Relocation can feel overwhelming—new job, new city, new routines. But what should you do with the home you're leaving behind? In this episode, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger unpack how to choose between selling or holding onto your home as a rental.

They break down real-world scenarios: when leasing gives you financial breathing room, when selling is the right play, how lenders treat rental income, and why good prep work is the difference between stress and success.

Whether you're moving temporarily, permanently, or boomeranging back in a few years, this episode shows how to make an educated decision instead of a rushed one.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Relocation reasons are changing — job transfers still lead the pack, but grandparents moving closer to grandkids is one of the fastest-growing motivators in DFW.

• Ask smart questions early — how long will you be gone? Is this temporary or permanent? Will you eventually "boomerang" back? Your answers shape whether leasing or selling makes sense.

• Leasing can unlock buying power — lenders often offset your mortgage with rental income, allowing you to buy in your new city without forcing a sale.

• Returning homeowners love turnkey rentals — many who rent out their homes end up coming back to a place that's updated, maintained, and often more valuable than when they left.

• Avoid becoming an accidental landlord — rushed relocations without prep lead to stress, low rent, and headaches. Good prep = faster leasing, higher rent, and better tenants.

• Prep matters — clean carpets, empty rooms, no stored belongings, updated paint, and good photos dramatically increase rental demand (and price).

• Selling vs. renting comes down to math + mindset — some people need the home-sale cash; others benefit more from cash flow, appreciation, and flexibility to return. Professional spreadsheets beat "napkin math" every time.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Letting go of a home isn't easy — it's memories, milestones, and meaning. But with the right perspective, it can also become a smart business move. Savannah and Glynn break down how to shift from emotional attachment to strategic decision-making when deciding whether to lease it or list it.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• It's not just four walls and a roof — selling or leasing often comes with deep emotional ties, especially for long-time homeowners facing big life transitions.

• Trust and guidance matter most. First-time sellers or landlords need pros who help them navigate choices and feel confident they're doing the right thing.

• Declutter for a clean slate. Removing personal items helps buyers or tenants envision their own life in the space — and adds a layer of safety.

• Turn emotion into logic. Reframe the property as an investment — a "401(k) with a roof" that builds equity, pays down the mortgage, and creates tax advantages.

• Each home has its own path. Sometimes leasing makes more sense short-term; sometimes selling unlocks needed capital for the next move.

• Avoid snap decisions. Many owners rush to sell without exploring leasing as a flexible, profitable option — especially in uncertain markets.

• Play the long game. Holding a property 3–5 years can create appreciation, steady income, and future financial freedom.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

On this episode of Lease It or List It, Savannah and Glynn break down the real difference between getting a home rental ready versus market ready. Rentals follow strict turnover and safety protocols like rekeying, CO₂ monitors, fresh filters, and deep cleans. Listings, on the other hand, win or lose on presentation: clean windows, bright light, fresh landscaping, HVAC tune-ups, and strategic staging all help you beat inspection hurdles and boost offers. They also share the hidden killers most homeowners forget about: clogged filters, untrimmed trees, plumbing line failures, and aging roofs. If you're prepping a home, knowing which path you choose can save thousands and maximize your return.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Rental ready vs market ready = two different rulebooks. Rentals follow safety, code, and turnover requirements, while listings focus on buyer expectations, inspections, and presentation.
• Safety first for rentals: Rekey all exterior doors, update smoke and CO₂ alarms, install fire extinguishers, and deep clean every turnover. Owners' "cleaning" never replaces a real deep clean.
• Air filters matter more than anyone thinks. Dirty filters wreck HVAC units and can even trigger health concerns. Quarterly filter programs protect equipment and tenants.
• For listings: eliminate inspection surprises. Handle caulking, sealing, HVAC servicing, light paint touch-ups, clean vents and grates, and replace worn carpet or flooring before going to market.
• Curb appeal and natural light are huge. Trim trees, manage shade, refresh landscaping, wash windows, remove solar screens, and brighten interiors to boost perceived value instantly.
• Staging moves the needle. Listings almost always sell faster and for more money when staged. Rentals don't require staging, but furnished rentals can earn $300–$500 more per month.
• Plumbing and roofing checks save disasters. A $200–$400 plumbing scope can prevent a $15k–$30k repipe later. Roof inspections help avoid insurance battles and surprise buyer objections.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Passive income sounds dreamy—until you realize you're the one unclogging the toilet at midnight.

Smart investors protect their time. They build teams, delegate, and scale without burning out.

Is your rental paying you—or costing you peace of mind?

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Key Takeaways

• Passive income isn't "passive." Rental properties build wealth through appreciation, mortgage pay-down, and tax benefits—but they require time, systems, and management.

• Time = ROI. DIY landlords often get stuck chasing tenants, coordinating repairs, and managing HOAs. If you're doing all the work, you bought a job—not an investment.

• Professional property management pays dividends. Communication, inspections, vendor networks, 24/7 emergency response, and crisis handling protect your property and your time.

• Avoid the "burnout cycle." Owners who micromanage usually end up exhausted—often too late, when their only buyer is another investor at a discount.

• Peace of mind has real value. Smart investors outsource management so they can focus on acquiring better properties—not answering 3 a.m. flood calls.

• Know when to exit. Homes age, repair needs increase, and rents cap out. Long-time owners often have equity to roll into better assets—sometimes via 1031 exchanges.

• Think bigger, think broader. Opportunity isn't limited to Texas—investors are moving capital across states (and even from abroad) into high-return markets.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Is your property leaving money on the table?

On this episode of Lease It or List It, Savannah Dunn & Glynn Crutsinger explain how small condition issues turn into big pricing losses — whether you're leasing or selling. From mulch and doors to odors and flooring, they break down what actually matters, where to spend, and what to skip depending on your exit strategy.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Key Takeaways — "How Property Condition Affects Rentability and Sale Price"

Condition = Money — Something as simple as peeling paint or weeds can cost hundreds to thousands in rent or sales price because buyers and renters judge by first impression.

Prep is Different for Renting vs. Selling — Rentals get functional fixes (locks, paint touch-ups, carpet replacement when needed), while sale prep demands "showroom ready" standards like power-washed exteriors, clean windows, and removing signs it was a rental.

Curb Appeal Matters More Than You Think — Mulched beds, edged lawns, and a clean, freshly painted front door drastically change perceived value before anyone steps inside.

Interior Smells and Surfaces Kill Deals — Pet odor, smoke, curry, stained carpet, and marked walls stop showings cold — renters will turn around at the door and buyers will devalue the home.

Flooring & Paint Pay Off — Laminate/tile upgrades beat renewing carpet every 5–7 years; rentals can spot-paint walls but listings need uniform, whole-room repainting.

Rental Safety / Compliance Signals "Former Rental" in Resale — Extra deadbolts, peepholes, and visible wear tip off buyers that the home was leased — often hurting resale value if not removed/reset.

Pet & Appliance Policies Drive Risk — DIY landlords often mishandle legal pet rules (service vs. emotional vs. pet) or fail to modernize appliances — both affecting showings, pricing, and potential liability.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

Thinking about moving but unsure whether to lease or list your home? 🏡
In this episode of Lease It or List It, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down the pros, cons, and smart strategies behind both choices. From avoiding costly DIY mistakes to building long-term wealth through rentals, this conversation helps homeowners make confident, data-driven decisions — no guesswork required.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Key Takeaways

Leasing vs. Listing Simplified: Glynn breaks down the difference — leasing means renting your property with a management company handling everything from tenant screening to maintenance, so you don't have to.

The DIY Trap: About 30% of property owners try managing rentals themselves first and end up calling in professionals after bad tenant experiences or rent mispricing.

Pricing Mistakes Cost Big: Most DIY landlords undercharge by $200–$300 per month, which adds up quickly — professional management ensures market-accurate pricing and legal compliance.

Long-Term Wealth Strategy: Savannah shares her own story of selling multiple homes instead of renting them, realizing later that holding and leasing could have built a powerful real estate portfolio.

The Investor's "Buy Box": Glynn defines the ideal rental property — typically a 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,500 sq. ft. home with no pool to minimize liability and maximize tenant demand.

Every Situation Is Unique: Whether to lease or list depends on personal goals, life changes, and financial health — the duo uses tools like Wealth Optimizer to model "rent vs. sell" scenarios for each client.

Hidden HOA Rules & Legal Pitfalls: They caution investors to review HOA covenants before buying — restrictions on rentals or owner-occupancy requirements can derail investment plans.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/