Flipping in "C" Neighborhoods

Flipping in "C" Neighborhoods

Investor · Smith County, TX · Member since 2021 · 11 posts · 3 votes

My philosophy when flipping houses has always been the classic "find the worst house in the best neighborhood." In other words, my goal has been to search A+ neighborhoods or great school districts and find distressed homes and bring them up to top of market value for the neighborhood. However, in this market, that strategy is getting harder and harder to accomplish. 


In my area, there are virtually no deals in these neighborhoods right now. However, I'm finding tons of deals in the "C" neighborhoods, on the "bad side" of town. Homes with bars on the windows. It's hard to imagine selling newly renovated homes in these neighborhoods, but right now, it's looking like all I can buy. I know there are flippers who flip in "C" neighborhoods all the time though. 

Can anyone help me wrap my head around the exit strategy in a less-than-desirable neighborhood? 

(There is new construction going on in some of these neighborhoods, but that's largely due to the City's new incentives for builders to build in these neighborhoods. Mostly, they still consist of slumlord shotgun houses with bars on the windows that haven't been painted in decades.) 

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Tampa, FL · Member since 2021 · 108 posts · 68 votes
5y
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  • Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    @Cody Rosenbalm, I have never flipped in a neighborhood with bars on the window, and would honestly not call that a C neighborhood.

    But, having flipped houses at varying price points and in different neighborhoods, it all comes down to the numbers.  Are properties moving in these neighborhoods?  If so, then clearly there is a buyer pool.  Then it becomes knowing what they want, how much they will pay for it, and finding properties that fit that bill.  

    In my area, properties are moving almost everywhere.  And often times the low cost continue to move, and premiums can be achieved with updates.  The neighborhoods that used to be 100-150k neighborhoods are now 200-250k neighborhoods.  Some of the war zone areas are starting to gentrify because buyers can get livable homes for 100-150, which is much more inline for the $40-50k household incomes.

  • Investor · Smith County, TX · Member since 2021 · 11 posts · 3 votes
    5y

    Thanks. I'm in a 100k population city in Texas, so probably the worst neighborhood here isn't nearly as bad as some in say, Chicago, LA, or even Houston... but for my market it's just considered the "bad area" of town. 

    That's a good point to consider... Incomes are pretty much staying the same as housing prices are rising. A $50k income is still going to need a $150k home, so they may be forced into less desirable neighborhoods.... I would just rather be in the middle of gentrification instead of being one of the first to take the risk. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2016 · 132 posts · 91 votes
    5y

    @Cody Rosenbalm, the exit strategy is the same. The price is different, except that right now we are seeing larger profit margin potential. @Evan Polaski Has it right on what a “c” neighborhood is.  Just know your buyer is different and cater to that.

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Cody Rosenbalm:

    My philosophy when flipping houses has always been the classic "find the worst house in the best neighborhood." In other words, my goal has been to search A+ neighborhoods or great school districts and find distressed homes and bring them up to top of market value for the neighborhood. However, in this market, that strategy is getting harder and harder to accomplish. 


    In my area, there are virtually no deals in these neighborhoods right now. However, I'm finding tons of deals in the "C" neighborhoods, on the "bad side" of town. Homes with bars on the windows. It's hard to imagine selling newly renovated homes in these neighborhoods, but right now, it's looking like all I can buy. I know there are flippers who flip in "C" neighborhoods all the time though. 

    Can anyone help me wrap my head around the exit strategy in a less-than-desirable neighborhood? 

    (There is new construction going on in some of these neighborhoods, but that's largely due to the City's new incentives for builders to build in these neighborhoods. Mostly, they still consist of slumlord shotgun houses with bars on the windows that haven't been painted in decades.) 

    Hi Cody,

     Do you know the sweet spot for Class-C buyers for the neighborhood demographic.

    For instance if you intend to flip to a landlord, is carpeting needed/wanted. Should it be oil resistant or bleach resistant? Things like that.

    Class-A fit and finish will be acceptable, but is is advisable, can you make any money on it?

    If you intend to sell to a Homeowner, what does that demographic want vs expect in a house.

    What are the competing houses for sale offering in the area. Are they selling well to long term owners or just to other flippers.

    Should you replace the windows with cheap ones that are smaller than the original architecture of the house had to save money, or will it bring down the value of the house and the neighborhood.

    Are you a Class-C person? Meaning do you understand your potential customer, or are you just guessing based on stereotypes. A fish knows his own pond the best.

    Just my 2 cents.

  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Member since 2018 · 360 posts · 213 votes
    5y

    Read 

    How To “Fail” Your Way To Millions – Real Estate Success Story 

    By @steven rozenberg 

    He is a BP member also  has been on BP podcast.. 

    ill say on those you might be able to wholesale them all ..

    Or consider a strategy shift...  ( though you can def make money on those)  I know A guy that his complete strategy was to get them dirt cheap put a good amount of money even a bit above rehab estimate,  wire the house with smart electronics equipment , to make it more appealing to ,millennials , Modern kitchen,  And he will bring first home buyers to this neighborhood , and little by little theses neighbors start to change ..  Also providing affordable housing too.. 

  • Tampa, FL · Member since 2021 · 108 posts · 68 votes
    5y
  • Real Estate Agent · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Member since 2018 · 360 posts · 213 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Ryan Talmadge:

    By the way My friend lives in tampa also ( I see you are from there) in case you want to connect with him .. let me know he does pretty cool stuff

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