Is Flipping Still Worth It?

August 12, 2025

Is Flipping Still Worth It?

A Real Conversation About Risks, Rewards, and the Realities of Rehab from Leanne & Greg on the Branching Out Podcast

Flipping houses sounds glamorous — thanks, HGTV — but the truth is, it's flippin’ hard. In this episode of Branching Out with Branch Wealth Partners, Greg sits down with Leanne, Branch’s Director of Education (and seasoned flipper), to break down what it really takes to be successful in the rehab game.

They cover everything: how they got started, why flips are harder in today’s market, and what they’ve learned (the hard way) along the way.

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube

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The Start: From HGTV Dreams to Hammer-in-Hand 🛠️

Leanne’s flipping story started on maternity leave with her second baby — and like many of us, it began with watching too much HGTV.

“I went to my mom and said, ‘I want to flip a house.’ She said, ‘I know how, but I don’t have the money.’ I said, ‘I’ve got some money, but I don’t know how."

A partnership was born, and they began transforming small 3-bedroom, 1-bath homes in Concord, NC into more functional 3-bed, 2-bath homes — adding real value by creatively reworking space.

Why Flipping Is Harder Now Than It Used to Be ⚠️

Flipping today isn’t what it was 10 years ago — and definitely not 30 years ago when Greg started.

Here’s what’s changed:

Higher purchase prices: Entry-level flip properties are often $200K+ now, not $70K. That’s more capital upfront — and more risk.

Less inventory: Fewer owners are selling. They don’t want to give up their 3% mortgage for a 7% one.
Rising interest rates: Holding costs are higher, and longer timelines = tighter margins.
More surprises: Contractors, permit delays, hidden chimneys, and "the smell of money" (aka pet-stained carpet) all eat into your budget.

“If you’re using borrowed money and your timeline slips by a month, your profits start vanishing fast.”

Smart Investors Stay Flexible 🧠

Greg and Leanne both agree: flipping can be powerful, but it’s not always the right move. When inventory dried up, Leanne pivoted into private money lending. Greg shifted toward new construction. The key is being willing to evolve with the market instead of forcing a strategy that doesn’t fit the moment.

They emphasize that investors shouldn’t be one-trick ponies. Real estate is cyclical. Sometimes it’s a flip market. Sometimes it’s a buy-and-hold market. Sometimes it’s a lending or land development play.

Favorite Lessons + Practical Tools 💡

What makes a flip worthwhile?

According to Leanne: “The smell.” (Seriously — if the house smells awful, it probably means there's value others can’t see.)

What helps you not lose money?

The Repair Estimator Tool. It’s a spreadsheet Leanne swears by.

“It’s saved my butt more times than I can count. You plug in doors, windows, flooring — and it adds it up for you. Every time I think, ‘There’s no way it’ll cost that much,’ it always costs at least that much.”

You can grab the exact tool they use for just $7:

📊 → Get the Repair Estimator

Final Words from Two Experienced Investors 🧠

You make your money on the buy — not the sale.
If the math doesn’t math, walk away.
There’s more than one way to play the game: flipping, lending, buying and holding, or building.
The best deals smell awful and look worse. But if you can see the vision, you can create something beautiful — and profitable.