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Updated over 7 years ago,
My primary residence - rent or sell?
I just closed on a rental property and once I get the renter in place, I've got to make a decision on what to do with the house I'm currently living in. I have been planning on keeping it as a rental, but now I'm not so sure. Help me decide which would be smarter.
I bought the house almost 5 years ago for $180k. According to comps, prices have gone up and with about $5k in updates I should be able to get $195k. I currently owe $155k, so after everything I can think of, I should net around $25k if I list with a Realtor.
My payment is $1118 and the house would rent for $1600/mo. After I account for maintenance, capex, vacancy, and management (even though I'll be managing it for the near future) I would only cashflow $53/mo.
When I ran those numbers, holding onto it as a rental didn't seem to be such a good idea.
Whether I sell this house or rent it, I'm going to buy my next one through the eyes of a real estate investor. I'll be looking for a good deal that I can force some equity into. I'm buying as an owner occupant, but will move in 1-2 years and keep the property as a rental.
So... what's the smarter play here? I'm leaning more toward selling.