Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways Know Your Numbers: Target properties in the $60K-$100K acquisition range that can retail for $150K-$200K, and always add 20% to renovation estimates Contractor Reality: Quality contractors are booked 2-8 weeks out, and labor costs have increased significantly — factor $35-$40/hour for skilled trades Profit Margins: Aim for $25,000+ net profit after all costs including carrying expenses, which run $800-$1,200 monthly in High Point Best Properties: Focus on single-family ranches and small two-story homes from the 1960s-1980s; avoid foundation issues and complicated title problems

High Point Fix-and-Flip Reality Check: What Every Investor Needs to Know in 2026

Look, I get calls every week from folks who think they're going to make easy money flipping houses in High Point. Some investor on TV made it look simple, right? Well, let me give you the straight talk about what's really happening in the High Point fix-and-flip market in 2026.

I've been buying distressed properties across North Carolina for years through HOMESELL USA, and I've watched plenty of flippers succeed — and plenty crash and burn. The difference? The successful ones know their numbers cold and understand the local market reality.

The Current High Point Market Landscape

High Point's housing market is sitting in an interesting spot right now. With median home prices around $185,000 as of early 2026, you've got a market that's affordable enough for entry-level flips but competitive enough that margins matter more than ever.

Here's what I'm seeing: inventory of distressed properties is tighter than it was two years ago, but it's still there if you know where to look. The sweet spot seems to be houses in the $60,000-$100,000 acquisition range that can retail for $150,000-$200,000 after renovation.

I had an investor call me last month who'd been looking for deals in Greensboro and Winston-Salem but kept getting outbid. We found him three potential flip properties in High Point within two weeks. Sometimes you've got to expand your search radius to find the opportunities.

Renovation Costs: The Numbers That Matter

Let's talk real numbers, because this is where most flippers get themselves in trouble. In High Point right now, here's what you're looking at for typical renovation costs:

Basic Cosmetic Flip ($15,000-$25,000)

• Paint throughout: $3,000-$5,000
• Flooring (laminate/LVP): $4,000-$7,000
• Kitchen refresh (cabinets, counters, appliances): $6,000-$10,000
• Bathroom updates: $2,000-$3,000

Moderate Renovation ($30,000-$50,000)

• Everything above, plus:
• HVAC system: $6,000-$8,000
• Electrical updates: $3,000-$5,000
• Plumbing repairs: $2,000-$4,000
• Roof repairs: $5,000-$15,000

Heavy Renovation ($60,000+)

Once you're talking about structural issues, major plumbing/electrical, or full gut jobs, your costs can easily hit $60,000-$100,000 or more. These deals require serious capital and experience.

Whether you end up selling to us at HOMESELL USA or tackling a flip yourself, always add 20% to your initial renovation estimate. I've never seen a flip come in under budget, but I've seen plenty blow past their numbers.

Contractor Availability and Reality

Here's something they don't tell you on those flipping shows: finding reliable contractors in High Point isn't as easy as it used to be. The good ones are busy, and the available ones... well, there's usually a reason they're available.

Current wait times for quality contractors are running 2-4 weeks for smaller jobs, and 6-8 weeks for major renovations. That timeline hits your carrying costs hard. If you're paying $800-$1,200 per month in holding costs (taxes, insurance, utilities, loan payments), those extra weeks add up fast.

I work with the same crew of contractors across the Triad region, and even they're selective about which jobs they take. They prioritize investors who bring them consistent work and pay on time. If you're doing one flip, you're not their priority customer.

Labor Cost Reality Check

Skilled labor costs have jumped significantly. A good finish carpenter who was charging $25-$30 per hour in 2022 is now asking $35-$40. Plumbers and electricians are running $80-$100 per hour minimum. Factor this into your numbers.

Flip Margins: What's Actually Profitable

Let me break down a realistic flip scenario in High Point based on current market conditions:

Example Deal:

• Acquisition: $75,000
• Renovation: $35,000
• Carrying costs (6 months): $6,000
• Closing costs (buying): $2,500
• Realtor fees and closing costs (selling): $12,000
• Total investment: $130,500

To hit a 20% profit margin, you'd need to sell for $156,600. To make $30,000 profit, you'd need $160,500. In today's High Point market, that means your after-repair value (ARV) needs to be solid, and your initial numbers need to be conservative.

I've seen too many flippers get excited about a $40,000 potential profit and forget about all the costs that eat into that number. The successful flippers I know aim for deals where they can make $25,000-$35,000 after everything's said and done.

Best Property Types for High Point Flips

Not all distressed properties make good flips. Here's what works best in High Point's market:

Single-Family Ranches (1960s-1980s)

These are your bread and butter. Usually need cosmetic updates but have solid bones. Easy to renovate and appeal to a broad buyer base.

Small Two-Story Homes

Three-bedroom, 1.5-2 bath homes in established neighborhoods. Good rental potential if the flip market softens.

Avoid These Property Types:

• Houses with foundation issues (unless you get them extremely cheap)
• Properties in flood zones
• Homes with extensive fire damage
• Houses with complicated title issues

That last category is where HOMESELL USA steps in. We specialize in buying the properties that don't work for traditional flippers — the ones with title problems, tax liens, or other complications that scare off retail buyers.

Market Timing and Exit Strategy

Here's something crucial: High Point's market can shift quickly. What sells fast in spring might sit on the market in winter. Plan your flips so you're listing in March through June if possible.

Also, have a backup plan. I tell every flipper I work with: know what the property would rent for if you can't sell it quickly. In High Point, rental yields are still decent, so holding as a rental property can be a viable Plan B.

The Bottom Line

Flipping houses in High Point can be profitable, but it's not the easy money some people think it is. You need adequate capital, realistic timelines, reliable contractors, and conservative profit projections.

If you're looking at a potential flip property but the numbers don't work, or if you've got a property that's giving you headaches, give Uncle Charles a call. Sometimes the best flip is the one you don't do — especially when there's a cash buyer like HOMESELL USA ready to take the project off your hands.

Whether you're ready to tackle your first flip or you're a seasoned investor looking for your next deal, remember: success in this business comes from knowing your market, respecting your numbers, and having the discipline to walk away from deals that don't make sense. High Point has opportunities, but only for investors who do their homework.

If you're sitting on a distressed property in High Point and wondering if it's worth flipping, or if you just want to sell it fast for cash, give Uncle Charles a call. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your options. Sometimes the best investment move is knowing when not to flip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum profit margin I should target for a High Point flip?

Aim for at least $25,000 net profit after all costs. With renovation delays and unexpected expenses being common, anything less than this puts you at risk of breaking even or losing money. Remember to factor in holding costs, which can run $800-$1,200 per month in High Point.

How long should I expect a flip to take in High Point?

Plan for 4-6 months total: 1 month to find and close on the property, 2-3 months for renovations (including contractor delays), and 1-2 months to sell. Faster is possible, but building buffer time into your timeline protects your profit margins.

What neighborhoods in High Point offer the best flip opportunities?

Focus on established neighborhoods with good bones where you can buy in the $60K-$100K range and sell for $150K-$200K. Areas near downtown High Point and established residential neighborhoods tend to offer the best risk-to-reward ratio for new flippers.

Should I get a hard money loan or use cash for High Point flips?

If you have the cash, use it. Hard money loans in North Carolina typically run 10-15% interest with points, which can eat $8,000-$15,000 out of your profits on a 6-month project. Cash gives you flexibility and better profit margins.

What's the biggest mistake new flippers make in High Point?

Underestimating renovation costs and timelines. I see new flippers budget $20,000 for renovations and end up spending $35,000, then wonder where their profit went. Always add 20% buffer to your initial estimates and have extra capital available for surprises.