What to Know Before Buying a Flipped Home

What to Know Before Buying a Flipped Home

House flipping is when someone buys a home, usually for “cheap,” with the express purpose of remodeling to increase its value and sell it for a profit. As shown by the nearly countless television shows made about flipping, the final result can be very impressive, but is buying and living in a home that has been flipped right for you? Read on for things you should consider before purchasing a flipped property.

Pros

Flipped homes often utilize the trendiest design styles and come with brand new appliances. In many cases, you get the charming exterior of an older or historic home with all the comforts of modern décor and technology. As a result, most of these homes are move-in ready and there should be little to no renovation work required on your part.

Cons

While there are some risks associated with any home purchase, the risk can be greater with flipped property. The home may look great, but it’s important to make sure it’s not just smoke and mirrors. In some cases, the person doing the flipping does a good job of simply covering up and concealing issues cosmetically without really fixing the problem. When a flipper is experiencing financial and time crunches, they may be more careless even with things that are important, like electric and plumbing work. Cutting corners like this could not only cause you headaches after move-in but can even be dangerous. This can also lead to issues of compliance, and it is essential you make sure all the proper permits were obtained and that your home is up to code. Otherwise, you may end up on the hook for a lot of money and work to get the home in regulatory order.

Things to Look Out For

There are certain things you can do to identify whether a home is flipped. A good indication that it was flipped will be through the property’s history which you can view formally through the county assessor’s office records or informally through most popular online real estate listing sites. Both options give you information about the home’s sale history, and if it was bought within the last year or so, odds are it has probably been flipped.

Once you’re touring the home, whether you suspect already it is a flip or not, there are some hints that could suggest it’s a flip (of course, if it’s a good flip, many of these things will be harder to spot or non-issues). Look out for flaws in flooring. If you spot anything painted that wouldn’t normally be painted, it may be covering up other flaws. Speaking of painting, if there are paint spots where there shouldn’t be or walls look sloppy, it can be a red flag; if they’re willing to be careless with something as simple as painting, what else were they careless with? Check out cabinets, drawers, and doors to make sure they are functioning and don’t hit anything when opened. Just be on the look out for overall poor workmanship.

Ultimately, your best bet to protect yourself from buying a poorly flipped home is to seek out a competent, experienced home inspector. They will know what to look for and will be able to spot red flags that may not be obvious to the average person. You should do this regardless of whether the home is flipped or not; you never know what issues could be hiding below the surface, and an inspector is your best chance at uncovering any problems before committing to a purchase.

Are you thinking about buying a home? Contact one of our Loan Officers today to discuss your mortgage options!

Related Posts

5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers
5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

Are you considering taking the exciting step of buying your first home? Congratulations! Owning a home is a significant milestone, but it can also be a complex process, especially when it comes to getting a mortgage. As a first-time homebuyer, navigating the world of mortgages might seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and preparation, […]

March 08, 2024
Full Post
Navigating A Mortgage Application
Navigating A Mortgage Application

Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting yet intricate process, and the first significant step is often the mortgage application. To ensure a seamless and stress-free experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with essential tips and a handy checklist to navigate the mortgage application maze with confidence. 1. Know Your Credit Score: Before […]

February 15, 2024
Full Post
Top 4 Mortgage FAQs Answered
Top 4 Mortgage FAQs Answered

Join us on this educational journey as we address the most common questions that may arise during your mortgage process. Remember, your path to homeownership should be paved with understanding and guidance. Let’s dive into the top 4 mortgage FAQs and unravel the keys to unlocking the doors of your dream home. What is the […]

January 26, 2024
Full Post

Connect With Us

  How Can We Help?