Module 1 Lesson 12 of 14
LESSON 12 ~8 min read

Assignment Contracts

How we transfer our contract rights to buyers and make our profit.

What is an Assignment?

An assignment is the legal transfer of your contract rights to purchase a property to another buyer. You're not selling the property—you're selling your right to buy the property.

Think of it like having a reservation at a sold-out restaurant. The reservation itself has value—you can transfer it to someone else for a fee.

How Assignment Works

1

Get Property Under Contract

Sign a purchase agreement with the seller at your negotiated price (let's say $100,000)

2

Find Your Buyer

Market the deal to cash buyers/investors who want the property at a higher price ($110,000)

3

Sign the Assignment

Execute an Assignment of Contract, transferring your rights to the end buyer

4

Collect Your Fee

At closing, you receive the difference ($10,000) as your assignment fee

The Assignment Math

Your Profit =

Buyer's Price - Your Contract Price

Your Contract

$100,000

Buyer Pays

$110,000

Your Fee

$10,000

Critical Contract Language

"And/Or Assigns"

Your buyer line should read: "[Your Name] and/or assigns"

This simple phrase gives you the legal right to assign the contract

Assignment Clause

Include: "Buyer may assign this contract to a third party without consent of seller"

Some contracts prohibit assignment—always check!

Inspection Period

Include a 10-14 day inspection contingency

This gives you time to find a buyer and verify property condition

Typical Assignment Fees

$5K

Entry-Level

Low-price landlord deals

$10K

Our Target

Average deal

$15-25K

Good Deal

Higher-end flips

$30K+

Home Run

Premium properties

When NOT to Use Assignment

Large Fee Deals: If your fee is $30K+, use a double close instead—sellers and buyers may object to large visible fees

Bank-Owned (REO): Most REO contracts prohibit assignment

Financed Buyers: Lenders won't finance an assignment—buyer must pay cash

Sensitive Sellers: If seller seems uncomfortable with investor language

Pro Tips

  • Collect a non-refundable earnest money deposit from your buyer ($2,000-5,000) to ensure they're serious

  • Use the same title company for both contracts—they'll coordinate everything

  • Your assignment fee is visible on the HUD—buyer and seller can see it

  • Always have a backup buyer in case your primary falls through

Key Takeaway

Assignment is the simplest exit strategy—you never actually buy the property. Always include "and/or assigns" in your contract, collect earnest money from your buyer, and use a double close instead when your fee exceeds $25K or when working with REOs.