{"id":2431,"date":"2023-05-18T11:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T11:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/?p=2431"},"modified":"2023-07-31T10:17:52","modified_gmt":"2023-07-31T10:17:52","slug":"house-flipping-checklist-fundamentals-and-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/house-flipping-checklist-fundamentals-and-process\/","title":{"rendered":"House Flipping Checklist: Fundamentals and Process"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gtfy-1\">Residential real estate investors need to position their financial standing for growth with two things: a business plan and a checklist of necessary items to complete a deal. While the business plan manages an investor\u2019s approach from the 10,000-foot level, a checklist will keep the investor focused on the step-by-step process at the ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-4\">This article will discuss and explain each item of Amplend\u2019s proposed house flipping checklist for its clients, existing and future, for their use in creating a path to a successful investment. There is a complete checklist created from the contents of this article near the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-7\">This checklist is to be used for each transaction contemplated by the investor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-10\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-18\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-13 gutenify-list-item\">The growth of an investor\u2019s wealth will depend upon a business plan and a checklist for the fix-and-flip process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-14 gutenify-list-item\">An investor must create a team of professionals for a successful investment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-15 gutenify-list-item\">When an investor submits an offer to a seller, the offer must be based upon a full analysis of the fix-and-flip process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-16 gutenify-list-item\">An investor must scrutinize offers based on price, contingencies, and the buyer\u2019s ability to close.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-17 gutenify-list-item\">The checklist provided at the end of this article should be used for each investment opportunity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-21\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-24\"><strong>Defined Terms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-27\">After-Repair Value \u2013 the forward calculation of the value created by the renovation scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-30\">Business Plan \u2013 the strategies and the framework devised by an investor to reach their investment goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-33\">HUD-1 Settlement Statement (or closing statement) \u2013 the illustration of the sources and the uses of the borrowed funds and the buyer\u2019s equity allocated over the purchase price and the disbursements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-36\">The checklist can be used by the novice and the experienced investor. A novice investor will have a visual of all the necessary steps of the house flipping process. An experienced investor will be able to organize their thoughts and know where they are in each transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-39\">The steps in the house flipping process are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-52\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-42 gutenify-list-item\">Recognizing an Opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-43 gutenify-list-item\">Submit the Offers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-44 gutenify-list-item\">Secure Financing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-45 gutenify-list-item\">The Property Inspections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-46 gutenify-list-item\">The Simultaneous Closing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-47 gutenify-list-item\">The Renovation Scope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-48 gutenify-list-item\">The Renovation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-49 gutenify-list-item\">List the Property on the Market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-50 gutenify-list-item\">Review Offers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-51 gutenify-list-item\">The Sale<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-55\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-58\">These items are explained below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-61\">Recognizing an Opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-64\">Opportunities will be different for each investor as they follow their <a href=\"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/the-business-plan-for-real-estate-investing\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">business plan<\/a>. A well-prepared plan will name the market area, asset class, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/how-to-build-a-real-estate-investment-team\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">team of professionals<\/a> to achieve the investment goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-67\">Investors can find opportunities from other sources than in-market deals or through the MLS. Investment properties are found through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-74\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-70 gutenify-list-item\">Foreclosure sales,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-71 gutenify-list-item\">Tax lien or tax deed auctions,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-72 gutenify-list-item\">Off-market opportunities through a Realtor, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-73 gutenify-list-item\">Wholesalers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-77\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-80\">An important step in this early stage is to obtain a pre-approval letter from a first-choice private lender named in the business plan. This pre-approval will enable the investor to know the parameters of the loan program to which the investor will qualify and the amount of required equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-83\">The information contained in the pre-approval letter will narrow the investor\u2019s search for qualified properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-86\">Submit the Offers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-89\">Experienced investors understand the numbers game. Multiple offers must be given on multiple properties for one to be accepted. There is always competition regardless of the market conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-92\">In a buyer\u2019s market, sellers are competing with other sellers to attract buyers. In a seller\u2019s market, buyers are competing against other buyers given the limited inventory for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-95\">Investors know that each offer must be based on a preliminary proforma. This proforma and the assumptions within are derived from the full property tour. The Realtor or the contractor should be present at the tour. This way, the investor will gain input as to the scope and the costs of the renovations and an estimate of the <a href=\"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/essential-loan-ratios-used-by-lenders-and-investors\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">after-repair value<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-98\">An investor does not want to mar its reputation by submitting a slew of offers hoping \u201cone sticks.\u201d All investors must protect their reputation and brand by extending offers that make sense and conform with the parameters of the pre-approval letter and the business plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-101\">Every opportunity will have a price range, and this range is derived from the preliminary proforma. An investor will have confidence in their negotiations if there is confidence in the offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-104\">A seller will gain confidence in an offer if it is accompanied by a pre-approval letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-107\">Secure Financing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-110\">All offers should include contingencies, one of which should be financing. Even though an investor may have a pre-approval letter, it is always best to include a finance contingency to give the investor breathing room and time to seek other commitments in case there is an issue with the appraisal or an inspection report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-113\">The pre-approval letter is not a representation to a seller of the lender\u2019s identity. Rather, it is a representation of the investor\u2019s ability to qualify. There must be enough time allotted to seek and evaluate competing loan programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-116\">The Property Inspections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-119\">In this context, \u201cproperty inspections\u201d are not limited to the investigations of the structure. Inspections also refer to the condition of the title and the results of the appraisal. Private lenders will \u201cinspect\u201d the assessment report, title commitment, and appraisal, and these are the crux of underwriting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-122\">These inspections must take place within the contingency period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-125\">The results of the appraisal will allow the Realtor to analyze the values against the comps identified by the appraiser. The results of the assessment report will aid the contractor to refine the scope and the budget for the renovations. The title commitment will enable the investor\u2019s attorney to examine the conditions upon which a seller can deliver marketable title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-128\">Should any issues arise in any of these inspection reports, then the investor should be able to cancel the offer and receive back the earnest money deposit. This will happen only if the language governing the contingency period is properly drafted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-131\">The Simultaneous Closing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-134\">When all contingencies have been met, it is then time to move toward closing. Documents are drafted and exchanged between the appropriate parties. The closings of the acquisition and the loan will be simultaneous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-137\">This is also a good time to focus on the renovation scope and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-140\">The investor should have the opportunity to review the HUD-1 settlement statement. This statement is the consolidation of the closings for the acquisition and the mortgage loan. The statement itemizes all of the closing costs and calculates the net loan proceeds and the required equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-143\">The loan documents and the title company will set forth the procedures for the investor to access the funds held back for the construction draws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-146\">After the closing, the investor should leave with the signed documents and the key(s) to the property. The net order of business is to change the locks at the house and install a lockbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-149\">The Renovation Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-152\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/why-a-scope-of-work-matters-in-a-fix-and-flip-project\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">scope of work<\/a> for the renovations should be put into action immediately after the closing. The common components for the start of work are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-159\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-155 gutenify-list-item\">Turning on the power and other utilities in the name of the new owner,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-156 gutenify-list-item\">Finalizing the contract with the contractor and other vendors,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-157 gutenify-list-item\">Completing and submitting the permit application, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-158 gutenify-list-item\">Ensuring all insurance policies are in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-162\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-165\">The final scope of work is based on the assessment report, the contractor\u2019s final budget, and the Realtor\u2019s advice on the market value of the renovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-168\">The Renovations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-171\">Prior to the start of actual construction, the contractor must have a complete understanding of the lender\u2019s requirements to access the funds held back for the draws. The schedule for the estimated draws should be a part of the loan documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-174\">The draw procedures and the necessary forms will be within the loan documents, but the contractor is not privy to these unless advised. It is always best for the contractor to know the process well before the first draw request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-177\">The contractor should be aware of the anticipated inspections required by the lender. These inspections will be in addition to the inspections by the local government relative to the building permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-180\">As the renovation scope progresses, this is the time to involve the Realtor to inspect the construction work and prepare for the listing of the renovated home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-183\">List the Property on the Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-186\">It is common for a flip property to be listed for sale prior to the end of the renovation scope. The timing for this depends upon the Realtor\u2019s advice, market conditions, and the scope of the renovations. The Realtor should arrange for a professional photographer when the property is cleaned to the point to photograph well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-189\">Often, an investor will discuss with the Realtor the option of purchasing a home warranty package to set the property apart from other investment opportunities on the market. Home warranty packages cover repairs and replacements to the home\u2019s mechanical system and appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-192\">The purchase of a warranty package will depend upon whether the renovation scope includes new systems and appliances. If new systems and\/or appliances were installed, then the manufacturer\u2019s warranties can be transferred to the new owner. However, if the systems and appliances were not replaced, a warranty package should satisfy a new owner when the investor is not in a position to make any representations as to their working condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-195\">Review Offers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-198\">While an investor may not be able to make any representations relative to the systems or appliances, the investor is certainly in a position to defend the list price and the quality of the workmanship of the renovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-201\">All submitted offers should be scrutinized as to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-208\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-204 gutenify-list-item\">Price,\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-205 gutenify-list-item\">Concessions and offsets,\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-206 gutenify-list-item\">Liquidity, and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-207 gutenify-list-item\">Access to capital<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-211\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-214\">Offers should not be accepted on price alone. The last two bullet points above will be evidence of a buyer\u2019s ability to close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-217\">The quality and integrity of a buyer will be evident from their offer. An experienced investor and Realtor will be able to tell whether an offer is based on a full analysis or just to see \u201cif it will stick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-220\">The last thing an investor and the Realtor want is for the property to be removed from the market only to miss legitimate opportunities because of an unqualified offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading gtfy-223\">The Sale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-226\">The Realtor will handle monitoring the progress of the closing agent. There will be communications between the buyer, its lender, and the closing agent. During this time, an investor is usually looking for the next opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-229\">Be sure to carefully review the HUD-1 settlement statement for correct debits and credits according to the contract and confirm the amount of the net sales proceeds. The closing agent will need a photo ID and instructions for disbursing the funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-232\">Then, the house flipping process repeats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-235\">The best front-end position for an investor is to obtain a pre-approval letter from their first-choice private lender. As stated earlier, this letter will not confirm the identity of the lender, but it will provide evidence that the investor qualifies for a loan under certain parameters. There should be sufficient time allotted in the contingency period to seek term sheets from the first-choice and other private lenders for an informed decision on a favorable loan program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-238\">As promised, below is the completed checklist for the fix-and-flip process taken from the contents of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-241\"><strong><u>HOUSE FLIPPING CHECKLIST<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-323\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-249 gutenify-list-item\">Recognizing an Opportunity\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-248\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-244 gutenify-list-item\">Select a strategy from the business plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-245 gutenify-list-item\">Tour opportune properties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-246 gutenify-list-item\">Contact the first-choice private lender for a pre-approval letter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-247 gutenify-list-item\">Hold meetings with team members, i.e., Realtor and contractor<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-260 gutenify-list-item\">Submit the Offers\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-259\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-250 gutenify-list-item\">Begin building the preliminary proforma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-251 gutenify-list-item\">Determine all estimated closing costs, the hold period, and the potential profit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-252 gutenify-list-item\">Review the preliminary scope and budget for the renovations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-253 gutenify-list-item\">Determine the price range for each property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-254 gutenify-list-item\">Determine the appropriate contingencies and time periods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-255 gutenify-list-item\">Prepare and submit the offers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-258 gutenify-list-item\">Negotiate\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-257\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-256 gutenify-list-item\">Be prepared to rescind an offer if the seller will not accept a price lower than the ceiling<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-265 gutenify-list-item\">Secure Financing\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-264\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-263 gutenify-list-item\">Obtain term sheets from 3-4 private lenders\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-262\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-261 gutenify-list-item\">Provide all required documents<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-275 gutenify-list-item\">The Property Inspections\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-274\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-266 gutenify-list-item\">Schedule a home inspection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-269 gutenify-list-item\">Secure legal representation for the acquisition and the loan\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-268\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-267 gutenify-list-item\">Review results of all reports (inspection, title commitment, appraisal)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-272 gutenify-list-item\">Determine the status of the contract\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-271\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-270 gutenify-list-item\">Close or not?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-273 gutenify-list-item\">Finalize the contract(s) with the contractor\/vendors<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-286 gutenify-list-item\">The Simultaneous Closing\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-285\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-276 gutenify-list-item\">Schedule and confirm the closing date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-277 gutenify-list-item\">Review the HUD-1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-278 gutenify-list-item\">Determine and bring all necessary documentation to the closing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-279 gutenify-list-item\">Wire funds to title agent or bring certified funds to the closing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-283 gutenify-list-item\">Leave with all appropriate documents and the house keys\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-282\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-280 gutenify-list-item\">Change locks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-281 gutenify-list-item\">Install lockbox<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-284 gutenify-list-item\">Work with the contractor on the permit package<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-293 gutenify-list-item\">The Renovation Scope\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-292\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-287 gutenify-list-item\">Attend to the utility accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-290 gutenify-list-item\">Determine the timing of permit issuance\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-289\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-288 gutenify-list-item\">Per-permit work?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-291 gutenify-list-item\">Capture \u201cBefore\u201d photos<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-298 gutenify-list-item\">The Renovation\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-297\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-294 gutenify-list-item\">Schedule visits to the job site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-295 gutenify-list-item\">Attend to draw requests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-296 gutenify-list-item\">Receive updates from contractors re-permit inspections<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-302 gutenify-list-item\">Coordinate efforts with the contractor re-punch list items\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-301\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-299 gutenify-list-item\">Begin discussions with Realtor re-listing for sale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-300 gutenify-list-item\">Final walk-through with the contractor, Realtor, lender, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-308 gutenify-list-item\">Listing Property on the Market\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-307\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-303 gutenify-list-item\">Schedule a professional cleaning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-304 gutenify-list-item\">Finalize listing agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-305 gutenify-list-item\">Arrange for the \u201cAfter\u201d photos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-306 gutenify-list-item\">Make a decision re-home warranty package<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-316 gutenify-list-item\">Review Offers\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-315\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-309 gutenify-list-item\">Evaluate all offers for price, contingencies, and pre-approvals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-310 gutenify-list-item\">Negotiate, as appropriate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-314 gutenify-list-item\">Acceptance\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-313\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-311 gutenify-list-item\">Determine closing date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-312 gutenify-list-item\">Respond to issues regarding re-inspection reports<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-322 gutenify-list-item\">The Sale\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list gtfy-321\">\n<li class=\"gtfy-317 gutenify-list-item\">Keep apprised of the closing process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-318 gutenify-list-item\">Review final HUD-1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-319 gutenify-list-item\">Furnish title company with instructions for disbursement of sale proceeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"gtfy-320 gutenify-list-item\">Delivery keys and any necessary documents at closing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-326\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-329\">The checklist is a template for an investor\u2019s use with every opportunity, and items can be added or stricken to accommodate the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-332\">This checklist is the best method for a novice investor to visualize the process, and for the experienced investor to organize their thoughts and to have one point of reference for a deal\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gtfy-335\">The process of house flipping is layered and can become a juggling of issues. We hope the checklist helps.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Residential real estate investors need to position their financial standing for growth with two things: a business plan and a checklist of necessary items to complete a deal. While the business plan manages an investor\u2019s approach from the 10,000-foot level, a checklist will keep the investor focused on the step-by-step process at the ground level. This article will discuss and explain each item of Amplend\u2019s proposed house flipping checklist for its clients, existing and future, for their use in creating a path to a successful investment. There is a complete checklist created from the contents of this article near the end. This checklist is to be used for each transaction contemplated by the investor. Key Takeaways Defined Terms After-Repair Value \u2013 the forward calculation of the value created by the renovation scope. Business Plan \u2013 the strategies and the framework devised by an investor to reach their investment goals. HUD-1 Settlement Statement (or closing statement) \u2013 the illustration of the sources and the uses of the borrowed funds and the buyer\u2019s equity allocated over the purchase price and the disbursements. The checklist can be used by the novice and the experienced investor. A novice investor will have a visual of all the necessary steps of the house flipping process. An experienced investor will be able to organize their thoughts and know where they are in each transaction. The steps in the house flipping process are: These items are explained below. Recognizing an Opportunity Opportunities will be different for each investor as they follow their business plan. A well-prepared plan will name the market area, asset class, and the team of professionals to achieve the investment goal. Investors can find opportunities from other sources than in-market deals or through the MLS. Investment properties are found through: An important step in this early stage is to obtain a pre-approval letter from a first-choice private lender named in the business plan. This pre-approval will enable the investor to know the parameters of the loan program to which the investor will qualify and the amount of required equity. The information contained in the pre-approval letter will narrow the investor\u2019s search for qualified properties. Submit the Offers Experienced investors understand the numbers game. Multiple offers must be given on multiple properties for one to be accepted. There is always competition regardless of the market conditions. In a buyer\u2019s market, sellers are competing with other sellers to attract buyers. In a seller\u2019s market, buyers are competing against other buyers given the limited inventory for sale. Investors know that each offer must be based on a preliminary proforma. This proforma and the assumptions within are derived from the full property tour. The Realtor or the contractor should be present at the tour. This way, the investor will gain input as to the scope and the costs of the renovations and an estimate of the after-repair value. An investor does not want to mar its reputation by submitting a slew of offers hoping \u201cone sticks.\u201d All investors must protect their reputation and brand by extending offers that make sense and conform with the parameters of the pre-approval letter and the business plan. Every opportunity will have a price range, and this range is derived from the preliminary proforma. An investor will have confidence in their negotiations if there is confidence in the offer. A seller will gain confidence in an offer if it is accompanied by a pre-approval letter. Secure Financing All offers should include contingencies, one of which should be financing. Even though an investor may have a pre-approval letter, it is always best to include a finance contingency to give the investor breathing room and time to seek other commitments in case there is an issue with the appraisal or an inspection report. The pre-approval letter is not a representation to a seller of the lender\u2019s identity. Rather, it is a representation of the investor\u2019s ability to qualify. There must be enough time allotted to seek and evaluate competing loan programs. The Property Inspections In this context, \u201cproperty inspections\u201d are not limited to the investigations of the structure. Inspections also refer to the condition of the title and the results of the appraisal. Private lenders will \u201cinspect\u201d the assessment report, title commitment, and appraisal, and these are the crux of underwriting. These inspections must take place within the contingency period. The results of the appraisal will allow the Realtor to analyze the values against the comps identified by the appraiser. The results of the assessment report will aid the contractor to refine the scope and the budget for the renovations. The title commitment will enable the investor\u2019s attorney to examine the conditions upon which a seller can deliver marketable title. Should any issues arise in any of these inspection reports, then the investor should be able to cancel the offer and receive back the earnest money deposit. This will happen only if the language governing the contingency period is properly drafted. The Simultaneous Closing When all contingencies have been met, it is then time to move toward closing. Documents are drafted and exchanged between the appropriate parties. The closings of the acquisition and the loan will be simultaneous. This is also a good time to focus on the renovation scope and budget. The investor should have the opportunity to review the HUD-1 settlement statement. This statement is the consolidation of the closings for the acquisition and the mortgage loan. The statement itemizes all of the closing costs and calculates the net loan proceeds and the required equity. The loan documents and the title company will set forth the procedures for the investor to access the funds held back for the construction draws. After the closing, the investor should leave with the signed documents and the key(s) to the property. The net order of business is to change the locks at the house and install a lockbox. The Renovation Scope The scope of work for the renovations should be put into action immediately after the closing.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2464,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[64],"class_list":["post-2431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-private-lending","tag-house-flipping"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2431"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2465,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2431\/revisions\/2465"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amplend.net\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}