Believe it or not, house flippers are still making money in many markets across the country. There are quite a few great ways to bring in the big profits even in a distressed housing market. The key is in finding the markets that are ripe for profit and using those markets to your advantage.

So what should house flippers know that will make a difference in their bottom line today?

Learn What the Market Will Stand

Do your local market research before you even consider a flip. Find the current value of homes in the area and be careful that you do not price your flip out of that price range. More importantly, find out if the neighborhood is saturated with foreclosures and homes that aren’t selling. This makes all the difference in the world. You want your flips to be in a neighborhood that is fairly stable. You should also check the local job market. How do the companies in the area look? Are new businesses coming in or have there been layoffs? These things impact the economic security of an area and affect whether or not buyers WANT to get into the area.

Make Appropriate Changes to the Home

One great rule of thumb when flipping houses is to change as little, structurally, as possible. There are some changes that will bring in bigger profits. Things like an additional bathroom, changing a half bath to a full bath, adding an extra bedroom, or converting an attic or garage into a family room are generally good investments in family communities. Not so much in retirement communities. Smart house flippers have an idea of who will be buying the house when all is said and done and build with that audience in mind.

Avoid Upscale Accents in a Midscale Environment

All too often house flippers build to taste without considering the market they are building for. Chances are that the people who will be interested in buying a flipped home are those that are in a different economic and social bracket. Their priorities are going to be different. They aren’t going to be as concerned over granite counter tops as they will be about practical considerations. Upscale appliances aren’t as important to families as how easy the appliances are to clean. Don’t make changes that impact the practicality or affordability of the home for the families interested in moving in.

House flippers who keep the information above in mind at all times during the house flipping process are more likely to survive the current economic storms. There are always risks involved in flipping houses. House flippers who minimize those risks whenever possible are better suited for profits.