Should I Sell or Rent My House?

If you’re thinking about moving, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is what to do with your current house. And lately, more homeowners are pausing before putting up the “For Sale” sign and asking a different question: Should I rent it out instead?

That idea is becoming more common. Recent Zillow data shows that nearly two out of three homeowners considered renting their home before selling, and close to 30% seriously weighed that option. Just a few years ago, less than half of sellers were even thinking about renting, so it’s clear this shift isn’t a fluke.

So what’s the smarter move for you — selling or renting?

Do you cash out and use the equity for your next home, or hold onto the property as a rental and aim for long-term income? Let’s break down the key things you should consider so you can decide what makes the most sense for your finances and your lifestyle.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the local market and your own goals will help you decide.

1. What the Market Looks Like Right Now

Homes Are Still Valuable

• Median home prices in Greenville sit around the mid-$300K range depending on the data source you check. Some reports show around $318K–$379K as typical values in late 2025.

• Houses are selling in about 50–70 days on average, showing there’s still demand.

That tells you the real estate market isn’t crashing — there are buyers — but it’s not as crazy hot as a few years ago.

Rent Prices Are Solid Too

• Median rents in Greenville are around $1,700–$1,800 a month for a typical rental.

That’s not record-breaking, but it’s meaningful income if you can find a good tenant.

2. Quick Breakdown: Sell vs Rent

If You Sell

Pros

• Cash in now: Get a lump sum to buy a new place, invest, or pay off debt.

• No landlord headaches: No repairs, tenant issues, or vacancy risks.

Cons

• Pay selling costs: Agent fees, closing costs, taxes.

• Give up future income: You don’t collect monthly rent.

If You Rent

Pros

• Monthly income: Could cover mortgage, taxes, and more.

• Hold onto an asset: Your home might appreciate over time.

Cons

• Landlord responsibilities: Repairs, emergencies, screening tenants.

• Vacancy risks: You might not have someone paying rent every month.

3. Real Talk: What You Should Ask Yourself

Do You Need Cash Now?

If you’re relocating or want a fresh start with the cash in your pocket, selling might make sense.

Are You Comfortable Being a Landlord?

Tenants can be great, but not all. There are maintenance calls at midnight and screening processes that take work.

Can You Afford the Up-Front Costs of Renting?

Being a landlord means you might need to repair the place before renting, and you’ll deal with things like lawn care, plumbing issues, etc.

How Long Are You Planning to Hold the Property?

Investors often say renting makes sense if you’re prepared to hold for years, not just months.

4. Tips If You’re Leaning Toward Renting

Crunch the Numbers

• Add up expected monthly rent.

• Subtract mortgage, insurance, taxes, and maintenance.

• See if the monthly cash flow makes sense.

Screen Tenants Carefully

A bad tenant can eat up profits fast. Credit checks and references matter.

Think About Property Management

If you don’t want landlord chores, a property manager can help — but that eats into profits too.

Keep a Repair Fund

Rule of thumb: save 5–10% of rent income each year for repairs.

5. Common FAQs

💡 Is selling better than renting right now?
There’s no universal answer — but in Greenville, prices are steady enough that selling can still get you good money, while rents are strong enough to create income if you decide to keep the property.

💡 What if I can’t find a renter?
You’ll want to budget for a few months of no rent — especially in slower seasons.

💡 Do I have to become a full-time landlord?
No — property managers exist to handle day-to-day stuff for a fee.

💡 Will home values go up in the Upstate?
No crystal ball here — but historically the market grows over the long term, even with ups and downs year to year.

Bottom Line

• Sell if you need cash now or want out without the landlord duties.

• Rent if you want ongoing income and are okay with managing a property.

Either way, it’s worth talking with a local real estate agent or property manager who knows Greenville’s neighborhoods and trends.