Should You Sell or Rent Your Home? Why Renting Might Be the Smarter Move

Have you ever thought to yourself “We sold that place for what felt like a good deal at the time — and now look at it!!”? 

As a realtor, most people expect me to say, “List it!” when they're ready to move out of a home. But the truth is, selling isn't always the best option, and in today’s real estate climate, renting your home could be a smart financial and strategic decision.

Here’s why you might want to consider becoming a landlord rather than letting go of your property altogether:

💰 1. Build Long-Term Wealth Through Equity

Selling gives you a one-time payout. Renting gives you ongoing income and long-term equity growth. If your mortgage is manageable (or nearly paid off), turning your property into a rental can provide a steady stream of passive income, all while your asset continues to grow in value. 

Especially in markets with consistent appreciation or tight rental supply, holding onto your home can significantly build net worth over time.

📈 2. Take Advantage of Calgary’s (or your city’s) Rental Demand

If your home is well-maintained and in a desirable location, it may rent quickly and for a strong rate, covering your costs and generating profit.

This is particularly valuable if you're moving but might want to return in a few years, or if you're waiting for market conditions to improve before selling.

🏦 3. Tax Benefits for Rental Properties

Owning a rental property opens up several tax advantages, including deductions on:

Mortgage interest
Property taxes
Insurance
Maintenance and repairs
Depreciation
These benefits can offset your rental income and potentially leave you in a stronger financial position than if you sold.

(Of course, talk to an accountant or tax advisor for tailored advice.)

🧘‍♀️ 4. More Flexibility for Your Future

Selling is final. Renting is flexible. If you're unsure about the future, whether you'll want to return to the city, pass the home on to your children, or wait for a stronger seller’s market, renting keeps your options open.

This is especially helpful if the market is slow or unpredictable. 

Why sell at a lower price today if you can rent, earn income, and sell later when the market is more favorable?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 5. Real Estate Is Personal — And We’ve Seen It All

As a father of young adults, I’ve had lots of conversations about what it looks like to rent, to buy, and to plan for the long game. I’ve been in this business for over 30 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that holding on to real estate often pays off more than people expect.

Over the years, I’ve heard the same phrase from so many past clients:
“We let it go too soon”  or  “If we’d only held onto that place for a few more years…”

Markets go up and down and we’ve lived through all kinds of them. But well-maintained properties in solid locations tend to hold value and offer opportunity. Whether it’s helping your kids get into their first home one day or building long-term wealth you can draw from later, renting keeps that door open.

🔑 6. Drummer Realty Can Manage the Property for You

Worried about becoming a landlord? We get it; managing tenants, repairs, and monthly logistics isn’t for everyone.

That’s why at Drummer Realty, we offer full-service property management solutions to help you rent your home without the hassle. From:

Advertising and tenant screening
Lease agreements and rent collection
Regular inspections and maintenance coordination
Emergency response and tenant communication
… we handle it all so you don’t have to. You enjoy the income and long-term equity, and we take care of the day-to-day operations. Whether you live nearby or are relocating across the country, we’ll protect your investment like it’s our own.

Who Should Consider Renting Instead of Selling?

Homeowners moving for work but unsure if they’ll return
Owners who have substantial equity or a paid-off home
People downsizing but not ready to part with a family property
Sellers in a slow market who want to wait for higher prices
Investors looking to diversify income streams

🏁 Final Thoughts

As a realtor, I’ll always help you sell your home when the time is right,  but I’ll also help you make the most informed decision. Sometimes, keeping the property in your portfolio is the better long-term move.

If you're curious about what your home could rent for, how much income you might earn, or whether property management is right for you, let’s talk. I’m here to help you weigh all your options, not just the obvious ones.

Thinking about renting out your home instead of selling?
Let’s chat about your goals and explore the numbers together.  No pressure, just honest guidance.