Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

How to Flip a House for the First Time

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 12/27/2023

Is it possible to flip houses for profit with no experience? Luckily, this is one area of real estate investment that is viable even for beginners. Here is a simple beginner's guide to house flipping to get you started:

Step 1: Find a Cash Source

Flipping a house requires more cash up front than with a traditional home purchase. This is because besides things like the down payment, you'll need cash to pay for renovation materials, tools and labor. Many flippers save up money before they begin, but there are also specific loans available for renovations. Research your options and compare lenders to find what works for you.

Step 2: Build a Team

Fixing and flipping a house is difficult to do on your own. Having at least one other person available to help you with renovation projects, logistics and planning will help your flip go more quickly and more easily. It's also a good idea to find a real estate agent and a licensed contractor to work with you throughout the project, as well.

Step 3: Work Out the Financials

Just like a traditional home purchase, you'll need to save money for a down payment and whatever type of loan you choose. However, when planning for a flip, it's also crucial to determine your ARV or after resale value. The ARV will tell you the minimum amount you must sell the house for to break even on the project. Obviously, it's ideal to make a profit, but knowing your ARV will help you stay on budget and price accordingly.

Step 4: Sell the House!

Once the renovations are complete, it's time for the payoff. This is where working with your real estate agent comes into play. They can help you list and sell the property efficiently so you don't waste money and time with it on the market. An agent can make sure you list at the right price and handle showings with potential buyers. This will give you the best chance at a profit for all of your hard work.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.