3 Ways to Fund a Flip On a Budget

by Ann Hayward 12/11/2023

Like any real estate transaction, flipping a home involves a lot of separate costs. While flipping a house can have an excellent return on investment, it can also cost quite a bit to get the process started. However, there are ways to flip houses with very little upfront cash. Here are the best ways to flip on a tight budget:

Private Lenders

Private loans come with a variety of advantages because they don’t work with banks or government institutions. This means that a private lender can give you your money much quicker and without the same regulatory obstacles as traditional lenders. However, they also make their own rules, which can benefit you or hinder you. As long as you’re clear about any contract details and expectations, they can be a good option for funding a flip.

Hard Money Lenders

Hard money lenders work with entities that specialize in lending money but offer shorter term loans than traditional sources. Hard money loans are excellent options for flipping houses because they allow for flexibility in timelines. However, like private lenders, hard money lenders have their own unique rules and guidelines, so shopping around for the best fit is ideal.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a more free-form type of investment strategy involving multiple sources. Each source would contribute a part of the total loan amount. There are many sites and companies dedicated to helping you set up your own crowdfunding initiative and when paired with promotion and marketing strategies, it can be an extremely convenient way to raise the funds for a flip.

These are just a few ways to get the funding you need while sticking to a small budget. All offer a great opportunity for financing your flipping project with a low initial investment up front. Research and budget carefully to find the best fit for your situation.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]