Investors love fix and flip properties because they provide them with a substantial return in a relatively short time period, and these returns serve as a good way to move on to larger, more long-term investments. Finding the right property to flip can be somewhat difficult however, especially in today’s competitive real estate market. As a mortgage broker or private lender, your role in helping clients navigate these challenges is invaluable.
The best properties to flip are in high demand both from browsing homebuyers and other real estate investors in the same market. It helps to have a clear idea of the types of properties your clients are looking for though, and there are also some techniques you can utilize to help your client find them. But how can you position yourself as a trusted partner and attract more fix-and-flip clients? Let’s break it down.
Why Fix-and-Flip Financing Is a Game-Changer for Brokers
Before diving into how to find the best properties, let’s talk about why fix-and-flip financing should be a key part of your lending portfolio.
- High Demand = Consistent Deal Flow
The fix-and-flip market exhibits strong demand because investors are continuously seeking properties that generate profits. Specialized brokers who focus on these deals will establish reliable repeat business flows. - Faster Turnaround = Higher Volume of Deals
Fix-and-flip loans function with shorter durations between 6 to 12 months which enables brokers to process more loans to increase their revenue potential. - Investor Loyalty & Long-Term Relationships
Real estate investors maintain their search for new investment opportunities after completing their flip project. Fast and reliable financing services enable you to establish yourself as the primary broker for multiple investment deals with investors.
How to Help Your Clients Find the Best Fix-and-Flip Properties
Finding the right property to flip is one of the biggest challenges for investors. Here’s how you, as a broker or wholesale lender, can guide them through the process:
1. Target Distressed Properties for Maximum Profitability
A home flip works best when an investor can find a distressed property that can be brought up to modern homebuyer standards with little work. Encourage your clients to focus on distressed properties, as they offer the best opportunities for value appreciation. These properties typically fall into two categories:
- Older homes in need of upgrades – These can be modernized with minor renovations like new flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Financially distressed properties – Foreclosures, short sales, and REO properties can be purchased below market value, allowing for bigger profit margins. Home auctions can also be a good place to secure a discounted property, although they are a bit riskier because your client often cannot inspect the property beforehand.
How Brokers Can Help:
- Provide access to off-market deals through industry connections.
- Assist in running property comparisons (comps) to estimate resale value.
- Offer financing options tailored for quick acquisitions (hard money loans, bridge loans, etc.).
2. Leverage Off-Market Opportunities
The best fix-and-flip deals often never make it to the MLS. Real estate investors rely on brokers and wholesalers to source these off-market properties.
Where to Look:
- Real estate wholesalers – They specialize in sourcing undervalued properties and assigning them to investors.
- Direct mail campaigns – Some investors target distressed homeowners before they list their properties.
- Networking with agents and other investors – Building relationships leads to exclusive opportunities.
How Brokers Can Help:
- Introduce clients to trusted wholesalers and real estate professionals.
- Partner with private lenders to provide flexible financing for these deals.
3. Utilize Data and Technology for Smarter Decision-Making
Smart investors use market data to identify profitable neighborhoods and predict appreciation trends. As a broker, position yourself as a data-driven advisor by leveraging technology.
Key Data Points to Analyze:
- Median home prices & appreciation rates
- Average days on market
- Neighborhood renovation activity
- Rental market trends (in case clients want to BRRRR instead of flip)
How Brokers Can Help:
- Provide clients with up-to-date market reports from data aggregators like ATTOM Data and REiDEALMASTER.
- Use real estate software to identify undervalued properties.
- Guide investors on the best financing strategies based on market conditions (short-term fix & flip loans vs. DSCR rental loans).
4. Act Quickly but Strategically in a Competitive Market
As the saying goes: time is money, and when home flipping it can make all the difference in your client’s investment. The most ideal properties for flipping will get snatched up quickly, especially if your client is competing with other fix and flip investors in the same market. Be on the lookout for opportunities, and be prepared to move fast on the deals that you do find. The most successful investors have their financing lined up before they even find a property.
How Brokers Can Help:
- Offer pre-approvals for fix-and-flip loans, so clients can make offers with confidence.
- Always get a professional home inspection done before making a purchase. It’s also possible to make offers that are contingent on a home inspection, and if a buyer is unwilling to accept this condition, it could be a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Work with lenders like RCN Capital, who specialize in fast closings (often within 10-14 days).
- Educate investors on how to structure competitive offers to win bidding wars.
5. Secure the Right Financing for Your Clients
Financing can be a major issue that gets in the way of your client’s ability to secure a fix & flip opportunity. Traditional mortgage loans often have an extensive application process which can take weeks or even months to complete. Additionally, their 15 or 30-year loan period doesn’t make much sense for short-term projects like home flips. This is where private financing comes in. There are private lenders who offer specialized loans designed for flipping, which provide your clients with renovation funds on top of the funds needed to secure the purchase of a property. They are also much more flexible with loan terms, so you can customize the loan period and repayment options to maximize the value of your clients investment.
Why Brokers Should Partner with RCN Capital for Fix-and-Flip Financing
Working with a direct private lender like RCN Capital enables you to gain a competitive edge in the fix-and-flip market as a broker. Here’s why:
- Fast Closings: We understand that time is money. Our streamlined underwriting process ensures quick approvals and fast funding so your clients can act on great deals.
- Competitive Rates & Terms: We offer customizable loan structures with competitive leverage and pricing to meet your clients’ needs.
- Dedicated Broker Support: Our team provides exclusive support to third-party originators and wholesale partners which enables them to secure more deals and expand their business operations.Nationwide
- Lending: Nationwide Lending enables your clients to acquire fix-and-flip financing throughout the United States for multiple market opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to save on rental property financing is to find a trusted lender to get your clients the best leverages and rates. RCN Capital lends to real estate professionals, commercial contractors, developers & small business owners across the nation. We provide short-term fix & flip financing, long-term rental financing, and new construction financing for real estate investments. If you are a broker or wholesale partner looking to provide financing for a real estate project, RCN Capital has competitive loan options available.
Are you looking to provide your clients with the best fix and flip financing solutions? Contact RCN Capital today and expand your business with a trusted lending partner.