What to do with your house when you leave America

If you're planning to leave the US and don’t know what to do with your house, this video walks you through the three realistic paths: sell, rent unfurnished, or rent furnished. I map each option to the goals most people have in their first three months of moving abroad: keeping things simple, moving quickly, and protecting yourself financially.

My husband and I left the US for Mexico in November 2024, so I understand exactly what you’re weighing. I’m also a nationwide rental expert, three-time author, and longtime landlord educator. People hire me to teach them how to rent out their home from scratch, especially when they’re overwhelmed or unsure about next steps.

In this video, I break down why selling is usually the least aligned with simplicity and speed, especially in a slow housing market. I also explain how to think about unfurnished vs. furnished rentals, how to price your rental using Zillow and Rentometer, why vacancy risk matters more than a small monthly “negative,” and how to reframe short-term losses as long-term equity.

Whether your move is permanent or exploratory, this walkthrough gives you clarity, structure, and a practical plan for what to do with your home while you start your life abroad. I also share our personal experience at the end if you want the real-world version.