Insider Discussion – Flipping Houses Isn’t As Easy As HGTV Makes It Look!
Insider Discussion – Flipping Houses Isn’t As Easy As HGTV Makes It Look!
Need a REAL Flipping Strategy?
Overpay, underestimate repairs, or forget taxes—and you’ll lose money fast. Want a real flipping strategy? Let’s discuss.
I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.
Flipping Houses Isn’t as Easy as HGTV Makes It Look
Flipping homes has become a popular buzzword, thanks in large part to HGTV shows that make it look like anyone can turn a profit with a bit of paint and a weekend of DIY. But the reality? Flipping houses is a high-risk business, and without the right strategy, you can lose money fast.
The Fantasy vs. The Reality
On TV, the flippers buy low, spend a few weeks swinging hammers, and then sell high—netting tens of thousands in profit. What you don’t see? The months of planning, cost overruns, unexpected repairs, contractor delays, inspection issues, and tight market margins that can make or break your project.
Here are the most common mistakes that derail new flippers:
1. Overpaying on the Purchase
Success in flipping starts when you buy the property—not when you sell it. If you don’t buy below market value and leave yourself enough margin for repairs and fees, your profits will vanish before the first nail is hammered. Always factor in worst-case scenarios before making an offer.
2. Underestimating Repair Costs
Cosmetic updates are easy to budget. What hurts is discovering mold, electrical issues, foundation cracks, or outdated plumbing after you’ve closed. Unless you’re a licensed contractor or working with one you trust, it’s easy to misjudge the true scope—and cost—of needed repairs.
3. Ignoring the Carrying Costs
Every month you hold the property, you’re paying taxes, insurance, utilities, loan interest, and possibly HOA fees. If your project timeline drags out (as it often does), you could be bleeding hundreds or thousands per month just to sit on the property.
4. Not Knowing the Market
Flipping isn’t just about making a home “look pretty.” You need to renovate for the neighborhood and for the buyer pool. Go too cheap, and it won’t stand out. Over-improve, and buyers won’t pay a premium for upgrades they didn’t ask for. Smart flippers know exactly what features will sell fast and at top dollar—and what won’t move the needle.
5. Skipping the Exit Plan
Sometimes flips don’t sell quickly. If the market shifts, interest rates spike, or your listing sits for weeks with no offers, do you have a backup plan? Could you rent it out and break even? Or will you be forced to sell at a loss just to get out?
What Smart Flippers Do Differently
The best flippers treat this as a business. They:
- Analyze every deal with conservative numbers
- Build in buffers for cost overruns
- Work with reliable contractors and inspectors
- Have financing lined up (and know their options)
- Understand the local market cold
- Plan their exit strategy before ever buying
Flipping houses can be profitable—but it’s not a shortcut to easy money. If you’re thinking about jumping in, don’t go it alone. I help investors find solid opportunities and avoid common pitfalls in today’s market.
📩 Want a real flipping strategy that works in our market? DM me ‘FLIP’ and let’s talk about how to do it right.
Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?
Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.
Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.
The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.
“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“
We’re Here To Help
Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.
Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.
Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Bad REALTOR? Here’s How To Fire Them!…
… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.
The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.
