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
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.