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The Downside of House Flipping

Construction worker plastering and smoothing concrete wall in room of flipped home.Flipping homes can be a lucrative income stream, but it’s key to note that the income isn’t always reliable. Flipping houses offers excellent prospects but is a high-risk investment that comes with various challenges. Flippers could be waiting months or even years to see the returns from one flip.

To offset these risks and create a more consistent income stream, why not invest in one or two rental properties along with your flips? Rental properties are some of the most reliable investments, delivering long-term growth that few stocks or retirement products can match.

Is house flipping worth the risk?

Reality television’s focus on house flipping has given many an unrealistic idea of what flipping properties really involves. Although flipping a home for profit can be done swiftly, it’s vital to understand potential difficulties or surprise issues that may arise.

Houses under construction are particularly vulnerable to thieves and vandals, making them a target for crimes that can lead to substantial losses. Unfavorable weather, burst pipes, or other unexpected events can result in costly repairs that weren’t planned for in the original budget. That’s why house flippers should prepare for both when things go as planned and when issues arise.

The actual costs of house flipping

Even in an ideal situation, house flipping demands months of effort. The process of flipping a house can take a long time, including finding a property, securing financing, closing, renovating, and listing it for sale. During this period, the property doesn’t bring in any income since the investor only profits after the sale.

Some investors can take on several house flips in a year, aiming to create more consistent and frequent income. However, in most cases, houses are flipped one at a time, making it challenging to predict when the investment will pay off. That’s why it’s essential for house flippers to have multiple income streams. The real estate industry offers many opportunities, but residential rental properties provide the most stable income. Purchasing and renovating rental homes is much like house flipping, but with a few clear benefits. Investors purchasing a rental property can take advantage of hiring a good property management company. These companies oversee tasks such as tenant acquisition, rent collection, and maintenance, easing the investor’s workload and reducing stress.

The professionals at Real Property Management Bozeman can simplify owning rental properties in Manhattan, giving you more time to focus on other parts of your real estate business. For more information, contact us online or at 406-586-2226. We’re here to assist you in getting the most out of your real estate investments.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

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