How Long Does It Take to Flip a House?

If you are thinking about flipping your first property, one of the biggest questions you probably have is simple:

How long does a house flip actually take?

Most flips take four to six months from finding the deal to selling it.
Some take as little as two months.
Others take longer depending on repairs, contractors, and market conditions.

Here is a clear breakdown of the timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

Typical House Flip Timeline (Start to Finish)

Below is the timeline most new investors follow.
This structure works in almost every market and every price point.

1. Finding the Deal: 1 to 4 Weeks

This includes:

• running comps

• analyzing leads

• making offers

• negotiating

The better your deal flow system, the faster this step becomes.

2. Due Diligence and Closing: 2 to 4 Weeks

Once your offer is accepted, you will need time to:

• inspect the property

• finalize funding

• confirm the rehab scope

• close with title

Funding partners can speed this up dramatically.

3. Planning and Budgeting: 1 Week

Before swinging a hammer, you need clarity on:

• repair levels

• budget

• contractor bids

• materials

This is the week that protects your profit.
Most bad flips come from skipping this step.

4. Renovation: 4 to 10 Weeks

This is the biggest variable.
Typical ranges:

• Light rehab: 3 to 5 weeks

• Medium rehab: 5 to 8 weeks

• Heavy rehab: 8 to 12 weeks

Contractor selection plays a major role here.

5. Listing and Selling: 6 to 15 Weeks

Once the renovation is complete:

• your agent lists the home

• you review offers

• the buyer completes inspections and financing

• the home closes

Hot markets move faster.
Slower seasons may take longer.

⭐ Total Time: 4 to 6 Months

This assumes:

• you bought the right deal

• your contractor stayed on schedule

• your budget was accurate

• no major surprises showed up

Experienced flippers can shrink this timeline.
Beginners benefit from following the full structure.

What Can Slow Down a Flip?

Several factors can extend the timeline:

• unreliable contractors

• material delays

• change orders

• foundation or roof surprises

• slow permitting

• weather

• incorrect scopes or budgets

Most delays are preventable with the right guidance and systems.

What Helps a Flip Move Faster?

Speed comes from:

• analyzing deals correctly

• knowing your rehab level

• using the right contractors

• having a repeatable system

• getting mentorship from active investors

Flipping is not about rushing.
It is about moving confidently and avoiding expensive stalls.

Final Thought

A flip does not need to feel overwhelming when you understand the timeline and have someone walking with you through each step.

If you want a clear plan for your first flip, Roy and Lanny help you build the exact timeline, budget, and contractor strategy inside Navigator so you are never guessing.

👉 Learn more about Navigator
👉 Or grab coffee with Roy or Lanny anytime

Reach out:
Roy: 865-414-4162
Lanny: 228-493-3808

Dad Joke Bonus

I told my buddy I was doing a flip this year.
He said, “Gymnastics or real estate?”
I said, “Either way… something’s getting stretched.”