Doug Francis | Realtor

  • About Doug
  • Services
  • Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Get Started

How to Inspect a Flipped House

December 7, 2016 By Doug Francis

Home Inspection Vienna VA Flipped House

If you are considering buying a flipped house… make sure that you have a home inspection contingency included in your offer.

Unfortunately, here in the always-active Vienna real estate market, a flipped house is often the only affordable option in the average price ranges. If you aren’t familiar with the term, a flipped house is property bought by an investor who makes updates and plans to re-sell the home quickly… typically withing six months.

You and your agent may not have much time to inspect a hot new listing before submitting an offer. So, here is a checklist that can help you grasp the quality of the workmanship.

Inspect a Flipped House

  • Windows ~ Take a look and see how old they are. If they aren’t new, open and close them to see if they stay open, have screens, and note if there is fogging between the two panes of glass.
  • Furnace or HVAC System ~ Note how old it is, and what type of system it is… forced air, hot water, natural gas, oil, or a heat pump. (see below for additions)
  • Bathrooms ~ Was the tub or shower replaced? Check on the tile, drainage, glass door. Open the drawers on the vanity, check the water pressure, was the toilet replaced?
  • Hot Water Heater ~ How old is it? The reality is that most manufacturers of hot water heaters feel 6 years is old, but don’t let that upset you. I recently saw a flip with a 25+-year-old hot water heater (YIKES!) If there was an addition, the water heater must be less than two years old.
  • Roof ~ I can typically tell clients fairly accurate the age when I see a roof, but on this one you’ll need to ask the seller. A roof can last 25 years, and you should know now if it is twenty-years-old already.
  • Flooring ~ Many older homes in Vienna still have “suspect tiles” which may have asbestos. These take about a day for an environmental company to remove and certify (about $3,000). Oak flooring can always be sanded and refinished, and carpets can be replaced.
  • Modifications ~ Some flippers remove walls to create the “open-concept” feel you see every time you watch HGTV. Removing walls is a HUGE modification, and know it can be done right easily by an experienced contractor. You should not assume anything and ask for documentation like engineering plans, designs, permits, or photos.
  • Additions ~ Popping-the-top of a house can double the square footage, and add a luxury bedroom, bath, laundry room, three bedrooms and much more. I did this to my Vienna rambler and know a lot about it… and have things I would have done differently. Additions always require permits so make sure you see them because there was electrical work done, plumbing and structural additions. That 8″ steel I-beam is now carrying 2x the load!
  • Electrical Panel ~ I’m talking about the circuit breaker box. If the panel box is old, then it may not be big enough if there was an addition (look for a sub-panel) to carry the load. Power is important so you want to make sure there isn’t rust in the panel, double taps, or signs of any electrical arcing.
  • Sewer Lateral ~ Ask your home inspector if they can inspect the sewer lateral with a camera, or schedule someone who can. Especially on flips, the previous owner may have been 87 years-old and taken a shower three times a week, and run the dishwasher only when it was full. Your family of four may take daily showers, do laundry, run the dishwasher, and flush the toilet 12 times a day… and that is much more flow to the sewer main. Most flippers won’t replace the sewer lateral.
  • Kitchen ~ Open all the drawers to see how they glide (or not) and examine the quality. Touch the counter tops and make sure seams are smooth. Is there a vent hood… does it go outside. Examine the age of the appliances and the brands, are they dented? Is it electric or gas cooking. Is there a microwave, pantry, under cabinet lights, or a backsplash?
  • Chimney ~ Note if it is wood burning or a natural gas chimney. Natural Gas logs typically indicate that the chimney has been inspected and is functional. Wood burning fireplaces need to be looked at closely especially when significant use is apparent in the fire box.
  • Decks ~ Some home flippers use a special deck paint to conceal age. Go under the deck and see what the underside looks like, if it is original, or if some boards have been replaced. Note the railings since some 1960’s homes have slats big enough for a kid to run through.

There are plenty of nice homes that pop up that are remodeled with a high level of quality.

There was an inspection recently that caught me off guard. My client had been the runner-up on a flip and the agent called me the next week saying the buyer was backing out. Now, they had outbid my client and possibly got cold feet (no one wants to pay too much) and the agent called to see if we were still interested.

Heck yeah!

But, during the home inspection, there were just too many things that either not done right or were just low quality. So, the contract was declared void and my client walked away.

It was a bummer, but that’s why I always include a Home Inspection Contingency  especially to thoroughly inspect a flipped house.

Have questions? Send me an email and I’ll share some insight with you.

Share this with a friend...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

I’m so excited that you found me! Yes, this site covers real estate, but also a lot about lifestyle and  living in Vienna, Virginia outside Washington, D.C.

There is a lot of info here, and you can also contact me with any specific real estate questions. And, at home consultations are available too.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let me help you: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

Filmed in Vienna and McLean

https://youtu.be/ClqEIV1zoQg

Planning to sell your home?

Case Studies

Listing Case Studies Continue Reading

Thinking of Moving?

If you want to talk about your house and getting it ready for the market then let's set up a time to talk. Even if it's a second opinion, it's okay. Start here.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA

The Wire Fraud Warning

I sat in on a presentation by an FBI Special Agent who discussed many types of financial fraud which are being used across the internet. Victims are everywhere including real estate buyers and investors, to lonely widows in romance scams who unwittingly launder large sums of money for fraudsters. But let’s just focus on Real […]

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for 2023 right now.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

Doug Francis Vienna Real Estate 2021
This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2023 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in