Buying a flipped / gut renovated townhouse?

That’s good to hear, Bob Marvin.

cate

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

31

Please log in, in order to post replies!

31 replies

Newest Oldest

khushksaali | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5122 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5109 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "190452"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "khushksaali"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B0Pte6mFmi1UiKmCFRw64MYpVNqU4p0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "khushksaali"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "khushksaali@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-01-30 14:39:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(190452)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hey everyone. I’ve been shopping for a townhouse for the past few months and have been looking at a lot of gut renovations in Bed Stuy that appear to be developer flips. There are SO many and they all seem sorta interchangeable. I’ve also looked at a few non-renovated but in good shape homes that are about $500k cheaper.

In an ideal world I’d buy and renovate myself, but I’m balking at the money and time commitment. As a first time buyer with a busy job, I’m not sure I’m ready to embark on a full gut, as much as I’d love to. Already renovated properties are attractive in that regard.

It seems like a lot of people are wary of flips, and this makes a lot of sense. Permitting can be unclear, inspections can’t catch a lot of things, developers can be shady, property taxes can shoot up unexpectedly when an assessment hits.

I’d especially love to hear from people who have bought or almost-bought one of these flips. How has it worked out? Have you been hit with surprising repairs or property taxes? What unexpected things have you encountered? Would you recommend it? Woul d you absolutely steer clear?

Should I buy a cheaper non-renovated home (albeit with an update boiler, facade, and roof) and just chill in it for a while, budgeting in for repairs and maybe an eventual major reno, when I’m ready?

Any thoughts are very appreciated! This forum has been so helpful to me and I thank everyone for helping guide my decision.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#5122 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5131 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "779"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(40) "64df18426207ddf12f1789eba7eabd04a9c3f615"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 18:03:45"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "Bob Marvin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(779)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

IMHO you’ve answered your own question. You SHOULD buy a less expensive livable house that hasn’t been gut-renovated. You may well find that you need little more than cosmetic changes in the sort of house you’ve described.

khushksaali | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4926 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4929 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "190452"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "khushksaali"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B0Pte6mFmi1UiKmCFRw64MYpVNqU4p0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "khushksaali"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "khushksaali@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2023-01-30 14:39:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(190452)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Haha, you make a good point. Do you know of anyone with a flipped brownstone who regrets it, or is this just a general piece of advice you’d give? The non-renovated house I have in mind is shabbier and the layout isn’t my favorite, but I also wouldn’t be mentally prepared to embark on a full renovation for at least a few years. I’d ideally want to redo the floors, move the kitchen to the parlor floor, blow out the back, knock a few walls down here and there, add mini splits and central heating, or central AC if it were possible. Not all of these are essential, but they’re things I find really attractive about the flipped ones.

I know flipped ones are always a bit of a gamble (as are original homes!) but are they like…a particularly bad gamble? Hard to get a straight answer from a broker, of course.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#4926 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5127 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "779"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "RobertGMarvin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(40) "64df18426207ddf12f1789eba7eabd04a9c3f615"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2007-08-10 18:03:45"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "Bob Marvin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(779)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Just a general piece of advice, based on anecdotal evidence, largely on this page over the years. There aren’t many flipped houses in my neighborhood (Lefferts Manor/PLG) so I haven’t heard much from neighbors.
FWIW paint and sanded floors can undo a lot of shabbiness and you might consider living in any house before making changes in the layout.

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "201692"

I had a client who bought a flip near Pratt for what he thought was a bargain until he embarked on a cosmetic update of the kitchens located in the rear wood frame extension….ends up the entire extension was riddled with termites which hadn’t been detected by the layers of cheap sheetrock and tile installed by the flipper who hadn’t filed a single thing…. ended up have to tear down and rebuild the entire extension… no bargain. That was only the beginning. the gas risers in the walls were done in proflex which is absolutely subcode… the heating system was poorly piped (the reason that I was called in)…ended up costing more than buying a wreck. On the other hand, I’ve had clients who bought a flip that were perfectly happy with the crapola boilers and cheap finishes and substandard work that a flip provides….as i remember there is a certain realtor in Bedstuy that specializes in that product

carolina-moscoso | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4925 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "192291"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(16) "carolina-moscoso"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B4BEj5kphGBOHjNBQYtHKg.2PwS7n6/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(16) "carolina-moscoso"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "radioflyur@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 09:53:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(33) "carolina moscoso carolina moscoso"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(192291)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A number of flips are purely cosmetic and done with the cheapest materials possible, with the least experienced labor available. For significantly less than 500k you can make any shabby space shine so long as there are no major structural or infrastructure defects which would eat into your budget. Why not save some money up front and figure out what’s really important to you by way of renovating and attack it over time. A few summers away while major renovations happen and you’ll have a sparkly new place is no time.

annep | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5120 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5121 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176769"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "annep"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Ble/eMyqUScyU9wcveUOGXxFzknurI."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "annep"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "annepaasny@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(20) "/forums/users/annep/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1711241333:$P$BaFsHB1dtpKqlMsu55qAeTrmSywmA6."
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "annep"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176769)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Our brownstone condo building was a bad flip which we’ve spent years fixing. Top of mind is the fact they covered up joists which were rotten, slapped some paint on a back bay window which was rotten and ended up having to be entirely removed and rebuilt, roofed over a skylight, built a deck over the mudroom (turned into a bathroom) without reroofing it first (so when the leaks started.. the entire deck had to be removed first)… the list goes on.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4927 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5125 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

.
The focus of flippers is not to fix a house up but to hide damage. Do not buy a flip.

brokelin | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4925 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5116 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’m curious why you’d want to install central heating – are you seeing houses that don’t already have it (maybe needing some for, of course.)

Only you know what your tolerance is for the risks and tribulations of each side of the decision – people vary.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5120 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5134 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

every year i get a call from the purchaser of a flipped house. They ask me to come fix things. two years ago i got called by a very nice couple who bought a house with doors made up of construction plywood with moldings slapped on to make them look old and the end grain of the plywood hidden. the door was bending. i had to warn them to “start saving because in a few years you will need new doors and this will cost $”.

the people who do this kind of work are not professionals. they have no commitment to the work they are doing nor to the people who might buy that house nor to the community. it is about money only. if a flipper asked a professional to do some of these things i have seen in these houses, the professional trades person would tell the flipper where to go and would walk out of the house.

this kind of activity carried by these kind of people hurts homeowners and legitimate tradespeople alike because it drives the good people from the market leaving worthless bottom feeders.

irfan | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4927 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5135 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189280"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJs4ee.fUAi5QmHT9T0O4EeUJNgiI9."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "irfan@fieldpromax.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2021-12-17 09:43:22"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "Field Promax Field Promax"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189280)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

What do you all mean when you say “flipped”? I would presume not every developer is a crook looking to hide issues. I would be surprised to hear every townhouse to condo redevelopment is by an unscrupulous developer.

irfan | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4925 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189280"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJs4ee.fUAi5QmHT9T0O4EeUJNgiI9."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "irfan@fieldpromax.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2021-12-17 09:43:22"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "Field Promax Field Promax"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189280)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

What do you all mean when you say “flipped”? I would presume not every developer is a crook looking to hide issues. I would be surprised to hear every townhouse to condo redevelopment is by an unscrupulous developer.

carolina-moscoso | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5120 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5136 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "192291"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(16) "carolina-moscoso"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B4BEj5kphGBOHjNBQYtHKg.2PwS7n6/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(16) "carolina-moscoso"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "radioflyur@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 09:53:33"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(33) "carolina moscoso carolina moscoso"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(192291)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

“Developer” is more synonymous with new construction or, as you noted, major redevelopment. “Flipping” is pretty self-explanatory. One buys a property for X dollars and spends Y dollars making it appealing to a buyer, with a goal of keeping Y as low as possible while selling it for as much more than X+Y as possible. Nobody is suggesting that every developer is unscrupulous, only that most flippers are looking to get in, renovate, and sell for as cheaply and as quickly as possible. Some do it well, most cut corners.

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

> @
> What do you all mean when you say “flipped”?
the buyer renovates to resell, not to live in it for any amount of time.

Guest User | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

> @
> What do you all mean when you say “flipped”?
the buyer renovates to resell, not to live in it for any amount of time.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5132 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5127 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189743"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BjSWB1c5WUJ0DBogl53oBDpnZifM8J."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "justinromeu26"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "justinromeu26@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2022-05-10 20:48:00"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your First Name Your Last Name Your First Name Your Last Name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189743)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Flippers don’t care. They buy houses with the intent of NEVER occupying them. The purpose is to turn them over at a profit as soon as they can.

I also think flippers try to remain anonymous. The human side of it. I think they must through corporations that they set up for maybe even one project and they manage to hide their names (i think we know who developers are, good or bad). I say this because when i get to houses where something is so screwed up that it looks dangerous or like someone did something with the intent on committing outright fraud, i ask the people “who did this?” It happen not long ago and i asked and they said they had no idea who the person was behind their flip. So the flipper managed to hide themselves because they know full well what they are doing is wrong and they know that while what they are doing might border on fraud, it might be hard to prove (ny is a buyer beware state) in court but some of this is so wrong that it might not be unreasonable for someone to get so angry when they find out they have been cheated that they might visit them at their residence to have a talk. Or smear them on line.

Flippers are “fly-by-nights”. No intent on being around to suffer what they do wrong. No thought of doing anything correctly. Bare minimum and hide, hide, hide.

Usually it is nice young couples who fall for this and it is very troubling for someone like me to have to face them and tell them what is wrong and i know that when i see it on the entry doors, that that is the tip of the ice berg. I get worried for their safety with the heating and electric.

In truth, i might consider marketing my home inspection business at people buying flips. I would love to uncover them. Thank you all for the idea.

If you know anyone looking to buy what might be a flip, send them to me. As a contractor, i hate people who undermine all of us who work in this industry and will do what i can to push back.

Steve
Www.brownstonehomeinspection.com

irfan | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4926 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4929 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189280"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJs4ee.fUAi5QmHT9T0O4EeUJNgiI9."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "irfan@fieldpromax.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2021-12-17 09:43:22"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "Field Promax Field Promax"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189280)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks all… I was asking the difference between a flipper and developer. Very helpful.

irfan | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5127 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5123 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "189280"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BJs4ee.fUAi5QmHT9T0O4EeUJNgiI9."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "irfan"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "irfan@fieldpromax.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2021-12-17 09:43:22"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "Field Promax Field Promax"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(189280)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks all… I was asking the difference between a flipper and developer. Very helpful.

anotherposter | 2 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4929 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5132 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "53767"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bq7XUGtTb.5jsWjD4iMAO7rQGswiJX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "mail.anon.user@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/anotherposter/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:06"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "anotherposter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(53767)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The benefit to living in a home for at least a couple of years before doing big changes is that you learn what changes would make that space best for you better than if you do it right away. We made a few “obvious” changes to our home with in the first two years (windows were in dire need of replacing when we bought, replaced a too small furnace, added a deck type stuff) and we talked about other plans that ended up scrapped because we were living in it and I was working from home and it was awful.

Many years later we did a bigger renovation (and moved out for it) and we definitely had different ideas on what was important and how to make the space best for us after many years of living in it than if we’d done it earlier. Some problems that ended up being super annoying to live with took time to notice as well, so wouldn’t have been properly addressed with an early in the space reno.

I’m wary of flips as I’ve seen a few done on our block and just what I can see of what’s going on often looks pretty low quality.