You’ve decided to sell your rental property. Now you face the most important question of all: how do you want to get paid? Your decision boils down to a classic financial choice: do you take a lump sum of cash now, or do you carry paper (owner financing) and collect payments over time?
There is no single right answer. The best choice depends entirely on your personal goals, your tolerance for risk, and what you want your future to look like. Let's put these two powerful options side-by-side.
When Does Carrying Paper Make Sense?
Carrying paper is an excellent strategy if your primary goal is to create a passive, fixed income for retirement. If you have a low risk tolerance and are prepared to manage a loan for many years, it can provide a steady return that is higher than many other fixed-income investments.
When is Cash the Undisputed King?
Cash is king when you want to be completely finished with your rental property. It provides total and absolute freedom. You get a massive infusion of capital that you can use for anything you want, without being tethered to a property or a borrower for years on end.
Your Future is Waiting. Don't Keep it Tied Up.
You worked hard to build equity in your rental. Now is the time to unlock it in the way that best serves you. For many tired landlords, the speed, simplicity, and certainty of a cash sale is a breath of fresh air.