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Should You Rent or Sell When PCSing from Maryland? Pros and Cons for Military Families

  • Brad S.
  • Apr 27
  • 2 min read

Street-level brick apartment for rent in Maryland city neighborhood

The Big Dilemma: Rent or Sell when PCSing from Maryland

When PCS orders hit, military families often face a critical real estate decision: Should you rent out your Maryland home or sell it before you move? 


Both options have their perks—and their pitfalls. The right answer depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and how "hands-on" you want to be after you move. 


Let's walk through the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your situation. 

 

  1. Renting Your Home: Building Wealth (With Some Management) 


Pros of Renting: 

  • Passive Income Potential: Good tenants can cover your mortgage (and maybe even provide extra cash flow). 

  • Long-Term Appreciation: Hold onto the property and benefit from rising home values over time. 

  • Tax Benefits: Rental properties come with deductions for mortgage interest, property management fees, repairs, and depreciation. 


Cons of Renting: 

  • Landlord Responsibilities: Even with a property manager, you'll deal with maintenance decisions, repairs, and tenant turnover. 

  • Vacancy Risks: Gaps between tenants can eat into profits. 

  • Emotional Distance: Managing a property from hundreds (or thousands) of miles away can be stressful. 


Who Renting Is Good For: 

  • Families who can afford occasional vacancies 

  • Those planning to return to Maryland after a few years 

  • Buyers in strong rental markets (like near Fort Meade or Joint-Base Andrews) 

 

  1. Selling Your Home: Clean Break and Fresh Start 


Pros of Selling: 

  • Immediate Cash Out: Unlock your equity to pay down debt, invest, or use for your next home. 

  • No Landlord Headaches: No tenants, no late-night repair calls, no property management stress. 

  • Simplified Financials: Easier to qualify for your next mortgage without rental obligations in the background. 


Cons of Selling: 

  • Transaction Costs: Agent commissions, closing costs, and potential repairs can chip away at profits. 

  • Market Risk: If the local market is slow, you might not get top dollar quickly. 


Who Selling Is Good For: 

  • Families who don’t want the hassle of managing a rental 

  • Those needing cash for a new home or investment 

  • Sellers in strong seller’s markets where homes move quickly 

 

  1. Key Factors to Weigh 


Before deciding, ask yourself: 

  • How fast do you need to move? If you’re on a tight PCS timeline, selling might be cleaner. 

  • Can you afford the risk of vacancies or repairs? If not, selling could reduce financial stress. 

  • Is the rental market strong where you’re located? Areas near military bases often are—but double-check. 

  • Do you plan to return? Renting makes sense if you see yourself back in Maryland within a few years. 


Every family’s situation is different. A personalized plan matters. 

 

Renting and Selling Are Both Strategic—If You Plan Right 


There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for PCS moves. 


Renting could build long-term wealth—or become a headache. Selling could free up cash and simplify your move—or leave you wondering about future market gains. 


At Salvato & Co., we help military families map out smart, pressure-free strategies based on their unique PCS timeline and financial goals. 


Schedule a free consultation to discuss whether renting or selling is your best move—and how to execute it smoothly. 

 
 
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