Flipping a house is a common practice among DIY enthusiasts and those wanting to make a quick profit in a hot housing market. Flipping land is also another way to improve and sell an existing property by investing your own time and money. While both options share similar benefits, they are better for some situations than others.
Here is a basic rundown of the major differences between flipping a house and flipping land:
One of the greatest advantages of flipping land is that it rarely requires a property visit. You can find eligible vacant property all over the country from the convenience of your own home without needing to travel. Most successful land-flippers use search engines and other internet resources to find good deals.
Flipping houses generally limits you to a specific geographic location. This means a smaller pool of potential properties. Also, buying and selling a house, regardless of its condition, requires visiting in person or via proxy. You can still use the same convenient techniques, but you will spend more time on logistics.
Flipping land and flipping houses both come with large potential ROI (return on investment). However, flipping land yields a bigger profit because the purchase prices are so much lower. Vacant and undeveloped land sells for much less than land with existing structures, especially in less heavily populated areas.
Your renovation costs and profits for any flip will depend on many factors. However, with a lower overall up-front cost, land flipping yields a higher ROI.
Making money by flipping property doesn’t end at the sale. Both flipping houses and undeveloped land have the potential to generate ongoing income through seller financing and working with lenders. If you buy land for cash and then sell it with terms, you can collect monthly payments for years. The same goes for houses both for renting or selling. While the costs going into them may differ, both flipping options have equal opportunities for generating ongoing income long after the sale.
Is flipping land or flipping houses right for you? Consider these three points of comparison when doing your research to make the best decision for your situation.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.