Selling vs. Renting Out Your House: Which Is Right for You?

Dusty Rhodes • February 3, 2025

Leaving your current house and moving to another one gives you a few options. While most homeowners choose to sell outright, many opt to keep their old home and rent it out instead. This decision can be influenced by several factors: a strong rental market in your area, the advantage of a low current mortgage rate, or challenges in selling the house at the desired price. If you’re wondering whether to sell your house or rent it out, there are a few things to consider.


Key Takeaways

  • The answer depends on your circumstances, your housing situation, and your current finances.
  • Selling your house may be the right option if you need the proceeds to purchase your next home or could make a profit.
  • Renting out your house may be the right choice if you’re planning to live in your home again, have a low mortgage rate, or are looking for more income.


What are the rental prices in the area?


Does it make sense to rent your house? In some locations, rental prices can easily cover your mortgage payments. Depending on how much you have left on your mortgage or if you have a low mortgage rate, the rental income from your old house may cover the monthly payments, plus homeowners insurance and property taxes you pay. However, if you’ve recently purchased your house and are looking to rent it out, your mortgage payments may be too high for a lease to cover them.


Take a look at houses that compare to yours with regard to size and location. This should give you a ballpark figure on what price your house can lease for. If you aren’t on a tight timeline to leave your current home, take notice of how quickly similar houses in the area take to lease. If rental properties stay empty for more than a few weeks, you may have trouble finding consistent tenants.


A real estate agent can help match you with a tenant or give you an idea of your rental prospects. They can also give you insight into whether your location is desirable for tenants. For instance, if it’s near a university or larger employer, you may be able to rent to students or to employees who relocate for that large employer. However, if the house is far from the city center, or you’re located in a residential neighborhood, you may have trouble finding tenants.


Do you need equity from your current home?


Why are you leaving your old house? Are you purchasing a new home? If you’re planning to upgrade to a larger home, you may need the money from the sale of your old one to place a down payment on your new house. If you have enough equity in your current home, it may make more sense to sell the house instead of renting it.


If you’re able to afford the down payment on your new home without selling your current one, usually about 20%, then renting out your old one makes sense. 


What is the market like in your area?


The housing market isn’t consistent across the country, and even different parts of larger metro areas may be more or less robust. If the current market is slow and you think you can sell your home for a higher price in a few years, then it may make sense to rent the house until housing prices rise again. However, if it’s a sellers’ market and you can get the maximum selling price for your home, then selling it may be the better option. Keep in mind that houses that have been rental properties, often have a harder time selling afterward. You may have more wear and tear in the home if multiple tenants have lived there, which may mean spending more to prepare it to show and sell.


An experienced real estate agent in your area can help you determine the top vales of your home and whether or not the current market can support that selling price. Agents who have been in the area long enough to become familiar with the housing market are in a good position to help you determine the best time to sell.


Will you live in the house again?


Consider whether you plan to live in the house or the area again. You may be in a situation that requires temporary relocation, and you plan to return to the original home in a few years. Having a good tenant to live in the house can ensure that your home stays in good condition instead of sitting empty. You’ll also have income from the rental property and building equity in the old home and your new one.


Do you have the time and money to be a landlord?


For those who are new to investing in rental properties, it may seem easy to rent out their current home and enjoy passive income while paying down their mortgage. However, if this is your first time being a landlord, you may find leasing your property yourself challenging. First, landlords are responsible for making major repairs to the house. Landlords have to fix things like broken pipes, defunct HVAC systems, and structural damage, among other essential repairs. If you don’t have a few thousand dollars on hand to take care of these repairs, you could end up in a bind.


There are specific laws in place to protect tenants, including the landlord’s reliability to make major repairs on the house. In addition, there are certain things that you can and can’t do as a landlord. Being aware of Fair Housing Laws is critical to make sure that you don’t inadvertently violate them.


Do you need a property manager?


A property management company can help vet tenants, collect rents, and arrange for repairs and maintenance on your behalf. A good property management company is also up-to-date on current requirements in your state for landlord obligations. If you’re planning to just lease your house, you may choose to manage the repairs and tenant search yourself, especially if you live nearby. However, if you’re planning to build a portfolio of rental properties, then having one company manage them may be a better option.


Property managers can help ensure that your house or houses stay full, including working with local agents, having open houses for prospective tenants, and quickly running background and credit checks for those applying for a lease. As a passive landlord in this situation, you’re able to free yourself of the obligation for emergency repairs and the time searching for people to live in your rental property.


Consider rent-to-own


Another option when you’re considering whether to sell or rent your house is to engage in a rent-to-own agreement. In these situations, the tenant will place a down payment on the house and make lease payments to you for a specified period. After the lease is up, then the tenant has the option to purchase the home. During the time they’re making lease payments, a portion of those payments will go toward the final price of the house.


This option may work for you if the housing market in your area is stagnant, allowing you to cover the mortgage without entering into a long-term obligation to a rental property. These rent-to-own options can be beneficial for tenants, too, as their financial situation may improve enough over time that they’re able to obtain a mortgage.


What makes a house a good rental property investment?


Does your house have the potential to be a good income property? There are a few things to consider before listing your house for rent. You may have to make some minor repairs and upgrades to your property to attract good tenants who will take care of the house and pay on time. Fresh paint and carpet are usually a must and are required in some areas.


The location of your investment property is one of the most important things in determining whether you’ll have steady tenants or be responsible for covering the mortgage out of pocket if the house sits empty. The home’s location can easily make the difference between having a steady tenancy and losing money on the rental property.


Final thoughts on renting or selling your home


Deciding whether to sell your house or rent depends on carefully analyzing the area and the property’s desirability. Will the area be in high demand for renters, or is it likely that you’ll struggle to find tenants? You’ll also need to take a look at your finances and determine if selling or renting will give you the best return on your investment. Choosing the right real estate agent to advise you in this process can help you answer your question of whether to sell or rent your house.



Source: Redfin



Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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This, in turn, also maintains the value of your home!” Francis, owner of 321Maids.com , a cleaning service in Melbourne, FL, seconds this use of a professional cleaning service. “A professional cleaning service doesn’t just improve cleanliness — it helps protect your investment,” says Francis. “Regular deep cleans can extend the life of your furnishings, flooring, and fixtures, keeping your home in top condition and preventing costly repairs down the line.” 9) You’re moving and don’t want to deal with one more thing For those leaving their home for the next chapter in their lives, doing a deep clean is the last you want to do after packing the car. “ After moving out, a deep cleaning service helps restore the space to pristine condition, perfect for meeting landlord expectations or preparing for the next occupant,” shares Memo Ceballos, owner of Magic House Clean , a cleaning service in the Bay Area. “Professionals handle every detail, from baseboards to appliances so that you can focus on your next chapter stress-free.” 10) You’ve got your hands full with the kids When the kids are a handful, it gives you a great reason to hire a cleaning service. “For families with young kids, the mess can feel never-ending, and many parents tell us they’ve felt like they’re constantly falling behind,” says Theo from Bothell Cleaning , a cleaning service in Bothell, WA. Theo adds, “Toys scattered across the floor, sticky countertops, and laundry piling up can quickly turn into a source of daily stress. But once a regular cleaning schedule is in place, the entire dynamic shifts. The home feels calmer, routines run smoother, and parents feel more in control. It’s not just about cleanliness, it’s about creating a more peaceful environment for everyone.” 11) You’re preparing to stage your home for sale A clean home will help attract prospective buyers. “Hiring a cleaning service ensures your property is always show-ready, helping to attract buyers and tenants faster. Let us handle the details so you can focus on closing deals,” says Trisha Coffin of Sparkle and Shine , a cleaning service in Lincoln, NE. 12) Allergens are making you sneeze and sneeze If the dust mites are starting to get to you, but you don’t have time to do it yourself, that’s a good reason to hire a cleaning service. “Work, family, and life’s many demands can crowd out the time — and energy — needed to give your home the deep, healthy clean it deserves,” says Felix DuBose, owner of Pine & Soda , a commercial cleaning company in Seattle, WA. Felix adds, “A professional cleaning service removes hidden allergens and grime with commercial‑grade tools and eco‑friendly products, protecting both your investment and your well‑being while freeing up precious hours for what matters most.” 13) Something smells funky and you don’t know what it is or where it’s coming from Mystery smells are always no fun. If you’re tired of getting on your hands and knees, call a professional. “Hiring a cleaning company means saying farewell to those mystery smells you’ve been ignoring for way too long,” says Jennifer, owner and managing partner at Exceptional Home Clean . She adds, “Professional cleaners use top-quality products and techniques to eliminate odors at the source — not just mask them — giving your space a fresh, truly clean feel. Instead of spending hours scrubbing and guessing which product works best, let the experts handle it so you can breathe easy.” 14) Routine cleaning isn’t hacking it anymore Even the cleanest rooms need a deep cleaning every once in a while. “When grime creeps into grout lines, baseboards, and ceiling fan blades, quick wipe-downs no longer cut it and busy schedules push deep cleaning to the bottom of the to-do list,” shares Grayson Hogard of Futura Cleaning , a cleaning service for folks in Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado. “A professional cleaning team arrives with the right equipment and a detailed checklist that reaches every corner, erasing stains, dust, and hidden allergens while protecting delicate finishes. The result is a healthier, brighter home, and evenings you can spend relaxing rather than scrubbing.” 15) You’re facing a cleaning problem that only professionals can tackle For anything potentially dangerous, it’s always a good call to bring in a professional. “When facing situations that go beyond everyday cleaning — like biohazards, rodent droppings, hoarding, or trauma scenes — Bio-One of Oceanside offers the expertise and care needed to restore your space safely,” says Doug, General Manager of Bio-One , a cleaning company in Oceanside, CA. 16) Stress is taking over A dirty space can cause additional stress, and if you’re already nearing your limit, call in a professional. “Life gets hectic and between work, friends, family, and everything else on your plate, that professional clean you know you should get is always moved down on the to-do list,” says Mopstar Cleaners , a home cleaning service in Phoenix, AZ. “A top-to-bottom, deep clean by Mopstar Cleaners doesn’t just transform how your home feels but also how you feel in it, all without the stress and exhaustion of doing it yourself.” For Dana Chequis of Ace of Maids Cleaning , a cleaning service in Salmon Arm, BC, coming home to a clean house is a gift. “Stress-free cleaning and coming home to a clean and fresh-smelling home is worth every penny. So much easier to have someone else do the work while I’m at work,” says Dana. To sum it up, hiring a cleaning service is like hitting an easy button for your life. “Your baseboards sparkle, your fridge no longer looks like a science experiment, and your weekends are yours again,” says Blake Hickman of SA Cleaning Service , a cleaning service in San Antonio, TX. “In today’s busy world, trading hours of scrubbing for a professionally cleaned home is not just convenient, it’s a smart investment in your most valuable resource: time.” 17) You need some time back If you’re running out of hours in the day, hiring a cleaning service can get you back the time you need. “Hiring a cleaning service isn’t just about having a tidy home — it’s about gaining back time, mental clarity, and a sense of control,” says Peter of Seattle Cleaning . “When life gets busy or your space starts to feel more chaotic than cozy, bringing in pros can make all the difference.” In today’s busy world, it’s hard to find the time to focus on cleaning. “Nowadays, most families require 2 parents to work to make ends meet. If they have children, their schedules are even more demanding, with school, activities, homework, and sporting events,” says Regine Farr of Cleanest By Farr , a cleaning service in Lincoln, Nebraska. “The last thing most families have on their priority list is to take the time to thoroughly clean and disinfect their homes. Even when selling their homes, people just do not have the time to get it cleaned up enough to get it on the market. In my years of cleaning, I cannot count how many times I have been told, ‘I don’t know what I would do without you and your cleaning service’” Brooke Lutes of Affordable Cleaning Services , a cleaning service for Northern Virginia, agrees that life can get in the way. “Life gets busy, and before you know it, the dust settles, the windows lose their shine, and the bathrooms get dirty. At Affordable Cleaning Services, we make it easy for you to reset—with a consistent team you choose, customized care, and that fresh, polished feeling your home deserves,” says Brooke. 18) You need some time with family For those with the funds, hiring a cleaning service can give you some much-needed time with your family. “Life gets busy, and cleaning often takes away precious moments you could spend relaxing, enjoying your family, or pursuing personal interests,” says April Prothero, founder of Going GreenHouse , a home cleaning service in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale, AZ. “Professional house cleaners have specialized tools and experience to tackle dirt and grime efficiently. Hiring experts means your home looks good and feels cleaner without the stress and hassle of doing it yourself.” The team at Select Home Cleaning , a home cleaning service in Florida seconds this use of a cleaning service. “In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a clean and healthy living space can easily fall by the wayside,” says Select Home Cleaning. “Hiring a cleaning service not only restores your home’s sparkle but also provides you with invaluable time to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s family, career, or personal well-being. A professional cleaning service ensures a consistently clean environment, contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable home.” In conclusion, sometimes you need a little help From hard-to-reach roof grime and overflowing gutters to delicate rugs and persistent allergens, keeping a home clean isn’t always a simple task, and it often requires more than just a quick vacuum or dusting. “Hiring a professional cleaning service makes keeping a spotless home effortless and stress-free,” says Wendy Montenegro and the team at Clean Splendid LLC , a cleaning service in Snohomish and King County, “Whether you want to renovate your space, tackle tough stains or prepare for a big move, cleaning experts offer customized solutions to suit your needs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a clean and inviting home while saving time and energy.”  Whether you’re staging your home for sale, juggling a busy family life, or simply craving a fresh start, bringing in the experts can be the smartest investment you make for your space — and your peace of mind. After all, your home works hard for you — it’s time to return the favor.