Fixing up a badly-distressed property can be intimidating and overwhelming when trying to figure out how to rehabilitate and sell it. A good approach is to break down the entire process into seven stages: Preparation & Demolition, Specialty Work, Exterior, Priming & Painting, Enhancement, Floors, and Beautification & Staging. Making a list of tasks to accomplish in these seven categories will keep things organized and save a ton a time.

The first stage, Preparation and Demolition, will ultimately create a safe working environment. First and foremost, make sure the house is secure by checking all of the doors and windows. Make a copy of the house key and put it in a lockbox (Realtors use them) that you will keep attached to the front door or porch. Also, prepare a space somewhere in or around the property to store materials that are delivered (the garage is ideal). Finally, tear out any floors, fixtures and other items that you intend to replace on the property. Make sure you dispose of them properly before your materials are delivered to the property or you'll be dealing with a HUGE mess.

The next stage involves scheduling the Specialty Work - which is work you are contracting out to someone else. This usually includes roof work, furnace/air conditioning repair, and other "large ticket" items that typically require a specialist. Get 2-3 quotes on each needed job and schedule them a.s.a.p.

The Exterior stage involves the creation of curb appeal before the interior work begins. Beautify the landscape with well-manicured plants, trees, and other features. Dress up the porch, exterior doors, driveway, mailbox and other items. Also check the downspouts, gutters and siding for needed improving. Make that house look great - you may get some interested buyers before you're done rehabbing the house!

Since the house is as bare as possible thanks to the first stage, it's time for Priming and Painting. Prepare by removing all fixtures, outlet and switch covers, doing some taping, shifting appliances, laying drop-cloths, etc. This phase should take no longer than a week or so: 1-2 days to prepare, 1-3 days to prime and paint all of the walls and ceilings, and probably 1-3 hours to clean up. Keep all leftover paint and primer ready, as to touch-up nicks and other marks that may occur during rehabilitation.

The Enhancement phase will likely take the longest amount of time to complete. Repair and replace fixtures and cosmetic items in the bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, kitchen, living and dining rooms, basement, garage, and other rooms. Take note that buyers statistically find that the kitchen and bathrooms are the most important rooms when buying a house.

Will carpet be installed? Floors should be the last thing rehabilitated so they are in an almost-new condition for buyers that will soon be touring the house.

Needless to say, the Beautification & Staging stage is the most important stage of them all, since it involves making the home attractive to buyers. Have your Realtor meet you at the house and walk through it with you. Make sure every room smells nice and contains a lot of light and space. Furthermore, focus on creating a good first impression: tend to the front porch and front room extremely well. All trash should be removed from the property prior to marketing the house - that house should be ready to move in!

Store extra light bulbs and cleaning supplies at the house for periodic cleanings (if necessary). While your house is being marketed, keep the yard manicured and the house buyer-friendly. You never know when "the" buyer will drive by!

For more free articles and previews to The Field Guide to Flipping Homes, visit the official site at www.homeflippingfieldguide.com