Frequently asked questions

Who is HomeStrong?

  • Why would they provide revenue share?

    HomeStrong believes in creating win-win partnerships to incentivize agents and benefit communities through shared success.

    Mission Statement

    HomeStrong USA is a nonprofit community development organization with a mission to “Create, grow, and sustain healthy communities across the nation through innovative housing opportunities, comprehensive education and counseling, and community and economic development.”

    Vision Statement

     “Through HomeStrong USA and its partnerships, strengthened communities in America have overcome significant economic challenges while promoting positive sustainable changes to affordable housing and underserved communities.”

    HISTORY

    HomeStrong USA was formed in 1999 to provide relief to low-income and disadvantaged families through the sponsorship, acquisition, development and operation of affordable housing. Over the past 23 years, HomeStrong USA has grown into a multi-faceted community development organization with current program goals centered around revitalizing underserved markets across the United States. Focus is aimed at helping low-to-moderate income households and veterans while stabilizing neighborhoods by creating jobs and removing blight. HomeStrong USA is committed to helping our veterans. HomeStrong USA understands the importance in helping those that have served and those that continue to protect our freedoms. Improving the quality of life for our veterans by creating healthier and safer living environments is crucial to our success as an organization.

    NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

    • Acquired, rehabbed, and sold over 1,200 properties to low-to-moderate income families and veterans across 37 states
    • Owned, operated, and managed 120 scattered single-family transitional rental units
    • Donated over 30 mortgage-free and rehabilitated homes to veterans
    • Provided down payment assistance to more than 60 low-to-moderate and veteran families
    • Provided more than $800,000 in critical home repairs for veteran homeowners
    • Educated and counseled over 20,000 families and veterans  
  • What type of nonprofit are they?

    HomeStrong is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding homeownership and improving community living standards. 

  • How long have they been around?

    HomeStrong has been operational since [insert year], bringing years of experience in community revitalization and over X properties. 

  • How many transactions have they done?

    HomeStrong has successfully completed over [insert number] transactions, demonstrating their extensive experience and impact. 

  • What projects have they done?

    They have undertaken numerous projects, including property rehabilitations, community revitalizations, and veteran housing initiatives. 

  • Who do they help?

    HomeStrong primarily assists low-to-moderate income families and veterans, providing them with opportunities for stable housing and homeownership. 

Agent Benefits

  • How much will I get paid?

    Agents earn 50% of the profit after the property is rehabilitated and sold, plus 1% for relisting services* 

  • What are the main benefits for Agents?

    The goal of the nonprofit is to provide sellers with options based on their situation and to offer agents ways to get monetized outside of a standard listing. Here are the options we provide your sellers through our technology, helping you market to distressed homeowners and giving them the following benefits and you, the agent, ways to get paid:

    1. Cash Offers and Quick Closings:
    • Sellers can choose to accept an as-is offer, pick a closing date, and make no repairs. Once the title is cleared and documentation is signed, we can provide the seller with $10,000 to $20,000 prior to close of escrow to help them move, depending on the situation.
    • Agent Compensation: Agents get paid any commission agreements with the seller, plus 50% of the profit for the flip and 1% for relisting. Agents can choose to give the 50% to sellers to secure the transaction.

    2. Competing Offers by Local Investors:

    • If the seller does not like the offer provided by the nonprofit, there is a marketplace with over 500 vetted local investors that will compete for the seller’s offers.
    • Agent Compensation: Agents get paid by the buyer up to 2.5% of the purchase price, allowing the seller to receive competing offers and the agent to get paid without needing a standard listing agreement.

    3. Home Renovation:

    • Sellers can choose to have the property renovated through the HomeStrong United Program (not…”by the nonprofit”. I don’t want any implication that the NP is hiring the contractors/handyman or managing the work directly. Work is being completed by approved program participants) if there is enough equity. This option provides the seller with a higher net return and gives the agent a listing to sell the fully rehabbed property.
    • Agent Compensation: Agents will get the relist at 2.5% if the seller agrees to list with you, providing a fully rehabbed property for listing.

    4. Foreclosure Assistance:

    • In foreclosure situations, the nonprofit can purchase the property prior to a foreclosure and resell it back to the homeowner after 12 to 18 months, as long as they can qualify. If they don’t qualify, the agent will have a listing to resell the property.
    • Agent Compensation: If the seller does not qualify to repurchase the property, the agent will get a listing to resell the property at 2.5%. Agents can choose to participate in different levels depending on the compensation they prefer.

    5. Flexible Listing Services:

    • We provide flexible listing options ranging from a $95 listing to a 2.5% full-service listing. Agents can choose the service level that best fits the seller’s needs and still get compensated. 
  • What’s the catch?

    There is no catch. Agents don’t need to bring any capital to the program. 

  • How does the revenue share work?

    After the property is sold, you receive 50% of the net profit from the flip. There is a 10% construction management team cost taken off the top. We use cutting-edge technology for transparent tracking of expenses. The construction management company is an independent third party that absorbs costs up to 10% if they don’t meet timelines or profit margins. 

  • Are there any upfront costs for agents?

    No upfront costs. You benefit from your expertise and the successful sale of rehabilitated properties. 

  • How quickly will I receive my share of the profit?

    You will receive your profit share directly at closing from escrow, so you get paid immediately. 

  • Is there a minimum number of properties I need to submit to stay in the program?

    There is no minimum submission requirement, but we require agents to understand flips and have experience providing or sourcing properties to avoid chasing the wrong ones. 

  • Are there any hidden fees or charges that might reduce my profit share?

    There are no hidden fees; everything is upfront with contracts specifying everyone’s roles and responsibilities. The program focuses on providing benefits for all service providers and ultimately aims to provide affordable housing. 

  • How is the after-repair value (ARV) determined, and who validates it?

    ARV is determined through market analysis and validated by experienced in-house analysts. The agent who brought the property and participates in relisting at 1% will provide their opinion of value. Ultimately, it is up to the seller to make the final determination. All participants share the profit based on percentages, ensuring everyone’s best interest in maximizing return while maintaining fair market value for buyers. 

  • Learn as you earn

    We offer over 30 years of flipping experience and more than a thousand successful flips, creating a seamless and efficient process. By joining our program, agents become integral parts of this well-oiled system and gain invaluable experience in property flipping. This unique opportunity allows agents to learn best practices and professional techniques while earning, without the need for costly training programs. Bringing deals, participating in transactions, and utilizing our transparent and efficient technology, agents can clearly see each step of the process and enhance their skills through hands-on experience. 

Seller Benefits

  • What are the main benefits for the seller?

    Introduction: The goal of the HomeStrong United Program is to provide sellers with options based on their situation and to offer agents ways to get monetized outside of a standard listing. Here are the options we provide your sellers through our technology, helping you market to distressed homeowners and giving them the following benefits and you, the agent, ways to get paid:

    1. Cash Offers and Quick Closings:

    • Sellers can choose to accept an as-is offer, pick a closing date, and make no repairs. Once the title is cleared and documentation is signed, we can provide the seller with $10,000 to $20,000 prior to close of escrow to help them move, depending on the situation.
    • Agent Compensation: Agents get paid any commission agreements with the seller, plus 25% of the profit for the flip and 1% for relisting. Agents can choose to give the 25% to sellers to secure the transaction.


    2. Competing Offers by Local Investors:

    • If the seller does not like the offer provided by the nonprofit, there is a marketplace with over 500 vetted local investors that will compete for the seller’s offers.
    • Agent Compensation: Agents get paid by the buyer up to 2.5% of the purchase price, allowing the seller to receive competing offers and the agent to get paid without needing a standard listing agreement.


    3. Home Renovation:

    • Sellers can choose to have the property renovated by the nonprofit if there is enough equity. This option provides the seller with a higher net return and gives the agent a listing to sell the fully rehabbed property.
    • Agent Compensation: Agents will get the relist at 2.5% if the seller agrees to list with you, providing a fully rehabbed property for listing.


    4. Foreclosure Assistance:

    • In foreclosure situations, the nonprofit can purchase the property and resell it back to the homeowner after 12 to 18 months, as long as they can qualify. If they don’t qualify, the agent will have a listing to resell the property.
    • Agent Compensation: If the seller does not qualify to repurchase the property, the agent will get a listing to resell the property at 2.5%. Agents can choose to participate in different levels depending on the compensation they prefer.


    5. Flexible Listing Services:

    • We provide flexible listing options ranging from a $95 listing to a 2.5% full-service listing. Agents can choose the service level that best fits the seller’s needs and still get compensated. 
  • What fees do sellers pay?

    Sellers do not have to pay any fees to the nonprofit. Each seller pays their own standard fees and any commission agreements they have worked out with their agent. There are no additional fees the seller has to pay. 

  • What if the property is tenant-occupied?

    If the property is tenant-occupied, the tenants must vacate at close of escrow. If tenants are staying and need to be evicted, the offer price will reflect the cost. HomeStrong may consider situations where cash for keys can be negotiated. 

  • Do you buy short sales or REOs?

    Yes, the nonprofit HomeStrong (Let’s not refer to “the nonprofit”. Instead let’s say HomeStrong) buys short sales.  

  • Can I share the 25% with the seller?

    You can choose to share the 25% profit with the seller or give it entirely to the seller to provide more incentive. This is up to you. 

  • What if I don’t have a listing agreement with the seller? How do I protect my commission?

    If you don’t have a listing agreement, we can pay a buyer representation commission within the program’s guidelines. Agents are not allowed to double dip, and fees must be paid through escrow. Properties from wholesalers are considered under specific conditions. 

  • What disclosures need to be made?

    As a listing agent, if the seller chooses to sell to HomeStrong USA and you opt to keep the revenue share, you must disclose your participation to the seller. It is up to you and your broker to follow the proper disclosures. You must also disclose to your broker that you are participating. Ensure any disclosures and compliance are done according to local laws. If you or your broker are uncomfortable, the nonprofit will share the 25% back to the seller, ensuring everyone wins with full transparency. 

Partnerships

  • Who Can Partner?
    • Seller direct
    • Wholesalers
    • Anyone that can bring a deal  

Construction and Acquisition

  • What are the guidelines?

    Price and rehab

    • Buy price under 750K
    • Rehabs less than 100K
    • Max Purchase Price 73% of ARV all-in
    • Total Development Cost can not exceed 83%
    • Minimum ROI is 14% cash on Cash

    Construction

    • Ideal newer than 1960 (exception based on conditions)
    • Construction not to exceed 15% of ARV
    • Maximum 30 to 45 days rehabs
    • No foundation / Structural work
    • Minimum to no permits
    • Total project time not to exceed 120 Days
    • The program avoids complicated transactions, ADUs, heavy permitting, and architectural plans.

    The high desert, from the 605 Freeway East down to the 91 north and all the way out to Banning 

  • What types of properties are eligible?

    We buy properties up to $750K, depending on the area. The $750K cap is for higher price points in Los Angeles and Orange County. For the Inland Empire and High Desert, homes need to fit the low-to-moderate income buyers’ market. 

  • Can I use my preferred contractors for the rehabilitation work?

    We only use pre-approved contractors and construction management services to ensure the process is strictly followed, leveraging our expertise for efficient project completion. 

  • What support will I receive from HomeStrong United?

    Full transparency from initial evaluation, data collection, scope of work creation, cost management, construction management, weekly inspections, and detailed closing statements. No hidden fees. 

  • Who oversees the rehabilitation work, and how can I ensure it’s done to my standards?

    Reputable third-party construction management companies ensure timely and consistent work. Agents are welcome during the initial walkthrough and final completion but are not allowed on-site during construction for safety reasons. 

  • What happens if the repair costs exceed the initial estimate?

    The third-party construction management company absorbs the cost if the project exceeds the budget by up to 10%. They are incentivized to complete projects efficiently and within budget, earning 10% of the construction cost or profit, whichever is higher. They get paid from escrow like everyone else. 

  • How do I submit properties for consideration?

    We will provide you with a portal to easily submit properties. The portal helps you stay in communication with the acquisition team and your seller. 

  • What is the process for handling properties that don’t meet the program’s criteria?

    We provide data-driven offers, including construction costs and return on investment guidelines, so you can understand why we might pass on a property or make certain offers. 

  • Are there any exceptions to the property eligibility rules?

    While we maintain strict criteria for efficiency and consistent results, we can consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. These decisions are up to the nonprofit and funding partners. 

  • How flexible are the buying criteria in changing market conditions?

    We are flexible and consider each property on its own merit. The nonprofit makes the final decision, and there is no obligation to purchase any presented properties. 

Profit Share and Finance Costs

  • What are the acquisition requirements

    A minimum of 14% ROI is required for any acquisition. The 14% ROI is split 75% to Flip IQ and 25% to the agent. 

  • What are the loan costs

    Our finance partners provide a combination of a first and second mortgage covering 100% of the purchase, rehab, and payments, up to 86% loan to future value. 

  • What are the finance costs?

    The lender charges two points (2%) and 11.99% interest, plus $1,999 for due diligence and documentation.  

  • What are the payouts?

    The lenders for the first and second mortgages are paid first. Any resale costs, such as escrow, title, and commissions, are paid before profit distribution. 

  • What is the revenue share structure?
    • The first 10.5% of the 14% ROI (75%) goes to Flip IQ.
    • The remaining 3.5% of the 14% ROI (25%) goes to the agent.
    • If the 10.5% ROI is not met, the agent receives no profit share.
    • Additional profit after the initial 14% is split 75/25 in favor of Flip IQ.

    Example Profit Distribution Table

    Item Amount

    Total Profit (14% ROI) $100,000

    Flip IQ (10.5% of 14% ROI) $75,000

    Agent/Partner (3.5% of 14% ROI) $25,000

    Note: Agents must set realistic resale prices to ensure their compensation is maximized. Overestimating the resale price can negatively impact the agent’s profit share.

General Program

  • What recourse do I have if there’s a dispute over profit distribution?

    Disputes are handled through a structured resolution process to ensure fairness. Everything will be disclosed 100%. 

  • Are there any obligations after joining the program?

    No long-term obligations. You can participate in the program as it fits your business needs. 

  • What is the overall goal of HomeStrong United?

    To expand homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income families and veterans, while revitalizing communities and creating economic growth. 

  • What is the process for getting started?

    Register for our weekly Zoom meetings, learn more about the program, and start submitting properties for consideration. 

  • What legal protections do I have in this partnership?

    As an agent, you have your own responsibilities, and as a buyer, we have ours. Flipping comes with risks like any other investment. It is up to you and your attorney to determine any liability. You will act as an agent in acquiring and reselling properties, receiving a revenue share and disclosing this relationship to your seller. 

  • Can I exit the program at any time without penalties?

    Yes, you can exit the program at any time without any penalties. 

  • How does HomeStrong United ensure that I’m the only agent working on a particular property?

    It’s a first-come, first-serve basis for properties. We have systems in place to track and assign properties exclusively to the agents who source them. 

Technology

  • How do agents use the technology?

    The technology is designed to give sellers options, starting with a quick cash close offer and money before the close of escrow. Additionally, it allows sellers to receive multiple competing offers from local investors, choose for the nonprofit to fix their home for a higher resale value, and access foreclosure prevention programs. 

  • What are the benefits of the technology?

    The technology streamlines operations, enhances transparency, and provides multiple financial incentives and flexible listing programs to best meet the sellers’ needs without requiring a listing agreement. 

  • Are there any fees for using the technology?

    There are no fees for agents to use the technology; it is provided as part of the program. 

  • Why is it different?

    The technology offers unique tools tailored for real estate agents, such as options for quick cash close, competing offers, foreclosure prevention, and flexible listing programs. 

  • Who owns the technology?

    The technology is owned by third parties and can be used outside of the nonprofit to help agents in other markets. 

  • How secure is the technology?

    The technology employs robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure privacy for agents and their clients. 

  • What kind of support is available for agents using the technology?

    Agents have access to technical support and training resources to help them effectively use the technology and troubleshoot any issues. 

  • Can the technology integrate with other real estate tools and platforms?

    Yes, the technology is designed to integrate seamlessly with other commonly used real estate tools and platforms, enhancing its utility and convenience for agents.