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Deciding: Sell or Rent? Pros and Cons Guide

Jay Primrose Properties • August 11, 2023

Renting out a house can be an option when you've got to move, but you aren't quite sure if it's time to sell. Sure, many homeowners who need to move decide to sell their current home so they can have plenty of cash to buy their next digs. Owning rental property, after all, brings in predictable, long-term income. But make no mistake, backing into a landlord role comes with some hefty responsibilities—and no small amount of headaches.(1)


In this article, we buy houses Tacoma examines some benefits and drawbacks of renting or selling a property so that you can make a well-informed decision based on their specific circumstances.

Pros of selling your property

Deciding to sell your home comes with several benefits, including:

Immediate Value Gain

Any profit made on the sale of a home is available to the owner as soon as the property is sold. This one-time payment has numerous potential uses, including funding new endeavors, clearing existing debts, and saving for a home's down payment. If you need a sizable chunk of money quickly, selling may be your best bet.

Reduced Stress from Budgeting

When the property is sold, the proceeds are quantifiable. If a homeowner no longer owns their home, they no longer have to worry about making mortgage payments, paying property taxes, buying homeowners insurance, or keeping up with repairs. Knowing your financial situation in detail might help alleviate stress.

Eliminates Landlord Duties 

When a property is sold, the landlord is relieved of all duties related to the building and its tenants. For individuals who don't want to be landlords, this might be a welcome break from the responsibilities and hassles associated with the role.

Primary Residence Tax Exemptions

Tax breaks may be available to homeowners on the sale of their principal residences. If a home has been used as a principal residence for a certain number of years, the owner may be able to deduct some or all of the gain from their taxable capital gains.

Prevents Market Volatility 

The value of a home or investment property can fluctuate wildly with the ups and downs of the real estate market. Homeowners can protect themselves from market fluctuations and other unknowns by liquidating their property.

Cons Of Selling Your Home

Selling your property comes with several benefits; however, you may also experience some disadvantages:

Possible Decline in Value

The loss of potential appreciation is a major concern when considering a sale. If the property's value is likely to increase, selling it now could mean future gains. Therefore, you need to consult with real estate experts like we buy houses Tacoma WA to help research the market trends. This will help you know when it's best to sell your property. New Paragraph

Emotional Attachment 

Selling their home might be difficult when a homeowner has deep sentimental attachments to their home or community. Some people may find it difficult to let leave of a special spot.

Possible Fiscal Consequences

There could be large capital gains tax implications when selling a property, based on the tax regulations in your nation and the home's financial history. If you want to keep your tax bill as low as possible, you must carefully prepare and talk to a tax expert.

Insufficient Passive Income

Homeowners who sell their properties give up the chance to collect rent indefinitely. This reduction in consistent rental revenue may not be consistent with their long-term financial goals.

Why You Should Consider Renting Your Home

Renting your home serves you the following benefits:

Potential Asset Appreciation

Owners who put their homes on the rental market stand to gain from any future increases in value. Homeowners can amass money through rental properties as their equity increases with rising property values.

Consistent Rent Collections

Homeowners can count on a regular rental revenue stream from their property if they rent it out. This money can secure one's financial future by meeting essential housing expenses, including mortgages, taxes, and upkeep. 

Spreading Your Investment Risk

One-way homeowners can diversify their portfolios is by renting out a property. They can diversify their holdings and reduce their overall risk by not putting all their eggs in one real estate basket.

Financing with Rental Property

When asking for a loan or other form of finance, having rental property might help strengthen your application. The homeowner's ability to borrow money may be enhanced by including the rental income in the calculation of their debt-to-income ratio.

Deductions and Tax Advantages

Owners of rental properties may be able to claim several tax breaks, including those related to mortgage interest, depreciation, property taxes, and maintenance costs. These write-offs can considerably impact a landlord's taxable rental income.

What are the disadvantages of renting?

Landlord Responsibilities/Obligations 

Being a landlord is a serious commitment, especially if you rent your home. The package includes finding tenants, resolving tenant complaints, fulfilling maintenance requests, and maintaining legal compliance. Being a landlord is a responsibility that calls for dedication and hard work.

Costly Maintenance

It's possible that tenants won't take as good care of the property as the owner, resulting in costly maintenance issues. Homeowners must, therefore, set aside monthly money for routine upkeep and emergency repairs to keep their property in good shape. 

Potential Legal and Liability Issues

There are responsibilities and potential risks associated with owning a property. Landlords are responsible for upholding the law, the terms of the lease, and the rights of their tenants. If you don't follow the rules, you could be in court or fined.New Paragraph

Conclusion

It's important to weigh the benefits of selling against those of renting before making a final decision. Although selling can generate a quick profit and streamline your financial strategy, it also comes with the risk of losing out on future appreciation and incurring additional transaction expenses. While becoming a landlord can bring in stable rental income, increase the value of your assets, and diversify your portfolio, it also comes with the danger of vacancies and legal obligations.


Ultimately, your situation, monetary objectives, and risk tolerance will determine whether you sell or rent. Before deciding, consider your immediate and long-term goals, financial requirements, and emotional ties to the home. Talking to financial counselors and real estate agents like cash home buyers in Tacoma for market insights can be quite instructive. 

Give us a call anytime at 253-697-0007 or fill out this quick form to get started today!

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About the author

Justin Baker

Justin Baker is the founder of Jay Primrose Properties, a leading cash home buying company based in Tacoma, WA. With a passion for real estate investing, Justin has helped numerous homeowners in the Pacific Northwest region sell their homes quickly and hassle-free. Justin believes that buying and selling real estate should be a seamless process and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients have a stress-free experience. With a deep understanding of the local real estate market and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Justin has established himself as a trusted and reliable cash home buyer in Tacoma and the surrounding areas.

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