Fix and Flip

The Secret to Short Term Returns: Coral Gables

There are few neighborhoods that have remained as steady in value and high in demand as Coral Gables. It’s master planned community is a testament to George Merrick’s vision for Miami and its historic landmarks create an environment that is truly unique to itself.

For over eight years, my team and I have led individual and institutional investors through the buy, fix, and flip process of real estate investing. And while it seems counterintuitive that short term investment returns would be available in such a stable local market, Coral Gables has led our portfolio in both rate of return and time frame to achieve it.

On average, our investments return between 18% and 25% over a four to five month period.

Our consistency is a reflection of the team we have in place and the system we’ve refined over several decades of experience between us. Here’s how it works:

Traditionally, our target price point is between $500,000 and $1M. Below that, there’s too much competition to negotiate an effective price and the locations are subject to less desirable school systems. Buying between $500,000 and $1M creates an opportunity to add value for the end-user who is willing to pay a premium for a completely renovated home.

Our process begins with property identification. By tracking homes over multiple price reductions and maintaining relationships with sellers of subprime and distressed property, our daily attention to the details of the market allows us to identify and act on acquisitions ahead of the crowd.

Once under contract, we take the next 30 days to schedule inspections, engineer assessments, solicit contractor quotes, and organize construction material delivery. Most of our investors purchase in cash to facilitate a quicker closing, though we have a number of traditional and hard money lenders to meet their unique financing needs. By the time the property closes, we have everything in place to begin the renovation.

Depending on the property, renovations take between two and four months. Our team is familiar with the intricacies of Coral Gables construction, and our familiarity with the permitting process allows us to work with the city in an effective manner. At the end of the day, our returns speak for themselves. It’s the trust and transparency, however, that keep our clients coming back. The secret sauce is the team we have in place and reputation we’ve built in the community. Residential property renovations are an intricate investment, subject to any number of complications. Our job is to provide you the peace of mind you need in order to generate the returns that you’re after.

As 2017 approaches and we consider our investment objectives in light of both the global and local market, we’re shifting our attention to a slightly higher price point.

Cash buyers are fading away, driving higher demand from families who don’t have the time or money to invest in home renovations on top of securing financing. The majority of the area’s best investment deals are priced around $1M and represent an opportunity to service the market demand for fully renovated homes priced between $1.5M and $2M.

431 Alhambra Circle

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Acquisition Price: $605,000
Sold After renovation: $905,000

Before

After

 

235 San Sebastian 

This was purchase for 640k - Sold for 922k after renovation

Before

After

 

240 Sarto

This was purchase for 603,800 - Sold for 775k after renovation

Before

After