Should I Sell or Rent My House?

Moving, downsizing, or inheriting a home? This guide compares the pros and cons of renting out your property versus selling it, and shows how Brokerless supports either route with MLS exposure.

✅ Why Consider Renting Your Home

  • Cash flow potential: monthly rent can offset mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
  • Appreciation: keep ownership and capture future price growth.
  • Tax benefits: deduct eligible expenses; depreciation may reduce taxable rental income (consult your tax pro).
  • Flexibility: good if your move is temporary or you may return.

Planning to rent it out? See List Rental on MLS and compare sites in Best Rental Websites.

🏠 Why Consider Selling Your Home

  • Immediate liquidity: unlock equity for your next purchase or investment.
  • Lower risk & hassle: avoid vacancies, repairs, and landlord responsibilities.
  • Market timing: take advantage of current demand in your area.
  • Simpler taxes: may qualify for primary residence exclusion; avoid depreciation recapture later (ask your CPA).

Selling FSBO with MLS exposure? Review Flat Fee MLS Pricing and How Brokerless Works.

📊 How to Compare the Numbers

  • Rent estimate – (mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA + repairs + management) = projected cash flow.
  • Vacancy & CapEx: budget for months vacant and big-ticket items (roof, HVAC, appliances).
  • Sale net proceeds: estimate sale price minus payoffs and closing costs.
  • Tax lens: primary residence exclusion vs rental depreciation/recapture (get professional tax advice).
  • Time horizon: plan for 1, 3, and 5 years — rent first, sell later is a valid path.

🏆 How Brokerless Helps — Rent or Sell

  • For rentals: MLS listing syndicates to major rental portals; inquiries route to you. See List Rental on MLS.
  • For sales: get full MLS exposure without a 6% listing fee. Start with plans and how it works.
  • Lead flow: agents contact you directly from MLS; public buyers on portals call the office number that routes to you.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Underestimating repairs & vacancy when modeling rental cash flow.
  • Renting below market due to fear of turnover — use comps and set alerts.
  • Remark violations: putting financing or inducements in public remarks. See MLS Public Remarks Rules.
  • Buyer-agent comp confusion: review post-NAR settlement guidance.
Whichever path you choose, get MLS exposure and keep more equity. 🚀
📋 View Flat Fee MLS Plans

❓ Rent vs Sell FAQs

How do I decide to rent or sell?

Compare projected rental cash flow (after expenses) with sale net proceeds and your time horizon. Consider risk, hassle, and tax impacts.

Can I rent now and sell later?

Yes. Many owners rent for a few years, then sell. Plan for depreciation recapture and market timing—consult a tax professional.

How will buyers or renters contact me?

Agents contact you directly via MLS. Public inquiries from portals route through the listing office number to you. See details.