Live-in real estate flipping, also known as house hacking, is a popular strategy for people looking to invest in real estate while also having a place to live. But is this strategy right for everyone? Before you dive in, there are a few things to consider.

This article will explore ten things to consider when deciding whether a live-in real estate flip is right for you.

1. Your financial situation

Before embarking on a live-in flip, you need to assess your financial situation. Do you have enough savings to cover the down payment, closing costs, and unexpected repairs or expenses?

You’ll also want to ensure you have enough money saved for emergencies and cover your living expenses while you work on the property.

2. The real estate market

It’s important to understand the real estate market in the area where you plan to invest. Is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market? Are home prices going up or down? What are the rental rates in the area? Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether to invest in a live-in flip.

3. Your timeline

Flipping a house takes time, and you must be prepared for the work involved. If you plan to do most of the renovations yourself, you’ll need to factor in the time it will take to complete the work while still living in the property.

Most people don’t realize that mistakes are easy to make when renovating a house.

You’ll also want to consider how long you plan to live in the property before selling or renting it out.

4. Your skills

If you plan to do most of the work yourself, assessing your skills and experience is important. Do you have the necessary skills to complete the renovations, or will you need to hire contractors? Remember that hiring contractors will increase your costs, which could impact your profits.

5. The property’s potential

Before investing in a live-in flip, you need to assess the property’s potential. Is it located in a desirable area? Does it have good bones? Are there any major repairs needed? You should also consider the amount of work and potential return on investment involved with different property types.

For example, a condo may be less work than a single-family home to flip, but you could be limited on the amount you can make when it’s time to sell or rent it out. You’ll want to look for a property with the potential for appreciation and rental income.

6. Your goals

What are your goals for the live-in flip? Are you looking to make a quick profit or generate long-term rental income? Short-term profit means buying a property, renovating it, and selling it quickly for a profit.

Long-term rental income means buying, renovating, and renting a property to generate ongoing income. Short-term profit goals may be suitable for investors who are looking to make a quick return on their investment, while long-term rental income goals may be better for investors who are looking to generate ongoing passive income.

Understanding your goals will help you determine the best strategy for the property.

7. Finding an agent

Working with a real estate agent can be invaluable when investing in a live-in flip. A knowledgeable agent can help you find properties that meet your criteria and provide guidance throughout the process. Look for an agent with experience in investment properties and house hacking.

8. Commission and fees

When working with a real estate agent, it’s important to understand the commission and fees involved. Typically, the seller pays the commission, but in some cases, the buyer may be responsible for a portion of the commission.

You’ll also want to factor in any closing costs and other fees associated with the purchase. You can also consider buying or selling the property without an agent, but you will want to carefully consider the pros and cons before doing so. 

9. Your exit strategy

Before investing in a live-in flip, you need to have an exit strategy in place. Are you planning to sell the property for a profit? Or will you rent it out for long-term income? Having a clear plan will help you make informed decisions throughout the process.

10. Making money

Ultimately, the goal of a live-in flip is to make money. To ensure a profitable investment, you’ll need to carefully calculate your potential profits and expenses. This includes the cost of renovations, financing, and any ongoing expenses associated with owning the property.

Bottom Line:

Live-in real estate flipping can be a great way to invest in real estate while also having a place to live. However, it’s important to carefully consider your financial situation, the real estate market, your timeline, skills, the property’s potential, your goals, finding an agent, commission, and fees, your exit strategy, and making money.

Considering these factors, you can determine whether a live-in flip is right for you.