Real estate has long been seen as a strong investment and hedge against inflation, in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. A specific real estate business strategy is real estate wholesaling. This involves entering into a contract to purchase a home and then selling that contract, rather than the property itself, to a new buyer down the line. Essentially, it gives the wholesaler the ability to sell the property on behalf of the property owner.
The wholesaler doesn’t buy the property
In a real estate wholesaling transaction, the wholesaler never actually owns the underlying property. Rather, the wholesaler gains the right to sell the property on behalf of the owner, which allows for profit if the wholesaler can find a buyer willing to pay more for the property than the minimum amount required by the property owner. These transactions usually have a time limit so the wholesaler must find a buyer within the specified period. The owner of the property may also require the investment of earnest money on the part of the wholesaler.
Wholesalers should first develop a marketing strategy
The key to a real estate wholesaling venture is to have a way to target potential buyers so the real estate can be sold during the period of the contract. Potentially effective marketing strategies include, but are not limited to, online advertising, cold calling and direct marketing. The laws and regulations surrounding these kinds of real estate transactions can be complex.
Wholesaling may call for expert advice
The real estate wholesaler’s goal is to turn a profit while minimizing his or her risk on the property. The best wholesaler’s employ the age-old tactic of locating a buyer first, before ever undertaking an obligation with the property owner. With the right advice, real estate wholesaling may be an effective way to make money.