Calculate rent vs sell for real estate investments and properties
Compare selling vs renting by entering home value, potential rent, expenses, appreciation, and investment returns. See cumulative difference over time.
Sell $500K home now and invest, or rent for $2,800/month with $1,400 expenses. Over 10 years with 4% appreciation, renting wins by $127,000.
Sell if you need capital, don't want landlord duties, or market is at peak. Rent if cash flow positive, appreciation expected, or low mortgage rate.
Rental costs: management (8-10%), maintenance (1-2% of value), vacancy, capex. Selling costs: 6% commission, closing costs, capital gains tax.
Renting preserves optionality. You can return or sell later. But primary residence capital gains exclusion ($250k/$500k) requires 2 of last 5 years occupancy.