Before You Rent Your Home: 3 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask
*THIS IS AN OPINION ARTICLE, THAT SPECULATES ON FUTURE MARKETS. USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY OPINIONS CONTAINED ON THIS ARTICLE ARE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Published September 18, 2025
Written by Marty Rodriguez
If your home hasn’t attracted the right buyer, you might be wondering: “Should I rent it out instead?”
3 key questions to help guide your decision:
1. Does Your Property Have Strong Rental Potential?
✔ Is there steady rental demand in your neighborhood?
✔ What are similar homes renting for compared to what they’re selling for?
✔ Will your home require upgrades or repairs to make it “tenant ready”?
If demand is low or upgrades are costly, renting may create more stress than income.
2. Are You Ready for the Realities of Landlord Life?
The dream: steady monthly income.
The reality: 2 a.m. repair calls, late rent payments, and ongoing maintenance.
Ask yourself:
Do you live close enough to handle issues personally?
Will you need a property manager (typically 8-10% of monthly rent)?
Are you prepared for the legal side: leases, security deposits, tenant rights?
If the thought of being a landlord feels overwhelming, renting might not be the right fit.
3. Have You Accounted for the Hidden Costs?
Renting comes with expenses many homeowners overlook:
Insurance premiums - landlord policies often cost 20-25% more
Vacancies & turnover - lost rent, cleaning, advertising
Repairs & maintenance - both routine and emergency
Property management - if you hire someone to handle tenants
When you run the numbers, the “profit” may be slimmer than expected.
Bottom Line
Renting out your home can be a smart short-term solution but only if the rental market is strong, you’re ready for the responsibilities, and the numbers work in your favor. Otherwise, revisiting your selling strategy could put you further ahead financially.
Next Steps
1️⃣ Talk to us - we’ll help you compare selling vs. renting in today’s market.
2️⃣ Run the numbers - calculate true net rental income vs. potential sales proceeds.
3️⃣ Assess your readiness - time, finances, and emotional energy matter.
Have questions about referrals or interested in a free home evaluation?
Visit our page or call us at (626) 727-9481.
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