How To Flip Houses In North Dakota: Step By Step (2024)

Flipping houses successfully can yield significant wealth when supported by a solid educational foundation. Consequently, learning how to flip houses in North Dakota looks like a wise decision for investors in 2023. With its promising economic landscape featuring low unemployment rates and persistent demand for housing, investors in North Dakota should be able to turn their knowledge of flipping houses into an incredibly lucrative career.

This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of flipping houses in North Dakota. From the identifying properties to the resale, we'll walk investors through each crucial phase of the journey. Whether a newcomer to the real estate industry or a seasoned investor, this article will provide valuable insights, strategies, and everything you need to navigate the dynamic North Dakota market, including:

• What Is Flipping Houses?
• North Dakota House-Flipping Statistics
• How To Flip Houses In North Dakota (7 Steps)
• How To Find Houses To Flip In North Dakota
• Do You Need A License To Flip Houses In North Dakota?
• How To Flip A House In North Dakota With No Money
• Best Cities To Flip Houses In North Dakota
• Final Thoughts On Flipping Homes In North Dakota

*Before we begin our guide, we also invite you to view our video on How To FLIP A HOUSE For Beginners (Step-by-Step). Host and CEO of Real Estate Skills, Alex Martinez, & Stan Gendlin share how to flip a house from start to finish as a beginner! 

Together, Alex & Stan have completed over 1,000+ house flips. What you learn in this video will give you the confidence and guidance to successfully complete your fix-and-flip project!

What Is Flipping Houses?

House flipping, otherwise known as rehabbing, is a popular real estate investment strategy that revolves around purchasing properties at discounted prices to create substantial profit margins. Successful flipping involves acquiring homes at a reduced cost, often requiring investors to work with motivated sellers or distressed homeowners, such as those facing foreclosure or financial hardships. These opportunities enable investors to secure properties below their market value, setting the stage for potential profitability.

Following the acquisition phase, the process of rehabbing begins. Through strategic renovations and improvements, investors enhance the property's overall value, aiming to position it for a higher resale price. Rehabbing involves identifying critical areas for enhancement, whether updating interiors, repairing structural components, or boosting curb appeal. As these transformations are implemented, the property's value increases, aligning to sell the home for a greater amount than the total investment.

North Dakota presents an opportune landscape for aspiring flippers. The state's low unemployment rate and persistent housing demand are promising indicators for house-flipping endeavors. With an economy showcasing stability and growth potential, anyone who learns how to flip houses in North Dakota should find plenty of attractive opportunities.

Read Also: Finding Motivated Seller Leads: Free & Paid Tactics

North Dakota House-Flipping Statistics

Aspiring investors should equip themselves with a comprehensive understanding of crucial housing statistics. These vital metrics provide essential insights into the local market dynamics, guiding decisions and strategies for successful house flipping. Diving into these statistics empowers investors to make informed choices that align with the state's unique real estate landscape and foster profitable outcomes:

• Median Home Value: $249,529
• 1-Year Appreciation Rate: +3.2%
• Median Days To Pending: 15
• Foreclosure Rate: One in every 10,281 homes
• Population: 772,261
• Median Household Income: $68,131
• Unemployment Rate: 0%

*All North Dakota housing market statistics are as of Q3 2023.

Attend our FREE training at Real Estate Skills. Gain insider knowledge, expert strategies, and essential skills to make the most of every real estate opportunity that comes your way.

How To Flip Houses In North Dakota (7 Steps)

Understanding the intricacies of real estate investing is essential for those looking to venture into the world of house flipping in North Dakota. These seven steps will serve as a comprehensive guide, equipping investors with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate the North Dakota real estate market and successfully flip houses:

1. Find A House-Flipping Mentor
2. Research The Local Housing Market
3. Find & Analyze Distressed Properties
4. Raise Capital To Fund The Deal
5. Close On The House
6. Renovate The Property
7. Resell The House

1. Find A House-Flipping Mentor

A house-flipping mentor is an experienced real estate investor who guides and supports beginners looking to break into the industry. Working with a mentor offers new investors valuable insights, lessons, and real-world expertise that can significantly lower the barrier to entry and mitigate costly mistakes. Mentors provide personalized advice, share their successes and failures, and offer a practical perspective on the nuances of the market.

New investors can find real estate mentors through various channels, such as local real estate investment clubs, networking events, online forums, and even real estate seminars. Beginners must seek mentors who align with their goals, values, and preferred investment strategies.

By forming a solid mentor-mentee relationship, investors can tap into the mentor's wealth of experience, gain confidence in their decisions, and receive guidance tailored to their unique circumstances. This invaluable partnership can ultimately accelerate learning, enhance investment outcomes, and set the stage for a successful house-flipping journey in North Dakota's real estate market.

Ready to start house-flipping in North Dakota? Join Alex Martinez at his FREE training to learn how to get started with house-flipping and wholesaling!

2. Research The Local Housing Market

Explore these trusted resources that provide reliable information for real estate investors in North Dakota, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared to make sound decisions throughout their house-flipping journey:

• Zillow Housing Data Research
• Zillow’s North Dakota Market Overview
• Realtor.com’s North Dakota Market Overview
• Realtor.com’s Residential Data Library
• North Dakota Association of Realtors
• ATTOM Data Solutions’ North Dakota Real Estate & Property Data
• SoFi’s State Foreclosure Data
• U.S. Census Bureau’s North Dakota Data
• Bureau Of Labor Statistics’ North Dakota Economic Data
• North Dakota Real Estate Commission
• Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ North Dakota Data

3. Find & Analyze Distressed Properties

When learning how to flip houses in North Dakota, new investors need to analyze potential properties to gauge their investment potential. While no single strategy guarantees success, the "70% rule" is valuable in any new investor’s arsenal. This rule suggests that a property's maximum allowable offer (MAO) should be no more than 70% of its after-repair value (ARV), factoring in renovation costs.

While the 70% rule provides a general guideline, it's essential to acknowledge its limitations. Market conditions, property location, and unique renovation needs can influence the effectiveness of this rule. New investors should supplement the 70% rule with a comprehensive analysis of each property's specifics, including evaluating the local market trends, estimating repair costs accurately, and understanding the neighborhood's potential for appreciation.

Here is the formula:

ARV - Fixed Cost - Rehab Costs - Desired Profit = Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO)

For beginners in North Dakota, the 70% rule can be a foundational tool to help assess investment opportunities. Combining it with a broader approach that considers various factors can lead to better-informed decisions and a greater likelihood of profitable outcomes.

Read Also: Free ARV Calculator: After Repair Value Calculation

4. Raise Capital To Fund The Deal

The next step is raising the necessary capital to fund the deal; this is where the power of private and hard money lenders comes into play. These lenders offer a valuable lifeline to investors, enabling them to seize opportunities without relying solely on their capital.

Private money lenders and hard money lenders are individuals or institutions that specialize in providing short-term loans for real estate investments. By partnering with these lenders, investors can avoid tying up their funds and still capitalize on lucrative opportunities they might otherwise have to pass on. The advantages of working with these lenders are significant. Firstly, the process is generally faster and more streamlined than traditional lending sources, allowing investors to secure financing quickly and compete effectively in the market.

Secondly, private and hard money lenders often focus on the property's potential and the investor's experience rather than stringent credit requirements, making them more accessible to new investors. Furthermore, they can provide flexible terms and tailored solutions that suit the unique needs of each project.

The partnership with private and hard money lenders empowers investors to venture into the market with enhanced financial flexibility, enabling them to take calculated risks and maximize profits. This strategic approach has made these lenders preferred for investors seeking efficient and adaptable capital solutions to drive their real estate success.

Read Also: Free Hard Money Loan Calculator: Quick & Accurate Results

5. Close On The House

Closing on a property in an attorney state like North Dakota involves several key steps that ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction. Here's a concise overview of the typical process anyone who learns how to flip homes in North Dakota can expect to encounter:

• Offer Acceptance: Once the seller accepts the offer, a purchase agreement is drafted, outlining terms and conditions.
• Attorney Review: Both parties engage their respective attorneys to review and approve the purchase agreement, ensuring legal compliance.
• Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence, including property inspections, title searches, and reviewing existing liens or encumbrances.
• Escrow Account: Earnest money is deposited into an escrow account held by a neutral third party until closing.
• Financing: If needed, secure funding through lenders or private sources to cover the purchase and renovation costs.
• Title Work: An attorney conducts a title search to ensure the property has a clear title and can be legally transferred to you.
• Closing Disclosure: The closing disclosure is prepared and shared with all parties, detailing the final financial terms of the transaction.
• Attorney Review (Again): Both attorneys review the closing disclosure to confirm accuracy and alignment with the purchase agreement.
• Closing Day: The investor, seller, attorneys, and sometimes a representative from the title company gather to sign all necessary documents.
• Funds Transfer: Payment is made to the seller, covering the purchase price, closing costs, and additional fees.
• Title Transfer: The property's title is officially transferred to the investor’s name, completing the legal ownership change.
• Recordation: The new deed is recorded with the county Recorder's Office, ensuring the transaction is documented in public records.
• Possession: The investor typically takes control of the property on the agreed-upon possession date.

The involvement of attorneys throughout the process ensures legal compliance, protects the interests of both parties and adds an extra layer of security to the transaction. In North Dakota, as in any attorney state, the attorney's role is integral in ensuring a smooth and legally sound property transfer.

6. Renovate The Property

After acquiring the property, the next step is rehabbing it. Investors should prioritize renovations that yield the highest returns upon sale, focusing on enhancements that add value and appeal to potential home buyers, ensuring a profitable outcome.

According to Remodeling Magazine, the renovations that return the most money to investors in North Dakota (and the rest of the West/North/Central region of the United States) are:

• Electric HVAC Conversion: Recoups 93.7% of the original cost
• Vinyl Siding Replacement: Recoups 90.1% of the original cost
• Manufactured Stone Veneer: Recoups 89.8% of the original cost
• Minor Midrange Kitchen Remodel: Recoups 83.5% of the original cost
• Garage Door Replacement: Recoups 77.9% of the original cost

7. Resell The House

The next step involves reselling the renovated property swiftly and at a premium sale price. Achieving this goal involves strategic marketing, staging, and collaborating with real estate professionals who understand the local market dynamics. Investors can maximize their returns by effectively showcasing the property's improvements and attracting potential buyers, ultimately ensuring a successful sale.

How To Find Houses To Flip In North Dakota

While learning how to flip houses in North Dakota, investors must develop a system for finding potential deals. Fortunately, several strategies have already proven they can find on-market and off-market deals for patient house flippers. Here’s a list of some of the best techniques today’s investors use to find houses to flip in North Dakota:

• Real Estate Listings: Search the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to identify investment properties that have been on the market for an extended period, potentially indicating motivated sellers seeking offers.
• Foreclosure Auctions: Participate in foreclosure auctions to acquire distressed properties at competitive listing prices.
• Wholesalers: Collaborate with investors experienced in wholesaling who specialize in locating distressed properties and can provide pre-vetted opportunities.
• Direct Mail Campaigns: Implement targeted direct mail campaigns addressing homeowners in financial distress, offering solutions for those who may not even know they need them.
• Online Real Estate Platforms: Utilize online platforms such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com to explore listings and market trends, identifying properties with potential.
• Networking Events: Attend local real estate networking events to establish connections with potential sellers, agents, and other investors for off-market leads.
• Drive For Dollars: Drive through neighborhoods to spot vacant or run-down properties, often owned by individuals more open to selling.
• Bandit Signs: Post "We Buy Houses" signs in visible, legal areas to attract homeowners looking to sell quickly.
• Real Estate Agents: Cultivate relationships with knowledgeable real estate agents who can provide information on off-market properties and potentially connect you with motivated sellers.
• Probate Listings: Browse probate listings to discover properties owned by heirs who may be motivated to sell promptly.
• Social Media: Tap into social media platforms to engage with homeowners who may be more inclined to sell and explore potential opportunities.
• Online Auctions: Participate in online property auctions to access potential flips and investment opportunities through virtual bidding.
• Property Tax Delinquencies: Search public records for properties facing tax delinquencies or liens, often leading to motivated sellers seeking to resolve financial obligations.
• Local Newspapers: Scan local newspapers for properties offered directly by owners, providing potential off-market options.
• Networking Groups: Join local real estate investment groups to connect with like-minded professionals and property owners looking to sell.
• Property Managers: Establish relationships with property management companies to access insights about owners considering the sale of their rental properties.

Do You Need A License To Flip Houses In North Dakota?

Real estate investors do not require a license to flip or rehab houses in North Dakota because their activities fall under the " investment " category rather than traditional real estate brokerage services.

Buying distressed properties, renovating them, and selling them for a profit is considered an investment strategy rather than acting as a real estate agent representing clients in property transactions.

How To Flip A House In North Dakota With No Money?

Real estate investors can successfully flip and rehab properties without using their own funds for the entire process. While the investment requires capital, it doesn't necessarily have to be the investor's money. Instead, investors can leverage external sources of financing to fund their projects and achieve their real estate goals.

Private and hard money lenders are valuable resources for investors seeking capital to cover acquisition and rehab costs. Private money lenders are individuals or groups willing to lend money to investors based on mutual terms, often with more flexible terms compared to traditional lenders. On the other hand, hard money lenders specialize in providing short-term loans secured by real estate, allowing investors to access the funds they need quickly.

By partnering with these lenders, investors can secure the necessary funds to acquire properties and carry out renovations, all without relying on their savings. This approach enables investors to scale their operations and take on multiple projects simultaneously and minimizes the financial risk associated with using personal funds.

It is also worth noting that anyone who hasn’t yet learned how to flip houses in North Dakota can still invest in real estate without using money from their bank accounts. Due to its unique nature, wholesale real estate can be done with little to no money. In this strategy, investors secure properties under contract at a discounted price and then assign the contract to another buyer for a fee. Since the investor doesn't purchase or rehab the property, there's no need for significant upfront capital.

Best Cities To Flip Houses In North Dakota

Some of the best cities to learn how to flip houses in North Dakota include, but are not limited to:

• Bismarck: A little more than a two-hour drive from the Montana border, the capital of North Dakota has slightly higher home values than the state average. However, the state’s unemployment rate ensures plenty of demand for investors to profit with higher margins.
• Fargo: About an hour north of the South Dakota border on the eastern side of North Dakota, Fargo is a great place to learn how to flip houses in North Dakota. If for nothing else, demand remains in the face of historic appreciation rates, suggesting investors will have plenty of opportunities to capitalize on an active housing market.
• Grand Forks: Grand Forks, North Dakota, presents a promising real estate investment opportunity due to its stable economy, bolstered by the presence of the University of North Dakota and various industries. The city's consistent job growth, vibrant community, and relatively affordable housing make it an attractive destination for investors seeking potential returns.
• Minot: Minot, North Dakota, offers an appealing real estate investment landscape driven by its strong job market and economic diversification, including the nearby Minot Air Force Base. The city's demand for housing, coupled with its growing population and limited housing supply, positions it as an attractive destination for investors looking to capitalize on rental income and potential property appreciation.

Final Thoughts On Flipping Homes In North Dakota

Mastering how to flip houses in North Dakota requires strategic analysis, diligent networking, and leveraging valuable resources. As investors navigate the local real estate market, understanding local trends, building a solid team, and staying adaptable will be vital to unlocking the potential for profitable flips. With the proper knowledge and approach, North Dakota's real estate landscape can provide promising opportunities for those willing to take steps toward successful house-flipping endeavors.

Are you eager to learn how to flip houses in North Dakota? Don't navigate the complexities of the real estate market alone. Reach out to Real Estate Skills today for expert guidance and support. Our experienced team will provide the knowledge and tools you need to flip houses successfully in North Dakota. Contact us now to embark on your flipping journey with confidence and purpose.