Should I sell my home or rent it out?
Run your real numbers in 30 seconds: what you walk away with today versus renting it out and selling later. Built for Southwest Florida owners.
Assumes about 7% selling costs, and 20% of rent set aside for management (10%), vacancy (5%) and maintenance (5%). A rough guide, not financial or tax advice.
After about 7% in selling costs and paying off your loan.
I will pull actual rent comps and what your home would sell for today, then send you the honest answer.
Sell or rent questions, answered
Is it better to sell or rent out my house in Southwest Florida?
It depends on your equity, your mortgage rate, what the home will rent for, and how long you would hold it. A low locked-in rate often makes renting more attractive, while high HOA fees, insurance, and taxes can wipe out cash flow. Run your numbers above, then ask for real rent and sale comps.
How much will my Estero home rent for?
Rent depends on the community, size, condition, and any rental restrictions in your HOA. Some Estero communities limit leases to a minimum term or a set number per year. John can pull recent rental comps for your exact community.
Will I owe capital gains tax if I rent my home first?
Possibly. The primary residence exclusion generally requires that you owned and lived in the home for 2 of the last 5 years before selling, so renting it out too long can affect it. Depreciation taken while renting can also be taxed. Talk to your CPA before deciding.
What costs do landlords forget?
Vacancy, repairs, property management, landlord insurance, HOA approval fees, and larger items like roofs and AC systems. The calculator sets aside 20% of rent for these, which is a reasonable starting point.
Things to weigh before you decide
Selling gives you cash now and no landlord duties. Renting can build long-term wealth if the rent covers your costs, but you take on vacancies, repairs, insurance and management. Your mortgage rate matters too: a low rate can make keeping the home very attractive.
See both sides with real numbers, then talk it through with John.
Not sure which way to go?
A 15-minute call with real comps will make the answer obvious.