It is natural to outgrow your first home. Your family gets bigger, you get a better job or maybe you just want to move. Whatever the reason, it is a dilemma that all homeowners eventually face. Before making the plunge into a new home, there is an important question you need to settle. Should you sell your current home or keep it as a rental property? Your answer will depend on what you want to do and what you are ready to take on as a homeowner.

This post will go over some of the factors you should consider in making your decision.

Landlord

Yes, you get to be the landlord this time. Do you remember how difficult you were? Okay, probably not, but no matter how good you are at screening potential tenants, there is a chance you will get a nightmare tenant who complains all the time, manages to destroy your property and skip out on the final payments without notice.

If you are the landlord, it is your responsibility. You need to fix the plumbing or find someone to fix it for you. You need to provide the appliances, replace the lightbulbs and clean the apartment between tenants. Being a landlord is a big job. It isn’t just about the time, it's about the money too. Unless you are one of the last remaining jack-of-all-trades, you will need enough cash on hand to pay electricians, contractors and plumbers. Also, you may want to consult a lawyer to help you draft leases and, in California, evict people.

Of course, you always have the option of working with a proprty manager if you do not want to take on these responsibilities.

Mortgage

Are you still paying down the mortgage on the first home? If you are, that means you will have to finance two mortgages. But wait, you’re thinking, you will be able to collect rent on the other property. Yes, but not at first. You will need to convert it, list it, screen tenants and decide on a move-in date. It could take weeks before you get your first tenants. In the time before you do, you will need to finance the loan on your own. Also, what happens if your tenant leaves? You will need cash to set up the property and to finance it when you cannot find a tenant. Also, keep in mind that the rents you collect need to cover the mortgage and repairs-so you may lose money the first few months while you calibrate.

The new home

How are you purchasing the second home? Most people use the proceeds from the sale of their first home to finance the purchase of the second. Unless you managed to save for another down payment, using the sale of your current home to cover the down-payment is probably your only option.

Moreover, interest rates are low, so now is the time to grab that house in a coveted neighborhood that you always wanted. Saving for a down payment takes time, usually years. If you know the home you want and are ready to go for it, the proceeds from the sale could facilitate your move.

Tax incentives

Finally, the current tax laws allow you to exclude some of the income from the sale of your home. The amounts depend on if you are married or not. But, the tax savings could be immense and could go a long way toward putting you on a strong financial footing on your new home.

In short, if you sell your current home to finance the purchase of your new home, you could be placed in a much stronger financial position. Don’t you remember the first time you bought a house? You were probably treading water financially for months as you rebalanced your budget. But if you sell and buy, you could emerge financially stronger and more stable. You might even have enough left over to take a nice vacation. But, if you decide to keep the property and rent it, make sure you account for all possible expenses. You will not have the fungibility you would if you had sold, so make sure you have enough to weather the lean months.

If you are thinking about selling or buying a home in the San Diego real estate market, contact Steele San Diego Homes today. Steele San Diego Homes is a family-run real estate business that connects people with the home of their dreams.

Related: Top Three Myths Of Selling Your Home You Can Stop Believing Already