A successful home flip generally starts with finding the property with the best potential in the best location. However, a home with an excellent location doesn’t always have to be in a bustling downtown area or a major city. In fact, there can be many benefits to flipping a home in a smaller town rather than in a larger market.
By having a better understanding of these benefits and some other special considerations, you can ultimately make the smartest choice for your next flip.
Greater Affordability
When you’re shopping for fix-and-flip properties in busy markets (such as in major cities), there’s always going to be a lot of competition. This is because in general, the supply of big-city flipping properties is a lot smaller than the demand. Unfortunately, this greater competition also drives up prices. And even if you have the budget to compete with other investors, you could still end up falling short.
Flip properties in smaller towns, on the other hand, tend to be more affordably priced and have significantly less competition. As a result, you can stretch your investment budget even further.
Fewer Zoning Restrictions
Compared to properties in larger cities, homes in small towns also tend to have fewer (and less strict) zoning restrictions. This can make fixing up and renovating a property much easier on you and your contractors. You may have fewer hoops to jump through and more freedom to do what you want with the property, which may make it easier to sell.
Properties in big cities, on the other hand, are often under strict zoning and permitting restrictions that can really hinder your creativity.
Low Crime Rates
While it’s true that many buyers want to live in the city, the reality is that an increasing number of today’s home buyers actually prefer the quieter suburbs. This can be due to any number of reasons, but statistically lower crime rates in smaller towns are probably among the most compelling.
Other Considerations
If you’re thinking about buying a property to flip in a smaller community, there are some things to keep in mind. For starters, be prepared for the possibility that the home may sit on the market for a bit longer than it would in a major city (and plan accordingly for this).
To make your property as marketable as possible, shop for homes that are located near amenities such as dining, shopping, schools, and parks. These kinds of properties will generally have a greater demand than homes that are farther out in more rural areas.
Looking for a Hard Money Loan?
Once you’ve found the right property for your next flip, make sure you have a hard money lender you can trust for a seamless purchase and closing. At Hard Money Lenders Arizona, we specialize in helping investors like you fund your real estate flip projects. Contact us today to learn more about our services and what our hard-working team can do for you!
