top of page
Search

How to Flip a Property: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: Mar 18


Flipping properties can be a rewarding investment strategy if approached with careful planning and execution. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.


 

Step 1: Research, Education, and Finding Properties


Before diving into property flipping, it's crucial to educate yourself about the real estate market and the flipping process. Understand current market trends in your target area, familiarize yourself with local zoning laws, building codes, and permit requirements. You also should connect with experienced real estate investors, agents, and contractors for valuable insights and advice through real estate meetups.


Finding properties below market value is essential for a successful flip. You can find such properties through online listings, real estate auctions, direct mail marketing to homeowners, and leveraging your network to find off-market deals through real estate agents, wholesalers, and other investors. At REsource - The Real Estate Source Company, we specialize in identifying properties that are priced below market value, which will allow you to have sufficient margin to include the cost to repair and profit upon selling the property.



Step 2: Analyzing Comparable Sales (Comps) and Estimating Renovation Costs


Therefore determining the After Repair Value (ARV) of a property is crucial. You do so by analyzing comparable sales (comps) by identifying recently sold properties in the same neighborhood with similar features, making adjustments for any differences between your property and the comps, and utilizing online tools and resources to gather and analyze comp data.


Accurately estimating renovation costs is probably the most critical variable needed to ensure profitability. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify necessary repairs and upgrades, obtain quotes from contractors for the renovation work, and include a contingency budget for unexpected expenses, usually between 10% to 15%.



Step 3: Securing Financing and Making an Offer


You need to determine how you will finance the purchase and renovation. Options include paying cash if you have sufficient funds, obtaining hard money loans designed for real estate investments, borrowing from private lenders, or securing traditional mortgages if you qualify and the property meets lender criteria. Through our sister company, The Mortgage Source Company, you have access to various types of financing options tailored to real estate investments.


Once you’ve identified a property and determined its ARV and renovation costs, it’s time to make an offer. Make a competitive offer that leaves room for negotiation but is attractive to the seller, include contingencies such as inspection and financing contingencies, and work with a real estate agent to submit your offer and negotiate terms.



Step 4: Renovating, Marketing, and Selling the Property


With the property purchased, the next step is to renovate it to increase its value. Develop a detailed renovation plan and timeline, hire reliable contractors to carry out the renovation work, and regularly check on the progress to ensure it stays on schedule and within budget.

Once the renovations are complete, it’s time to sell the property. Stage the property to make it more appealing to potential buyers, hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos for listings, list the property on multiple real estate platforms, market it through various channels, and host open houses to attract potential buyers.


(Below are before-and-after photos of a flip done in Fort Lauderdale, FL)



Step 5: Closing the Sale


As a Buyer focused on flipping properties, closing the sale is the final and crucial step in the process. Once you have completed the renovations and listed the property, you will start receiving offers from potential buyers. Review each offer carefully and negotiate the terms to ensure you achieve the best possible deal. This may involve discussing the price, contingencies, and any other conditions the buyer has included.


Facilitate any necessary inspections and appraisals to confirm the property's condition and value. Address any issues that arise promptly to avoid delays in the closing process. Once all contingencies are met and both parties are ready to proceed, move forward with the closing process. This includes coordinating with your real estate agent, attorney, and title company to ensure all necessary documents are prepared and signed.


During the closing, you'll transfer ownership of the property to the buyer and complete all financial transactions, including the payment of any outstanding fees or commissions. By handling this step with professionalism and attention to detail, you can successfully finalize the sale and move on to your next property flip.

 


 

Ready to dive into the exciting world of property flipping?


Start your journey with expert guidance from REsource - The Real Estate Source Company Transform your investment dreams into reality today!


📞 Call us today at +1 (954) 347-4167

🌐 Visit: www.resource-fl.com

 

 
 
 

Commenti


bottom of page