Military Relocation - How to Decide if You Should Rent or Sell Your Summerville Home - article banner

Receiving PCS orders is pretty routine. But even the most dedicated military families can dread the upheaval of moving – again.

When you’re transitioning out of Summerville and heading to a new city, you will be left with the decision of what to do with the home you purchased here. For some people, it will be an easy decision. For others, it will be necessary to weigh the challenges and rewards of selling or holding onto the property.

If you don’t sell the home, you don’t want to leave it empty. A better idea is to rent it out. As you’re deciding what to do, consider these important factors.

What Do Your Finances Look Like?

For many homeowners, selling is necessary in order to access the equity and cash that’s in the property. If you’re planning to buy a new home in your new city and you need money for a down payment, you’ll probably want to sell.

Consider your short term financial needs as well as your long term financial goals. While selling now will likely give you some money in your pocket for your next adventure, do you think you can earn more in a few years? The market is always moving, and if you can get the sales price you want right now – great. If you’re worried it will take some time to sell or you won’t be able to earn what you’re hoping to on the sale, hold onto the home. You can rent it out and earn some short term rental income while you wait to sell it. In a few years, you’ll have more equity built up and the asset will likely have appreciated.

Will You Come Back to Summerville?

If you really liked the Carolinas and you’re planning to return to the area eventually, keep the home and rent it out. You’ll have tenants who help you pay down the mortgage, and if you decide to return in a few years or even for retirement – you’ll have a property waiting for you.

Summerville Rental Property: Advantages and Challenges

Selling your property is pretty simple. You and your agent will agree on a price, negotiate the terms, and then you’ll move on.

Renting out the property will come with several advantages:

    • You continue to hold a real estate asset that will grow in value.
    • Your tenants’ rental payments contribute to your mortgage, rental property maintenance, taxes, and insurance.
    • Tax benefits exist for rental properties while selling may require you to pay capital gains

There are also some challenges. You’ll be out of town, so you’ll have to find someone to manage the property. You also have to realize that tenants and the rental market can be unpredictable.

Working with Summerville Property Managers

If you do decide to hold onto the home and rent it out, make sure you work with a qualified and experienced team of Summerville property managers. You’ll want a management company that specializes in out-of-state owners. It’s important that you’ll find peace of mind while you own rental property from afar. Look for a company that understands the local rental market, the fair housing laws, the leasing process, and how to maintain your investment.

Property managerWe work with military owners all the time, and we’d be happy to help you work through whether you should sell your home or rent it out to tenants – with our help. Contact us at ROG Coastal Property Management.