By: Gregory Emmer

Real estate wholesaling is a popular strategy among investors seeking to make quick profits without the financial burdens of owning property. This method focuses on identifying properties under market value, securing them under contract, and quickly selling the contract for a higher price. It’s an attractive option for those looking to leverage market inefficiencies without substantial capital investment.

EquityMax has been a trusted partner for real estate wholesalers for years, providing flexible funding solutions that facilitate quick and efficient deal closures. Our experience across various market cycles and our understanding of the wholesaling process makes us an ideal partner for your investment endeavors. With EquityMax, wholesalers access necessary capital through tailored funding options that align with their strategic closing timelines.

Fast and reliable funding is crucial for the success of any wholesale real estate deal. Wholesalers need the ability to act quickly when opportunities arise, and having access to immediate funding can be the difference between securing a profitable deal and missing out. EquityMax offers the financial agility wholesalers need to execute transactions swiftly and effectively.

What is Real Estate Wholesaling?

Real estate wholesaling involves securing a property under contract, closing on it, and then selling that property immediately, same day, to another buyer. The key to success in wholesaling is finding and negotiating properties at prices that leave room for profit for both the wholesaler and the end buyer.

Unlike traditional real estate investing, wholesalers typically do not own the properties they sell for extended lengths of time, if at all. This distinction is crucial as it minimizes risk and capital outlay for the wholesaler, allowing them to operate within the real estate market without the financial burdens associated with property ownership. The wholesaler’s role is more akin to a middleman, securing deals and passing them on to other real estate investors who will flip or rent them.

Wholesalers often target undervalued or distressed properties, such as those requiring significant repairs, properties in foreclosure, or homes from motivated sellers (i.e. probate) needing to sell quickly. These properties are usually easier to acquire at a lower cost, making them ideal for wholesaling strategies focusing on quick turnover and minimal investment.

Steps for How to Wholesale Real Estate

Wholesaling real estate requires a keen understanding of the market, swift action, and strategic financial planning. It starts with identifying the right property and securing it under a contract at a favorable price, then finding an end buyer to whom the contract is assigned or with whom a double close is arranged. A few steps involved in the process include:

Step 1: Find a Property / Have Proof of Funds

The first step in wholesaling real estate involves scouting potential properties that are typically undervalued or distressed. Effective methods for finding these properties include direct marketing techniques like mailers and cold calling or “driving for dollars” to physically search for distressed properties. Networking with motivated sellers, who are often eager to sell quickly due to circumstances such as foreclosure or personal distress, can also lead to advantageous deals.

Wholesalers primarily target properties significantly below market value to ensure a profit margin even after the wholesale transaction. These properties often require repairs or have other issues that discourage typical home buyers but are attractive to investors looking to flip or rent. The appeal of distressed properties lies in their potential for high returns after rehab.

Having “proof of funds” ready is crucial when making offers on properties. This documentation reassures sellers that the wholesaler has the financial backing to close the deal quickly. Reputable lenders like EquityMax can provide proof of funds letters, essential when submitting offers, and can make a difference in competitive bidding situations.

Step 2: Secure the Contract

Securing the property under contract at a discounted price is pivotal. This contract is the wholesaler’s primary asset in the real estate transaction and must be negotiated carefully to ensure profitability.

A few tips to follow include:

  • Flexibility in Assignment: Ensure the contract allows for the assignment to another buyer. This flexibility is key to transferring the contract without the need to finalize the purchase yourself.
  • Contingency Clauses: Include clauses that allow you to back out of the deal if necessary. Common contingencies include inspections that might reveal property conditions requiring more investment than anticipated.
  • Negotiation Tactics: Engage in negotiations that sufficiently anchor the price below the market value to cover your wholesale fee and leave room for the end buyer’s profit.
  • Deposit Requirements: Negotiate minimal earnest money deposits to reduce upfront cash requirements, preserving liquidity for multiple deals.
  • Closing Timeline: Aim for a closing timeline that gives you enough time to find an end buyer but is also acceptable to the seller, balancing urgency and due diligence.

Step 3: Market to Your Buyer’s List

A robust network of potential buyers is essential for quickly moving properties you’ve put under contract. A few ways to expand your buyer list include:

  • Continuous Networking: Regularly attend real estate events and participate in online real estate forums to meet potential buyers.

  • Leverage Technology: Use online platforms and CRM systems to maintain your buyer’s list and track investor preferences and historical activity.
  • Direct Marketing: Send newsletters or property alerts to your list when you secure a new property that meets potential buyers’ criteria.

  • Feedback Collection: Engage with your buyers to receive feedback on the types of properties they are most interested in and any additional services they value.

  • Referrals and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied buyers to refer others and request testimonials that you can use in your marketing materials to build credibility.

Step 4: Assign the Contract or Double Close

The final step in the wholesaling process is assigning the contract to an end buyer or proceeding with a double close, depending on the potential profit margin. A few key points to keep in mind include:

  • Assess Profit Margins: If the anticipated profit margin is modest, simply assign the contract to another buyer for a fee, minimizing complications and maximizing turnover.

  • Consider Double Closing: For larger profit margins, opt for a double close where you temporarily close on the property before selling it to the end buyer, generally within 24 hours. This strategy conceals your profit margin and avoids potential buyer dissatisfaction with large wholesaler fees.

  • Evaluate Buyer Intent: Understand your buyer’s investment strategy to ensure the deal aligns with their goals, whether they aim to flip or hold the property.

  • Transaction Timing: Manage the timing between the two closings carefully to ensure funds are processed smoothly and both transactions are completed without delay.

  • Legal and Financial Consultation: Consult with real estate attorneys and tax professionals to ensure all contract assignment or double close aspects are legally sound and financially viable.

The Double Close Strategy in Real Estate Wholesaling

A double close involves the wholesaler purchasing the property from the seller and then selling it to the end buyer in two back-to-back transactions. This strategy is often used when wholesalers wish to hide their profit margins from the end buyer or when contract assignments are not feasible. Double closing allows wholesalers to maintain control over the entire transaction and potentially increase their profit.

Wholesalers opt for a double close to conceal the amount of money they make from the deal. If the markup from the purchase price to the selling price is substantial, the wholesaler might prefer that the buyer not know the original contract amount. This strategy requires precise timing and understanding of the closing process to be executed effectively.

Transactional funding is critical in facilitating a double close. This type of funding provides the necessary capital for the wholesaler to purchase the property before selling it to the end buyer. EquityMax specializes in providing fast, reliable, and tailored 100% transactional funding cost for real estate wholesalers.

Successfully executing a double close involves managing several moving parts, including strict timing coordination between the buying and selling phases. It is crucial to work with knowledgeable lenders and title companies that understand the intricacies of wholesale transactions and can ensure smooth closings.

Receive Transactional Funding For Your Wholesale Deal in 24 Hours with EquityMax

Successful real estate wholesalers often stand out from the competition because of their ability to close deals quickly. EquityMax supports this need by providing transactional funding within 24 hours, ensuring our clients can complete their deals efficiently and without delay.

Our expertise in the wholesale market allows us to offer customized solutions that meet our clients’ unique challenges. Whether new to real estate wholesaling or looking to scale your operations, EquityMax has the tools and resources to support your growth. We are here to help you get prequalified as well, and issue you a property-specific Proof of Funds letter.

We encourage wholesalers to partner with us for their next real estate deal. Our flexible funding options and quick processing times make it easier for you to succeed in the competitive world of real estate wholesaling. Contact us today to learn how we can help finance your next wholesale deal and accelerate your investment career. Apply now!

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