Real Estate Investing: (Tips on how to flip properties for profit)

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What is House Flipping? image Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

Real Estate investing (flipping properties for profit)



Real estate investing can be a lucrative way to generate wealth, and flipping properties for profit is a popular strategy that offers a high return on investment.

Flipping properties involves purchasing a property, upgrading and renovating the property, and then selling the property for a profit.
However, this strategy requires careful planning, research, and execution to be successful.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of real estate investing and provide tips for successfully flipping properties for profit.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this article will provide valuable insights to help you succeed in real estate investing.

House flipping involves good money managerial skills, especially when it comes to renovating the already purchased house.
You will want to spend as less as possible on the renovation so that you don't lose all your potential profit on paying contractors.
The goal is to buy a house as cheaply as possible, renovate it up to standard but with as little capital as possible, and then resell it for a higher price to make your profit, as well as the initial sum used in the house purchase.

Tips For Successfully Flipping Houses For Profit:



1.Research:


Before purchasing a house to flip, the first thing to do is to research so as not to end up buying properties that would yield no return on investment.
Research the local real estate market, property values, and trends in the area.
This will help you identify undervalued properties with the potential for a good return.
Researching the location of the house you are going for is also essential, as this will help determine if the property can be profitable.
Some areas can inhibit the sales of a property.

For example, you can't purchase a property in a rural area where you intend to be a hotel and expect its purchase to be as quickly as possible.
Hotels are usually good when built in urban areas because of their ability to attract more customers.
So purchasing a property in a rural area that you wish to renovate to sell it off as a hotel is going to be very difficult to sell off.
The kind of venture you are renovating the property for and the location of the property plays a vital role in the rate of its resell.
Before purchasing a property to renovate and resale, make sure to ask these questions;
Is there a high rate of crime in this area?
Is this area prone to yield progress for any venture a potential buyer intends to use this property for?
Is this an open area?
Are new businesses coming to this area?
Are people bringing amenities to this area?
Is there a high chance this place will become developed in the nearest future?



2. Scout For Properties:


Not every property is house flipping worthy, here are types of properties that are good candidates for flipping:


  • Distressed properties:
    Distressed properties are sold mostly at a lower price due to their poor condition.
    These properties often require significant renovations and upgrades but can offer a high return on investment if renovated and marketed effectively.


  • Outdated properties: Properties that are outdated or require modernization can be good candidates for flipping. Upgrading its interior and exterior can impact the property's value and appeal to potential buyers.
    The good thing about this is that you can buy the house at a much cheaper rate because it is outdated with old designs and building structures, after which you renovate it to look modernized and then sell it at a higher price for a chunk of profit.



  • Properties in Developing Areas:
    Properties in areas that are experiencing growth and development can offer a high return on investment if purchased at the right time.
    As the neighborhood becomes more desirable, property values can increase, allowing for a profitable sale.



  • Undervalued properties: Properties that are undervalued due to market conditions, poor marketing, or other factors can be good candidates for flipping.
    If you can purchase the property below market value, you may be able to make a profit even with modest renovations.



3. Set a budget:


Set a budget for the purchase price, renovations, taxes, and any additional costs that may come up.
Do not overspend money on the purchase and renovation of the house so that the costs of purchase and renovation don't eat into the profit you are supposed to make.
Stick to your budget.



4. Purchasing Your House:


Before purchasing a house, be sure to do a thorough inspection of what the property looks alike.
This inspection will help you determine how much you will spend on renovation.
Inspecting the house will also help you know if the damages in the building will cost a lot of money to repair.
Look out for broken ceilings, Foundation cracks, old electrical wirings, and cracks on the walls.
You do not want to buy a house that would cost you a lot of money on repairs even before the start of the renovation, as this may end up eating into your profit.



5. Use professionals:


It's okay to hire real estate professionals to help you if you are unsure about making a purchase.
These people will guide you through proper decision-making.



6. Renovate strategically:


Focus on renovations that will add value to the property and attract buyers.
Do not do more than needed.
You have a budget to stick to and a profit to be made.



7. Market the property effectively:


Once the renovations are complete, market the property effectively to attract potential buyers.
Hire a real estate agent with experience in selling flipped properties and utilizing online listing services to reach a wider audience.



##p3 8. Sell Your Property:

Do not underprice or overprice the property.
If you underprice, you end up losing potential profit.
If you overprice, the property may end up sitting for a long time without being sold.
Give it the right price, and go ahead to sell.




Common House Flipping Mistakes Real Estate Investors Usually Fall Into



1. Overpaying for a property:


Overpaying for a property can reduce your potential profit margin.
Conduct thorough research and analysis to determine the actual market value of a property before making an offer.



2. Inadequate Finance:


Most real estate investors fail to incorporate a budget that accommodates the purchase and renovation of the house.
They only purchase the property and relax, thinking that the renovation will be easy or cost less simply because the property has been purchased already.
It is essential to set a budget for renovation and upgrade for the house even before its purchase.
It is best not to go into house flipping if you do not have enough money because the renovation process can take a lot of money.
Some people end up buying houses they may not be able to finish or start renovating simply because they didn't budget accurately.
Even when setting up your budget, create room for some unforeseen costs that may come up in the cause of renovation.
You do not want to be taken by surprise, and sometimes things may not go as planned.




3. Over-renovating the property:


While renovating the property is necessary to increase its value, over-renovating can lead to unnecessary expenses and may not necessarily result in a higher selling price.
Focus on upgrades that are necessary and will have a significant impact on the property's value.



4. Not Renovating up To Standard:


Renovating the property with materials or designs that do not appeal to potential buyers is another mistake most real estate investors make.
Some investors renovate to their particular taste forgetting that their taste may not be the same as that of the market.
Before renovating the property, survey the kind of venture you are renovating, and the property to be used for.
Look into properties around the area that are used for the same purpose which you are renovating.
Learn from the trend patterns.
You have to avoid creating a model or renovation design that doesn't sit well with the kind of venture or the taste of the potential buyers.
It is better to go neutral if you are unsure than to go for a design that would inhibit the sale of the property.



5. Location:


Buying at the wrong location is a common mistake most real estate investors make.
The location of the property matters a lot. It is highly advisable to get a professional to help with your purchase if you are not sure of where, how, and when to buy.



6. Lack Of Patience:


Do not be in a hurry to sell the property and end up making a mess in the property renovation.
Rushing the process can lead to mistakes, and this will affect the success of the flip.
Take the time to plan and execute the renovation properly to ensure a successful outcome.
Selling the property equally involves patience as the sale of a property can take longer than anticipated, and failing to factor in the holding costs can eat into the profit margin.
Be sure to have a solid understanding of the local real estate market and the time it takes to sell similar properties.




7. Not Having a backup plan:


Peradventure, you end up purchasing a property and it doesn't sell due to the choice of location or any other factor.
You need a backup plan to get rid of the property in any way.




Here are backup plan options to consider:

  • Renting the property:
    If the property doesn't sell as quickly as anticipated, you may consider pulling it out of the sales market and renting it out to generate income until the market improves.


  • Lower The Asking Price:
    If the property is not generating interest at the current asking price, consider lowering the price to attract potential buyers.
    This may result in a smaller profit margin, but it can help ensure a sale and minimize losses.


  • Flipping the property again:
    This approach involves adding additional upgrades or modifying the already renovated property to make it more appealing to buyers or rebranding the property in a way that targets a different market segment.

    This may require additional investment, but it can be sure profitable when a sale is made.




Flipping properties can yield a lot of profit, but it is also risky and requires careful planning, research, and execution.
Be prepared for unexpected costs and delays, and have a backup plan in case the property doesn't sell as quickly as anticipated.

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