How to Evaluate a Fix-and-Flip Before Contacting Texas Hard Money Lenders

The media has sensationalized the rehab and flip business, making it seem like it’s easy cash for anyone who jumps in. The truth is, you have to have a keen eye for investing, and know how to evaluate the home before you get started, especially when you’re using Texas hard moneylenders.

Homes that have fallen into disrepair can be a rehabbers dream. A seasoned pro can size up a home fairly quickly, and make an educated assessment as to whether it will provide a solid return on investment after all the work is complete. This evaluation is often the largest determining factor in whether someone is successful in the fix-and-flip business, so it literally pays to do the research ahead of time.

1.       Calculate what the home will be worth after repairs. To do this, you’ll need to research what comparable homes in the area have sold for over the past 90 to 120 days. They should be in a similar neighborhood, have the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage, and also be about the same age. Target an area within ½ to ¾ of a mile from your potential rehab project.

2.       Consider what the repairs should cost. Some re-habbers swear by a $20 per square-foot rule when it comes to cosmetic renovations. However, it’s always wise to bring a contractor on board to verify your estimates before you finalize things, even if you’re going to do the work yourself.

3.       Include any contract fees and the loan costs from your Texas hard money lenders in your total expense estimates.

How to Tell if a Flip Using Texas Hard Money Lenders will Be Successful

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to rehabbing and flipping houses. Even experts in the industry get burned from time to time, so you have to exercise diligence, and leave yourself wiggle room. The amount you offer for the home should be enough that after you pay fees, repay your Texas hard moneylenders, and cover repairs, that there’s a tidy sum left to reimburse you for your efforts. It’s wise to build a cushion in when you give your offer, though if you go too low, you could be denied. Equally, having fast access to cash may enable you to negotiate a better deal, so take that into consideration when you make an offer on a property, too.

You should only borrow from Texas hard money lenders if you’ve done the research and you’re familiar with potential rehab pitfalls.

There’s a big difference between making a calculated decision based on knowledge of the housing market, and in making repairs with the hope to turn a profit. Not every rebab is worthwhile. If you’re just starting out, choose the simplest projects, and include professional contractors in your budget. You can test your knowledge in rehabs by scouring a neighborhood, and making your own predictions of what houses will sell for once they’ve undergone renovations. You may also have better success if you find a seasoned rehabber and spend some time working as an apprentice for him. Fix-and-flips aren’t for everyone, and getting started in the industry requires real estate knowledge, as well as a solid background in home repair and estimates. Texas hard money lenders can provide the short-term cash you need to make a deal, but you’ll need to have the knowledge to ensure you’re making a wise investment. If you have these things in your own mental toolbox, fix-and-flips can be incredibly lucrative.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
dennis@level4funding.com
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

  

About the author: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true.

Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 38 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 4 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 32 years.