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The complete costs of house flipping

December 27, 2009

Since our house has been under repair, I've been visiting housing sites for other possible changes we might want to make. Hey, if you're already in disarray because of renovations, why not get everything out of the way all at once?

During my surfing, I ran across the BuildDirect Building Materials Blog, which had this interesting graphic detailing some possible costs of flipping a house.

Cost of Flipping House

Remember, too, that you'll have to pay taxes on any profit you make on the sale. And if you're lucky enough to turn over the property after owning it for a year or less, that tax rate will be at your ordinary income level, not the lower capital gains rate.

But if you've weighed the costs, know your region's real estate market and are ready to invest in a property,this story has some tips on dealing with the tax consequences you might encounter when you flip it.

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The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

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TAX-SAVVY WAYS 
TO WRAP UP 2026

It’s over! With October’s extended filing deadline behind us, it is now time to focus on year-end moves to reduce your 2026 tax bill. 

You’ll find ways to do just that on the Tax Tips page (see the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of the blog), as well as the separate tax tip pages for each month, notably October through December. If you’re on the Tax Tips page, you’ll find a monthly list at the end of this column. If you’re on another blog page, you can head straight to the October tips; at the bottom of that tips page you’ll find links to all the other 11 months’ collections of tax advice.

Not to spoil what you’ll find in that tax advice, but it does cover such things as tax deductions for charitable donations, investment moves that could reduce tax due, and ways to max out your tax-favored retirement savings. 

Finally, as the year winds down, things get hectic. There are lots of other things to occupy our time, like the much more fun upcoming holidays. But don’t lose sight of taxes, since timing is key. To be of use, most tax moves must be made by the end of the tax year. That’s Thursday, Dec. 31, which also is the last business day of the year. 

So that you don’t miss that final tax year deadline, also keep an eye on the countdown clock below. It will keep you on top of just how much time is left to make important, tax-saving moves. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Comments
  • Tim Hawkins

    This list ignored: carrying costs (interest on your down payment lost + interest payments on the home loan + interest payments on the repair costs if separate) consider also the rate will be higher for a fixer since it’s not your primary residence, closing costs on the front AND back end (points, inspections, deed/recording fees, title insurance, lender fees, appraisal fee, transfer tax, application fee, escrow fee, termite inspection fee, attorney’s fees in some areas, lenders attorney’s fees in some areas, documentation fees, FedEx fees…), property taxes, insurance to cover the home and the construction effort, mileage and fuel for your car, taxes on the gain at standard income rates (as mentioned here only), and finally… wait for it… wait for it… your time.

  • Ditto to the comment above. There are a lot more cost involved and the revised price may put you over whatever the market will bear.

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