Flipped in 5 Weeks? What to Watch Out For

Not all flips are bad.

But when a house hits the market just a few weeks after it last sold, it’s a sign to look closer.

That’s the case this week in the Westchester neighborhood—north of Rockwell—where a home went active on Sunday. The previous sale just closed on June 30th. That’s right: five weeks ago.

Now, it’s listed at $475,000, which represents a nearly 50% increase over the last sale price.

There are no photos in the MLS yet, which is a red flag by itself. Even more interesting: the previous sale isn’t in the MLS at all. That tells me it was probably an off-market deal, which means there’s no public listing history, no before-and-after comparisons, and no easy way to evaluate what’s changed.

So what should buyers be watching for with a flip like this?

• Quality of Work – Quick flips often cut corners. Look for signs of rushed workmanship: uneven tile, poorly installed fixtures, or paint jobs that feel too fresh to trust.

• Design Decisions – Was the kitchen updated in a timeless way, or does it scream "fast and cheap"? Good design lasts. Bad design tries to distract.

• Permits and Inspections – Did they pull permits for any electrical, plumbing, or structural changes? If not, you're the one who inherits that risk.
  

I’m planning to hit the open house this weekend and see what’s actually been done—and how well it’s been done.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with flips—but when you see a house turn over in just a few weeks with a 50% price jump and no transparency, it’s smart to approach with caution. I’ll report back with what I find. In the meantime, if you’re looking at homes like this and wondering what’s real and what’s lipstick, let’s talk.