A fantastic way for newcomers to the industry to dip their toes into real estate investing is by learning the art of flipping real estate contracts. This strategy offers a relatively low level of risk, along with a modest barrier to entry and cost. By mastering the skill of contract assignment, aspiring investors can pave their way to success. However, it’s important to note that despite the seemingly easy execution of contract flipping, there are still factors to consider before diving in. Aspiring investors must educate themselves on the subject matter to achieve a higher level of success.
Understanding the Concept of Flipping Real Estate Contracts
Flipping real estate contracts, also referred to as contract assignment or wholesaling real estate, involves acting as an intermediary between sellers and end buyers. Instead of purchasing the subject property, the investor who flips the contract (known as the wholesaler) enters into an agreement with the original owner, which grants them the right to buy the property at a later date.
It’s important to emphasize that the original owner is not directly selling the property but rather granting the investor the rights to purchase it. Today’s wholesalers sign a contract that provides them with the right to buy the property, known as “equitable interest” in the home.
Now, let’s delve into the seven steps to successfully flipping a real estate contract.
Step 1: Finding a Property
The process of flipping real estate contracts begins with finding the ideal property. Investors need to locate not only a desirable home but also motivated sellers willing to engage in the contract assignment process. Motivated sellers are those who have a strong reason to sell, such as facing foreclosure or needing to relocate for work. Prioritizing homes owned by motivated sellers, rather than those who simply want to sell, increases the chances of successfully closing a deal.
Investors can employ various strategies in their search for distressed homeowners, such as visiting the local courthouse to examine recent foreclosure filings or purchasing lists of delinquent homeowners online.
Step 2: Contacting the Owner
During the property search, investors may come across information about the owner through court records, property deeds, or tax records. This information can be used to identify the owner’s name and then find their contact details. A polite and professional approach should be taken when reaching out to the property owner. Introduce yourself and your real estate business, inquire about the property’s availability for sale, and leave your contact information for future communication.
Step 3: Determining the Property Value
Securing homes below market value is essential for successful real estate contract flipping. The sale price is a critical factor in attracting end buyers. To determine the market value of the property, investors should analyze comparable homes in the area. Consider factors such as square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and similar amenities. Understanding the average selling price and time on the market helps evaluate the property’s investment potential. This information is especially crucial when assigning the final contract to house flippers.
Step 4: Drafting the Contract
Once an investor finds a home that meets the criteria for a good wholesale deal, the next step is negotiating contract terms with the homeowner. It is important to customize the contract to align with the intentions of both parties. The verbiage of the contract should be clear and concise, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. Seeking the assistance of an attorney experienced in real estate transactions is advisable to ensure a smooth negotiation process.
Step 5: Contract Approval
The drafted contract must be approved by both parties involved. Investors should aim to create a contract that satisfies the seller’s motivations, enhancing the chances of agreement. Once all parties agree to the terms, the contract can be signed. According to the doctrine of equitable conversion, the buyer becomes the equitable owner, while the seller retains the legal title to the property under the agreed-upon terms.
Step 6: Finding an End Buyer
Successful contract flippers start with the end in mind. Ideally, they should have an end buyer lined up before even signing a contract with the seller. Maintaining a buyers list is a common practice among wholesalers. This list comprises potential buyers who can be contacted for assigning contracts quickly. A well-curated buyers list can facilitate the assignment process within hours.
Step 7: Closing the Deal
Once an end buyer is identified, it’s time to officially close the deal. Connect the buyer with a title company experienced in wholesale deals and wait for the completion of the title search. The title search ensures the absence of ownership disputes or tax liens. Within a week, it should be determined if the sale can proceed. The title company will then draft the final contract with the buyer and the seller, marking the end of the wholesaler’s role in the transaction. Payment for the work can be accepted via wire transfer or check.
Pros and Cons of Real Estate Contract Flipping
Before embarking on a real estate contract flipping journey, it is crucial to consider the pros and cons to determine if this investment strategy aligns with your goals.
Benefits of Real Estate Contract Flipping
One major benefit of flipping real estate contracts is the minimal amount of capital required to get started. This low barrier to entry significantly reduces risk. The quick turnover of contracts also allows for fast cash flow, putting money in your pocket without delay.
Drawbacks of Real Estate Contract Flipping
While there is potential to make money through contract flipping, there are also drawbacks to consider. Generating substantial income from flipping real estate contracts requires numerous deals, which means investing more time and effort in evaluating potential opportunities. Compiling a reliable list of wholesalers for each deal to match with a ready-to-assign contract buyer is also time-consuming. Success with this investing strategy may take time to achieve.
Potential Earnings from Flipping Real Estate Contracts
The income potential from flipping real estate contracts is virtually limitless. However, the amount of money you can make depends on your dedication and effort. As a wholesaler, you need to carefully analyze numerous deals to find the right contracts to represent, which can be time-consuming, especially as you refine your search criteria.
The negotiation skills used to secure contracts with end buyers play a crucial role in determining your earnings. The difference between the contract’s purchase cost and the selling price to the end buyer constitutes your profit as a wholesaler. This amount can vary from deal to deal, but typically each contract sale generates a few thousand dollars in profit.
Over time, developing relationships with other real estate investors can lead to more predictable income flows. By negotiating minimum fees or per-deal agreements, you can establish a reliable income stream, provided you consistently find new deals.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for an entry-level investment strategy, learning how to flip real estate contracts could be the perfect fit. With a modest barrier to entry and a relatively low-risk approach, contract flipping offers an attractive opportunity. However, it’s vital to approach this strategy with cautious optimism. Don’t be deceived by its simplicity; educating yourself and understanding the contract assignment process is key to mitigating risks and achieving success.
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