If you’re a house flipper, Billings is one of the most promising cities to invest in. Although the city is the most populous region of the state, it is nevertheless regarded as having a low population density, which is ideal for those seeking some peace and quiet with a dash of outdoor excitement. Perhaps Billings’ most appealing feature is how close it is to all that nature has to offer.
A number of factors contribute in making flipping houses in Billings a lucrative proposition. The median property price in Billing, which is the biggest booming city in Montana, has been rising steadily since 2011. Building on a market that is already a reliable place to invest in real estate, the real estate market is predicted to rise by an additional 4.7% next year.
The average home value in Billings is $236,900, which is approximately 4% higher than the national average, according to recent data. If you want to buy and sell, be aware that median listings often cost $249,900. The normal payment for flipping a house for rent is $1,150 per month.
With a median annual income of $52,944, the local labor market in Billings allows residents to afford the city’s average housing costs. The oil and mining sectors are heavily represented in the region, which supports a steady economy.
Getting started with flipping houses in Billings, Montana
1. Establish a Budget and Obtain Financing
Your financial status should be taken into account before anything else when flipping properties in Montana. Usually, it makes sense to do the calculations before considering prospective qualities.
You should already be aware of your financial situation if you have cash on hand. You can avoid financing fees, mortgage payments, and any other closing costs or fees by paying cash for your Billings house flips. As a result, you should always use your cash if you’re flipping houses in Billings.
Your income may be severely impacted if you borrow money or use other financing options to purchase and renovate a home. Mortgage payments must be made up until the house is sold. A 10% down payment for a home e in Billings may initially cost more than $40,000 even if you took out a $400,000 loan to buy it. In addition to the $30,000, you’ll need to spend an additional $10,000 on repairs and upgrades.
Regrettably, repairs and upgrades take time. As a result, you might have to pay your mortgage over a longer period of time, which could lead to a large loss in profit margin. Furthermore, after deducting the costs of real estate taxes, building permits, utilities, marketing expenses, closing costs, home insurance, broker commissions, and other expenses related to Billings house flipping, you might not be able to make any money.
As a result, possessing cash may enable you to save money on all of these expenses while also enabling you to retain the maximum amount of your earnings.
If you don’t have any cash on hand, however, don’t worry. There are still a few more ways to make your house-flipping business financially viable on a shoestring.
2. Examine the localities and cities
Once you’ve identified the properties that are priced below market value and taken into account additional signs like active days on the market, you can evaluate the neighborhood’s desirability. The quality of the area is important when flipping houses in Billings. Other quantitative factors, such as the caliber of local entertainment, parks and recreation, and shopping opportunities, should be taken into account in addition to the listing and sale price.
Rehab and repair work may be beneficial for the existing housing stock in historic communities in Billings as well as a rapidly expanding urban area. Flipping properties can be a lucrative business in Billings. You must, however, develop the ability to identify wise decisions.
3. Put your squad together
You’ll need a team to make each house flip a success in Billings, whether you do it full- or part-time. A real estate lawyer, a local hard money lender, a real estate agent, a general contractor, a few laborers, and an accountant will most likely be required.
Working with a dependable team rather than a different specialist for each project is also a smart move if you want to make house flipping a consistent component of your investing strategy.
4. Decide on and buy your Billings home
It’s finally time to purchase your Billings house after you’ve sorted out your finances and determined whether or not it’s a wise investment. A further consideration when buying a property is the fact that more maintenance-intensive homes are frequently less expensive to buy. They will take longer to sell again as a result.
On the other hand, well-maintained homes that don’t need numerous repairs and alterations are significantly more expensive. You will save a lot of money over time and won’t have to worry about home improvements if you put more money down up front.
As a result, try to balance these considerations while looking for a property in Billings. Pick a home that meets your criteria for needs, budget, and timeline.
5. Fix and upgrade the home
Take into account the price of repairs and upgrades as well as the time required to complete them. Find out which upgrades will add the most value and whether or not they will appeal to potential buyers. The addition of air conditioning and energy-efficient improvements to a property may swiftly increase its value for homeowners who want to avoid the harsh Billings winters and summers.
Additionally, performing minor but required activities like power washing the exterior of the property, painting the interior, fixing a leaky faucet, reglazing and caulking bathtubs, and cleaning the floors will all help your home sell more quickly.
6. Make a profit when you sell the renovated Billings home.
It’s time to put the house back on the market once you’ve finished fixing and renovating it. You have two options in Billings for selling your house again. The first choice is selling as a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO), and the second is selling with a real estate agency.
The ability to avoid paying commission fees is only one of the many benefits of selling your home on your own. You must pay the buyer’s agent a fee even if you sell your Billings house on your own (3 percent ). You must be ready to haggle like a pro and correctly complete all of the paperwork if you want to sell your house swiftly.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling your house alone, you may always hire a seasoned real estate agent. Contract creation, discussion, signing, and conclusion will all be expedited processes. However, you will be required to pay them a fee of 3% for their assistance.
How much money do Billings house flippers make?
In the United States, the average profit per flip is $60,000, while in Billings, it’s only about $160,000. The average revenue per flip in Billings is therefore more than twice as high as the national average. In other words, it makes sense. This state attracts a lot of real estate investors due to the affordable housing and improving standard of living, which raise the resale value with every flip.
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that net profit is not the same thing as income per flip. Additionally, you’ll need money for renovations and repairs. Depending on the condition of the house, a variety of repairs can be required, but if you invest $40,000 in repairs, you’ll have a net profit to deal with of $70,000 to $80,000 after removing all additional fees and taxes.
Therefore, it’s typical to anticipate earning at least $70,000 from flipping a single house in Billings. In addition, the median Billings real estate investor flips three homes year. That means if you flip properties full-time in Billings, you can expect to make about $210,000 a year.
Financing a fix and flip in Billings, Montana
Billings house flipping involves a variety of difficult chores. But finding the right lender for financing your flip ought to be straightforward.
One common loan type used in house flipping is a hard money loan. A hard money loan might be easier to qualify for because the lender isn’t constantly scrutinizing your credit. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio may be evaluated, but the score itself is not being looked at. The amount of equity you have in your house may need a greater down payment.
Hard money loans in Montana from lenders like 14th Street Capital may have quicker approval procedures and you might be able to receive one with negative credit because there is less underwriting required. The disadvantage is that origination fees and interest rates could be considerably higher than they would be with a more conventional loan.
Final Reflections
Overall, investing in real estate can be started by flipping houses in Billing, Montana. One of the most lucrative states for house flipping is Montana. It is fast growing and has a lot to offer real estate investors with both long- and short-term time horizons. Additionally, discovering profitable flips in the Treasure State needs a blend of your skills, knowledge, and good fortune. If you discover a fantastic deal on a home in Billings, be sure to implement a well-thought-out plan, remodel the property if necessary, and sell it to a high-end buyer.