Q: How do I know if it’s better to sell or rent my home?
A: It depends on your goals, finances, and how involved you want to be. If you want a clean break, need your equity for your next purchase, or don’t want the responsibilities of being a landlord, selling often makes sense. If you’re open to long-term investment and rental management, holding the property could pay off over time.

Q: What’s the first thing I should look at when deciding?
A: Start with your equity and local market trends. If home prices in your area have plateaued or started to cool, selling while values are high can lock in profits. But if rental demand is strong and rents are rising, it might be worth keeping as a cash-flow property.

Q: How can I figure out if renting would be profitable?
A: Compare your expected monthly rent to your total costs — mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and possible vacancy periods. If the rent comfortably covers these (plus a little cushion), renting could be a solid financial move. If you’d be losing money each month, it’s probably not worth the stress.

Q: What are the tax implications of selling vs. renting?
A: If the home is your primary residence, you may qualify for a capital gains exclusion when you sell (up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for married couples). If you rent it out, your taxes shift — you’ll report rental income, deduct expenses, and potentially face capital gains when you sell later. Always check with a tax professional before making your decision.

Q: How much time and effort does it take to rent out a home?
A: Being a landlord can be a part-time job. You’ll handle maintenance, tenant screening, lease renewals, and unexpected repairs. You can hire a property manager to take care of most of it (for about 8–10% of the monthly rent), but you’ll still be the decision-maker.

Q: What if I plan to move back in later?
A: Renting can be a good short-term option if you’re not ready to sell or might return. Just keep in mind that tenants have lease rights, so you’ll need to plan your timeline around their occupancy.

Q: Can renting affect my ability to buy another home?
A: Yes, possibly. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, and rental income isn’t always fully counted if you don’t have a track record as a landlord. Selling your home first can make qualifying for your next mortgage easier.

Q: What’s the biggest financial risk of keeping my home as a rental?
A: Market shifts and unexpected expenses. Vacancies, repairs, or rising insurance costs can eat into profits. It’s smart to set aside an emergency fund for the property — ideally three to six months of mortgage payments.

Q: What’s the biggest regret sellers have?
A: Many wish they had held onto their home a little longer, especially if values or rents went up later. But others regret keeping a rental that became more stress than it was worth. It really depends on your financial comfort level and how hands-on you want to be.

Q: How can I make the best decision for my situation?
A: Run the numbers both ways — potential sale proceeds versus long-term rental income — and weigh them against your goals. If you’d like, I can help you estimate your home’s current market value and potential rent range so you can see the full picture before deciding.