Rent vs Sell

Inherited a property? Moving and undecided? Accidental landlord? This tool runs the numbers side-by-side: sell today vs rent for 1, 3, or 5 years and sell then.

Current property

If you rent it

Market assumptions

Agent commission + closing + repairs to list.

Have a property in mind?

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Section 121 exclusion

If you have lived in the property 2 of the last 5 years, you can exclude up to $250K (single) or $500K (married) of capital gains. Renting eats into this window — clock matters.

Stepped-up basis on inherited

If you inherited, your basis is the value at date of death — not what the parent paid. Massive cap-gains shield. Check with a CPA.

The "1031 escape hatch"

You can rent it for 1-2 years, then 1031 into a true investment property and defer all gain. Best of both worlds if the timing works.

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