{"id":14997,"date":"2024-06-25T08:20:30","date_gmt":"2024-06-25T13:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-flipping-houses\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T11:11:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:11:15","slug":"the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-flipping-houses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-flipping-houses\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Flip Houses for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you've ever watched a house-flipping show and thought, <em>I could do that<\/em>, you're not alone. The pitch is simple: buy a rundown house cheap, fix it up, sell it for a profit. And it can absolutely work. According to ATTOM, the median gross profit on a house flip was around $60,000 in late 2025.<span class=\"citation-number\" data-tippy-content=\"ATTOM Data \u2013 &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https:\/\/www.attomdata.com\/news\/market-trends\/flipping\/q3-2025-home-flipping-report\/&quot;&gt;&quot;Home Flipping ROI Drops Below 25 Percent for the First Time Since 2008&quot;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;view-all-sources-link&quot; href=&quot;#article-sources&quot;&gt;View All Sources&lt;\/a&gt;\">[1]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But here's what those shows don't linger on: the permits that stall a project by six weeks, the contractor who goes AWOL after demoing the kitchen, or the market that softens right as you're ready to list. For every flipper who walks away with a big check, there's one who barely broke even or who lost money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. It means you should go in with clear eyes. This guide will help you figure out whether house flipping makes sense for your situation, how to run the numbers honestly, and what the process actually looks like from offer to closing \u2014 including the parts that tend to surprise first-timers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-arv-model-and-why-it-s-important\">What is house flipping?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">House flipping is a real estate investment strategy in which you buy a home that needs improvements, renovate it, and then resell it for a higher price. The condition of the houses can range from those needing major repairs, such as a complete roof replacement, to those requiring only cosmetic improvements, like a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">House flippers focus on properties that might scare away the average buyer but have a lot of potential. For example, a house that has suffered from hoarding may struggle to find buyers looking for a place to live. But if that house is located in a desirable or up-and-coming area, it may represent an investment opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key for many house flippers is time. Successful house flipping depends on purchasing and renovating properties quickly and then reselling them fast. The longer an investor holds onto a property, the more money they lose in maintenance, taxes, and interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-can-i-make\">How much can I make flipping homes?<\/h3>\n\n\n<!--blockstudio\/clever\/shortcode-wrapper--><!--blockstudio\/clever\/shortcode-wrapper--><div class=\"textbox\"><div class=\"textbox-content\">\r\n    <div >\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcca House flipping profits: Inside the numbers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average gross profit: $66,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Average return-on-investment (ROI): 27.5%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time to flip: 169 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The average gross profit per house flipped in the United States was $60,000 by the end of 2025.<span class=\"citation-number\" data-tippy-content=\"ATTOM Data \u2013 &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https:\/\/www.attomdata.com\/news\/market-trends\/flipping\/q3-2025-home-flipping-report\/&quot;&gt;&quot;Home Flipping ROI Drops Below 25 Percent for the First Time Since 2008&quot;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;view-all-sources-link&quot; href=&quot;#article-sources&quot;&gt;View All Sources&lt;\/a&gt;\">[1]<\/span> However, profits vary greatly depending on local market conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, among major cities, Memphis had the highest flipping profit margins at 75%, followed by New Orleans (72.4%) and Richmond, Virginia (72.2%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your profit will also be determined by how long it takes to flip the property. The longer you hold the property, the more money is spent on bills, utilities, and upkeep, all of which eat into your final profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In late 2025, it took an average of 161 days to flip a house, about five and a half months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is house flipping right for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you start pulling comps, it's worth asking a few honest questions. The investors who lose money on their first flip usually skipped this step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You're probably ready if:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have enough capital (or access to financing) to cover the purchase price, renovation costs, and at least six months of carrying costs without draining your emergency fund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have time to actively manage a project, or money to pay someone who can do it for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can walk away from a deal that doesn't pencil out, even after you've put time into it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You may want to wait if:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You're counting on the flip to pay off debt or cover living expenses; the timeline is unpredictable enough that this is a real risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You've never managed a renovation before and don't have a contractor relationship you trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your local market is softening; flipping in a declining market requires a much bigger margin of safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of this is meant to talk you out of it. It's just the conversation that a good mentor or investor-friendly agent would have with you before you wrote your first offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pros-cons\">House flipping for beginners: Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n<!--blockstudio\/acf\/pros-cons-->\n<div class=\"review-pros-cons\">\n  <div class=\"review-pros\">\n    <h4>Pros<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n                              <li class=\"single-pro\">\n              <svg class=\"pros-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path d=\"M4.6875 7.5L6.5625 9.375L10.3125 5.625M13.75 7.5C13.75 10.9518 10.9518 13.75 7.5 13.75C4.04822 13.75 1.25 10.9518 1.25 7.5C1.25 4.04822 4.04822 1.25 7.5 1.25C10.9518 1.25 13.75 4.04822 13.75 7.5Z\" stroke=\"#2DBF93\" stroke-width=\"1.25\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span>\n                Potential for significant profits              <\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"single-pro\">\n              <svg class=\"pros-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path d=\"M4.6875 7.5L6.5625 9.375L10.3125 5.625M13.75 7.5C13.75 10.9518 10.9518 13.75 7.5 13.75C4.04822 13.75 1.25 10.9518 1.25 7.5C1.25 4.04822 4.04822 1.25 7.5 1.25C10.9518 1.25 13.75 4.04822 13.75 7.5Z\" stroke=\"#2DBF93\" stroke-width=\"1.25\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span>\n                Quick return on your investment              <\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"single-pro\">\n              <svg class=\"pros-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path d=\"M4.6875 7.5L6.5625 9.375L10.3125 5.625M13.75 7.5C13.75 10.9518 10.9518 13.75 7.5 13.75C4.04822 13.75 1.25 10.9518 1.25 7.5C1.25 4.04822 4.04822 1.25 7.5 1.25C10.9518 1.25 13.75 4.04822 13.75 7.5Z\" stroke=\"#2DBF93\" stroke-width=\"1.25\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span>\n                No tenant management required              <\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n  <div class=\"review-pros-cons-divider\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"review-cons\">\n    <h4>Cons<\/h4>\n          <ul>\n                              <li class=\"single-con\">\n              <svg class=\"cons-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path d=\"M9.375 5.625L5.625 9.375M5.625 5.625L9.375 9.375M13.75 7.5C13.75 10.9518 10.9518 13.75 7.5 13.75C4.04822 13.75 1.25 10.9518 1.25 7.5C1.25 4.04822 4.04822 1.25 7.5 1.25C10.9518 1.25 13.75 4.04822 13.75 7.5Z\" stroke=\"#F5425B\" stroke-width=\"1.25\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span>\n                Market demand can shift              <\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"single-con\">\n              <svg class=\"cons-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path d=\"M9.375 5.625L5.625 9.375M5.625 5.625L9.375 9.375M13.75 7.5C13.75 10.9518 10.9518 13.75 7.5 13.75C4.04822 13.75 1.25 10.9518 1.25 7.5C1.25 4.04822 4.04822 1.25 7.5 1.25C10.9518 1.25 13.75 4.04822 13.75 7.5Z\" stroke=\"#F5425B\" stroke-width=\"1.25\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span>\n                High upfront costs              <\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"single-con\">\n              <svg class=\"cons-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 15\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                <path d=\"M9.375 5.625L5.625 9.375M5.625 5.625L9.375 9.375M13.75 7.5C13.75 10.9518 10.9518 13.75 7.5 13.75C4.04822 13.75 1.25 10.9518 1.25 7.5C1.25 4.04822 4.04822 1.25 7.5 1.25C10.9518 1.25 13.75 4.04822 13.75 7.5Z\" stroke=\"#F5425B\" stroke-width=\"1.25\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n              <\/svg>\n              <span>\n                Large potential tax bill              <\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When done right, house flipping can be lucrative, with the average house flip generating tens of thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike a buy-and-hold strategy, where you rent out a property, flipping allows you to make a quick return on your investment, often in less than a year. Also, you don\u2019t have to worry about the risks that rental properties bring, such as difficult tenants, evictions, or prolonged vacancy periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the downside, flipping houses requires a large upfront investment in money and labor. You\u2019ll not only have to come up with sufficient capital to purchase the property, but you\u2019ll also need to budget for repairs and upgrades (and any potential surprises).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">House flippers also face potentially high capital gains taxes, especially if they sell the property in under a year. Short-term capital gains is taxed at the same rate as your ordinary income, ranging from 10% to 37% (which could mean a tax bill of up to $37,000 on a $100,000 profit.)<span class=\"citation-number\" data-tippy-content=\"TurboTax \u2013 &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https:\/\/turbotax.intuit.com\/tax-tips\/investments-and-taxes\/guide-to-short-term-vs-long-term-capital-gains-taxes-brokerage-accounts-etc\/L7KCu9etn&quot;&gt;&quot;A Guide to the Capital Gains Tax Rate: Short-term vs. Long-term Capital Gains Taxes&quot;&lt;\/a&gt; Updated December 22, 2023.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;view-all-sources-link&quot; href=&quot;#article-sources&quot;&gt;View All Sources&lt;\/a&gt;\">[2]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also be at the mercy of the market. While profits can be great when the market is red hot, demand can quickly collapse depending on economic forces beyond your control, resulting in a much smaller ROI or even a loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-by-step-guide\">How to flip a house: A step-by-step guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"budget\">Step 1. Set a budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flipping houses isn\u2019t a get-rich-quick scheme. You\u2019ll need to budget in advance to account for not only expected costs but also unwanted surprises, such as a change in the market and repairs that can take longer and cost more than anticipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When budgeting, many investors aim for the 70% rule. This rule states that you should only pay 70% of a home's after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if a property has an ARV of $500,000 and needs $50,000 in repairs, you should only pay $300,000 for it (i.e., $500,000 x 70% - $50,000).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the 70% rule is just a general guide, not a hard-and-fast rule that will work in every situation. You\u2019ll need to consider other expenses, such as permits, contingencies, inspections, and financing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, don\u2019t rush into a deal without doing your due diligence. For example, if an inspection raises issues that could increase the renovation budget, be prepared to walk away or negotiate a lower price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a full beginner budget actually looks like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here's a realistic cost breakdown for a modest first flip so you know what you're actually working with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Cost Category<\/th><th>Notes<\/th><th>Estimated Range<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Purchase price<\/td><td>Set by 70% rule<\/td><td>Varies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Closing costs (buy side)<\/td><td>Title, lender fees, etc.<\/td><td>~2\u20135% of purchase<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Renovation budget<\/td><td>Get 3 contractor bids<\/td><td>Varies by scope<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Contingency buffer<\/td><td>For surprises \u2014 and there will be surprises<\/td><td>10\u201320% of reno budget<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Holding costs<\/td><td>Mortgage\/loan interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities<\/td><td>~$1,500\u20133,000\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Permit fees<\/td><td>Often overlooked; varies by market and scope<\/td><td>$500\u2013$5,000+<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Selling costs<\/td><td>Agent commissions + closing<\/td><td>~8\u201310% of sale price<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The number most beginners underestimate:<\/strong> holding costs. Every month you own the property, you're paying to carry it. On a hard money loan at 10\u201312% interest on a $200,000 property, that's roughly $1,700\u2013$2,000\/month in interest alone, before taxes, insurance, or utilities. A project that runs two months over schedule doesn't just cost you time; it costs you $3,400\u20134,000 in extra interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don't rush into a deal without doing your due diligence. If an inspection raises issues that would blow your renovation budget, be prepared to walk away or negotiate a meaningfully lower purchase price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-much-will-an-investor-pay-for-my-house\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00bb Learn how much an investor should pay for a house<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"financing\">Step 2. Secure financing for the flip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Financing a house flip differs from getting a conventional mortgage since you\u2019ll use the loan for an investment property and not as your primary residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While conventional loans may be an option, their eligibility and repayment requirements don\u2019t always make them suitable for house flips. You can also look into other financing options with low down payments, such as FHA loans and <a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/fannie-mae-freddie-mac-loans-investment-properties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans<\/a>, but beware that these often require your investment property to be your main residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/can-you-get-a-hard-money-loan-for-a-primary-residence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hard money loans<\/a> from private lenders may be the best option for flipping homes. These are short-term loans whose main consideration isn\u2019t necessarily your creditworthiness or down payment amount but your investment property\u2019s ARV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\"You can grow your real estate portfolio by using private money,\" says Danny Johnson, real estate investor and host of the Flipping Junkie Podcast. \"Friends and family with low-earning savings are potential lenders who'd be happy to earn 6-10% interest. We've funded over 90% of our deals this way.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you flip the house quickly, interest costs won't significantly impact your profits. However, market delays or issues can lead to high interest rates eating into your returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find-the-house\">Step 3. Find the right house to flip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Target less expensive properties in desirable neighborhoods, such as those with top-rated schools or rising property values. Focus on homes that require only cosmetic repairs, like new floors, countertops, paint, and landscaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While properties with major issues, such as foundation damage or toxic materials, might be cheaper, they come with higher risks, costs, and renovation time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways to find potential flipping opportunities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Wholesalers<\/b>: They often have contracts for properties needing work and can resell them quickly. Ensure you get proof of an inspection or conduct your own inspection before finalizing the deal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Investor networking groups<\/b>: Engage with experienced investors online through forums like Facebook and Reddit or attend in-person meetings via Meetup. Networking can provide valuable insights and leads on potential investment opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Traditional real estate agents<\/b>: Partnering with a realtor can help you find the best house-flipping opportunities. Realtors often have deep local market knowledge and can identify neighborhoods or properties with high ROI potential. As Itay Simchi, founder of Proven House Buyers, says, \"A real estate agent's local market knowledge can significantly impact an investor's success by providing valuable insights into property values, trends, and potential risks.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By leveraging these resources, you can maximize your chances of finding profitable house-flipping opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/go.listwithclever.com\/buy-with-clever-save\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">\u00bb Find an investor-friendly buyer's agent with Clever<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"plan-updates\">Step 4. Plan the updates and repairs needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you've got the property, you face the decision that makes or breaks most first flips: what to fix and what to leave alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hire a general contractor or manage it yourself?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Option 1: Hire a general contractor.<\/strong> A GC handles the hiring, scheduling, and oversight of all the trades: plumbers, electricians, tile setters, painters. You pay a premium (typically 10\u201320% of the total project cost), but you save yourself from managing a dozen different schedules and phone calls. For first-timers without renovation experience, this is usually the right call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Option 2: Act as your own general contractor.<\/strong> You hire and manage each subcontractor directly. More control, lower cost, but significant time commitment and coordination overhead. This approach makes more sense once you have a few flips under your belt and a trusted network of subs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In either case, get a signed contract before any work begins. It should include a payment schedule tied to milestones (not a large upfront lump sum), a completion timeline, and a lien waiver to protect you if a subcontractor claims nonpayment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which renovations actually make money?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the question most beginner guides skip. Not all renovations are equal. Some add more to your sale price than they cost, and some eat your profit without meaningfully moving the needle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Renovation<\/th><th>Typical Cost<\/th><th>ROI for Flips<\/th><th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Interior + exterior paint<\/td><td>$3,000\u2013$8,000<\/td><td>\u2705 High<\/td><td>Highest bang-for-buck, almost always worth it<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Refinish\/replace floors<\/td><td>$2,000\u2013$8,000<\/td><td>\u2705 High<\/td><td>Clean floors are one of the first things buyers notice<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Landscape cleanup<\/td><td>$500\u2013$3,000<\/td><td>\u2705 High<\/td><td>Curb appeal drives showings<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kitchen refresh (paint cabinets, new hardware, updated appliances)<\/td><td>$8,000\u2013$20,000<\/td><td>\u2705 Moderate\u2013high<\/td><td>Good ROI if you don't over-improve<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bathroom update (fixtures, vanity, tile)<\/td><td>$5,000\u2013$15,000<\/td><td>\u2705 Moderate\u2013high<\/td><td>Same principle \u2014 refresh, not luxury<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Full kitchen gut remodel<\/td><td>$50,000\u2013$80,000+<\/td><td>\u26a0\ufe0f Low\u2013moderate<\/td><td>Rarely pencils out on a flip; buyers won't pay full premium<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Adding a bathroom<\/td><td>$20,000\u2013$40,000<\/td><td>\u26a0\ufe0f Situational<\/td><td>Can be worth it if the home is under-bathed for the neighborhood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Swimming pool<\/td><td>$40,000\u2013$80,000<\/td><td>\u274c Poor<\/td><td>Almost never justified on a flip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Foundation\/structural work<\/td><td>Varies<\/td><td>\u26a0\ufe0f Necessary if required<\/td><td>Doesn't add value, but prevents deal-killers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The renovations that work in flipping are the ones that make a house feel clean, neutral, and move-in ready, not the ones that make it feel luxurious. Buyers pay a premium for \"I could unpack this weekend.\" They don't pay extra for the Sub-Zero fridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prioritize structural and system issues (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof) first: these are what inspectors flag, what lenders care about, and what will kill your deal if ignored. Then focus your cosmetic budget on the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"begin-renovation\">Step 5. Begin renovation and redesign of the house<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When renovations begin, prioritize addressing the most serious issues, such as structural problems, which are more likely to cause delays or lead to unexpected expenses. Save cosmetic fixes for last, as they're generally more routine and less likely to cause major headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Schedule regular meetings with your contractor or subcontractors to keep the work on schedule and within budget. During these meetings, review progress, discuss any deviations from the plan, and address any changes in cost estimates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, remember to collaborate with architects, inspectors, and local building officials to ensure that all work complies with building codes and safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once renovations are complete, conduct a final walkthrough. If any work seems incomplete or unsatisfactory, promptly address it with the contractor or subcontractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sell-it\">Step 6. Stage the home, put it on the market, and sell it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final step is getting your property sold. You\u2019ll need to decide whether to work with a real estate agent or try for sale by owner (FSBO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you'll save money on realtor commissions with FSBO, homes sold with realtors tend to sell faster and for more money. Our study found that sellers using an agent sell for nearly $50,000 more on average than those who don't.<span class=\"citation-number\" data-tippy-content=\"Clever Real Estate \u2013 &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;&quot; href=&quot;https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/research\/home-selling-trends\/#profits&quot;&gt;&quot;Home-Selling Trends: Successes and Struggles Heading Into 2024.&quot;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a class=&quot;view-all-sources-link&quot; href=&quot;#article-sources&quot;&gt;View All Sources&lt;\/a&gt;\">[3]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A realtor can assist with getting your house ready for sale by helping with staging, listing it on the MLS, pricing, and showings. Because realtors often have a network of local buyers, they can potentially help you sell your property before it even needs to be listed. Realtors are also invaluable for negotiating a strong selling price and ensuring a smooth closing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another advantage of using a realtor is adding a long-term member to your house-flipping team. Having a trusted agent to return to for each house flip saves you the stress of marketing and selling each property on your own. This lets you focus on finding and working on your next investment opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/start.listwithclever.com\/save-on-realtor-fees\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>\u00bb <\/strong>Find an investor-friendly listing agent with Clever<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">How much money do I need to start flipping houses?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The amount of money you need to start flipping houses can vary widely based on the location and condition of the property, and if you can secure financing. Most house flipping projects require a substantial upfront investment to purchase the property. A modest house flip might require $50,000\u2014100,000, while more ambitious projects could need $200,000 or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">What is the best state to start flipping houses in?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best state to start flipping houses depends on several factors, including market conditions, budget, and personal goals. Some metro areas in California, such as San Jose ($275,250), San Francisco ($170,000), and San Diego ($153,000), have shown particularly high gross flipping profits according to Attom Data. Boston also offers impressive gross flipping profits at $158,000, while the New York metro area provides lucrative opportunities with a gross flipping profit of $154,750.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the best state for you depends on your specific location, financial resources, and investment goals. Consider starting in an area where you have market knowledge and access to resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">What is the 70% rule in real estate?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real estate investors use the 70% rule to determine the maximum price they should pay for a property they intend to flip. This rule states that an investor should pay no more than 70% of the property's after-repair value (ARV) minus the cost of repairs. For example, if a property has an ARV of $500,000 and requires $50,000 in repairs, the maximum purchase price should be $300,000 ($500,000 x 70%\u2014$50,000). However, the 70% rule is a general guide and not a strict rule. Investors must also account for other expenses and the potential for cost overruns with their repair budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"faq-wrapper\"><h3 class=\"faq-question\">What are the IRS' rules for house flipping?<\/h3><div class=\"faq-answer\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IRS has specific rules and guidelines for house flipping, which can impact how your profits are taxed. Profits from house flipping are generally considered ordinary income rather than capital gains. This means they're taxed at your regular income tax rate, ranging from 10% to 37%, depending on your income level. And, if you flip houses as part of a business, you may also be subject to self-employment tax, which is an additional 15.3% tax on your net earnings from self-employment. Consult with a qualified tax professional for more specific advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">    <div class=\"related-posts\">\n                    <a target=\"_blank\" class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/real-estate-blog\/how-to-buy-investment-property\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FallbackandMeta-768x384.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image default-featured-img\" alt=\"negotiation\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FallbackandMeta-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FallbackandMeta-360x180.png 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FallbackandMeta-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FallbackandMeta-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/FallbackandMeta.png 1360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        11 Steps to Buying Your First Rental Property                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        There are 12 steps you need to take to buy a great rental property that cash flows. This guide will teach you all 12 so you\u2019re ready to purchase an investment property.                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n                    <a target=\"_blank\" class=\"related-post\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/rental-property-calculator\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"related-image\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"355\" src=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84aa9000-5165-11ec-9aff-3d50541531a0-250K-Cal-768x355.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84aa9000-5165-11ec-9aff-3d50541531a0-250K-Cal-768x355.png 768w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84aa9000-5165-11ec-9aff-3d50541531a0-250K-Cal-360x166.png 360w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84aa9000-5165-11ec-9aff-3d50541531a0-250K-Cal-300x139.png 300w, https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84aa9000-5165-11ec-9aff-3d50541531a0-250K-Cal.png 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"related-info\">\n                    <h4 class=\"related-title\">\n                        Free Rental Property Calculator: How This Helped Me Scale My Portfolio                    <\/h4>\n                    <div class=\"related-excerpt\">\n                        Explore my free rental property calculator that I used to model hundreds of deals and build a $1.5 million portfolio with great cash flow.                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to learn the ins and outs of house flipping for beginners? This article details how to get started, set a budget, and make a profit for your first house flip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":14998,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[148,258],"class_list":["post-14997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-blog","tag-investing","tag-real-estate-investing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Flip Houses for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to flip houses with our comprehensive guide. 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