The Complete Guide to Flipping Houses in Atlanta

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Atlanta's real estate market is booming, and flipping houses has become a lucrative business for many investors. According to our research, the average profit margin for flipping houses in Atlanta is around 20-30%.

The city's growth and gentrification have created a high demand for housing, making it an ideal market for house flippers. With a median home price of $240,000, there's plenty of room for profit.

Before diving into the world of house flipping, it's essential to understand the local market and regulations. In Atlanta, you'll need to comply with the city's zoning laws and obtain necessary permits for renovation projects.

What You Need to Know

Atlanta's housing market is a hotbed of activity, with prices increasing by 8% in the past year alone.

The median home price in Atlanta is around $340,000, making it an attractive market for house flippers.

To succeed in this market, it's essential to have a clear understanding of local regulations, including the Atlanta City Code, which requires permits for most renovation projects.

The average profit margin for house flippers in Atlanta is around 10%, but this can vary greatly depending on the specific project and location.

What Does It Mean?

House Renovation
Credit: pexels.com, House Renovation

Flipping houses in Atlanta means adopting specific practices to buy and sell properties at a profit. Buying properties at a discount is a key strategy, where you look for distressed properties like foreclosed and probate homes.

You can find these homes for sale in Atlanta, GA at a lower cost than the market value. This allows you to purchase properties at a lower price, increasing your chances of making a profit when you sell.

Selling properties for sale by owner (FSBO) is another practice that can save you thousands of dollars in Realtor commissions. You can list your property on the MLS for a small flat fee, cutting down on costs.

Here's an interesting read: Should I Sell My House in Austin?

Why Fix?

Fixing and flipping houses can be a lucrative venture, especially in cities with high demand and rising house prices. In Atlanta, Georgia, the rising house prices are currently higher than the national average.

The city's rapidly growing population is a key factor in this trend, with over 730,000 new residents in the last decade alone. This growth has made Atlanta the nation's fourth fastest-growing metro area.

One of the benefits of flipping houses in Atlanta is the low cost of living. Compared to other major cities, life in Atlanta is remarkably cheap, with utility bills and transportation costs being relatively low.

For more insights, see: Housing Prices

Property Selection

1180 Peachtree Skyscraper in Atlanta in USA
Credit: pexels.com, 1180 Peachtree Skyscraper in Atlanta in USA

Scouting for the right property is crucial in flipping houses in Atlanta. You can zero in on a distressed home or fixer-upper by scouting the best areas in the city.

To get started, it's a good idea to seek advice from an experienced flipper. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the process.

A strategically located property in a desirable area can make a huge difference for a fix and flip.

You might enjoy: Flipping Property

Select a Market

Selecting the right market is a crucial step in flipping houses in Atlanta. Atlanta offers high gross profits, with last year's profits reaching $75,000.

To determine the best market, check local economic conditions, housing demand, and property prices. These factors can help you identify areas with high potential for returns.

Monitor median sale prices for growth, as this can indicate a strong market. Additionally, keep an eye on market competitiveness – a higher score means homes sell faster.

Smiling woman holding sold sign outside real estate office
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling woman holding sold sign outside real estate office

Here are some key neighborhoods to consider:

  1. East Atlanta Village
  2. Kirkwood
  3. West End
  4. Grant Park

These neighborhoods offer a mix of homes and vibrant communities, making them attractive for renovation and resale. With the right property in a desirable area, you can set yourself up for success in the world of flipping houses.

Foreclosure Filter

Houses in foreclosure tend to sell for less than the market value of the house. This is mainly because when a property enters foreclosure status, the primary concern of the loan provider is to sell the property as quickly as possible to avoid making a loss.

You can use the Foreclosure Filter to identify these opportunities. According to the New Silver website, flippers can search for properties using specific features such as foreclosure status.

Properties in foreclosure often sell quickly, so it's essential to act fast. Think of it as a search engine that has been custom made specifically for property flippers, like FlipScout.

By using the foreclosure filter, you can find houses that have the potential to be purchased for less than the market value of similar houses in the area. This is the primary purpose of FlipScout, a service that helps property investors identify houses with potential.

Property Guidelines

Couple Doing House Renovations
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To evaluate the value of a property, you'll need to determine its worth when it hits the market. This is a prerequisite to making a profit.

Hiring a broker or appraiser can be valuable in the beginning, especially if you're new to the industry. Most newbies might be hesitant to spend the money, but pros will tell you it's worth it.

Automated tools can also help determine the value of a property, but it's essential to get a good understanding of the area you're investing in. This will help you make informed decisions about your investments.

Getting advice from an experienced flipper is also a good idea, especially if you're a complete newcomer to the industry.

Property Evaluation

Determining the value of a house or condo when it hits the market is crucial to making a profit. You'll never know whether a deal is a good deal or a bad one without figuring out the value.

Most newbies balk at hiring people or using a real estate agent, but pros will tell you that it's invaluable in the beginning when you're learning an area.

Take a look at this: When Should You Repipe a House?

Home Inspection

House under renovation with scaffolding and workers fixing the roof on a sunny day.
Credit: pexels.com, House under renovation with scaffolding and workers fixing the roof on a sunny day.

Conducting a home inspection is a crucial step in the property evaluation process. 86% of inspections reveal at least one issue.

Ignoring a home inspection can be costly, especially if you're selling a distressed home. These homes are often plagued by problems with roofing, pests, and plumbing.

A home inspector can help you identify fundamental issues that could impact the sale of your house. It's a small investment that can increase the chances of selling your house for a higher price.

A unique perspective: Mobile Home Flipping

70% Rule

The 70% rule is a simple yet effective guideline to help you determine the maximum purchase price of a property. It's a must-know for anyone looking to flip houses.

The rule states that you shouldn't pay more than 70% of the property's after-repair value. This is a crucial factor in ensuring you make a profit from your flip.

To calculate the maximum purchase price, you can use the formula: (ARV * 70%) - Repairs = Maximum Purchase Price. For example, if the ARV of your home is $300,000 and the estimated renovation cost is $30,000, your purchase price will be $180,000.

Gray Painted House
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Using the 70% rule is a safe bet, but it's not the only way to determine the maximum purchase price. You can also use automated tools, like FlipFinder's 70% filter, which quickly calculates a suitable price to offer based on the listing price.

Here's a breakdown of the 70% rule formula:

By following the 70% rule, you can avoid overpaying for a property and ensure a healthy profit margin when you sell it.

Financing Options

If you have enough funds, you can buy a house with cash and avoid interest costs. This can be a huge advantage when flipping houses in Atlanta.

A mortgage can increase your costs, but you can still flip houses in Atlanta with no money by getting a mortgage or a HELOC to finance the purchase.

To maximize your profits, shop for lenders who charge lower interest, and a mortgage calculator in Atlanta can be helpful to compare lending rates.

Conventional Mortgages

A Beautiful House with Garage Near the Yard
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Conventional mortgages can be a viable option for financing property flips in Atlanta. To qualify, properties re-sold within 6 months are subject to exception approval, requiring documentation on seller improvements.

This can include two appraisals and detailed records of any renovations or repairs made to the property. For example, if you're flipping a house in Atlanta, you'll need to provide documentation on any improvements you've made to the property, especially if there's a significant increase in the sales price.

Conventional mortgages for property flips typically require more scrutiny than other types of financing. This is because the lender wants to ensure that the property's value has increased significantly enough to justify the sale price.

Here's a breakdown of the conventional mortgage requirements for property flips:

Keep in mind that these requirements may vary depending on the lender and the specific circumstances of the property flip.

Leverage Wholesalers

Working with a wholesaler can save you time and resources by outsourcing the task of locating properties to flip.

A blurred car drives past a historic house under renovation with scaffolding, set against a tranquil evening sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A blurred car drives past a historic house under renovation with scaffolding, set against a tranquil evening sky.

You can meet local wholesalers by joining local real estate groups.

Forums on Bigger Pockets and social media are also great places to find out how to start flipping houses in your area.

A good wholesaler knows where the good deals are in the local market and can provide access to their full library of properties.

Their knowledge of which properties are selling below market value can be invaluable.

Although there is a fee involved, the value that a wholesaler can deliver often far outweighs their fee.

Finding Properties

You can start by scouting the best areas in Atlanta to flip houses. This involves researching the local market to identify distressed homes or fixer-uppers.

Scout for properties in areas with high demand and look for those that have been on the market for 60 days or more. These properties often signal a faster deal and sellers who are more eager to negotiate.

To simplify your search, you can use the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) with filters such as price, location, and property condition. This can help you identify undervalued properties that need repairs.

House being renovated with workers on a hydraulic lift in an urban area.
Credit: pexels.com, House being renovated with workers on a hydraulic lift in an urban area.

You can also use a service like FlipScout, which is a custom-made search engine for property flippers. This service can help you identify houses that have the potential to be purchased for less than the market value of similar houses in the area.

Attend bank auctions to find deals that never make it to the open market. Houses that enter into foreclosure are often sold via bank auctions for less than they are worth.

Renovation and Sale

Renovation costs can be estimated using tools like Flip Finder, which provides a quick approximation of the rehab costs needed to increase the value of the property.

Knowing the right strategies is crucial to flipping houses in Atlanta, and with 6 easy steps, you can get started.

To increase the value of a property, you need to estimate the rehab costs, which can be done using tools like Flip Finder, saving you time and money in the long run.

These 6 easy steps will guide you through the process of flipping houses in Atlanta, making it a smooth and profitable experience.

Renovation Cost Estimator

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Credit: pexels.com, Exterior of modern cottage house with columns and balcony surrounded by green grass and trees

Renovation costs can be a significant portion of flipping a house, and it's essential to have a clear idea of what to expect. In Atlanta, renovation costs can go up to $52,000.

To estimate rehab costs, you'll need to consider labor and material expenses, home inspection costs, and necessary permits. Home inspection costs can range from $300 to $500.

A rough estimate of renovation costs can be broken down into several categories: renovation of the roof, electric system, and plumbing. These costs can add up quickly, so it's crucial to factor them into your overall budget.

To give you a better idea, here's a rough breakdown of renovation costs:

Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the specific needs of your property.

Sell House

Selling your house after renovation can be a breeze. You can list your home on the MLS for maximum exposure. The MLS is a great way to reach a wide audience of potential buyers.

Beige Bungalow House
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To get started, you can list via Flat Fee MLS Atlanta companies. This will save you 3% on the listing agent commission. It's a cost-effective option that can help you stay within your budget.

You'll want to make sure your home is listed in a way that attracts the right buyers. By listing via Flat Fee MLS Atlanta companies, you can reach more buyers and increase your chances of selling your house quickly.

Making Money

Flipping houses in Atlanta can be a lucrative investment opportunity, with 8% of home sales coming from flipping in 2023, up from 5.7% in 2016.

The average gross profit from flipping a house in Georgia is $55,694, making it a profitable venture. This profit can be maximized by assessing the potential Return on Investment (ROI) based on the offer price, rehab costs, and After Repair Value (ARV).

You can earn a significant income by flipping houses in Atlanta, but it's essential to understand the tax implications, as flipping is usually considered active income and results in short-term capital gains.

House Goal A: Passive Income

Person in protective gear painting a wall, showcasing house renovation work.
Credit: pexels.com, Person in protective gear painting a wall, showcasing house renovation work.

House flipping can be a lucrative investment opportunity, with 8% of home sales coming from flipping in 2023, up from 5.7% in 2016. The average gross profit was $55,694 in Georgia.

The key to making money with house flipping is to maximize the profit, which can be done by assessing the potential Return on Investment (ROI) based on the offer price, rehab costs, and ARV. With the right tools, you can quickly determine the potential ROI.

A well-thought-out business plan is essential for a fix and flip project, and determining your budget is crucial. The general rule is to work out the after repair value (ARV) of the property and never spend more than 70% of this price when purchasing it.

You can grow your wealth by buying low, fixing it up to build the value in the property, and then selling it. This approach is known as "buying low, fixing high."

Market the Property

Exterior of modern house with glass doors and panoramic windows
Credit: pexels.com, Exterior of modern house with glass doors and panoramic windows

You can market your property through a real estate agent, who can help you find a deal, value the deal, and suggest what needs to be fixed to get the property ready to sell.

Agents can also make the paperwork and scheduling the closing more convenient, which is worth their commission.

In an upmarket, you might be able to cut an agent out, but I feel that agents are worth their commission.

Agents can reduce their commission if you do multiple properties with them.

You can list your home on the MLS for maximum exposure, but listing via Flat Fee MLS Atlanta companies can also save you 3% on the listing agent commission.

Active Income

Active Income is a key concept in making money, especially in real estate investing. It's not just a way to earn a quick profit, but a mindset that involves constantly turning your capital over to generate income.

The government views active income from flipping properties as short-term capital gains, which are taxed at a higher rate than long-term gains. This means you'll need to pay more taxes on your profits.

Two construction workers inside a house reviewing renovation plans on a digital tablet.
Credit: pexels.com, Two construction workers inside a house reviewing renovation plans on a digital tablet.

The goal of active income is to buy, sell, and repeat, with the aim of generating consistent profits. This requires a high level of activity and a constant flow of new deals.

The best investors in the world who stay in flipping do so with the mindset of "how can I turn my money over." They're always looking for ways to quickly flip their profit into another deal.

Guidance and Support

Finding the right property is the biggest domino in the flip process, and it's the first step you'll take.

It's the most difficult part of flipping houses in Atlanta, setting the stage for the rest of your project.

You can't find a reliable contractor or sell the property before your loan expires without first selecting the right property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a license to flip houses in Georgia?

No, a license is not required to start flipping houses in Georgia, but having one can provide significant benefits. Consider obtaining a real estate license and working with certified contractors for a successful flipping experience.

What is the 70% rule in house flipping?

The 70% rule in house flipping is a guideline that advises investors to pay no more than 70% of a property's after-repair value minus renovation costs. This rule helps flippers determine a fair purchase price for a fixer-upper property.

Archie Strosin

Senior Writer

Archie Strosin is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a deep interest in financial institutions. His work often delves into the history and operations of Missouri-based banks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the local economy. A particular focus of his research is on Dickinson Financial Corporation and Armed Forces Bank, tracing their origins and evolution over the decades.

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