Is Buying a Flipped Home Risky? Red Flags and Tips for Murfreesboro Buyers

Flipped homes can be tempting for who want something move-in ready, but not every renovation is created equal.
Here’s how to recognize quality craftsmanship and avoid the common red flags when buying a flipped house. We are happy to help if you are looking into buying homes in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee. 

How to Tell If You Are Looking at a Flipped Home

If you are wondering, “How do I know if this house is a flip?” these clues can help:

• Recently sold and re-listed within 6 to 12 months. A quick resale often indicates an investor renovation.

• New finishes, old systems. Updated flooring and cabinets paired with an older roof or HVAC are strong indicators.

• Matching design choices throughout. Many flips feature identical gray walls, white shaker cabinets, and vinyl plank flooring.

• Vague renovation details. Quality remodelers share what was updated, while rushed flippers stay quiet.

• No mention of permits or licensed contractors. Always verify that major work was inspected and approved.

We can help you review public property records, permit history, and ownership timelines to confirm.

1. Start with the Exterior

Before stepping inside, take a full walk around. This is where many flipped house red flags show up.

Look for:

• Gaps or heavy caulking between roof, siding, and foundation.

• Wavy siding boards, which can mean poor sheathing or incorrect nailing.

• Downspouts missing extensions that could allow water to collect near the foundation.

• Roof lines that appear uneven or shingles that do not match.

In humid Tennessee climates, check around balconies, windows, and roofs for rust, corrosion, or soft spots caused by moisture.

2. Check the Quality of Materials

When buying a flipped home, materials matter.
Ask for a list of brands used during the remodel. Reputable names for appliances, fixtures, and insulation often indicate better craftsmanship.

Be cautious of:

• Strong paint smells or heavy staging that might hide defects.

• Uneven flooring or freshly caulked cracks.

• Drafty windows or uneven outlet covers.

Pro tip: Run your hand along walls and flooring. Bubbling or soft areas can point to hidden water damage.

3. Inspect Kitchens and Bathrooms

These rooms reveal the most about a flip’s quality.

• Turn on faucets and flush toilets to test water pressure and drainage.

• Look under sinks for leaks, soft wood, or poorly glued PVC connections.

• Mixed plumbing materials such as copper, PEX, and PVC may signal patchwork repairs.

A room can look beautiful yet still hide poor workmanship underneath.

4. Check the Mechanical Systems

Behind-the-scenes details matter most.

• Ask about the HVAC brand, water heater, and sump pump.

• Look for clean filters and sealed ductwork, not spray-painted ducts.

• Make sure the sump pump actually works, since some are installed for appearance only.

A quick inspection of these systems can save you major expenses later. We can share with you our preferred Home Inspectors in the area.

5. Research Permits and Past Work

Before buying any flipped home, review the property’s permit history.
Compare the work listed with how long the seller owned the home. If it was bought, renovated, and re-listed quickly with few permits pulled, that is a red flag. If buying in Murfreesboro TN or the Middle TN area we can do this homework for you.

Even a beautiful renovation can hide non-compliant electrical, plumbing, or structural work if it was not done by licensed professionals.

💡 The Bottom Line

Buying a flipped home isn't always a bad thing; in fact, sometimes it's a great purchase, but you need to know what to look for.
By paying attention to details, checking permits, and scheduling a professional home inspection, you can avoid costly surprises after closing.

Whether you are buying your first home or your next investment, the right guidance makes all the difference.

Need a Local Expert’s Eye Before You Buy?

As experienced REALTORS® serving Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, and the Greater Nashville area, we have walked hundreds of properties, from new builds to full rehabs.

If you are considering a flipped home and want professional insight before you make an offer, we are here to help.

Jason and Allison Fraker
The Fraker Group | Real Broker
📱 Jason: 615-456-8016 | Office: 844-591-7325
📧 info@thefrakergroup.com
📍 1 Music Cir, Office 318, Nashville, TN 37203
💬 Homes are our Business. People are our Purpose.