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The Downside of House Flipping

Construction worker plastering and smoothing concrete wall in room of flipped home.House flipping can be an excellent way to earn income, though it’s crucial to understand that the earnings aren’t always consistent. House flipping is a high-risk venture with great potential, though there are many obstacles to overcome. Flippers could be waiting months or even years to see the returns from one flip.

To lessen these risks and maintain a steadier income stream, why not add one or two rental homes to your flips? Rental properties are among the most stable investments, offering long-term growth that is hard to match with stocks or other retirement products.

Is house flipping worth the risk?

The growing popularity of reality shows about house flipping has fostered a false perspective on what flipping houses truly involves. While purchasing, renovating, and reselling a property can be done quickly and profitably, it’s important to be prepared for potential challenges or surprises.

Houses under construction are particularly vulnerable to thieves and vandals, making them a target for crimes that can lead to substantial losses. Storms, burst pipes, or other unexpected problems can lead to pricey repairs that were not part of the initial budget. House flippers need to be prepared for both when everything goes right and when unexpected challenges occur.

The actual costs of house flipping

Even under the best conditions, house flipping can take many months of work. Flipping a house involves a lengthy process, including finding the property, arranging financing, closing, renovating, and eventually listing it for sale. Throughout this process, the property doesn’t generate income, as the investor profits only after the house is sold.

Some investors manage to flip several homes a year, in an effort to achieve more regular and consistent income. More frequently, houses are flipped one at a time, which makes it harder to anticipate when the returns will be realized. This is why house flippers need to ensure they have more than one stream of income. There are plenty of opportunities in real estate, but residential rental properties present the most reliable income potential. Purchasing and renovating rental homes is much like flipping houses, though it comes with several distinct advantages. Investors buying a home to rent out can benefit from hiring a reputable property management company. These companies handle key tasks like securing tenants, rent collection, and property upkeep, freeing investors from the stress of managing rentals.

Real Property Management Reimagined can make owning rental properties in Marietta incredibly easy, giving you the time and freedom to focus on other parts of your real estate portfolio. For more information, contact us online or at 470-945-4686. We’re committed to helping you achieve the highest returns on your real estate investments.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

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