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Flipping

How to Flip Commercial Properties

Source: Nastuh Abootalebi from Unsplash.

With 80% of office stock built in or before the eighties, many commercial spaces in the market have a huge flipping potential for real estate investors like you.


Large floor, concrete and glass commercial properties are tempting to reinvent from the ground up, as starting fresh may better meet the market’s demands. Even after the industry taking a big hit due to Covid-19, the industry is still trying its best to stay afloat.

Flipping commercial properties shouldn’t involve much hassle and should land you impressive profits… If done right. Before you invest, consider the top factors to ensure a successful commercial property conversion that results in profits—not stuck with a property nobody wants.

Let’s discuss all that below.

Know Commercial Property Types and Uses

Consider the needs of each property type and use. Different commercial property types have different purposes. Before you decide how to flip a commercial property, ask yourself, “Does this property have all the features and factors that’ll make it attractive to buyers?”

For example, office spaces are typically leased for businesses, and retail properties are used as storefronts. Industrial properties are ideal for warehouses or factories, while vacant land is perfect for development projects. Multi-family buildings are often associated with residential housing but can also include spaces for restaurants and local businesses.

If you’re flipping a property for office use, does the property have sufficient parking spaces? If it’s a retail space, can it accommodate heavy foot traffic (if there’s any nearby)? Think of what the end-user will prioritize, because that’s what the buyer will focus on—and so should you.

Moreover, take a look at the trends of each commercial property type. For instance, office spaces became risky investments over the pandemic, where companies implemented hybrid and remote work setups. The trend brought the vacancy rate of office spaces up to 15.4% in Q3 of 2022. In contrast, industrial properties and multi-family buildings only have 4.4% and 6.0% vacancy rate, respectively.

So, take advantage of properties with low vacancy rates or located in areas with limited space for new developments. Those spots offer a good supply and demand situation for your investment, where low-supply, high-demand markets make flipping commercial properties to sell at a high price easy.

Calculate Property Values & Demand for Accurate Pricing

There are several ways to determine a property’s value. You can run with one or be a perfectionist by using each method (we recommend the latter!). Ultimately, you’ll want to choose the methods that make the most sense for your project goals.

By calculating property values, you’ll know how much the property is worth when you sell it. In return, you’ll know how much you should spend to acquire the property and flip it.

#1 Determine the After-Repair Value Using Sales Comps

The After Repair Value (ARV) of a property represents the estimated retail price once it’s renovated. By determining the ARV of a property before purchase and renovation, you’ll know how much you can sell it and see if it’ll generate enough profits.

Now, the easiest way to figure out the ARV is by analyzing comps. To run comps, check similar properties within a quarter to half-mile radius. Identify at least three properties that have sold in the last six months that are comparable in size, type, features, and year built to ensure the most accurate valuation of your potential commercial property.

Next, calculate the average price per square footage of the comps you’ve identified. See how much per square foot they cost, and use that rate to estimate how much your property can charge. Here’s the formula for determining the estimated ARV using comps:

ARV = Average Price per square foot of comps multiplied by the square footage of your property

$1,440,000 = 120 per square foot x 12,000 square feet

In the above example, your commercial property will likely sell for roughly $1,440,000. Is that enough, considering how many renovations you’ll do? Determining the ARV allows you to decide if the property will generate enough returns for you to make a flipping profit.

#2 Capitalization Rate

Capitalization rates (or cap rates) allow you to estimate the return of investment (ROI) of a property. Your buyers will use the cap rate formula to see how much they’ll earn in relation to how much they’ll spend to purchase and operate the commercial space. The higher the cap rate, the more the buyer can earn from it, the more you can potentially charge for the commercial property.

Here’s the cap rate formula to see how much income the property will bring to the owner per year:

Cap Rate = Annual Net Operating Income divided by Price or Value

10% = $150,000 / $1,500,000

There’s no one ideal cap rate because there are a lot of factors that affect a property. However, analysts say a “good” cap rate is around 5% to 10%. Anything below that range is a less risky investment, as it’ll take more time to recover the investment cost—buyers wouldn’t want that, and neither should you.

#3 Estimate Flipping Costs

When planning a renovation, it’s essential to get an estimated repair cost (ERC) so you don’t go over budget and deplete your margins for good flipping profits. After all, no buyer is going to invest in an overpriced property, even if you’ve added all the best features and used the best materials.

To get the ERC, obtain cost projections from professional inspectors and establish a range for the total expense. Don’t just work with one inspector, too. Like how we’d get second opinions from doctors, get multiple opinions from inspectors to have a clear view of the rehabilitation spent.

Here are some tips:

  • Two estimates: Ensure that contractors take unforeseen repairs into account. They should also give two price scenarios, so there are fewer surprises during the flipping process.
  • Accountability: Hold all subcontractors accountable for the prices they provide. Don’t allow them to change mid-way, or it defeats the whole purpose of estimating your flipping costs.
  • Final walkthrough: Conduct a final check with each subcontractor. Double check to ensure that they didn’t leave out any potential cost overruns that’ll dig you into a financial hole.

Unless you’re a contractor yourself, work with licensed contractors to get detailed breakdowns of the cost and a timeline to finish the project. Doing so will ensure that you have a comprehensive budget in place and an accurate timeline that makes sense with the market behaviors to maximize your profits.

Repositioning Commercial Properties for Excellent Flipping Profits

With the expectations that office rental vacancies are going down this 2023, it presents an opportunity for investors to take that leap and flip. Still, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about which properties are worth putting your time into to reap the rewards and avoid the pitfalls of a hasty investment.

There are still a few risks when it comes to investing in commercial real estate (or any investment for that matter), but you can challenge the curve by doing your research and preparing before any purchase. Reposition them if necessary to meet the market’s demands!

Ultimately, choose the right property, anticipate the possible renovation costs, and read the market’s behavior, and you’ll maximize your profits in the end.

Are you interested in flipping commercial real estate and want to know more about it? Join us as a REIA member and attend our upcoming meeting! We also have a newsletter, so you’re never out of the loop.  

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Flipping

Netflix & Flip: 5 Best House Flipping Shows to Watch in 2023

Source: Nolan Issac from Unsplash.

House flipping is all the rage right now. We all love them, whether we’re expanding our house-flipping portfolio or watching home renovations for fun. There’s nothing quite like seeing a run-down house turn into a beautiful home.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few of the best house-flipping shows of all time. You might even pick up a few pro tips that you can use in your house-flipping projects down the road.

#1 – Holmes Family Rescue

Does the name Holmes sound a bit familiar to you? You might have heard about Mike Holmes from Holmes on Homes. Holmes Family Rescue is a new show that now includes Mike’s son and daughter.

A Canadian series that debuted in 2021, it follows dissatisfied homeowners whose properties were ruined by low-quality construction.

Luckily, they’re saved by Mike Holmes, a general contractor, along with his 2 kids, who are home renovation experts, Michael Holmes, Jr. and Sherry Holmes. As a family, they show empathy and commit to their mission, “Make it right.”

If you’re not a big fan of the glamorized version of house flipping, then Holmes Family Rescue is the show for you. This show is a great option if you want to learn more about repairs and renovations.

In each episode, Mike, Michael, and Sherry show the substandard work done on the property and explain in detail how they should have been executed correctly. They also talk with the homeowners, asking them to describe their experience with the original contractor and how it affected the way they live now.

Holmes Family Rescue currently has 1 season and is renewed to have another season and will premier in the spring of this year.

Watch Holmes Family Rescue on HGTV.

#2 – Stay Here

Streaming giant, Netflix, is also riding the house-flipping trend with Stay Here.

In this reality show, you follow along with interior designer Genevieve Gorder and real estate broker Peter Lorimer. In each episode, the duo gives serious TLC to a short-term rental home, transforming it into a moneymaker for its owner.

One of the best things about the show is that it features unique vacation rentals, including a houseboat in Seattle, a firehouse in Washington, and a brownstone in Brooklyn.

Apart from remodeling these, Genevieve and Peter also provide viewers with updates on real estate industry trends, as well as advice about finding success in this line of business.

Currently, there’s only 1 season. Although, fingers crossed because there are rumors that season 2 will be released in August of 2024.

Watch Stay Here on Netflix.

#3 – Home Town

If you’re interested in learning what it takes to remodel historic properties, then Home Town is the house-flipping show for you.

It features Ben and Erin Napier, a husband-and-wife team restoring beautiful Southern homes in Mississippi using up-cycled materials to retain the property’s old rustic charm.

The couple is known for infusing their clients’ characters into the homes they remodel.

For example, one episode featured a local restaurant owner looking to settle into a cozy cottage with her grandmother. They ended up with a custom-built rolling kitchen island and a handmade raised garden bed. Both of which were inspired by their personalities.

If Home Town leaves you wanting more, I have some good news for you. They also have a spinoff called Home Town Kickstart.

Watch Home Town on HGTV and Home Town Kickstart on HGTV.

#4 – Designed to Sell

Want awesome tips and tricks that will help make your properties sell?

Sit back and tune in to Designed to Sell, a show where each 30-minute episode features a home that has sat unsold on the market for a long time. Real estate experts and general contractors are then given $2,000 to renovate the property to the best of their abilities.

Because of this limited budget, this show is perfect for flippers who want creative design ideas while getting the most bang for their buck.

It also highlights the country’s most cutthroat real estate markets—Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, Designed to Sell ended; although, there’s still a backlog of episodes to enjoy.

Watch Designed to Sell on HGTV.

#5 The Flipping El Moussas

You might know Tarek El Moussa from Flip or Flop. Unfortunately, Tarek and his past partner have broken up and gone their separate ways. Although Flip or Flop is still a must-watch if you haven’t seen it, we’re moving forward to the next reiteration of the popular program.

Tarek is now married to Heather Rae, a famous real estate agent from the Netflix series Selling Sunset. Together, they’re a power couple who are experts in their own fields. They’re unstoppable with Tarek’s experience in flipping homes and Heather’s eye for high-end real estate.

In the first episode, Tarek and Heather take on their first project together. It’s not an easy ride because there are already some issues with the odd floor plan and uneven floors. But, are their combined knowledge and work experiences enough to conquer this issue?

This show is so new that it just aired this year. Follow along their journey as they expand their business (and family) together.

Watch The Flipping El Moussas on HGTV.

What Else is on Your Watch List?

House flippers need to stay updated with the real estate market to earn profits and with the current design, and trends to create appealing homes. And there’s no better inspiration than the hit shows we’ve listed above. We’re sure there’s at least one series for you—whether your niche is in historical homes, vacation rentals, or luxury properties.

What other house-flipping shows have you enjoyed? Is there anything on your watch list that we didn’t include here? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

And become a member today to join our upcoming meetings and receive our newsletter. You’ll get insider knowledge and learn from experienced flippers in the industry just by being a part of our group.

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Flipping

the Flipping Forecast for Detroit in 2023 and Beyond

A kitchen after a flipper renovation.
Photo by Aaron Huber

During the height of the pandemic, the real estate market took a big hit. Large markets like New York felt a significant decline in pending house sales, with a hefty 58% decrease. And in our case, the City of Detroit took an even more severe hit, losing 74% of pending sales.

However, when stimulus packages started rolling in during the latter half of 2020, housing sales came back with a caveat. For example, list prices spiked 27% due to the revived increase in demand. This is bad news for house flippers, as finding good deals is significantly more challenging.

Still, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, it’s time to look at how the real estate market is shaping up in 2023. And more importantly, is it a good time to build your home-flipping portfolio this year?

Real Estate Trends for the City of Detroit, MI

To try and curb inflation, the federal reserve is looking to increase interest rates across the board.

Just this February, interest rates are up and are expected to keep rising in 2023. That being said, inflation is still going strong. We’re looking at incremental interest rate increases throughout the year.

This results in a more challenging time for house flippers to get financing for their flipping project. To give you an idea of how the real estate market looks in the city, here are some trends we’ve observed:

  • Days on the Market: On average, properties stayed on the market for 36 days as of November 2022. It’s an improvement from the earlier half of last year’s average of 44 days on the market. Flippers might have an easier time selling their flips because buyers are more willing to buy.
  • Average Home Price: Compared to June 2021, home prices increased by 38.3%, from $72,500 to $100,205. The increase means house flippers like you might see lower returns on investment because buying a house requires more capital.
  • Average Sale Price: The average sale price of a Detroit property is identical to its average home price and set a new record by surpassing the $100,000 at $100,250—an increase of 38.3%. This isn’t necessarily bad news, as you might earn a bigger profit when you sell your flip.
  • Number of Listings: The number of listings increased from 2021 to 2022 by 38.9%, going from $1,983 to $1,428. This figure means that you’re off to a good start, as there are more houses on the market that you can list as options.
  • Total Sales (Unit): The total sales took a hit in 2022, by -10.1%, from $424 to $383. Your flipping projects might fall through because fewer people are buying, so you need to prepare a good exit strategy , just in case.
  • List Price: In January of this year, the year-over-year home prices were at an increase of 6.7%, and the average listing home price was $80,000.

Despite the climbing interest rates, the Detroit real estate market continues to climb in price, and the economic outlook in the City of Detroit is shaping up to be moderately positive this 2023.

Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if the interest rate hike will affect the situation, but it seems like 2023 is still a great year for you to potentially expand and earn from your flipping projects—as long as they make sense for your budget and risk appetite.

Flippers should Approach the City of Detroit Market with Cautious Optimism in 2023

Despite society moving on from the issues we faced during the pandemic, real estate prices continue to skyrocket. Sure, there’s pressure for the federal reserve to implement schemes to ease inflation, but various other factors also affect the housing market.

Regardless of what happens, the City of Detroit is still one of the most affordable areas, with its median sale price of $100,205, which is around 4x lower than the US median sale price of $405,900.

You’ll continue to find hidden gems in the famed Detroit real estate market to continue building your portfolio. Just be careful and get into projects that are guaranteed success, which you can do by joining as a REIA member, signing up for our newsletter, and meeting other investors in our upcoming meeting.

Leave a comment below if you have any other thoughts about the forecast for 2023!

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Flipping

5 Tips to Flip a Really Old House (Challenging but Possible!)

The interior of an old home with aged wooden frames and dry leaves
Source: Mahdi Dastmard on Unsplash

Countless shows have entertained us with the possibility of flipping an old house (over 50 years old) for profit. It used to be simple, too: find a run-down house, fix it up, and sell it for easy money.

However, in today’s market, flipping a house has become much more challenging. Properties are increasingly more expensive to buy and fix up, and more and more wholesalers vie for the same investors.

And everything is exponentially more complicated if you flip an old house—the lower the starting point, the rougher the road is to flipping success.

So how can you flip an ancient house? Here are five critical tips for house flippers to remember.

1. Pick a Home in an Excellent Location

You can change everything about a house except for its location. So pick a home in a good neighborhood, often categorized by its amenities (e.g., near schools, public transportation, etc.).

No matter the potential you see in an old home, never choose one close to the freeway, with a high crime rate, or anything unappealing like that. Nobody wants a pretty property that’s in a terrible location. Instead, purchase a home in a prime location, and you’ll appeal to many potential buyers.

2. Check Your Numbers, and then Check Them Again, & Maybe Again!

How much is the house worth? How can you get it under the market value so you’re making money right off the start? Moreover, how much will it cost to bring it up to a sellable standard?

Knowing your numbers is vital in all real estate investments, but it’s especially crucial to flip an old home.

If you’re not experienced in answering any of the questions we’ve mentioned above, you’ll need to hire these professionals:

  1. Real estate experts to know the estimated property value
  2. Contractors or inspectors to determine the estimated renovation costs (ERC)
  3. Real estate agent or broker to determine the after-repair value (ARV)

These professionals will help you flip an old home, especially given how tricky it is to renovate and know the value of a subpar property; doing things yourself might lead to underestimating or overestimating the cost and value, which could put your entire investment at risk.

3. Understand What Needs to be Done—and What Really Doesn’t

A home inspector can help you understand what needs to be fixed in a house before you sell it. Oftentimes, old houses need work in these areas:

  • Outdated outlets and electrical systems
  • Outdated heating systems (HVAC units)
  • Obsolete plumbing systems
  • Foundation issues
  • Deteriorating roof
  • Hazardous building materials
  • Old windows and door frames

These structural issues are called the “bones” of a house because they’re essential parts that make up the structure and safety of the property. You can get away with ignoring other cosmetic details like paint colors or flooring when flipping an old house, but you absolutely cannot ignore the bones. If any of these areas are not up to code or need significant repairs, it will be especially difficult (and expensive) to fix before selling. Contract a professional inspector to confirm the condition of an old home before you buy to stay in the clear.

4. Find Reliable and Honest Contractors for Repairs

Once you’ve bought the house and know what needs to be fixed, it’s time to find a contractor.

A lot of people try to save money by hiring an unlicensed contractor, or by avoiding getting  multiple bids from different contractors. As a result, they often overspend on repairs or end up with a subpar repair job. Cutting corners can cost you thousands of dollars and cause significant delays in selling the property.

Find a good contractor by following referrals from friends, family, or other real estate investors who have flipped homes before. Once you have a few referrals, interview each contractor, get multiple bids, and check their licensing and insurance.

Here are the two categories of contractors you’ll choose between:

  • General contractor: If you choose a general contractor, you’ll only have one point of contact who’s in charge of managing the entire project from start to finish. A general contractor should be someone who is capable of managing every step so you can trust them the entire way.
  • Subcontractors: If you choose to go with subcontractors, you’ll do the overall managing yourself and have a group that includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing, insulation, painting, and flooring professionals. You’ll also need backups to these roles so you’re never left hanging if one subcontractor calls out sick.

A good contractor is honest about the repairs that need to be done, gives you a fair price, and has a good reputation. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with contractors—remember, it’s your money and your investment, so you should feel confident in getting the best value for the repairs.

5. Build More Time than Usual Into Your Timeline

Old homes usually need major modifications and there’s bound to be a surprise or two!

You may need to redo narrow staircases, hallways, and doorways. Moreover, you’ll likely have to take down walls and rearrange the layout to modernize the old home by creating larger living spaces.

You’ll likely touch every part of the house—the electrical, plumbing, framing, and more—and you’ll need to strictly stick to your timeline to cover all the necessary steps. You don’t want to skip, delay, or rush any of those steps, either, (like installing drywall to see immediate improvement) because the structure or “bones” is what truly makes the property valuable.

Essential renovations take time and careful planning; don’t get too excited with the finishing stage.

Instead, plan ahead realistically, stick to your timeline, and schedule when each subcontractor should start their part of the project (if you’re not using a general contractor). You’ll make much better use of your time without sacrificing the quality of the finished property.

House Flips for Huge Profits: Old Homes for New Money

Have cautious optimism when flipping an old home. As long as you understand what you’re getting into before making an offer, lend your due diligence to inspections and contractors, and have a solid plan for repairs, you can make a tidy profit by flipping an old home.

Do you need more help flipping old homes? Sign up as a member, subscribe to our newsletter, and join us in our upcoming meeting! Stay updated with the latest tips and tricks by joining a community of like-minded individuals for your real estate investment journey.

See you in the winner’s circle!

Categories
Flipping

Flip Responsibly: 8 Legal Risks You Must Know About House Flipping

Source: Zillow listing in the City of Detroit

We get it. It’s scary to get into real estate investing, especially if it’s to flip a home.

Countless shows have “proved” flipping to be easy, but the reality is much more challenging. As a house flipper, how much money should you spend on the renovation? How fast do you have to complete it?

And, most importantly, how can you flip a house legally?

Well, you must know eight legal risks when doing house flips. You may be in trouble if these aren’t handled properly, so we’ve outlined the most crucial house-flipping legal risks below.

Risk #1: FHA Re-Selling Restrictions

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is the largest mortgage insurer worldwide and gives mortgage insurance for loans made by approved lenders. Unfortunately, the FHA also places several restrictions on its mortgages, which limit how often a home can be bought or resold.

For example, known as the “anti-flipping rule,” you must wait at least 90 days before selling or flipping an FHA-financed home. Moreover, any resale between 91 and 180 days where the new property price exceeds its previous price by more than 100% will need more documentation for the FHA.

Risk #2: Building Codes and Zoning Regulations

Ensure that the property you buy complies with all local building codes and zoning regulations. Failure to do so can result in costly fines for both the buyer and the seller. So, take your time researching local laws to stay updated with any changes in any area before flipping a house.

Risk #3: Right of Rescission Rules

Be aware of any “right of rescission” rules that may apply in your jurisdiction when transferring property from one party to another. These legalities can vary by state, but they provide rights and protections if a homeowner wishes to back out of an agreement within three days of signing the contract.

Risk #4: Real Estate Contracts and Disclosure Statements

It goes without saying (rather, we wish it could) that you should understand the contract that you’re signing when purchasing a property. Read through the entire thing carefully and ask questions if there are any items that aren’t clear.

What novice flippers might miss, however, are the disclosure statements that must be included in real estate transactions, like lead-based paint disclosures or radon gas disclosures. Not complying with these regulations can result in fines and lawsuits against your flipping business, so always double-check.

Risk #5: Financing Fraud

Document everything thoroughly when financing a flip project. You’ll want to do this because lenders are tightening up, most notably regarding mortgage fraud and loan misrepresentation.

Refrain from misleading them about your financial situation to secure financing for a property, as failure to disclose all necessary information can lead to serious legal repercussions. And once again, fully understand the terms and conditions of any loan you take out.

Risk #6: Fair Housing Laws

Fair housing laws protect buyers from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or nationality. As a flipper, you must abide by these laws and never discriminate against potential buyers when marketing your flipped home. If found in violation of this law, you risk heavy fines and even jail time.

Violations include, for example, sending out a direct mail advertisement for a home featuring only families with young children and not mentioning any other age groups or demographics—it’s considered discrimination.

Risk #7: Mortgage Loan Fraud

Chances are, you don’t have enough cash on hand to purchase your property. So, you’ll likely involve banks and lenders to finance your project.

Lending can become a cycle: you take out a mortgage to purchase the home, the next buyer acquires their own mortgage to buy the home from you, and so on. That cycle becomes ripe for mortgage loan fraud, where the buyer misrepresents their financial situation to get a larger loan.

To avoid fraud, request proof of income and other documents when dealing with buyers. You can also use third-party services that review potential buyers’ credit scores and verify their employment history before they purchase the home from you. These practices will help protect you from any fraudulent activities.

Risk #8: Issues With the Property Title

You may notice a lot of affordable properties in the market to flip for a significant profit. But between lenders, borrowers, real estate agents, and more, it can be challenging to know who owns the property you’re looking to flip—who can legally sell it to you.

So, before you acquire any property, ensure that you have title insurance to verify the title’s status on your behalf, and do your due diligence before making any major decisions. As much as possible, you should avoid dealing with fraudulent titles or legal disputes that could arise from a previous owner.

House Flipping With No Legal Repercussions

House flipping can be an incredibly lucrative business venture. By understanding these legal risks upfront, you’ll be in a much better position to have a large profit margin when entering this endeavor.

Just remember: consult with a local attorney if you have questions or concerns prior to doing any real estate transaction. Ensure that everything is done in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations to truly (and surely) build your house-flipping empire .

Do you need more help in house flipping? Join as a member, subscribe to our newsletter, and attend our upcoming meeting to stay updated with the market. You’re only as strong as those around you!

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Flipping

Increase Flipping Power: How Financing and Loans Work in House Flipping

Source: Zillow listing as of August 2022

Most house flippers don’t have the cash themselves to purchase a property & renovate it outright, so many have to learn how to acquire loans. But if you’re new to house flipping, securing financing may seem daunting.

So the question is—where do you start?

We’re here to help guide you through the process of financing your first flip. Here are the 4 steps to getting a loan for house flipping, so you know how to get one yourself.

1. Determine How Much to Borrow

The figure differs for every individual and investment. Generally, it’ll depend on your current purchasing power, the property’s purchase price, and estimated repair costs (ERC). If you’re new to house flipping, we recommend you work with a trusted and experienced inspector to have accurate numbers.

Once you know the total amount necessary, decide on what type of loan to get.

2. Decide on the Loan Type

Now, different types of loans are commonly used for financing a flip. However, if you want to play it safe, the most common loans are conventional, hard, and private money loans. Here’s the low down on a few different loan types:

Conventional Loans

Conventional loans are usually the best option if you have good credit and can qualify for a traditional mortgage. The interest rates on conventional loans also tend to be lower than other types of loans, making them more affordable in the long run. The only negative is that the property must be in livable condition, which doesn’t lead to the best deals.

Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are typically easier to qualify for than conventional mortgages, but they come with higher interest rates. Hard money lenders will also often require that you have some skin in the game by putting down a higher down payment or using your own personal funds for the renovation.

Private Money Loans

Private money loans are given by private individuals or investors instead of banks or other financial institutions. Because of that, they usually have more flexible lending criteria than traditional lenders, making them a good option for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. However, they take higher interest rates and fees.

3. Shop Around for Lenders

Once you’ve decided which type of loan is best for your financial situation, it’s time to look for lenders. You can find lenders online, through a local chamber of commerce, or by talking to other flippers in your area.

When you’re comparing different lenders, pay attention to the interest rate and fees associated with each loan. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re comfortable with the repayment terms. Some loans may have prepayment penalties which means you’ll owe a fee if you pay off your loan early.

4. Apply for the Loan

Finally, you’ve found a few lenders that you’re interested in working with; it’s time to start the application process. The first step is to fill out a loan application. You’ll need to provide information about your financial history, as well as the details of the property you’re planning to flip.

After you’ve submitted your loan application, the lender will review your information and decide whether to approve your loan. If your loan is approved, you’ll be given a loan estimate that outlines the terms of your loan, including the interest rate, monthly payment, and repayment schedule.

Take your time reviewing all options, sift through the best ones, and accept the one that gives you the best terms. Don’t accept loans haphazardly, or you’ll dig a financial hole before you even start flipping.

Expand Your Purchasing Power with Flipping Loans

You’re now ready to shop around for the best deal on financing your next flip!

As you can see, using a loan is much better than using cash, as it increases your flipping power. Even if you’re a seasoned flipper and have a ton of cash on hand, you still want to increase your deal flow as much as possible to flip more properties. Loans allow you to work on bigger and better projects—even multiple projects at once—without tying up all your own cash in them.

And if you need more help, don’t hesitate to join as a member of REIA today and attend our upcoming meeting. You can also sign up for our newsletter so you never miss any important tips to become a successful house flipper.

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Flipping

House Flipping Business Plans: How To Create One (with Examples!)

A rehabilitated home in North End, Detroit
Source: Detour Detroit

Flipping real estate makes for a great reality TV show, but it can also be a lucrative investment strategy if you know what you’re doing. What they rarely show on screen, however, is the importance of having a business plan for flipping homes—one that we’ll provide for you in this article.

Read on for our house-flipping business plan template!

The Ultimate Business Plan Template: Planning for Success

The goal is to build a solid foundation that serves as your living roadmap for your house-flipping empire. Only when you have the goals and action steps in place can you put yourself toward investment success, attracting real estate investors, financial partners, and home buyers to work with your company.

Here are the 8 steps you need for a thorough house flipping business plan:

Step 1: Mission & Vision Statement

Start by creating your mission and vision statement. Change the following placeholders:

[Company Name] [what you do] [what you offer] to [who your customers are] with [your benefits, e.g., faster, more reliable, lower cost].

Here’s an example of a great house flipping business plan:

Flipping Fortunes finds, fixes, and sells fixer-upper homes to investors and homebuyers in the City of Detroit. Unlike other companies, we are Detroit locals and partners of Logical Property Management company that has been operating in the area for more than two decades.

Step 2: Products & Services

Next, list down all your company’s services and support each title with a short description. Here’s what it may look like for Flipping Fortunes, the fake house flipping business we used earlier:

Flipping Fortunes will provide these services for investors and home buyers in Metro Detroit:

  • Complete property restoration or renovation: Our team will scout, inspect, budget, and manage property flipping projects from start to finish. Home buyers and property investors can then purchase affordable, quality homes at a fraction of the cost of a newly built home.
  • Professional assistance for house flipping projects: Our team will help real estate flippers and DIY home flippers with everything they need to complete their flipping projects, including connections to professional inspectors, licensed contractors, and experienced real estate agents.

The more details you can add, the better. After all, interested real estate investors and financial partners will want to know everything your company can provide for them before engaging and signing the dotted line with you.

Step 3: Management Team

In this section, you want to explain more about the “who” of your business. Is your team composed of knowledgeable and experienced real estate experts who’ll live up to your company’s promise?

Here’s a quick example:

  • John Doe, CEO: Licensed real estate broker and property manager for the past two decades. Doe began as a real estate wholesaler before spending most of his career working with several agencies and property management companies. In all of his ventures, he always specialized in house flipping projects, having now flipped more than 250 projects.

Be sure to include each individual’s expertise, experience, knowledge, and everything else that can prove their capability and solidify their role. The higher you can lift your team members, the more trust you’ll gain as a company.

Step 4: Success Factors

Next up, what needs or specific niche are you addressing in the particular real estate market? These things are crucial for getting financial partners to join your venture, convincing them ‌you have a great business idea on hand.

Here’s an example of what a success factor could be:

Flipping Fortunes addresses the growing niche within the Metro Detroit real estate market. Our team opens opportunities for valuable fix-and-flop projects, making it easy for investors and home buyers to get their slice of the confusing yet high-performing hotspots in the tri-county area.

Pro Tip: You can also conduct a SWOT analysis to get a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses as a company.

Step 5: Target Market

As with any business, your house flipping company’s success depends on the supply and demand, as well as the cost of labor and value appreciation of the renovations. You don’t want to offer your services to a place that doesn’t need them.

Instead, your goal is to identify where you can “sell” most of your flipping services to a large market for many years to come.

Step 6: Business Entity

To operate your business legally, ‌choose a business entity and register for your business in the state you’ll operate in. There are many business entity types to choose from, but we recommend that go with one that has limited liability protection, like an LLC or corporation.

Liability protection is crucial for a house flipping business, as there are many things that can go wrong. For example, someone can sue your company because of a property you’ve flipped—where you’ll want to ensure that your personal assets remain protected.

Pro Tip: Consult with a business attorney to learn your options and weigh them accordingly.

Step 7: EIN, Insurance, Permits, & Licenses

It’s also important to ensure that you have the required documents to run your business. Oftentimes, banks and private investors will want to see this anyway. After registering your business, go through the following processes before officially starting operations:

  • Register for an employer identification number (EIN), which you’ll use for tax purposes, applying for business loans, or apply for business bank accounts and credit cards.
  • Look into business insurance options, especially if you’re going to hire employees. You’ll need workers’ compensation, unemployment, and disability insurance. Moreover, research about general liability and commercial property insurance to protect your assets.
  • Obtain the property business licenses and permits for your state and scope of work. You might need to get several permits to work in the construction business. You can also check with your local chamber and business attorney to ensure that you have the complete paperwork.

Step 8: Financial Summary

Lastly, ensure that your flipping business will generate high returns—both for you and for your investors. Here are a few ways you can get financing:

  • Through friends and family loans: Also called Patient Capital, this is when you fund your projects with personal loans from family members, friends, or partners. It’s low stakes and an easier route than traditional bank loans.
  • Tapping into your 401(k): If you don’t plan on retiring ‌soon, you can take a loan out of your 401(k)—either from the classic 401(k) loan or a ROBS loan.
  • Combining financing options: You can also find success in using several financing options to purchase and renovate your properties.

Start Flipping & Start Generating Profits

As your company grows, the projects will naturally increase in complexity and number as well. That is why having a business plan is important, especially if you want to attract investors. Your investors should see that you do your due diligence before putting any money on the line.

Have any more questions? Drop them in the comment below!

Categories
Flipping

Flipper Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know

A pair of carpenters need to work on house renovations
Photo by Annie Gray

By buying valuable properties at a low price point, you can set yourself up quite well. The better the deal, the better margin for your fix-and-flip projects—but there is always risk involved in the house flipping business. From carpenters dealing with heavy machinery to construction workers on ladders…

A flipping project can be a hotbed for injuries.

For example, over 30% of yearly ER visits in North America—or about 9 million visits—come from people falling off ladders. With danger constantly lurking on your worksite, you’re going to want some protection. And flippers need specific insurance that covers their type of work.

In this article, we will talk about the types of insurance you need when flipping houses.

What Kind of Insurance Covers House Flipping?

No one ever plans on things going wrong while flipping a house, but they do happen. That’s why it’s essential to have the right insurance in place. But regular insurance won’t cut it for house flipping, and homeowner insurance won’t cover it, either, because it’s considered a high-risk environment.

So how do you get good insurance coverage?

Well, you need to look into 3 types of insurance:

  • Dwelling Policy
  • Builder’s Risk Policy
  • General Liability Umbrella

Each insurance covers a specific area, which we will discuss in detail.

#1 – Dwelling Policy

A dwelling policy is an insurance that covers a vacant property under renovation from physical damage. Attached structures like garages and porches are also covered. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, a dwelling policy doesn’t include personal belongings, only the structure itself is insured.

With a dwelling policy, your property is protected against damage caused by:

  • Fire
  • Lightning strikes
  • Heavy winds
  • Hail
  • Explosions
  • Vandalism
  • Theft
  • Vehicular accidents

However, depending on your insurance plan, things like vandalism might not be covered. We will talk about the type of plans in a later section.

#2 – Builder’s Risk Policy

This type of insurance covers physical damage to the property during the construction process. Like the Dwelling policy, it will protect a home from the same sources of damage. Generally, the builder’s risk policy can be thought of as an add-on to the dwelling policy.

However, a builder’s risk policy includes additional coverage for the materials and tools needed to repair the property. With a builder’s risk policy, you can keep your building materials and tools safe from damage.

#3 – General Liability Umbrella

This insurance can cover you and your investors from liability for accidents and injuries caused during your home flipping project. For example, if a carpenter gets injured while working on your property and sues you for damages, the general liability umbrella can protect you against financial losses.

But keep in mind: The general liability umbrella only covers you, but not the workers and contractors you hired. This means that if they cause an injury while on-site, they won’t have insurance to protect them against liability.

The Different Types of Coverage

When you buy insurance, it comes in different levels of coverage to choose from. A basic package might have minimal coverage while higher levels of coverage can protect you more.

Generally, there are 2 types of coverages you need to consider:

  1. Basic coverage – This will cost less but will exclude protection from certain factors. For example, vandalism, theft, and water damage usually aren’t covered by a basic package.
  2. Special form coverage – This protects you from all sources of loss except for explicitly mentioned sources that are indicated in the contract.

Depending on your situation, you might need more than basic coverage. For example, if your property is in an area that experiences heavy snowfall—like Alta, UT, which experiences around 457” of snowfall annually—you should definitely get the special form coverage.

How Much Does Insurance Cost?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer as insurance costs vary by region and other factors. Also, insurance prices have no direct link to property prices. Plus, the status of the location usually determines insurance. For instance, If an area is more prone to natural disasters, it will have higher insurance premiums.

Let’s take Detroit as an example. The area is susceptible to heavy rains and harsh winters, so insurance is more expensive in Detroit. The national average insurance price is $1,312 annually; meanwhile, Detroit’s averages are around $2,237 per year.

In short, depending on the location, insurance prices widely vary.

Protect Yourself From Liability While Flipping Houses

Flipping houses isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Accidents can happen while rehabbing a property. If you’re not insured, you might be facing heavy losses due to lawsuits.

To avoid losing money—money better spent on your flipping project—to lawsuits and damages, get yourself insured. With a dwelling policy, builder’s risk policy, and general liability umbrella, you can protect yourself and your property from damage and losses.

Do you have any insurance tips for house flippers? Tell your story below!

Categories
Flipping

Top 5 Youtube Channels to Learn About House Flipping

The Youtube Logo on a mobile phone

Getting better at house flipping can be an essential tool for becoming a successful flipper. Gathering info from books and other resources helps expand your knowledge in the flipping game. Plus, learning from experienced flippers can give you a huge leg up against competing flippers. 

But, you don’t have to limit yourself to books. These days, Youtube is a great learning tool. In fact, 7 in 10 Youtube users use the platform to learn. And it goes without saying, that you can gain a wealth of real estate tips from Youtube. 

To help you get an upper hand in the house flipping game, we’ve collected 5 of the best Youtube channels to learn from. 

5 Best House Flipping Youtubers

If you’re tired of reading books on real estate, well then Youtube is a great resource for getting the latest and greatest tricks in the house flipping business. But, you don’t want to just learn from some random Joe Schmo. You want to learn from someone with a wealth of experience. 

That being the case, we’ve sifted through Youtube’s content library to find the best house flipping channels. 

  1. Lex Levinrad 

Joining the platform in 2008, Lex Levinrad is a veteran of the Youtube landscape. Not only that, but he’s also a veteran of the flipping game. According to Lex, he’s flipped over 1000 houses throughout his flipping career. Currently, he has 17 thousand subscribers and has a total of over 2 million channel views. 

The Lex Levinrad channel will help fill gaps in your flipping know-how. For instance, his video on flipping a fire damaged property. In it, he gives tips about the pitfalls of buying a fire-damaged house and what repairs to focus on. 

With the Lex Levinrad channel, there’s always something new to learn about flipping houses.

  1. HouseBarons 

The HouseBarons channel is run by brothers Dave and Rich. They’re quite successful as Youtube creators considering their channel has garnered over 13 million views in its 10-year lifespan. Add to that, the HouseBarons gathered a healthy following of over 38 thousand subscribers. 

On the HouseBarons channel, you’ll get find a large vault of very specific tips and tricks. Take, for instance, their tutorial on fixing a faulty door. After all, creaking doors that open by themselves might be something you don’t want to show potential buyers during a property tour. 

All in all, the HouseBarons Youtube channel can be a great wellspring of knowledge. 

  1. Real Estate Investing Tips for Beginners

If you’re just beginning your journey in the house flipping business, the Real Estate Investing Tips for Beginners Youtube channels can be a great instructor. The channel has over 720 videos that cover a wide variety of topics for investing in real estate. It has just a bit over 50 thousand subscribers and uploads regularly. 

The channel has a series of videos dedicated to house flipping. There’s even a guide for how to start flipping with just $10 if you’re on a tight budget. From house flipping to wholesaling, you can learn a ton of real estate tips from this channel. 

  1. The Friendly Flipper

Learning from experienced flippers is a valuable experience that can’t be replaced. But some experts forget how to talk to beginners and can drown you in jargon. Thankfully, The Friendly Flipper channel makes this easy. With over 130 videos dedicated to house flipping, you’ll learn a ton and it’s all easy to digest content. 

The Friendly Flipper host a range of videos from interviews with fellow flippers to flipping progress vlogs. For instance, in his latest series of videos, you can follow the entire progress of a flip over the course of just 7 days.

When you subscribe to The Friendly Flipper, you’ll get a great guideline for flipping houses.

  1. BiggerPockets

Finally, BiggerPockets is one of the biggest channels on this list. In fact, it has nearly 900 thousand subscribers to date. And with over 2.3 thousand uploads, you’ll have a lot of content to digest. 

On the BiggerPockets Youtube channel, you’ll get the full breadth of what it takes to be successful in the real estate business. While the channel covers the entirety of the real estate market, it isn’t lacking when it comes to house flipping. For example, one of their most successful videos is a series that goes through the house flipping process from start to finish.

Between securing funding to looking for the right property, you can learn a lot from BiggerPockets. 

Expand Your House Flipping Knowledge with Youtube

There are a lot of avenues to explore when it comes to learning about house flipping. From reading a book to listening to experienced flippers recount their journey, you can pick up tips from almost anywhere. With this list, you can easily turn on a video to learn a little more every day.

Follow these 5 channels, and you’ll gain enough flipping knowledge to gain an edge over other flippers.  

Categories
Flipping

9 Best Ways to Remodel Bathrooms for a Fix-and-Flip Project

Bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms in a home to renovate, and it’s clear why. People spend hours in their bathroom every week getting ready, cleaning it, and practicing basic hygiene. In fact, a study in England found the average adult will spend 416 days of their life in the bathroom. 

Given the importance of a good bathroom, it goes without saying that prospective buyers of your fix-and-flip home will scan bathrooms and make quick judgments on them. Well-maintained bathrooms with new fixtures and updated features can often seal the deal for residential properties.

Moreover, compared to kitchens, most properties you’ll come across will have more than one bathroom.

For instance, the City of Detroit is known for its affordable housing stock (you can snag great homes for as low as $40k). But look at how many Zillow listings in the city have at least three bathrooms:

Especially if you have multiple bathrooms like this in a property (like in multifamily buildings), you need to have a strategy in mind when approaching bathroom renovations. Remember, good outcomes are a result of good planning. Poorly planned bathroom remodeling projects can quickly turn into a financial nightmare—stalling the project’s completion and depleting its potential gains.

So today, we’ll show you 9 specific steps to use as you remodel your bathrooms. Use these for a flip that’ll sell in seconds—without going over your renovation budget.

1. Replace Cabinets? Just Reface Them

Ever heard of refacing kitchen cabinets? You can do the same thing to bathroom vanity cabinets. It’s easy, and it saves you a ton of money instead of replacing them with new ones.

Here are some general steps to go about it:

  1. Sand all exterior surfaces
  2. Make veneer cuts to cover the existing cabinet
  3. Paint the cabinet with contact cement to give it a milky glow
  4. Apply the veneer to the cabinet
  5. Trim the loose edges and add the molding
  6. Lastly, install doors and some drawers

Aside from refacing the cabinets, you can also save a couple of bucks by covering up dents and holes in the wallboard with wainscotting. It looks brand new without replacing anything.

2. Be Cheap, But Don’t Overdo It

You may be tempted to cut down costs as much as possible. And avoiding expensive features, like new bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks can save a lot of money.

That being said, you should steer clear of rock-bottom offerings that will turn off most home buyers. Everyone can tell if a bathroom is renovated with cheap materials. Plus, it’ll wear out sooner and actually cost more to maintain in the long run, which is something rental investors, in particular, will be wary of. 

Instead, find the sweet spot of quality and functionality without steep price points.

Check big box stores like Home Depot for bathroom remodeling bargains. They’ll have everything from faucets to large mirrors, so you’ll have a wide variety of products (and prices!) to choose from. If you go with higher quality brands, you’ll also get hardware with lifetime warranties for your faucets and showerheads, which is a nice perk to pass along to potential buyers.

3. Keep the Throne Glistening

The toilet is the main feature of any bathroom. Every potential buyer and investor will expect it to be clean, sparkling, and fully functional. Any amount of rust or grime could turn them off from considering the property at all.

One pro tip we can give you is to replace the toilet seat. We know, it’s really simple. But this crucial DIY can change the entire look of the toilet, making it look brand new without spending tons of money on replacing the entire bowl. 

It’s inexpensive and does the job of impressing prospective buyers.

4. Save with Laminate Flooring

If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you probably know that laminated floors have a bad reputation for being boring and dull. However, for a flip-and-fix project, laminated floors for bathrooms check all the boxes.

Here are the advantages of choosing laminated flooring:

  • It’s inexpensive and easy to source.
  • It holds up against moisture and stains.
  • It’s pretty easy to clean and maintain.
  • It’s extremely durable.

You don’t have to use laminated flooring for the entire property, as that can lower the value of the home. But, installing laminate in your bathrooms is a great, affordable decision.

5. Refresh the Bathtub

Does the house come with a bathtub? Great!

Is it in good condition? If not, there are ways to fix it.

With good refinishing, you can turn any old tub into a new one. Try using special paint to cover up cosmetic blemishes. If the task is too much, you can also contact a professional bathtub refinishing company, like Permaglaze or Miracle Method, to do the work for you.

Refinishing will always be cheaper than replacing the tub. The finished result looks like new, without the “new” price tag, and that keeps both you and potential buyers happy.

6. The Devil’s in the Details 

Ensure that you repair or replace essential fixtures like door hinges, doorknobs, towel racks, showerheads, all the faucets, and even the toilet paper holders. These are all inexpensive and do wonders when it comes to making a bathroom look more high-end.

Another pro tip is to avoid polished chrome or polished brass finishes. The style is outdated and can look quite cheap. Instead, try going for brushed nickel, stainless steel, or matte black to create a more modern look.

It’s even better if you can match the fixtures for a consistent “branding” or design. Spending a few extra bucks for matching fixtures will look more impressive to prospective buyers and investors.

7. Clean Out the Caulking and Grout

Caulking and grout—especially in bathrooms—can look dirty over time. So, ensure that you clean or replace them to brighten up the bathroom and give it a refreshed look. You can do it yourself with a toothbrush or hire professional cleaners to scrub the corners throughout. 

If there are any signs of mold or mildew in the shower, you can also create a DIY bleach solution to remove it. Here’s how to make it yourself: 

  • Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water.
  • Put the solution in a spray bottle.
  • Use the spray bottle, soak the affected tiling.
  • Spray more on visible areas like light-colored tile grout or caulk.
  • Be patient and wait for at least five minutes to let the solution sink in.

Are you pressed for time? You can also contact professional cleaning services in your area to clean your bathroom for you. It’ll cost you extra money, but it certainly saves you a lot of work.

8. Don’t Fix Anything That Isn’t Broken

For a fix-and-flip project, it’s always better to keep everything that’s still functional.

If the toilet isn’t dripping, don’t replace it. If the bathtub isn’t leaking, don’t change your entire plumbing system. Is there any mildew or moldy spots? Clean them up and open the windows to ventilate the place. 

Basically, don’t fix anything that isn’t broken. Every upgrade should be necessary and add value to the property. If you spend too much, that will eat into your profits when you go to flip it. 

Moreover, moving or replacing the plumbing system is crazy expensive. Just use HomeAdvisor’s calculator to see how everything adds up. Given that you want to protect your flipping profit at all costs, don’t replace or move the plumbing system unless absolutely necessary.

9. Add Extra Lighting Fixtures 

With everything spick and span, ensure that you put enough lights in the bathroom to show off its design. Flickering or struggling lights can turn off prospective buyers and investors. After all, no one wants a dimly lit bathroom. 

Make sure you also replace the light bulbs with a higher wattage, especially if your budget is pretty tight. Add ceiling lighting and some vanity lights if you can afford it, too. This will brighten the space and make it feel bigger.

You’ll be amazed at how a simple light improvement brightens up a small space.

Conclusion

Now you’re ready to renovate that bathroom and improve your profits on your next fixer-upper. By following the tips in this article, you can boost your profits by impressing prospective buyers and investors with a great bathroom. Set the tone for the rest of the property with a clean, freshly renovated bathroom. 

Remember to reface instead of replacing, never sacrifice quality for lower cost, avoid over-renovating, and pay attention to the smallest of details. All of these tips help you bring bathrooms up to par without eating into your budget

Anything else we’ve missed? Comment your personal tip down below to help other flippers!

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