Flipping Confidential: The Secrets of Renovating Property for Profit In Any Market

  Author:    Kirsten Kemp
  ISBN:    0470068353
  Sales Rank:    33478
  Published:    2007-03-23
  Publisher:    Wiley
  # Pages:    240
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 29 reviews
  Used Offers:    23 from $10.95
  Amazon Price:    $13.57
  (Data above last updated:  2008-12-04 04:32:11 EST)
  
  
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Flipping Confidential: The Secrets of Renovating Property for Profit In Any Market
  
Master the art of flipping with KIRSTEN KEMP, host of the hit TV show Property Ladder!

"This book establishes a new standard for real estate authors. Kemp gives her readers delightfully written prose packed with her wealth of experiences. She lays out so many profit-generating (and loss-avoiding) ideas that while reading the manuscript my highlighter never got a rest."
—Gary Eldred, Trump University Professor of Real Estate, coauthor of the bestseller Investing in Real Estate

Real estate isn't just for the rich! And this book proves it. In Flipping Confidential, Kirsten Kemp, the host of TLC's runaway hit show, Property Ladder, gives first-time investors the guidance and inside tips to buy cheap, fix fast, and sell high. With a positive attitude and a healthy dose of humor, Kirsten Kemp walks you through every step of a successful flip—from finding the right house to getting your financing in order, from making big improvements to pricing the home to sell.

If you've ever seen Property Ladder, you know that successfully fixing and flipping a property can be a deeply rewarding experience—both personally and financially—when you do it right. Kemp makes sure you do it right in Flipping Confidential, revealing all the inside knowledge she has amassed as a successful flipper. You'll learn how Kemp became a successful flipper and much more, including how to:

  • Get started with little savings or free time
  • Find great leads and follow up on them
  • Clean up your credit and find financing
  • Sign up a great agent, lender, or contractor
  • Learn when you can do it yourself, and when to hire a pro
  • Keep costs down during renovations
  • Set schedules and plan for costs and fees
  • Master home staging for higher profits
  • Manage mistakes before they become disasters

Real estate is the key to your financial freedom, and flipping is the fastest way to unlock that door. If you want to get out of the office, be your own boss, spend more time with your family, and make a truckload of money in the process, this is the ultimate guide to your new life. The key to financial success isn't a secret, it's Flipping Confidential.

                  Reader Reviews 1 - 30 of 30                 
  
  
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10-21-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good but for beginners only
Reviewer Permalink
FC is not particularly in-depth but it's a good primer for anyone considering making the move into flipping. It's certainly better than most of the other books I've read on the subject. Good but for beginners only.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 04:33:55 EST)
08-23-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great for Flipping Beginners
Reviewer Permalink
Before reading Kirsten Kemp's Flipping Confidential, everything I knew about flipping I learned on TV. Thankfully, I didn't run out and buy property based on that exposure alone.

In Flippng Confidential, Kemp lays out the process of finding and flipping homes in a well-organized, no-nonsense manner.

While I found the book to be a good primer on the subject, there's only so much you can say in one book and it is lacking specifics in many areas. If you've never read any books on the subject, start with this book first. If you still want to flip after reading, expect that you have to go elsewhere for more in-depth information.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-10-22 04:59:21 EST)
05-05-08 4 0\2
(Hide Review...)  Pleased with the attention
Reviewer Permalink
The delivery was on time and the book was in great shape.I was kept up to date throughout the whole process andwill buy again.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-23 04:04:04 EST)
04-17-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  If you like her show, you will love her book
Reviewer Permalink
As a potential house flippers, we watch Property Ladder like addicts. When I saw that Kirsten had a book, I immediately bought it.
Tons of experience = sound advice. It makes you think about one's decision to jumping into a house flip if you are not prepared, funded, or skilled.
It reads as easy as Kirsten sounds on her show. I recommend it to anyone considering "getting rich quick" by flipping real estate.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-19 03:34:21 EST)
04-16-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good information...Detailed
Reviewer Permalink
Very detailed and provides good points that a rookie flipper would easily miss. Do recommend.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-19 03:34:21 EST)
04-08-08 1 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Few Good Ideas
Reviewer Permalink
There are few good ideas in this book. Not productive use of your time for the experienced and there are not books much better for the wannabe flipper. The author produces a much better show that she writes a book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-16 20:13:56 EST)
03-08-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A definite required piece of reading
Reviewer Permalink
If you have seen her show on tv, then you are already a bit familiar with Kirsten Kemp, and this book helps you learn from her experiences much more than the show can cover. Kemp has a wealth of knowledge on flipping and uses her own experiences as well people around her she has helped, or at least tried to, and passes that knowledge on in this book. This won't answer every question you have about flipping, but it comes close. This also gives you a better idea of just how much work is ACTUALLY behind flipping, and helps you realize whether or not this might be for you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-09 07:56:19 EST)
01-23-08 2 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Flipping for People Who Are Mentally Challenged
Reviewer Permalink
Kirsten seems to know her stuff on her show, so I thought this book would go into detail about what makes her successful. I was wrong! She gives you "tips" that anyone who has half a brain would already know, or if you've seen 3 episodes of the show you already know everything divulged in this book. A sore disappointment. No advice on negotiation, finding reputable contractors, what to look for in a house, etc. Just vagueness.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-09 10:40:15 EST)
12-09-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good and entertaining
Reviewer Permalink
I have always enjoyed the show and wish Kirsten would lend me some of her advice for my property purchases like she does for those on her show. I purchased for the book because the show does allow her to give some of her basic concepts that can be applied to the general public, but rather to the specific house on the show. This book was extremely entertaining and I even laughed out loud on some parts. She offers great advice when it comes to picking properties and how to keep an open mind to potential problems and hidden gems. She obviously thinks that everyone should "stage" the house for selling. I think that is a great idea. She even discusses keeping pieces of furniture if you intend on making a living doing this. I would like to see a book from her regarding rental property.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-24 01:02:42 EST)
11-30-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great Read!
Reviewer Permalink
Absolutley agree with so many others that this is a great book on the subject of Flipping Houses. I sat down to read this book and was 80 pages in before I looked up to get a drink. It is packed full of usefull information. I would reccomend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the craft of rehabbing for profit.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-09 12:19:31 EST)
11-25-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  GREAT book for the novice flipper
Reviewer Permalink
I am thankful to Kirsten Kemp for writing such an honest, to the point, and reader-friendly guide to flipping houses. It really is such an easy read, which is important when in the early stages of determining whether or not a career in flipping is for you. Honest and useful outline of the basic process and lots of pitfalls to watch for, including personal stories of mistakes she herself has made. This book really helped me understand what I am getting myself into by setting my sights on the goal of flipping homes as a career. It is NOT as easy as it looks on TV- yes, those shows can make people look so stupid you may be CERTAIN you can do it just as profitably if not more so, but KEEP IN MIND- most shows on now were filmed a year or two ago when the market was ridiculous. It has taken a nosedive and much more pragmatic and calculated investing will be required to make money. Kirsten Kemp does not lie or encourage those who may not enjoy or be able to handle the risks, stress, time and money commitment involved. She is honest with how it has impacted her personal life, even including a somber story of a pregnancy she lost while under extreme pressure during a flip. This is not a job for the weak at heart, and while I'm sure other books will be more helpful in specific cost/benefit analyses, number crunching, and step by step techniques for do-it-yourself aspects of a flip, this is the book to read to help you decide if you are cut out to take the plunge into real estate. There are lists and tips that I'm sure I will be photocopying and using for years to come.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-30 18:39:15 EST)
11-18-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Best Book On The Topic
Reviewer Permalink
I've seen Ms. Kemp on TV and felt she was knowledgeable on the subject, so I purchased the book. Having bought and sold several properties myself, I found this book to be exceptionally accurate. It's loaded with useable real-world advice and information. It covers all aspects of flipping a property and is written in plain English. This is probably the best flippng book ever written, no queston about it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-25 21:03:30 EST)
11-17-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Don't keep this book "Confidential!"
Reviewer Permalink
This book was very informative and a great read! Kirsten lets us in to her quirky sense of humor, a side you really don't see on TLC's Property Ladder. I read this book all in one sitting. It is filled with actual stories of Kirstens flipping experiences ..GOOD & BAD. This will allow me to learn from her mistakes and hopefully save me $$ in real estate. Her info on home staging is right on target! Excellent tips for showcasing a home on the market (for the buyer, not yourself!)
Upstage the competition!
Laure Gill
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-25 21:03:30 EST)
10-18-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Easy reading with gems of information
Reviewer Permalink
Kirsten has an easy writing style that makes this book a rather quick read. There are also gems of information in each chapter that are good to pull out and incorporate into your own model. Her personal experiences help to drive home each of her points. If you are just beginning to think of flipping properties, this is a good book to pick up and read in preperation.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-16 23:59:35 EST)
10-16-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Flipping Confidential was so much fun to read
Reviewer Permalink
"Flipping Confidential" by Kirsten Kemp was so much fun to read, it made learning the must-know details of flipping property a ball! She gives practical advice with to-do lists to point out all the things a property needs in the fixing up process. I especially loved the before/after photos she included in the book. It really helps to see the incredible difference a flip can make in curb appeal. Of course, that all adds up to profits for the flipper. So, I recommend for all you other potential flippers out there, read this book! "Flipping Confidential", along with Dean Graziosi's [[ ASIN:1593154461 Be A Real Estate Millionaire: Secret Strategies for Lifetime Wealth Today]] have helped me so much in preparing to dive into the real estate business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-18 04:15:01 EST)
10-10-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Very Good
Reviewer Permalink
This book is full of the information I was looking for and is plainly stated in ways that I can understand - This is useful information that I can apply to my projects.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-17 01:06:17 EST)
10-10-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Flipping homes
Reviewer Permalink
Two books that I think really are helpful if you're learning about real estate investing are this book, Flipping Confidential and Dean Graziosi's Be A Real Estate Millionaire: Secret Strategies for Lifetime Wealth Today
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-17 01:06:17 EST)
10-03-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Flip
Reviewer Permalink
Excellent read. This book offers a lot of good information to the novice investor or to the person with little flipping experience. This book would be good reading by the more experienced flipper, if only to review the tricks of the trade that may have been forgotten. Well written and easy to understand.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 04:32:43 EST)
09-12-07 5 0\2
(Hide Review...)  Flipping confidential
Reviewer Permalink
Just started the book, but so far informative, funny and personal. I think it will be a great read and inspirational for everyone to go out and make your dreams of flipping come true.!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 04:32:43 EST)
09-03-07 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  Any library strong in financial planning or real estate investing should have this.
Reviewer Permalink
Kristen Kemp is host of the TV show PROPERTY LADDER and here provides first-time investors with insider's tips on how to buy cheap, fix fast, and sell high - popularly known as 'flipping' properties. From beginning with little savings or free time to locating great leads, financing, good agents and contractors, and more, FLIPPING CONFIDENTIAL: THE SECRETS OF RENOVATING PROPERTY FOR PROFIT IN ANY MARKET provides a toolbox of facts couched in an easy question/answer format and segregated into chapters by topic, making it easy for novice investors to follow. Any library strong in financial planning or real estate investing should have this.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 04:32:43 EST)
08-25-07 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  If only the people on her show read this book...
Reviewer Permalink
As a fan of the show "Property Ladder" and a home improvement enthusiast, I had to buy Kirsten's book. This book is chock full of ideas on how to get started.

A lot of people might argue the book contains common sense. But then again, I doubt everyone remembers all of the tips contained at once. There are also a lot of blatantly obvious details she mentions that I would have never thought about. She also goes over how to plan a realistic budget (including examples of hers), tips for managing the workers, where to spend the money, tips about the actual purchase (which is arguably the best place to try and save money), and more. And it's very entertaining to read.

If you're already into real estate or you're not willing to use this book as a spring board to start doing your own further research, you won't find very much use in this book, rather than the anecdotes. This book isn't a magic solution that allows you to instantly become a millionaire. You have to secure money for the work and be ready to take a huge gamble.

If you've seen the show, even though they have a lot of guts, many of the people on the show are complete idiots. Some of them don't even have the house inspected when they buy it. But even then, some of them actually make decent money on the sale. If the people on Kirsten's show actually read through this book (or listened to her on the show) they would probably be wildly successful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 04:32:43 EST)
08-24-07 5 2\5
(Hide Review...)  Great Read. Very informative
Reviewer Permalink
I found the book to be very informative. Being an experienced Realtor/Broker I can appreciate the information Kristen presented. She has a great deal of insight and her info really helps put it all together.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 04:32:43 EST)
08-16-07 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good Book - Listen to Kirsten!
Reviewer Permalink
I am a big fan of the "Property Ladder." Kirsten is great. The information in this book is well organized and is pertinent - even for a homeowner who just wants to do projects that will add value to his/her home. However, the photos in this book deserve Kirsten's patented stand-offish stare. The quality of the photos is very poor (b&w with a 50's owner's manual's feel). Other than that, nice job! If you seen the show, then you know Kirsten offers good advice (which is almost never taken), but we would all do well to follow her expertise and guidance.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-08-25 03:47:07 EST)
08-07-07 2 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  alas, no real secrets
Reviewer Permalink
I love Property Ladder and especially Kirsten Kemp's words of wisdom (and the hilarious looks she gives homeowners!). To my disappointment, I found "Flipping Confidential" to be not very confidential, and, in fact, rather glib. Most of the information is vague, overly simplistic, and sometimes even "borrowed" from internet sites like about.com.

Kirsten's anecdotes are funny and sometimes valuable, but often leave more questions than answers. For instance, in one example she talks about using remnant linoleum floor and recycling visibly cheap-looking cabinets in a flip that she bought for over a $1M. Lineoleum floor in a million dollar house?!? Someone has some explaining to do. It turns out she kept that one as a rental property and judged her profit by the appraised value. Hmmm, sounds to me like lineoleum floors might a good strategy for a flip kept as a rental but not a flip you're planning to sell for $1.6M, yet that's never distinguished in the book.

This book is short on both secrets and strategy. If you watch Property Ladder or an equivalent show, you've probably already learned everything in this book (and then some) by heart.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-08-16 21:47:45 EST)
07-16-07 5 1\5
(Hide Review...)  Real Estate Flipping
Reviewer Permalink
I love Kristen Kemp. She gives good information to help the new flipper and help prevent a Flip Flop. She reinforces the show Property Ladder.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-08-07 23:27:24 EST)
07-12-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good Read. I recommend it.
Reviewer Permalink
I've been a Property Ladder fan so was pleased to find this book and learn more about Kirsten Kemp. She has a witty breezy easy-to-read style, and the book was very entertaining. Even if you're not a flipper, I think you'd enjoy it, and if you are planning to flip, there are lots of very good suggestions of how to go about it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-16 16:57:52 EST)
07-11-07 5 2\3
(Hide Review...)  Wish she'd written it years ago
Reviewer Permalink
A friend recommended this book and I am so glad he did. I am a fan of Kirsten's show, Property Ladder, but I always wondered how much of an "expert" she really is ("reality" TV and all). After reading this book, I have a newfound respect for the show AND its host. I've been interested in real estate for a while, but every book I pick up on the subject is beyond boring and doesn't give you any REAL numbers or information. This book is refreshingly different. It's not only packed with useful information, but the author includes so many personal examples and anecdotes, I couldn't put it down. Kirsten walks you through every phase of a "flip," without talking down to experts or making it unattainable for novices. I'm sure it's hard to write a real estate book that is relevant to "flippers" of all levels of experience, but there is definitely something here for everyone. Read it, laugh, learn and hopefully make some cash.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-16 16:57:52 EST)
06-08-07 3 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Flipping Confidential
Reviewer Permalink
Good flow, somewhat humorous, decent motivator however; I felt the book left the new flipper without much to go on than generalized information such as "surround yourself with a great team", "buy the worst house on the best block" "keep a running budget" ect. If you have a lick of common sense this book is not for you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-11 19:43:53 EST)
05-09-07 5 0\4
(Hide Review...)  Very Good
Reviewer Permalink
I first saw Property Ladder & got it mixed up with Flip that House. I like the former better because Kirsten tries to help and a lot of times the clients don't listen. It's kind of funny; well maybe not for the clients.

I just finished reading this book and loved it. Kirsten has a great sense of humor and gives great advice on keeping it during a flip. It's the how to, must have manual for flippers & even for someone doing a remodel.

Amazon had a really good price for this & Buying for Profit. Review for that one to follow after I finish reading it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-06-08 08:04:50 EST)
04-16-07 5 7\7
(Hide Review...)  Great book on Flipping from the Host of Property Ladder
Reviewer Permalink
If you like shows about Flipping Houses-- this book is for you. Kemp goes well beyond what the tv show gives the reader and actually gives you the essentials to how to get started in flipping properties for profit. The book has a great personality as Kemp shares her own experiences in fixing up properties and sellng them for a profit. Throughout the book there are tips that are critical to being successful in real estate investsing, including: "You make Your money on the buy", as well as how to assemble a cracker team, and how to find properties.
If you are interested in learning more about Flipping, this is the book for you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-05-09 08:43:28 EST)
  
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