You’re buying a property. You can either “fix and flip” or “buy and hold.” Both of them have pros and cons; one is a very active form of investment and the other is mostly passive. Which is the best option for you? Let’s take a look at the pros of both and why you might want to invest in them.

The Pros of Fix and Flips

When you fix and flip, you try to fix a property and sell it as quickly as possible. Some major benefits of a fix and flip are:

• You may be able to make a lot of money. You can buy a property for $100,000, put in $20,000, and sell it for $180,000. That’s a lot more money than you’d get for renting the property over the same amount of time.
• You can use the capital almost immediately for something else. That means you can buy another property to fix and flip. You can even buy another property to buy and hold. It’s whatever you want to do.
• You don’t have any long-term responsibilities. Once the project is over, it’s over; you aren’t going to need to worry about it. You can take a break and relax between your projects. You can also wait until the market is more favorable, during downturns.

So, once your project is over, it’s over. You’ve done it. You walk away with the cash to do whatever you want with it. But, of course, that also means that you’re starting again from square one, without a property to call your own.

The Pros of Buy and Holds

Many fortunes have been made of buy and holds. The theory is simple: property is always going to appreciate in value. It’s finite. Thus, you can build equity through property while still making money through rentals. Benefits of buy and hold include:

• You build equity to leverage. Not only are you building net worth, but banks and creditors will be more likely to lend you money because you have so much equity. Over time, if managed correctly, you can create a significant portfolio of work.
• You have a consistent income. While you aren’t getting a large lump sum every few months, you are regularly getting income (as long as your properties are rented out). This can be more predictable, especially for those who are interested in retiring.
• You don’t need to worry about managing big projects. Your property management company can help you get renters, along with managing repairs and maintenance. This is a far more passive rather than active method of investing, especially if you have help.

But there are downsides, too. Buying and holding is a responsibility. You need to manage your rentals. And occasionally they can cost you more than they’re bringing in. Fixing and flipping might make you a lot more money, but it also won’t build equity; it’s a trade-off. If the rental market in your area is poor, you also may not have significant profit margins.

Which Do You Want?

Obviously, if you’re trying to build equity, you want a “buy and hold.” Buy and holds provide you with more predictable income — if you’re nearing retirement, you’ll want to hold onto your properties rather than sell them. But if you’re trying to make money fast, fix and flips just make more sense. Fix and flips offer less risk exposure, higher gains, and a quicker turnaround.

But either way, you’re going to need a lender. Contact IMC Money today to find out more.