Guide
Wholesaling Guide
Everything you need to know about wholesaling real estate — from finding deals to closing assignments.
The Wholesaling Process
Follow these six steps to successfully wholesale your first property.
Find a Motivated Seller
Search for distressed properties, pre-foreclosures, and off-market deals. Use direct mail, cold calling, or networking to connect with motivated sellers.
Get the Property Under Contract
Negotiate a purchase price that leaves room for your assignment fee. Make sure your contract includes an inspection contingency and the right to assign.
Determine the ARV
Calculate the After Repair Value using comparable sales and market data. This number is critical for pricing your deal attractively for buyers.
Build Your Buyer List
Assemble a list of active cash buyers who invest in your target markets. Network at REI meetups, join online groups, and attend auctions.
Market the Deal
Send deal alerts to your buyer network with all key numbers — purchase price, ARV, repair estimate, and your assignment fee.
Assign & Close
Once a buyer commits, assign the contract for your fee. Coordinate with the title company to ensure a smooth double close or assignment closing.
Wholesaling FAQs
How much can I make on a single wholesale deal?
Wholesale assignment fees typically range from $5,000 to $30,000+ per deal, depending on the market and property. Higher-priced properties in hot markets can command even larger fees.
Do I need a real estate license to wholesale?
In most states, you do not need a license to wholesale properties as you are contracting to sell your interest in a contract, not brokering a sale. However, laws vary by state — check your local regulations.
How do I find motivated sellers?
Common methods include direct mail campaigns, driving for dollars, cold calling expired listings, networking with probate attorneys, and using online platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
What makes a good wholesale deal?
A strong wholesale deal typically has a purchase price of 60-70% of ARV minus repairs, leaving room for your assignment fee and the buyer's profit margin.
How long does it take to close a wholesale deal?
From finding a deal to closing, most wholesale transactions take 2-4 weeks. With Domestic Real Estate, we can close in as few as 7 days once a buyer is matched.
Ready to Put It Into Practice?
Submit your first deal or join our buyer network to start wholesaling today.