3 Rehabbing Tips to Save You Thousands…Real Estate Investors, Read This.

January 14th, 2009 . by Rob Swanson

When you rehab for the flip or hold, it’s important to remember that your newly purchased VACANT house is a target for theft.

Here are 3 tips I have found to help minimize your potential for loss.

As soon as you close:

Secure the house, change the locks and cover all windows. Now, don’t COVER the windows with painting paper, that just increases the house as a target – use dark paper or black plastic bags.

Get to know a couple of the kids in the neighborhood, they know it’s vacant, they know who the trouble makers are (maybe it’s even them). You can usually BRIBE them to keep your place safe for just a few dollars, a pizza, etc. Trouble makers protecting their new ‘territory’ are a great way to keep your place safer when your not there.

Don’t advertise by placing materials and equipment in the front yard. Keep a clean work area and “hide” your efforts as much as possible. MANAGE your delivery of windows only when you plan to install them, same goes for other materials.

I have rehabbed hundreds of properties and these 3 simple little tips have saved me thousands. Do the same and it will save you money too.