A Beginner's Guide to Fix-and-Flip Homes

by Qinjiang Beal 03/26/2023

Is it possible to flip houses for profit with no experience? Luckily, this is one area of real estate investment that is viable even for beginners. Here is a simple beginner's guide to house flipping to get you started:

Step 1: Find a Cash Source

Flipping a house requires more cash up front than with a traditional home purchase. This is because besides things like the down payment, you'll need cash to pay for renovation materials, tools and labor. Many flippers save up money before they begin, but there are also specific loans available for renovations. Research your options and compare lenders to find what works for you.

Step 2: Build a Team

Fixing and flipping a house is difficult to do on your own. Having at least one other person available to help you with renovation projects, logistics and planning will help your flip go more quickly and more easily. It's also a good idea to find a real estate agent and a licensed contractor to work with you throughout the project, as well.

Step 3: Work Out the Financials

Just like a traditional home purchase, you'll need to save money for a down payment and whatever type of loan you choose. However, when planning for a flip, it's also crucial to determine your ARV or after resale value. The ARV will tell you the minimum amount you must sell the house for to break even on the project. Obviously, it's ideal to make a profit, but knowing your ARV will help you stay on budget and price accordingly.

Step 4: Sell the House!

Once the renovations are complete, it's time for the payoff. This is where working with your real estate agent comes into play. They can help you list and sell the property efficiently so you don't waste money and time with it on the market. An agent can make sure you list at the right price and handle showings with potential buyers. This will give you the best chance at a profit for all of your hard work.

About the Author
Author

Qinjiang Beal

Jane’s knowledge, experience and skill set are uniquely suited to assisting her clients to either acquire or sell real estate. She brings to the table the real estate acumen, enthusiasm, cultural sensitivity, and a personal dedication to the individual needs of each of those she represents.
From Hangzhou - the Silicon Valley of China, her international business background and MBA education have built a solid foundation in her keen business acumen. Ability to communicate in three languages - English, Chinese Mandarin and Japanese, further allow her to remain on the cutting edge of the underlying theory and trends in the real estate business. Her clients get not only the available information on properties and financing, but how these trends might relate to their personal situation and decisions in the short and long term.
“My career devotion also means that I put the utmost importance upon my integrity and reputation. I care and truly treat each client’s property as if it were my own. My clients may rest assured that they will always be fully and intelligently informed, and that I will be available to them on a 24/7 basis. This has always been my primary mode of operation and I believe my clients are entitled to no less. ”  - Jane Qinjiang Beal