Should I rent my House

A red binder with the word leasing on it.


If you are having a hard time selling your house or you had to make an unexpected move then renting your house may be an option you are considering. If you are considering renting your house here are few things to keep in mind:

  • Time frame – The most common lease duration is twelve months. Most renters are accustomed to that timeframe and will have the expectation that the initial lease term will be twelve months. Past twelve months some landlords go month-to-month while others require the tenant to sign a new twelve-month lease. If you are only planning on renting your house for a short time then a six-month lease or a month-to-month lease may be a better option for you. It’s important to take into consideration that most tenants are looking for a house they can rent for two to four years, by only offering a month-to-month or six month term you will limit the number of applicants that will be interested in your property.
  • Condition of the property – If your house is in condition to sell today and you are considering renting your house it is important to realize that you will have some work to do when the tenant finishes their term in the house. Depending on your success with the tenant the work required could be as little as touch up paint and cleaning, if your luck with a tenant is not so good the damage and required repair could be much more extensive.
  • Eviction – Eviction is a reality that most landlords will face at one time or another. In the state of Oklahoma an eviction can take up to thirty days from notice to the landlord re-gaining possession. Oklahoma is a landlord friendly state however re-gaining possession is often times not the most difficult part of the process, repairing the damage done by an evicted tenant is often the most time consuming and expensive process. For a new landlord the possibility of eviction and all the negative outcomes should be evaluated and given thought as a possible downside to renting your property.
  • Lease – Leases can be obtained from the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission website located here. Leases are standard in nature however it is important that you capture all of the individuals that will be living in the house and clearly state the time frame and the agreed upon rental rate.
  • Run the numbers – It’s important to run the number and evaluate the expense and cash flow involved in renting a property versus a reduction in price to realize a faster sell. Run the numbers under a number of scenarios and make sure you are comfortable with the potential outcomes prior to renting the house. It’s important not to let short-term emotion get in the way of what will be a long-term decision.

If you are considering renting a house that you have been unable to sell it’s important to consider all of the potential outcomes. Renting your house can be a good option to bridge a gap to a future sale however there are downsides that need to be considered. It’s important to evaluate all of your options to make a sound decision. If you are having a hard time selling your house give us a call and we can discuss how we can help. We offer a quick sale solution and can close in as little as two weeks.

We have been helping our fellow Oklahoman’s with their property problems for over fifteen years. If we can’t buy your

Step-By-Step: How to Sell a House in Probate in Oklahoma County

Step-By-Step: How to Sell a House in Probate in Oklahoma County: If you’re trying to sell a house in probate in Oklahoma County, you need to understand the legal steps involved. Missing even one requirement can delay your closing for weeks or even months. Many families inherit property and assume the process will be simple. In reality, probate real estate transactions often involve additional court requirements, legal notices, and specific documentation before the property can legally change hands. Understanding how to sell a house in probate in Oklahoma County helps you avoid unnecessary delays and costly mistakes. A Real Probate Situation That Caused a Delay: I recently worked on a probate property sale in the Oklahoma City metro area where the seller attempted to manage the probate process alone. At first, everything looked good. We placed the property under contract and started preparing for closing. During the paperwork review, we discovered a major issue. The seller never published constructive notice. Constructive notice plays a critical role during probate because it allows creditors and lien holders to come forward and make claims against the estate. Without that notice, the court and the title company’s legal counsel could not approve the sale. The entire transaction paused until the estate corrected the issue. Situations like this explain why probate sales sometimes take longer than traditional home sales. Why Constructive Notice Matters When You Sell a House in Probate in Oklahoma County: Constructive notice serves as a legal announcement that informs creditors and interested parties that probate has started. When you sell a house in probate in Oklahoma County, constructive notice helps ensure that: • Creditors receive an opportunity to file claims• The estate resolves debts properly• The court approves the property sale• The title company insures the transaction If someone skips this step or files it incorrectly, the closing process can stop until the estate fixes the issue. You can learn more about probate requirements through the Oklahoma County Court Clerk: https://www.oklahomacounty.org/government/court-clerk/probate Why Hiring a Probate Real Estate Attorney Is Important: This transaction also highlighted the importance of hiring an attorney who specializes in probate and quiet title work. Some attorneys handle probate cases occasionally. However, attorneys who focus on probate usually move the process forward faster and avoid common mistakes. When you want to sell a house in probate in Oklahoma County, an experienced probate attorney can: • File all required legal notices• Prepare proper court documentation• Coordinate with the title company• Prevent unnecessary delays Attorneys who specialize in probate transactions often streamline the process and keep everything moving toward closing. You can search for probate attorneys through the Oklahoma Bar Association: https://www.okbar.org Selling a Probate Property Can Still Be Simple: Even though probate includes legal steps, the property sale itself can remain straightforward when everyone follows the correct process. In many situations, I give sellers two or three local probate attorneys they can choose from. Many attorneys also allow their fees to get paid at closing, which helps when probate funds remain limited. Once the estate completes the required probate steps, the property can move forward just like a traditional home sale. If you plan to sell a house in probate in Oklahoma County, working with the right professionals can make the entire process much smoother. Selling a Probate House As-Is: Many probate properties need repairs or updates before they qualify for a traditional retail listing. Fortunately, families do not always need to complete repairs before selling. Many inherited homes sell as-is, especially when families want a faster and simpler solution. At House Buyers OKC, we regularly help families: • Sell inherited houses• Sell probate properties as-is• Avoid repairs or major clean-outs• Close quickly and cover closing costs You can learn more here: https://housebuyersokc.com/sell-my-house-fast-okc/ Final Thoughts: Trying to sell a house in probate in Oklahoma County can feel overwhelming if you have never gone through the probate process before. The good news is that the process becomes much easier when you understand the steps and work with the right professionals. If you are dealing with a probate property in the Oklahoma City metro area and want guidance on your options, I am always happy to talk through the situation and help you take the next step. FAQ: Can you sell a house before probate is finished in Oklahoma? In most cases, the probate process must begin before the property can legally be transferred or sold. However, a contract can sometimes be signed while probate is pending. How long does probate take in Oklahoma County? Probate timelines vary, but many cases take 3 to 9 months, depending on whether the probate is contested and whether all paperwork is filed correctly. Do you need an attorney to sell a probate house in Oklahoma? While it is technically possible to handle probate without an attorney, most sellers benefit from working with a lawyer who specializes in probate to avoid mistakes and delays. Can you sell a probate house as-is? Yes. Many probate homes are sold as-is, especially when the property needs repairs or the family prefers a quicker sale. Connect with House Buyers OKC: YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@housebuyersokc Facebookhttps://facebook.com/housebuyersokc Instagramhttps://instagram.com/housebuyersokc

🏠 Vacant Home in OKC? How To Protect It From Squatters & Costly Damage

🏠 Vacant Home in OKC? How To Protect It From Squatters & Costly Damage 🎥 Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/j0fgRej9uYI Vacant Property in OKC? You’re Not Alone. Vacant homes are incredibly common in the OKC metro; however, many homeowners don’t realize how quickly an empty property can become vulnerable. Whether you moved out early, inherited a home, or have a rental between tenants, the risk of unwanted activity increases the longer it sits empty. As a result, many people start to wonder whether it might be easier to sell the home instead of maintaining it. If you want to explore your options, you can learn more here:👉 Sell My House Fast Oklahoma City 1. Keep the Property Looking “Lived-In” Vacant homes attract attention when small details begin to pile up. For example, overgrown grass, stacked flyers, or a dark exterior can signal to the wrong people that no one is around. Because of this, taking just a few simple steps can make the home appear occupied. Easy ways to reduce risk: Keep the yard trimmed Remove flyers, mail, or door hangers Turn on a porch or motion-activated light Close blinds or curtains to limit visibility inside If you notice suspicious activity or feel unsure about the property’s safety, the Oklahoma City Police Department provides resources for reporting concerns. 2. Add Simple, Low-Cost Security You don’t need a full security system to help protect a vacant home; in fact, even small, affordable upgrades can make a noticeable difference. Motion lights, inexpensive cameras, and security decals can discourage unwanted visitors. In addition, asking a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to occasionally check on the home adds another layer of protection. For broader home safety guidance, the National Safety Council offers helpful information that applies to vacant property risks as well. 3. Working With a Home Buyer? Make Sure They Handle Access Safely. If you’re considering selling your vacant home, choosing the right buyer is important. Not all investors treat access and safety the same way. For this reason, it’s essential to work with someone who respects your property and follows secure procedures. At House Buyers OKC, we: Use secure lockboxes or supervised walk-throughs Enter only with your permission Avoid giving loose keys to contractors Prioritize your privacy and peace of mind Selling should reduce stress — not create new security concerns. 4. Already Had a Break-In or Squatters? Don’t Stress. Break-ins, damage, and unauthorized occupants are surprisingly common in the OKC metro. When a property sits vacant for too long, the chances of these issues increase; however, you can still sell the home as-is without worrying about repairs or cleanup. Many local homeowners face similar situations, and it’s more common than most people think. Common issues with vacant OKC homes include: Broken windows Copper or appliance theft Trash or belongings left behind Unauthorized occupants Vandalism Code violations The good news: You do not need to fix these problems before selling. 5. When a Vacant Home Becomes Too Much To Handle Vacant homes can drain your time, energy, and finances; therefore, many homeowners decide that selling is the simplest solution. If you want to avoid ongoing upkeep, showings, repairs, or commissions, an as-is sale may be the best option. At House Buyers OKC, we make the process fast, private, and stress-free — especially for owners dealing with difficult or time-sensitive situations. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vacant Homes in OKC 1. What risks come with leaving a home vacant in OKC? Vacant homes in Oklahoma City can attract break-ins, vandalism, copper theft, and squatters. Additionally, they may develop water leaks or code violations when no one is checking on them. 2. Do I need to repair a vacant home before selling it? No. Many people sell their vacant OKC homes as-is, with no repairs, updates, or cleaning required. House Buyers OKC purchases homes in any condition. 3. How do I keep a vacant home from looking empty? Simple steps such as trimming the yard, removing mail, using lights, and closing blinds make the property look occupied and less appealing to trespassers. 4. Can I sell a vacant home quickly in Oklahoma City? Yes. Homeowners often choose a fast, private sale to avoid long-term maintenance or safety concerns. House Buyers OKC offers quick, no-pressure options. 📞 Get Fast, Private Help for Your Vacant Home Michael David – House Buyers OKC📞 405-279-9799🌐 housebuyersokc.com🏠 Local, Family-Owned, Serving the Entire OKC MetroNo repairs. No commissions. No pressure.