Real Estate News and Market Moves Week 100

Should I Rent or Sell? Here’s How I Decide — and What You Should Ask, Too

Back in 2004, when I bought my first investment property, there was no GPS for real estate investing. Every decision — whether to flip, hold, rent, or sell — was based on gut instinct, intuition and late-night number crunching.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize, successful investors don’t just ask what the market is doing — they ask what makes sense for their asset, all the time, every time.

In this volatile market this assessment activity is more important than ever.

If you’re starting down the “Rent or Sell” question, you’re not alone — and you’re asking the right question.

Whether you own a single investment property or a portfolio of thousands of assets before you make the call, you need to understand your numbers, your market, and your investment horizon.

Get Real About Your Return Metrics

Too many investors only look at cash flow or equity, but you also need to consider:

Cap rate

Internal rate of return (IRR)

Depreciation & tax benefits

Projected appreciation and hold costs

Projected Deterioration of major mechanical systems

Possible operating expense increases, primarily taxes and insurance

This is the foundation of a sound real estate investing strategy — not just owning property, but owning with purpose, intention and a planned but flexible exit.

Market Conditions Will Tip the Scale

Local dynamics are everything. In some markets we operate in — like Dallas — renting your home may be the best option in short term oversupply. In other markets, like Augusta or Kansas City, diminished inventory and buyer activity may make a sale more strategic.

You want to know what’s happening on the ground — vacancy rates, rental demand, days on market, and price per square foot trends.

Understanding current real estate market trends is key to positioning your asset for either a profitable sale or optimized cash flow via a rental.

Know Your Personal Investment Goals

Are you playing a short game or building long-term wealth?
Do you need liquidity or are you focused on passive income?

The asset might be solid — but if it doesn’t fit your life, portfolio, or risk tolerance, it might not be the right hold. That’s why we help investors evaluate not just the property, but the portfolio fit and timing of their decision.

Real Investor Scenarios: Same Question, Two Different Paths

Let’s say you own a duplex in a steady rental market like Columbia, SC. The cash flow looks solid, but you’re eyeing opportunities in faster-growing cities. After running the numbers and forecasting the next 3 years, you might discover that selling now — and redeploying that equity elsewhere — could deliver a stronger overall return.

Now imagine another investor in Kansas City facing the same “Rent or Sell?” dilemma. Instead of selling, they opt to refinance and hold, locking in better terms and boosting cash-on-cash returns to above 9%.Same question. Two different paths.

The difference? A strategic approach based on individual goals, data and market timing.

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re managing one rental or a 30-door portfolio, this question — rent or sell — is going to come up: again and again.

You don’t need guesswork.

You need: a framework. And ideally, a strategic partner who’s walked down this road many times before with many assets in many markets.

At Auben, we help investors make smart, confident decisions that align with both current market dynamics and long-term goals. If you’re ready to get clear on your next move, we’re ready to help.