I love the idea of flipping a home, but there are a lot of things to take into account before making a first time investment into doing one.

Mar 07, 2025 06:26 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret flipping properties may sound like easy money, but it is not.  It requires having both the right business and construction skills.

Mar 07, 2025 08:23 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, for breaking down the realities of house flipping! Your insights and practical tips are a breath of fresh air for anyone considering this path—it’s definitely more than just a weekend project. I appreciate you sharing your expertise; it’s clear you’re looking out for newcomers trying to navigate this tricky world!

Mar 07, 2025 12:37 PM