Make Money with Flippers, Fixers, and Renovations »

Gary W. Eldred, PhD, has investedsuccessfully in real estate for morethan twenty-five years and has servedon the graduate business school faculty at Stanford University and the University of Virginia. One of America's top-sellingreal estate authors, Eldred's other books include Investing in Real Estate, Fifth Edition, Trump University Real Estate 101, and Make Money with Affordable Apartment Buildings and Commercial Properties, Second Edition, all from Wiley.

Make money with flippers, fixers, and renovations

In the Make Money series, renowned real estateinvestor and bestselling author Gary W. Eldred shows you how to profit from the safest, most reliable wealth builder in the world—real estate. With coverage of all the fundamentals, Eldred shows you the ropes so you don't have to learn important lessons the hard way.

Even in a tight real estate market, flipping properties is still a great way to make money—as long as youdo it right. Make Money with Flippers, Fixers, and Renovations, Second Edition shows you how to find the right properties at bargain prices, make the right renovations and improvements, and rent or resellat the highest possible price. From quick, low-cost improvements to extensive renovations andconversions, this step-by-step guide offers a wealthof creative ideas for turning any property into areal money maker. Fully revised to includeeverything today's flipper needs to know, thisnew edition covers:

• A wide range of property financing options
• Multiple short- and long-term investment strategies
• Value-adding renovations and money-saving opportunities
• Real estate regulations and tax issues
• How to rent or resell properties for top dollar
• Tips on evaluating and improving neighborhoods
• Marketing strategies for increasing sale prices
• The ins and outs of owner-occupancy
• And much more

1. Flip Fix, Renovate, Convert: Quick Paths to Profits.

Buying Right, Fixing, and Flipping Yield Great Profits in Any Market.

The Entrepreneurial Approach vs. the Traditional Approach.

The Browns Create Value in a Down Market.

My Awakening.

Unlimited Potential.

Multiple Ways to Profit.

Fix and Quick Flip.

Fix and Flip Slowly (Two Years).

Fix, Hold, Refinance.

Fix, Hold, Flip (Trade) Up.

The Home (or Neighborhood) You Can’t Afford.

Vanquish Your Fears: Become an Entrepreneurial Investor.

Yes, You Need Skills.

My Promise.

2. Market Strategy Trumps Market Value.

Market Value Defined.

The Comparable Sales Approach.

The Market Value Conclusion.

Strengths of the Appraisal Process.

Common Denominator.

Disinterested Third Party.

Weaknesses of the Appraisal Process.

Rearview Mirror.

Narrow Focus.

The Appraisal Process Shuns Entrepreneurial Vision.

Summing Up the Appraisal Process.

You Need More Market Data.

3. Your Formula for Creating Value.

The Pieces of the Puzzle.

Minimum Improved Value (MIV).

Purchase Price.

Acquisition Costs.

Improvement Costs.

Financing Costs.

Other Holding Costs.

Selling Costs.

Opportunity Costs.

Oops Factor.

Income Taxes.

Profit Formula in Action.

Getting the Work Done.

Know Your Limits.

Distinguish the Personal from the Profitable.

Plan Your Project, Work Your Plan.

Secure Bids.

Secure Lien Releases.

Stay Legal: Obtain All Necessary Permits and Comply with All Zoning and Building Codes.

4. Make Regulations Work for You.

Sources of Regulations.

Governments.

Homeowners Associations.

Private Contracts Also Restrict Property Owners.

Zoning and Related Ordinances.

The District Concept.

What Types of Restrictions?

Be Wary of Nonconforming Uses.

How to Challenge the Zoning Rules.

Building Codes.

Environmental Laws.

5. What Possibilities Can You Envision?

The Copleys Make Half a Million.

The Baglivis Discover a Bargain.

Put on Your Rose-Colored Glasses.

Don't Quickly Reject a “Fixer”—You Just Might Pass Up a Bargain.

Your Second Set of Glasses (Buyer's Eyes).

The Critical Balance.

Inspecting a Site for Its Potential.

Site Size and Configuration.

Site Quality.

Fences, Driveway, and Sidewalks.

Curb Appeal: Attending to the Details.

The Outside of the House.

Appearance.

Exterior Condition: The Professional Inspection

Materials and Maintenance.

Site Placement.

6. Enhance the Interior.

Question Square Footage Figures.

Watch Out for Errors of Measurement.

All Space Doesn't Count Equally.

Make Sure All Like Space Does Count Equally.

Floor Plan: Does the Layout of the House Work?

Livability.

Target Market.

Aesthetics: How Does the House Look, Feel, and Sound?

Create Emotional Appeal.

Check Noise Levels.

Clean Thoroughly.

Condition: How Much Time, Effort, and Money Will the Property Require?

Legal Compliance.

Estimating Costs of Repairs and Improvements.

Utility Bills (Energy Efficiency).

What Utilities Are Available?

Identify Ways to Reduce the Utility Bills.

Save on Property Taxes.

Save on Property Insurance.

Enhance the Safety and Security of Residents.

Special-Purpose Uses.

7. Add More Living Space.

Work the Numbers.

Attic, Garage, and Basement Conversions.

Target Market Needs.

Aesthetics.

Integrate the Conversion into the House.

Create an Accessory Apartment.

The Zoning Obstacle.

The Mortgage Helper.

What Type of House Works Best?

8. Revitalize the Neighborhood.

Neighborhoods Can Get Better.

Entrepreneurs Improve Thorton Park (and Make a Killing).

Every Neighborhood Has Potential.

Community Action and Community Spirit Make a Difference.

Become a Neighborhood Entrepreneur.

Boost Neighborhood Convenience and Accessibility.

Improve Appearances and Aesthetics.

Zoning and Building Regulations.

Eliminate Neighborhood Nuisances.

Invoke Your Local Ordinances, Deed Restrictions, or HOA Rules.

Sue in Small Claims Court.

Upgrade the Schools.

Safety and Security.

Petition the Politicians.

Add Luster to Your Image.

Accent Something Special.

Talk Up the Neighborhood.

Get the Banks Involved (Affordability).

Buy on the Bad News.

9. Market Your Property for Top Dollar.

Whom Do You Want to Reach?

Why So Many Questions?

Sell Benefits, Not Just the Property.

Sell the Sizzle.

Crafting a Newspaper Ad.

Prepare a Property Brochure or Flyer.

Make Your Sign Stand Out.

Sell with Honesty.

Sell the Property, Don't Just Show It.

Prepare to Sell the Property.

Not an Isolated Case.

Sales Success: Your 12-Step Program.

More Tips on Financing.

Avoid Deception.

Back to Financing.

Should You Employ a Realty Agent?

Co-op Sales.

What about Lawyers?

10. Buy Your Property.

Find Good Properties.

Real Estate Agents.

Newspapers.

Drive, Bike, or Run Neighborhoods.

Networking.

Foreclosures and REOs.

The World Wide Web.

Search for Agreement.

Deal Points.

Reduce Seller Anxiety.

Win-Win Isn't for Wimps.

Develop a Cooperative Attitude.

Learn as Much as You Can about the Sellers.

A Win-Win Example.

How to Bargain for a Low Price.

Don't Compromise, Conciliate.

Learn the Sellers' Reasons and Reference Points.

Use an Agent as an Intermediary, but Negotiate for Yourself.

The Deal's Not Over 'til It's Over.

11. Easy Money for Owner-Occupants.

Owner-Occupied Financing.

Passable Credit.

Attention Current Homeowners.

FHA 203(k): The Homebuyer's Best Choice for Financing.

Owner-Occupied Purchase Loans.

Owner-Occupied Assumptions.

12. Money for Anyone.

“Subject to” versus Mortgage Assumptions.

Is this Technique Legal?

Should You Worry?

Short Term, Not Long Term.

Risks to Sellers.

Your Borrowing Strategy.

Seller-Assisted Financing.

First Mortgage or Deed of Trust.

Buy on the Installment Plan.

Lease Option a Property.

Lease Purchase Agreements versus Lease Purchase Options.

Easy Money—Hard Terms.

Predatory Lending.

Why Would You Want to Deal with an “Easy‑Money” Lender?

The Optimistic Entrepreneur.

Where to Find This Easy Money.

Cash to Close.

Personal Savings.

Sell Unnecessary Assets.

Obtain a Home Equity Loan (or Downsize the House) and Free Up Investment Capital.

Bring in Partners.

Second Mortgages.

Cash Advances.

Index (Not Included).