Renting Unsold Property May Be a Good Move

Home owners who can’t or don’t want to sell their homes in today’s market but must move should consider renting out the property.

Obtaining a professional property manager is a good first step. Professional property managers charge 7 percent to 10 percent of the monthly rent in many areas. Two associations whose members manage small residential properties are National Association of Residential Property Managers and Institute of Real Estate Management.

Current rents may not be high enough to cover carrying charges, including mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Nevertheless, renting out the property may still make sense if property values rise in the next few years.

Offering a 12-month lease that converts to month-to-month is a good idea, if the owners are considering selling eventually. Include language in the lease that allows a real estate professional to show the home to potential buyers with 24 hours’ notice to tenants.

Source: Money Magazine, Amanda Gengler (07/28/2010)