Flipping a house is a common practice that investors can engage in for a profit, but the process can be challenging for some first-time buyers. But, it is possible to be successful at flipping houses if you follow the proper steps.
House flipping can turn into a flop if you’re not cautious of your steps. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid pitfalls and minimize risks if you’re well-educated about the process.
Determine Your Affordability
It is necessary to determine how much you can afford to spend before investing in a property. If you plan to take out a loan to fund your investment, learn how to calculate mortgage interest before proceeding. Use a mortgage interest calculator to simplify the process and get an accurate idea of what your monthly payments might be.
Knowing what you can afford will narrow down your options and help you save time by allowing you to look for properties in your price range.
Set a Maximum Spending Limit
Follow the 70 percent rule to determine the maximum amount of money you should invest in a property. The rule suggests that an investor should pay no more than 70 percent of the after-repair value (ARV) after necessary repairs. The ARV is the value of the home after it is fully renovated.
For example, if the AVR of a home is $100, 000 and requires a $15, 000 investment in repairs, then 70 percent of the AVR is $70, 000. So, when you subtract the repairs, the total is $55,0 00. According to the rule, you shouldn’t pay more than $55, 000 for that home.
Gain or Access Necessary Skills
Certain skills can make you a more qualified house flipper. Some necessary skills include knowledge of construction, design, and real estate. If you don’t have these skills, learn more about them to make sure you hire the right professionals. This will make it easier for you to assemble an efficient team of experts to assist you in the house flipping project.
Investing more sweat equity in real estate will make your investment worthwhile. Sweat equity is an individual or company’s non-monetary contribution to a project. Your physical labor and mental efforts are forms of sweat equity.
Research the Neighborhood
The location of your property is an essential component of house flipping. Choosing the right location can increase your success rate as it improves your chances of finding a better home to attract buyers after you complete your project.
A property’s location determines its price and the interest it will receive when placed on the market. Look for a convenient location with basic amenities and schools nearby.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Don’t spend everything on one property if you have sufficient funds to purchase more than one home. When you follow the 70 percent rule, it might be easier for you to make an educated decision about the maximum amount to spend. This will allow you to reallocate your funds and purchase more than one property in the long term or invest the funds elsewhere.
Buying a house, making a few cosmetic fixes, and putting it back on the market might seem simple. But, insufficient knowledge about the process and lead to costly mistakes. Follow the essential steps mentioned above to make house flipping a successful investment.
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