Tuesday 7 June 2011

The Art of Flipping a House

By John Peters


Purchasing real estate with the intent of a quick resell at a higher price is called house flipping. The whole process is normally completed in a matter of days or just a few months. Many buyers will acquire the property and immediately turn it over for a speedy profit. Other investors look for homes that are below assessment value or that can be marked up after a few renovations. One must be careful to research the property prior to buying for prevention of loss if the home requires more input than it's worth.

Homes are normally sold at lower prices for reasons such as divorce, bankruptcy, death, or loss of employment. Many investors look for foreclosure real estate that banks want to get rid of at any cost. Foreclosures intrigue investors due to banks wanting to get whatever they can for the property. Their goal is to sell the property and steer clear of the headaches in taking possession. Estates sales occur when a family wants to rid themselves of a burdensome home.

Most are willing to sell for less than assessment value. Others build relationships with realtors that may notify them when a home comes on the market in poor condition. Building relationships with realtors provides you with notification when a home comes on the market in poor condition. Others build associations with realtors who will notify them when a home comes on the market in poor condition. Investors should attempt to acquire a loan for a little more than the house price. This insures money is in the bank for repairs. Investors should acquire loans for more than the house price to insure money is available for repairs.

Although house flipping is at an all time high, make sure you understand the tax rules. As in all assets there are federal and state income taxes to consider. The IRS sees investment profit as capital gain regardless of how it was made. For properties owned less than a year, this short-term gain can be taxed as high as 35%. People holding the real estate longer slash that cost to 15%.

Most individuals hope to rid themselves of the home quickly and will take the larger tax burden. Money can still be made when all expenses are considered prior to putting a selling price on the real estate.




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