The practice involves securing a property under contract with the intent to assign that contract to another buyer, typically a real estate investor, for a fee. The individual orchestrating this transaction never actually purchases the property. The profit is generated through the assignment fee, which represents the difference between the original contract price and the price the end buyer is willing to pay.
This method offers a pathway into real estate investment without the need for significant capital, credit, or long-term commitment. Its accessibility has contributed to its growing popularity as an entry point into the market and allows participants to benefit from market fluctuations and identify undervalued properties.