The Four Flipping Truths
I went on vacation to Yellowstone with my family a little while ago. We flipped on the TV when we got in one evening. There was a show about house flippers on. I don’t watch a lot of television, so it’s not surprising I hadn’t seen this one before. In case you haven’t seen it, what happens is that they show people who buy a place, fix it up, and then sell it at an enormous profit. You know, they flip it. And at least all of the ones I saw did in fact make serious money.
The trouble is, a lot of people see a show like that and they think it’s easy. They think all you have to do is go out and buy a property, fix it up a little, slap on some paint, and immediately sell it for a $50,000 profit. In the real world it just doesn’t happen that way too often. Sorry.
We can, however, learn from these intrepid TV house flippers, and that can lead to a much greater chance of success for ourselves in the flipping game. I noticed four things specifically that made these flips successful, and I present them to you as…
The 4 Flipping Truths
1) Buy ugly and cheap, but not broken.
All of the houses shown were very ho-hum looking, inside and out. They had no personality, and nothing “cool” or unique about them. They were all just another drab house that looked like every other house. None of the houses shown had anything seriously wrong with them, either. No major structural problems, chronic flooding, or burnt-out electrical system. They didn’t have to waste any time fixing things that people don’t notice. They also only bought places that were selling for way less than other homes in the area. When you’re out looking, look for a good deal that can be dolled up.
2) Plan Everything Before Purchase.
Each of the investors had everything that they were going to do to the place mapped out before they signed any papers. The new windows were picked out, all the colors chosen, everything. They didn’t have to waste any time when they finally closed.
3) Move Fast.
Each of the flippers practically had their hired crews waiting, parked on the street in front of the property, just waiting to receive the go ahead call the second after the papers were signed. With a property that is not earning any money, you have to move fast, or you go broke very fast.
4) Improve Things People Notice.
Practically all of the changes the flippers made were cosmetic. They gave the homes and condo shown character. This goes hand in hand with #1. Yes, you could tear out that electrical system. Yes, you could replace the water heater. Here’s the problem: no one will pay that much more for the house if you do. I’m not suggesting you should sell an unsafe house, I’m saying only do the necessary repairs. People love decks and fire pits and modern kitchens. Make the improvements that are cool or unique, stuff that buyers will remember. It’ll sell faster, and for more.
There you have it, the 4 flipping truths. It’s amazing what you can learn just by watching a little TV, isn’t it?
Bryce Beattie is a real estate investor and the webmaster at middleclassmillionaires.com middleclassmillionaires.com