Rent It or List It? Here’s How to Make the Smart Move

If you're a homeowner in Charlotte sitting on a low mortgage rate—say, 3% or below—you might be wrestling with a big decision: should you sell your home or rent it out?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. But with today’s market dynamics—higher interest rates, increased demand for rental housing, and steady population growth in the Carolinas—it’s a smart question to ask.

Let’s dig into the data and your options.

What’s Happening in the Charlotte Market Right Now?

Housing Sales

• Median home value (April 2025): $405,421

• Homes for sale: 3,426

• New listings last month: 1,180

• Average days on market: 57 (up 43% year-over-year)

Rental Market Snapshot

• Average rent for single-family homes: $1,950/month

• Rental vacancy rate: 4.6%

• Rental demand: Strong and rising, especially in desirable school districts and commuter-friendly neighborhoods

Should You Sell?

Pros:

• You can capitalize on the equity you’ve built over the past few years.

• You don’t have to worry about managing tenants, maintenance, or turnover.

• You can simplify your financial life and focus on other opportunities.

Cons:

• You’ll give up your ultra-low mortgage rate—likely one you’ll never see again.

• You may owe capital gains taxes, depending on your situation.

• Replacing your home in today’s market will cost you more—especially with interest rates sitting above
  6.75%.

Should You Rent Your Property?

Pros:

• You keep your home as an appreciating asset.

• You maintain your low mortgage rate and generate monthly rental income.

• You benefit from tax advantages as a landlord (depreciation, mortgage interest, repairs).

Cons:

• Managing tenants and maintenance can be time-consuming.

• Market downturns or vacancies can impact your monthly cash flow.

• You may need to invest in repairs or upgrades before renting it out.

Don’t Want to Be a Landlord? I Can Help With That.

Here’s the good news: renting your home doesn’t mean you have to be on-call for leaky faucets or midnight lockouts.

I offer concierge-level property services for homeowners who want the best of both worlds—investment income without the hassle. Here’s what I can provide:

Full-Service Tenant Placement

I'll help you find qualified renters who are a great fit—screened, vetted, and ready to treat your property with respect.

Property Management

From helping you figure out your monthly rent collection process to tenant communications, I can handle the day-to-day operations so you don’t have to.

Maintenance & Repairs

No need to call a plumber at 8 PM. I coordinate and manage all maintenance and emergency repairs through a trusted network of local professionals.

Concierge Support

Need the landscaping updated? Windows cleaned? Roof inspected? Consider it done. I manage the details so your home stays in top condition—whether it’s for the next tenant or your eventual return.

In short, you can rent your home and keep your life simple. You can still focus on your next move, knowing your property is in good hands.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Ask yourself:

• Are you emotionally ready to let go of this home—or would keeping it give you peace of mind (and
  profit)?

• Are you financially positioned to buy again while holding this property as an investment?

• Do you want passive income or liquidity right now?

If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal. These are big decisions, and it helps to have someone walk through the numbers and the real-world considerations with you.

That’s where I come in.

Let’s Talk Strategy

Whether you’re leaning toward selling, renting, or still figuring it out, I’d be glad to help you weigh the pros and cons based on your goals—not just the market trends.

Charlotte is still a strong market for both sellers and landlords. And in today’s environment, keeping a low-rate mortgage while generating income can be a very smart play.