Real estate investing insights, guides and secrets by Kiavi

Fix-and-Flip Checklist: What to Research Before Buying a Property

Written by Deanna Lubin | April 18

Property investment can bring a mix of excitement and nerves for real estate investors. In an industry where every win depends on making wise choices, thorough research should be at the heart of every acquisition. This blog will walk you through critical pre-investment checks, giving you a roadmap if you're thinking about buying real estate with the goal of a profitable fix-and-flip.

Understanding the market

Before you even set foot in a potential investment property, it's crucial to grasp your local real estate market's trends, peculiarities, and future projections. Here's why that matters:

Market demographics and trends

Demographics play a big role in your property's value—digging into them to see how they're molding the market is crucial. Are there more young professionals or retirees moving into your area? Any upcoming infrastructure changes that could shake up certain neighborhoods? Think about the bigger picture, too. Is the city's population on the rise, slowing down, or staying put? Growing numbers could signal a market ready for flipping.

Neighborhood and property values

Understanding the average home value and its appreciation rate is crucial. Yet, the value of neighboring properties can also impact your profits. A neighborhood with mostly increasing home values and a high real estate turnover rate can present a promising opportunity.

Competitive analysis

Know your competition—think local flippers, real estate agents, and even banks with REO properties. What are they bringing to the table? What prices are they considering? This insight can guide you in setting the right prices and features for the properties you want to flip.

Financing and numbers

Real estate investments hinge on the numbers. Having a sound financial strategy and understanding your break-even point at a minimum is non-negotiable. Here are the financial checks you need to perform:

Calculate your ROI

Your Return on Investment (ROI) is a guiding factor. It can help you decide which properties are worth pursuing and at what price. The general rule is to aim for an ROI of at least 20% after all expenses, including purchase, renovation, and carrying costs.

Consider rehab costs

Underestimating renovation costs is a common pitfall. Get quotes from contractors, always budget for unexpected expenses, and put together a detailed Scope of Work (SOW) for a bird' s-eye view of what your budget will be. It's often best to overestimate rehab costs to be safe. How much work is too much? An extensive overhaul might not yield a favorable ROI in a short time.

Carrying costs and time

How long will the project take from purchase to sale? Factor in all associated house-flipping costs, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities during the holding period. It's not just about money. A quick flip is a profitable flip—dragging on a project can eat into your profits.

Compete like a cash buyer

Having the right financing strategy in place is crucial to your house-flipping success. Kiavi is a game-changer for fix-and-flip projects, offering competitive pricing and quick deal closures in just seven business days. This speed lets you compete with cash buyers. Kiavi's fix-and-flip (bridge) loans provide the flexibility to leverage funds for both purchase and up to 100% of rehab. With the added bonus of in-house servicing, you get fast, easy, and reliable financing from application to close.

The physical property

Having found a potential property doesn't mean it's a sound real estate investment opportunity. There are many checks to perform to ensure the house is a flip worth taking.

Aesthetic appeal

Does the property have "good bones"? Its layout and the ease of making it look attractive can significantly impact it. Make sure it meets the basic requirements for comfortable living—property management issues can be a quick profit culprit.

Structural and mechanical

Walk in with a contractor to examine structural integrity. Don't be blindsided by interior charm—safety and the unseen are just as important. Remember, major foundation work or a new roof can put a dent in your budget.

Necessary permits and zoning

Check with the local building authorities for any needed permits. Zoning compliance is critical, especially if you plan to renovate or expand. Can you add a bedroom? A pool? What's the comparative value versus cost?

Competitive edge

Your investment should not only align with the market and your financials but also give you a competitive edge.

Property unique selling points

What makes this property stand out? Does it have a great view, historical charm, or a spacious backyard? Capitalize on unique features that will appeal to buyers. If it's got stunning views, oozes historic charm, or comes with a big backyard, highlighting these unique features will grab buyers' attention and really set the property apart.

Green investment

The move towards eco-friendly homes is really picking up steam as more homeowners focus on sustainable living. Thinking about energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels or switching to smart home tech can make your place stand out and contribute to a greener environment. These eco-friendly changes could boost your property's value and shrink its carbon footprint.

Rental potential

Knowing a property's potential rental income is a savvy move. If your flip doesn't sell quickly or you plan to transition your strategy and hold onto it, check out local rental prices, job opportunities, proximity to schools, and rental demand. A property that generates high rent offers passive income and increases appeal and value.

Legal and logistical due diligence

Before sealing the deal, you've got to do one last thorough check—legally and logistically. This detailed review covers every angle so you know exactly what you're getting into.

Title and liens

When you're looking to buy a property, having a real estate attorney check the title is a good idea. This helps ensure no surprise issues, like liens or easements, could complicate things. It's all about protecting your interests and ensuring the property transfer goes smoothly.

Insurance

Ensure you have the right insurance coverage, especially for historic or disaster-area properties. Proper insurance safeguards your investments from surprises like natural disasters or structural damages. Take a close look at your insurance needs to avoid financial losses and ensure your assets are well-protected.

Read the fine print

Get a good grasp of all the nitty-gritty details in the buying process. Look closely at any special clauses that pop up. Think about any hiccups that could affect your decision to buy. Proper insurance safeguards your investments from surprises like natural disasters or structural damages. Take a close look at your insurance needs to avoid financial losses and look into the mortgage terms to see if they match what you're after and your financial goals.

Marketing and selling

Begin with the end in mind. How will you market and sell the property? Understand marketing costs and arm yourself with a sales strategy.

  • Understand Your Buyer: Who is most likely to buy this property? Is it a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or a family? Tailoring your strategy to the prospective buyer can help you sell faster.
  • Market and Brand Visibility: Build a presence and network within the local real estate community. Understand what branding and marketing materials you'll need to make your properties stand out.
  • Home Staging: Don't underestimate the power of presentation. A well-staged home can capture the buyer's imagination and lead to a quicker sale.

Wrap up

Successful real estate investment, especially property flipping, requires solid planning. You must conduct market research, understand the competition, and crunch the numbers. Recognizing a property's value and potential is critical every step of the way.

Pay attention to the property's looks and structure, and don't forget the importance of legal checks. To stand out, focus on what makes the property special and consider eco-friendly options. When it's time to sell, know your buyer and market the property effectively. Profit in real estate comes from careful planning, smart choices, and smooth execution.

Excited to learn more about this topic? Get Kiavi's Flipping Houses 101: Finding a Property ebook, 'Finding Property,' and let's turn that knowledge into a success!