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Rent vs Sell Calculator

Should you rent out your property or sell it? Compare long-term financial outcomes with detailed tax analysis

Try the Rent vs Sell Calculator

Experience this interactive tool with a clean, distraction-free interface.

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About This Tool

The Rent vs Sell Calculator helps property owners make one of the most important real estate decisions: whether to keep a property as a rental or sell it now. This comprehensive tool analyzes cash flow, tax implications, and long-term wealth building potential.

How It Works

  1. Enter Property Details: Current value, mortgage balance, and original purchase information
  2. Estimate Rental Income: Monthly rent, vacancy rate, and management costs
  3. Review Expenses: Property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees
  4. Analyze Results: Compare projected net worth under both scenarios with detailed breakdowns

Key Features

  • Cash Flow Analysis: Monthly and annual rental income projections
  • Tax Optimization: Depreciation benefits and capital gains calculations
  • Risk Assessment: Considers vacancy, maintenance, and market volatility
  • Visual Comparison: Interactive charts showing wealth accumulation over time

Important Considerations

This calculator makes several assumptions you can adjust:

  • Property appreciation and rent growth rates
  • Investment returns if you sell
  • Tax rates and depreciation recapture
  • Property management and maintenance costs

Tax Benefits of Rental Properties

When you rent out a property, you can deduct:

  • Mortgage interest
  • Property taxes and insurance
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Property management fees
  • Depreciation (typically over 27.5 years)

These deductions can significantly improve your after-tax returns compared to selling and investing the proceeds.