Leaving the US? Here's What to Do With Your House (3 Options From People Who Did It)

One year after relocating to Mexico, Erin Spradlin and James Carlson share three options for handling property when leaving the US—and why their choice saved their marriage.

🏠 Three Options When Leaving

Option 1: Sell (Least Favorite) Most time-consuming and permanent. Requires prep, photos, staging. Markets moving slowly, especially Southeast US/Arizona. Best if certain about leaving permanently.

Option 2: Rent Unfurnished (Middle Ground) Three-week timeline. Remove all furniture (storage costs extra). If rent doesn't cover mortgage by $100-200/month, that's your "experimentation cost." Think reverse 401k: tenant pays 85%, you pay 15%.

Option 3: Furnished Midterm Rental (What They Did) Fastest exit. Leave furniture, lock personal items in basement, list. Turnover every 4-5 months. Carry utilities between tenants. Provides landing spot if you return—crucial for hesitant partners. This option saved their marriage.

📱 Where to List (Priority Order)

1. Airbnb - Largest volume, 6-8 month stays common. Most ban under 30 days, not 30+ furnished. Check HOA declarations. "Risk it with HOA over fascism."

2. Zillow - Best tenant quality. Act like long-term renters. Deposits, background checks, proper leases available.

3. Furnished Finder - Last resort. Lots of lowballing, less professional.

🔍 Search terms: leaving US real estate options, furnished midterm rental, expat property management, Airbnb 30 day minimum

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