Customer Reviews

Flip: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit

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Villani and Davis' "FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit" is the definitive how-to flip guide. The best thing about the idea behind FLIP is that all you have to do is follow a number of processes and criteria, making the strategies easily reproducible. While 50 steps to fixing up a home might seem a little long-winded, Davis and Villani break up the process chronologically according to the trades person that is
required. They also cover the basics of selecting potential properties, valuing them and submitting offers.

Given that accurate estimating is probably the most important part of flipping, Davis and Villani offer a whole range of tips, pointers and considerations that are well worth putting into practice even before you start flipping. They also stress the importance of considering "quiet" costs, which are never mentioned in most popular flipping television programs. Another great advantage is that they provide a number of tables and forms online through their website, which are regularly added to and updated.

The book isn't perfect however. While it provides an excellent overview of construction estimating, someone with a little more experience might find fault in some of the suggestions. For instance, the authors suggest creating penalties for delays (p.308). While this is a reasonable strategy, a penalty for delay implies a reward for early completion, meaning potential cutting of corners by contractors and trades people and it also might make some better quality contractors hesitant to agree to such a deal.

It also does not necessarily provide considerations as to what materials, finishes and renovations might be worth prioritizing to maximize profits. While these can vary depending on the nature of the area, the potential buyer and the property itself, a good general idea of these would have been appreciated. Also, the fact that Davis and Villani state that flipping can be done in any market (p.4), in any cycle is somewhat contradictory to what many other flipping or real estate investment books state, given that certain conditions can be better suited to flipping.

All in all though, this book is excellent, thorough and easy to understand. While it is more suited to American flippers, a lot of the advice can be applied to Canadian realities.

I come across this book by mistake, the best mistake that I ever make.

How do you get from point A to B and a city that have you never been before? That is right you use a map. Here is your opportunity to have a map to invest and win in the real estate.

This guys wrote a terrific book with a well define step by step process, I have read the book, let me rephrase that, I am studying this book.

If you are a player or want to be a player in real estate investment, read this book today!