Expert, localized Los Angeles answers provided by Heather Roy

Ask Heather about: Mortgages, Finance, Taxes or Home Selling?
  

Rent It Out or Sell It

  Hi Edith,
I am 56. I own a nice condo that is almost paid off. I would like to buy another place closer to work. Is it better to buy another home financially? I teach, my salary is decent - I don't have much of a write off. Moving to Costa Mesa has much higher property taxes. I think I could easily rent my place but have been advised by friends that renting a place is a big headache. Your advise is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Not sure what to do,
Linda
 
  Your friends are right -- being a landlord is a skilled job, and it's easy for an amateur to make expensive and troublesome mistakes. 
Don't let income tax writeoffs influence your decisions.  THere's no point in spending a dollar (on property taxes or mortgage interest) just to save 38 cents on your tax bill.  Ignore that when you're deciding what to do.
    Edith
Originally published on December 31, 2008
 
    Back to Summary