Flipping houses isn't just for HGTV stars—you can do it, too, thanks to this professional-grade guide. We'll show you where to find hidden gems and how to avoid money pits, the upgrades that will pay for themselves in increased value and those that won't, and how to stage for success and price to inspire bidding wars. Flipping a house isn't terribly complicated, but popular TV shows often leave important legal, financial, and design aspects out, making it all too easy to make expensive mistakes. Our one-stop guide will delight curious readers, and inspire them to confidently dip their toes in this water—starting with this tiny investment in a magazine guaranteed to generate outsized returns.
Flip That House • The right resources, information, and attitude will set you up for success.
Finding Your Target House • How to identify an on-budget house with great upsell potential
Getting Started • A QUICK OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THE JOURNEY TO COME
Location is Everything • BEFORE YOU CAN PICK A HOUSE, YOU HAVE TO PICK A NEIGHBORHOOD. HERE’S HOW.
NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCES
Evaluating Potential • A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WHICH HOUSES OFFER THE MOST—AND LEAST—VALUE
CONSIDER YOUR ‘COMMUTE’
The Cost-Benefit Analysis • HOW TO ASSESS A FLIP HOUSE’S TOTAL COSTS AGAINST ITS EXPECTED SALE PRICE SO YOU CAN SEE IF YOU’D GET A GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT
A QUICK BUDGET CALCULATOR
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS? YES, PLEASE!
Working With Banks (and Beyond) • FUNDING YOUR FLIP CAN BE A CHALLENGE. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Working With Inspectors • HOW TO FIND A GREAT INSPECTOR AND WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PROCESS
PERMITS: BEYOND THE HASSLE
Working With Realtors • WHAT AGENTS DO, HOW THEY GET PAID, AND HOW TO MAXIMIZE THEIR VALUE
How to Find the Right Contractor • Discover what to look for, what to ask, and how to manage the relationship.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
Planning the Renovation • Don’t start kicking in walls yet: An airtight plan will ensure every dollar’s well spent.
Detailing the Budget • FINE-TUNING THOSE BIG-PICTURE NUMBERS INTO A ROOM-BY-ROOM PLAN
Putting Your Team Together • THE RIGHT PROFESSIONALS CAN STREAMLINE YOUR RENOVATION AND INCREASE YOUR PROFITS.
Structural Costs • ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, ROOFS, FURNACES: THE UNSEXY STUFF THAT MIGHT NEED FIXING
BIG-TICKET ITEMS: HOW OLD IS TOO OLD?
Style Considerations • SETTLE ON A DESIGN AESTHETIC FOR YOUR RENOVATION THAT WILL BEST ENHANCE ITS PERCEIVED VALUE
TAKE INSPIRATION FROM: HGTV
TAKE INSPIRATION FROM: FRIENDS’ HOMES
Nailing the Schedule • IN THIS COORDINATED DANCE, YOU ARE THE INSTRUCTOR.
Curb Appeal • BUYERS WHO DRIVE UP AND DRIVE AWAY NEVER SEE YOUR MAGIC. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION.
KEEP TRACK OF THE WEATHER
Paying the Bills • WHAT BILLS TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCESS, AND WHERE TO PAY THEM FROM TO KEEP YOUR RECORDS CLEAN
Getting the Job Done • Optimizing your renovation—from the first wrecking ball to the final touch-ups
Demo Day: What to Expect • IN A CLOUD OF DUST AND DEBRIS, YOUR HOUSE IS ABOUT TO GIVE UP ITS SECRETS.
Lend a Helping Hand • MAKING YOUR CONTRACTOR’S JOB EASIER CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY.
Bring the Style • FROM FUNKY TILES TO FEATURE WALLS, UPLEVEL YOUR STYLE GAME TO MAKE AN IMPACT.
Stre-e-e-etch Your Budget • HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST BANG FOR THE FEWEST BUCKS, TO KEEP COSTS DOWN AND PROFITS HIGH
MAKE A STATEMENT WITH SUBWAY TILES
SECOND-HAND CHIC
Bring the Wow Factor • LITTLE IMPROVEMENTS THAT CAN HELP YOUR HOME STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET
Dollar-Saving DIYs • IF YOU HAVE MORE...