How to Sell Rental Property?
Table Of Contents
• How to Sell Rental Property California
• Signs It’s Time to Sell a Rental Property in California
• How to Have a Smooth Rental Property Sale in California
• Considerations when Selling a Rental Property to Avoid a Tax Hit
➥ 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange on an Investment Property
➥ Living in Your Rental Property Prior to Avoid Capital Gains Tax
➥ Evaluate the Property for Possible Tax-Deductible Repairs or Renovations
➥ Use Tax Harvesting to Offset the Capital Gains Tax
• Selling Rental Property with a Tenant California
• Steps in Selling a Rental Property in California
How to Sell Rental Property California
Do you own rental property in California and are looking to sell? If so, you’ll want to read this post. In it, we’ll discuss the best ways to go about selling your rental property and maximizing your profits. So, whether you’re just starting out or are thinking of retiring, read on for tips on how to sell your California rental property.
Signs It’s Time to Sell a Rental Property in California
Before diving into the tips on how to sell, let’s first discuss when it may be time to sell a rental property in California.
Soaring California Home Sales Prices
If you’ve owned your rental property for a few years, chances are you’ve seen the soaring prices in California‘s residential real estate market. This trend is projected to continue into 2020 and beyond, making now the perfect time to sell.
California Housing Demand Vastly Exceeds Supply
In addition to the rising prices, California‘s housing market is currently experiencing high demand and low supply. This means that selling your rental property could be a quick and profitable venture.
Changing Local Market Conditions in California
As with any market, local conditions in California can change over time. If you notice a shift toward lower demand or decreased prices, it may be wise to consider selling your rental property before the market takes a turn for the worse.
The Rental Property Needs Repairs and Upgrades
Owning rental property comes with the responsibility of maintaining and upgrading the property. If your rental property is in need of major repairs or updates, it may be more cost-effective to sell rather than invest in those improvements.
Rental Property is Inherited Property
Inheriting rental property can come with mixed feelings. If you don’t plan on using the property yourself, or if it’s not generating a profit, selling may be the best option.
You Want to Retire from Being a landlord
Being a landlord can be demanding, both mentally and physically. If you’re ready to retire from the role of the landlord or sell off part of your rental property portfolio, it may be time to start thinking about selling in California.
How to Have a Smooth Rental Property Sale in California
Now that we’ve discussed when it may be time to sell, let’s dive into how to have a smooth rental property sale in California.
Know the Type of Buyer You Want to Attract
Before putting your rental property on the market, determine the type of buyer you want to attract. Are you looking for a long-term investor or someone who plans to use the property as a vacation home? Having a clear idea of your target buyer will help in effectively marketing and selling your property.
Arrange a Pre-listing Home Inspection
Make sure to have a pre-listing home inspection done on your rental property. This will alert you to any potential issues that may need to be addressed before listing the property for sale.
Decide If It Is Worthwhile To Do Repairs or Sell As-Is
After the pre-listing inspection, you’ll have a better idea of what repairs may need to be made before selling. It’s up to you to decide if it is worthwhile to make those repairs or if you want to sell the property as-is.
Do a Lien Search
Before putting the property on the market, do a lien search to make sure there are no outstanding debts or judgments against the property. This information should also be disclosed to potential buyers during the sales process.
Inform Your Tenant about Your Intention of Selling the Property
If your rental property is currently being rented out, it’s important to inform the tenant about your intention to sell the property. This gives the tenant time to plan for a potential move and may also make them more inclined to keep the property well-maintained for showings.
Study the Tax Implications of Selling a Rental Property in California
Before going through with the sale, it’s important to understand the tax implications. Talk to a financial advisor or accountant to determine how much of your profits will go toward taxes and what steps you can take to minimize those costs.
Depreciation Recapture Tax
In addition to standard income taxes, rental property owners may also have to pay a depreciation recapture tax on the profits from the sale. This is a one-time tax on any previous depreciation deductions that were taken for the property.
Capital Gains Taxes
If the property has increased in value since you purchased it, any profits made from the sale will be subject to capital gains taxes.
Illustrative Example Of Tax Consequences When Selling A Rental Property
To illustrate the tax consequences of selling a rental property, let’s go over an example.
Jane purchased a rental property in California for $500,000 five years ago. After making some renovations and renting it out, she decides to sell the property for $750,000.
In this scenario, Jane would have to pay capital gains taxes on the $250,000 profit made from the sale. She may also have to pay depreciation recapture tax on any previous depreciation deductions that were taken for the property.
Considerations when Selling a Rental Property to Avoid a Tax Hit
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when selling a rental property in order to avoid a tax hit.
One option is to do a 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange. This allows you to defer paying taxes on the profits from the sale by investing those profits into another similar property.
Another option is to sell the property while simultaneously purchasing a new property, known as a simultaneous exchange. This can also defer taxes as long as the sales price of the new property is equal to or greater than the sales price of the old property.
Take Advantage of the 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange on an Investment Property
Selling a rental property can be a big decision, but with the right planning and information, it can also be a profitable one. Our team can help guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best price for your property in a quick and easy sale.
Consider Living in Your Rental Property Prior to Selling to Avoid Capital Gains Tax
If you have been renting out your property for a while and are considering selling, consider living in the property yourself for at least two years before putting it on the market. This can make you eligible for the primary residence capital gains exemption, allowing you to avoid paying taxes on up to $250,000 of profits (or $500,000 if you’re married and filing jointly). Of course, this option may not be feasible for everyone, but it is something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Don’t forget to consult with a financial advisor or accountant to fully understand the tax implications before selling your rental property in California.
Evaluate the Property for Possible Tax-Deductible Repairs or Renovations
Before putting your property on the market, consider any repairs or renovations that may increase its value and potentially be tax-deductible. These could include fixing up worn floors or updating outdated kitchen appliances.
Use Tax Harvesting to Offset the Capital Gains Tax
If you do end up having to pay capital gains taxes on the profits from your rental property sale, consider using tax harvesting strategies to offset those taxes. This involves selling investments that have lost value in order to balance out the gains made from selling the property.
Selling Rental Property with a Tenant California
If you have a tenant currently renting your property, there are certain laws and considerations to keep in mind when selling.
It is important to inform the tenant of the sale and give them the option to purchase the property themselves before putting it on the market.
You must also follow all necessary eviction procedures if the tenant chooses not to purchase or is unable to do so.
Wait for Your Tenant’s Lease Expiration or Offer a Buyout
If the tenant is currently in a lease agreement, it may be best to wait until their lease expires before putting the property on the market.
If they are not in a lease or if you want to expedite the sale process, you could also offer them a buyout. This involves offering them financial compensation in exchange for agreeing to vacate the property before their lease is up.
Sell California Property to Your Existing Tenant
If your tenant expresses interest in purchasing the property, they may qualify for owner-occupant financing which can be a less complicated and faster process than selling to an outside buyer.
Sell Your Rental Property with an Active Lease
If you have a tenant with an active lease, you can still sell the property to an outside buyer but it will require their cooperation.
You will need to inform them of the sale and give them the option to purchase before selling to an outside party. If they choose not to purchase or are unable to do so, you will also need to ensure that the new owner honors the existing lease agreement.
Offer your Tenant to Vacate
Early in Exchange for Compensation
If you have a tenant with an active lease but want to expedite the sale process, you can offer them a buyout as mentioned above. This involves offering them financial compensation in exchange for agreeing to vacate the property before their lease is up.
Steps in Selling a Rental Property in California
After you have taken care of any tax-related concerns and your rental property is either vacant or you have come to an agreement with your tenant, selling a rental property in California is no different than selling a regular house. You have three primary options for selling a rental property in California, which will differ based on the condition of your property.
1. Real Estate Agents
Hiring a real estate agent is often the quickest and easiest option for selling your rental property in California. They will handle all of the advertising, showings, and negotiations with potential buyers.
2. FSBO (For Sale by Owner)
If you have experience and knowledge of the real estate market, selling your rental property yourself (known as an FSBO) can save you the commission fees typically paid to an agent. Keep in mind, however, that this route requires significant time and effort on your part.
3. Real Estate Investors
If your rental property needs repairs or has any other factors that may make it harder to sell through traditional means, you could also consider selling to a real estate investor. These investors often purchase properties as-is and can close quickly without the need for repairs or renovations.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to thoroughly research and compare different agents or investors before making a decision. It is also important to carefully review any contracts or agreements before signing.
If you want to save time and energy with a cash buyer like ASAP Cash Offer, we recommend filling up our online form below or calling (805)427-8312. We buy houses in any condition (even ugly ones!) and pay cash (or get you all-cash offers) hassle-free and without high-pressure sales tactics.
California Resources To Sell Any Home
We Buy Houses in the cities listed below in California Also:
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach, CA
Santa Clarita, CA
East Los Angeles, CA
Glendale, CA
Lancaster, CA
Palmdale, CA
Pomona, CA
Torrance, CA
Pasadena, CA
Downey, CA
West Covina, CA
El Monte, CA
Burbank City, CA
Inglewood, CA
Norwalk, CA
Compton, CA
Carson, CA
South Gate, CA
Florence-Graham, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Hawthorne, CA
Whittier, CA
Alhambra, CA
Lakewood, CA
Bellflower, CA
Baldwin Park, CA
Redondo Beach, CA
Lynwood, CA
Montebello, CA
Pico Rivera, CA
Gardena, CA
Monterey Park, CA
Arcadia, CA
Diamond Bar, CA
Huntington Park, CA
Paramount, CA
Hacienda Heights, CA
Glendora, CA
Covina, CA
Rosemead, CA
Azusa, CA
Rowland Heights, CA
Los Angeles County
Cerritos, CA
La Mirada, CA
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Culver, CA
San Gabriel, CA
Bell Gardens, CA
Monrovia, CA
La Puente, CA
Temple, CA
Claremont, CA
West Hollywood, CA
Manhattan Beach, CA
San Dimas, CA
Bell, CA
Beverly Hills, CA
Lawndale, CA
La Verne, CA
Walnut, CA
South
Maywood, CA
San Fernando, CA
Calabasas, CA
Cudahy, CA
Duarte, CA
Lomita, CA
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Agoura Hills, CA
South El Monte, CA
Hermosa Beach, CA
Santa Fe Springs, CA
El Segundo, CA
Artesia, CA
Hawaiian Gardens, CA
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
San Marino, CA
Commerce, CA
Signal Hill, CA
Sierra Madre, CA
Malibu, CA
South Whittier, CA
San Diego County
San Diego, CA
Chula Vista, CA
Oceanside, CA
Escondido, CA
Carlsbad, CA
El Cajon, CA
Vista, CA
San Marcos, CA
Encinitas, CA
National, CA
La Mesa, CA
Santee, CA
Poway, CA
La Presa, CA
Fallbrook, CA
Spring Valley, CA
Orange County
Aliso Viejo, CA
Anaheim, CA
Brea, CA
Buena Park, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
Coto De Caza, CA
Cypress, CA
Dana Point, CA
Foothill Ranch, CA
Fountain Valley, CA
Fullerton, CA
Garden Grove, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
Irvine, CA
Ladera Ranch, CA
La Habra, CA
La Palma, CA
Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Niguel, CA
Laguna Woods, CA
Lake Forest, CA
Los Alamitos, CA
Mission Viejo, CA
Newport Beach, CA
North Tustin, CA
Orange, CA
Placentia, CA
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Rossmoor, CA
San Clemente, CA
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Seal Beach, CA
Stanton, CA
Tustin, CA
Westminster, CA
Yorba Linda, CA
Midway City, CA
Newport Coast, CA
Silverado, CA
Sunset Beach, CA
Surfside, CA
Trabuco Canyon, CA
Villa Park, CA
Riverside County
Banning, CA
Beaumont, CA
Blythe, CA
Calimesa, CA
Canyon Lake, CA
Cathedral City, CA
Coachella, CA
Corona, CA
Desert Hot Springs, CA
Eastvale, CA
East Hemet, CA
Glen Avon, CA
Hemet, CA
Home Gardens, CA
Indio, CA
Jurupa Valley, CA
La Quinta, CA
Lake Elsinore, CA
Lakeland, CA
Menifee, CA
Moreno Valley, CA
Murrieta, CA
Norco, CA
Palm Desert, CA
Palm Springs, CA
Pedley, CA
Perris, CA
Rancho Mirage, CA
Riverside, CA
Rubidoux, CA
San Jacinto, CA
Temecula, CA
Valle Vista, CA
Wildomar, CA
Woodcrest, CA
San Bernardino County
Adelanto, CA
Apple Valley, CA
Barstow, CA
Barstow Heights, CA
Big Bear, CA
Bloomington, CA
Chino, CA
Chino Hills, CA
Colton, CA
Crestline, CA
Fontana, CA
Grand Terrace, CA
Hesperia, CA
Highland, CA
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Loma Linda, CA
Montclair, CA
Muscoy, CA
Ontario, CA
Phelan, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Redlands, CA
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino, CA
Twentynine Palms, CA
Upland, CA
Victorville, CA
Yucaipa, CA
Yucca Valley, CA
Santa Clara County
Alum Rock, CA
Campbell, CA
Cupertino, CA
Gilroy, CA
Los Altos, CA
Los Gatos, CA
Milpitas, CA
Morgan Hill, CA
Mountain View, CA
Palo Alto, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Saratoga, CA
Stanford, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Alameda County
Alameda, CA
Albany, CA
Ashland, CA
Berkeley, CA
Castro Valley, CA
Cherryland, CA
Dublin, CA
Emeryville, CA
Fremont, CA
Hayward, CA
Livermore, CA
Newark, CA
Oakland, CA
Piedmont, CA
Pleasanton, CA
San Leandro, CA
Union, CA
Sacramento County
Antelope, CA
Arden-Arcade, CA
Carmichael, CA
Citrus Heights, CA
Clay, CA
Courtland, CA
Elk Grove, CA
Elverta, CA
Fair Oaks, CA
Florin, CA
Folsom, CA
Foothill Farms, CA
Franklin, CA
Freeport, CA
Fruitridge Pocket, CA
Galt, CA
Gold River, CA
Herald, CA
Hood, CA
Isleton, CA
La Riviera, CA
Lemon Hill, CA
Mather, CA
McClellan Park, CA
North Highlands, CA
Orangevale, CA
Parkway, CA
Rancho Cordova, CA
Rancho Murrieta, CA
Rio Linda, CA
Rosemont, CA
Sacramento, CA
Vineyard, CA
Walnut Grove, CA
Wilton, CA
Contra Costa County
Alamo, CA
Antioch, CA
Bay Point, CA
Brentwood, CA
Clayton, CA
Concord, CA
Danville, CA
Discovery Bay, CA
El Cerrito, CA
El Sobrante, CA
Hercules, CA
Lafayette, CA
Martinez, CA
Moraga, CA
Oakley, CA
Orinda, CA
Pinole, CA
Pittsburg, CA
Pleasant Hill, CA
Richmond, CA
San Pablo, CA
San Ramon, CA
Walnut Creek, CA
Fresno County
Fresno, CA
Clovis, CA
Sanger, CA
Reedley, CA
Selma, CA
Barstow, CA
Coalinga, CA
Parlier, CA
Kerman, CA
Mendota, CA
Kingsburg, CA
Orange Cove, CA
Kern County
Arvin, CA
Bakersfield, CA
California, CA
Delano, CA
Greenfield, CA
Lamont, CA
McFarland, CA
Oildale, CA
Ridgecrest, CA
Rosamond, CA
Shafter, CA
Tehachapi, CA
Wasco, CA
San Francisco County
Ventura County
Camarillo, CA
Fillmore, CA
Moorpark, CA
Oxnard, CA
Port Hueneme, CA
Santa Paula, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura, CA
San Mateo County
Belmont, CA
Burlingame, CA
Daly, CA
East Palo Alto, CA
Foster, CA
Half Moon Bay, CA
Hillsborough, CA
Menlo Park, CA
Millbrae, CA
North Fair Oaks, CA
Pacifica, CA
Redwood, CA
San Bruno, CA
San Carlos, CA
San Mateo, CA
South San Francisco, CA
San Joaquin County
Garden Acres, CA
Lathrop, CA
Lodi, CA
Manteca, CA
Ripon, CA
Stockton, CA
Tracy, CA
Stanislaus County
Ceres, CA
Modesto, CA
Newman, CA
Oakdale, CA
Patterson, CA
Riverbank, CA
Salida, CA
Turlock, CA
Sonoma County
Healdsburg, CA
Petaluma, CA
Rohnert Park, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma, CA
Windsor, CA
Tulare County
Dinuba, CA
Exeter, CA
Farmersville, CA
Lindsay, CA
Porterville, CA
Tulare, CA
Visalia, CA
Santa Barbara County
Carpinteria, CA
Goleta, CA
Isla Vista, CA
Lompoc, CA
Orcutt, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Solano County
Benicia, CA
Dixon, CA
Fairfield, CA
Suisun, CA
Vacaville, CA
Vallejo, CA
Monterey County
Greenfield, CA
King, CA
Marina, CA
Monterey, CA
Pacific Grove, CA
Prunedale, CA
Salinas, CA
Seaside, CA
Soledad, CA
Placer County
Auburn, CA
Granite Bay, CA
Lincoln, CA
North Auburn, CA
Rocklin, CA
Roseville, CA
San Luis Obispo County
Arroyo Grande, CA
Atascadero, CA
Grover Beach, CA
Morro Bay, CA
Nipomo, CA
Paso Robles, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Merced County
Atwater, CA
Livingston, CA
Los Banos, CA
Merced, CA
Winton, CA
Santa Cruz County
Live Oak, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Scotts Valley, CA
Soquel, CA
Watsonville, CA
Marin County
Corte Madera, CA
Larkspur, CA
Mill Valley, CA
Novato, CA
San Anselmo, CA
San Rafael, CA
Butte County
Chico, CA
Magalia, CA
Oroville, CA
Yolo County
El Dorado County
Cameron Park, CA
Diamond Springs, CA
El Dorado Hills, CA
Placerville, CA
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Imperial County
Brawley, CA
Calexico, CA
El Centro, CA
Imperial, CA
Shasta County
Anderson, CA
Redding, CA
Shasta Lake, CA
Madera County
Chowchilla, CA
Madera, CA
Kings County
Hanford, CA
Lemoore, CA
Corcoran, CA
Avenal, CA
Napa County
American Canyon, CA
Napa, CA
Humboldt County
Arcata, CA
Eureka, CA
Fortuna, CA
McKinleyville, CA
Murray Field, CA
Nevada County
Grass Valley, CA
Truckee, CA
Sutter County
Live Oak, CA
South Yuba, CA
Yuba, CA
Mendocino County
Ukiah, CA
Yuba County
Linda, CA
Marysville, CA
Olivehurst, CA
Lake County
Clearlake, CA
Tehama County
Red Bluff, CA
San Benito County
Hollister, CA
Lassen County
Susanville, CA
Glenn County
Hamilton, CA