Figuring out what to do with your house when you’re ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?

It’s a question many homeowners face, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re curious about the potential income from renting or worried about the responsibilities of being a landlord, there’s a lot to consider.

Let’s walk through some key questions to ask to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?
Even if you’re interested in becoming a landlord, your current house might not be ideal for renting. Consider these factors:

Location: Is your house in a neighborhood that attracts renters? If the area is primarily owner-occupied or not in high demand for rentals, finding tenants might be challenging.
Distance: Are you moving far away? Managing a rental property from a distance can be difficult and costly. You might need to hire a property management company, which will cut into your rental income.
Condition: Does your house need significant repairs? If so, you’ll need to invest time and money to make it tenant-ready. Maintenance issues can also be more troublesome in rental properties.
If any of this sounds like it might apply, selling might be your best option.

Are You Ready for the Realities of Being a Landlord?
Managing a rental property isn’t just about collecting rent checks. It’s a time-consuming and sometimes challenging job.

For example, you may get calls from tenants at all hours of the day with maintenance requests. Or you may find a tenant causes damage you have to repair before the next lease starts. You may even have to deal with people falling behind on payments or breaking their lease early. Investopedia highlights:

“It isn’t difficult to find horror stories of landlords troubled with more headaches than profits. Before deciding to rent, consider talking to other landlords and doing a detailed cost analysis. You might find that selling your home is a better financial decision and less stressful.”

Do You Have a Good Understanding of What It’ll Cost?
If you’re thinking about renting out your home primarily to generate extra income, remember that there are additional costs you’ll want to plan for. As an article from Bankrate explains:

Mortgage and Property Taxes: You still need to pay these expenses, even if the rent doesn’t cover all of it.
Insurance: Landlord insurance costs about 25% more than regular home insurance, and it’s necessary to cover damages and injuries.
Maintenance and Repairs: Plan to spend at least 1% of the home’s value annually, more if the home is older.
Finding a Tenant: This involves advertising costs and potentially paying for background checks.
Vacancies: If the property sits empty between tenants, you’ll lose rental income.
Management and HOA Fees: A property manager can ease the burden, but typically charges about 10% of the rent. HOA fees are an additional cost too, if applicable.

Bottom Line
To sum it all up, selling or renting out your home is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances. Whatever you decide, taking the time to evaluate your options will help you make the best choice for your future.

Make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consult with professionals so you feel supported and informed as you make your decision. A real estate agent can be a great person to go to for advice.

If you’re leaning towards renting, talk to other landlords and do a detailed cost analysis. You might find that selling your home is a better financial decision and less stressful. Conversely, if your house is a good fit for renting and you’re ready for the responsibilities, becoming a landlord can be a rewarding way to build long-term wealth.

Ultimately, the choice to sell or rent out your home should align with your financial goals, lifestyle preferences, and readiness to take on the responsibilities of property management. Make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision that will benefit you in the long run.