Real Estate Rebound Makes Flipping a Home Attractive Again

In conjunction with the rise in house prices, the profit potential for flipping a home in Charleston, SC is once more drawing the entrepreneur-minded. 

Flipping a home is the process of purchasing a property—often one in a rundown condition—then improving its value and reselling it for a quick profit. Quick is the key word in this strategy, since a fast turnover allows capital to be devoted to purchase and renovation rather than operating and maintenance costs. It’s why successful house flippers generally focus on quick gains over maximizing profits.  

While this has proven to be a lucrative strategy in the past, financing has always been the first major hurdle for anyone flipping ahome in Charleston, SC. If you’ve been noticing some of the inviting house-flipping prospects in Charleston area, several financing routes sometimes make such a deal possible: 

Larger Down Payment

Flipping a house in Charleston, SC in the current lending market will often require a significant down payment. Since launching the project might require at least 25 - 40% for financing, it’s essential that you prepare sufficient cash reserves to complete the renovations envisioned—and successful house flippers suggest you add 20% to the cost estimate!   

Seller Financing

Seller financing—a mortgage provided by the home owner—is also called a ‘purchase money’ mortgage. Sellers may be willing to provide financing if they have had trouble selling their property, which is often the case when a Charleston home flipper believes its value can be greatly enhanced by repair or remodeling. Seller financing would be more common were it not necessary that the original owner own the home outright.

Hard Money Loan

Hard money loans—also known as short-term bridge loans—are another common source of financing for flipping a home in Charleston, SC. Hard money loans are backed by the value of the property rather than the credit record of the borrower, and typically feature a lower loan-to-value ratio than found in a bank mortgage. The added risk has a cost: expect to provide a large deposit and a premium for the loan (often 8% or more).

While sub-prime mortgages may no longer be as readily available as they once were, there are still multiple sources of financing for entrepreneurs who can spot profit possibilities for flipping a home in Charleston, SC. With real estate prices continuing to rise, this spring again holds promise in the house-flipping arena. Call me if you are interested in learning about some of the latest prospects!  

Interested in selling your Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com

Interested in buying a Charleston area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com

-Jeff Cook

Jeff Cook Real Estate

Charleston, SC