If you are thinking about taking up house-flipping, there are 5 key concepts you need to know like the back of your hand. House flipping is a lot of work, but if you're up for it and you do it right you can make some good money. You just need to be smart, have a good business plan, and stick to it. Emotions are not valid here . . . if a project does not fit into the financial framework, then pass on it. You're doing this to make money, right.
#1 KNOW YOUR FINANCES
Determine what you can spend on both the house and the renovation, down to the last dollar. Price out the cost of carrying a short-term loan (if you need one), taxes, utilities and maintenance on the home for about 6-12 months, depending on how long the renovation will take, and the average time it takes to sell a property in that community and that price range. Price out the cost of materials and labor.
Study all the comparable sales in the same neighborhood and price range, to determine what the likely sales price will be. If you can't make the money/return that you expect, then pass on the house. Remember that there are often unforeseen issues that can add to the cost, and if you are running tight on the front end, it could lead to a disappointing financial result when you sell.