Frequently Asked Questions for DeKalb County Landlords

Landlord Exit Representation is specialized real estate representation for rental property owners who are questioning whether they still want to be landlords. It starts before any talk of selling: we look at the property, how it is being managed, and your goals, then decide together whether to keep it, fix what is making ownership difficult, or exit. If selling is the right decision, I represent you as the seller (I do not buy your property) and bring it to the open market, often as-is through the MLS.

Not necessarily. Many landlords I work with are specifically looking for a way to sell without going through another round of repairs, renovations, painting, flooring, or updates. A property can often be marketed and sold in its present condition. Selling as-is means I price and position the property based on its current condition while still exposing it to the market.

Possibly, yes. A tenant-occupied property can often be sold, but the existing lease, tenant situation, access to the property, and timing all need to be considered before deciding how to proceed. Part of the process is understanding what you currently have in place and developing a selling strategy around the actual situation rather than pretending the tenant does not exist.

No. My role is different. I am not approaching you as the buyer. I represent you as the property owner and seller. My job is to help expose the property to the marketplace, evaluate the offers you receive, negotiate on your behalf, and help you make an informed decision about which combination of price and terms works best for your situation.

You certainly can, and for some owners that may make sense. The difference is that a direct buyer is negotiating for themselves and trying to purchase the property on terms that work for them. With seller representation, you have someone negotiating on your behalf while the property is exposed to multiple potential buyers. That allows you to compare price, terms, financing, closing dates, contingencies, and other factors before making a decision.

That does not automatically prevent it from being sold. I specifically work with properties that may have deferred maintenance, dated interiors, long-term wear, a history of problem tenants, inherited-property issues, or other complications. The objective is not to make the property perfect. The objective is to understand what you have, price it realistically, present it honestly, and find the right market for it.

I look at more than just an online estimate. The property's location, condition, size, recent comparable sales, current competition, tenant status, repairs needed, and overall marketability all matter. From there, I develop a pricing strategy designed to reflect the property's actual condition while still giving it meaningful exposure to buyers in the marketplace.

There is no single timeline because every property and landlord situation is different. Some owners are ready to move quickly, while others need time to work through tenants, paperwork, family decisions, or financial considerations. Once the property is ready for the market, timing will also depend on pricing, condition, buyer demand, financing, inspections, and the terms of the offer you choose.

The first step is simply a conversation. I want to understand the property, what has been happening with it, what is frustrating you, and what you are trying to get back: your time, your peace, or simply fewer phone calls. From there, we look at whether keeping it, fixing what is not working, or selling makes the most sense. If you decide to sell, we develop the pricing and marketing strategy together, including showings, offer review, negotiations, and closing. If you decide to keep it, you leave with clear recommendations on what to change. I don't manage properties, so putting those changes in place is up to you or a manager you choose.

You may not know yet—and that is okay. I do not believe every landlord should automatically sell. Sometimes keeping the property still makes financial and practical sense. The real question is whether the property still fits your life, your goals, your finances, and the amount of time and stress you are willing to continue putting into it. My job is to help you evaluate the exit option clearly so you can make the decision that makes sense for you.

My fee is 5% of the sale price. Fees are negotiable and not set by law. That fee covers the extra work landlord sales usually need, like working around tenants, deciding what to fix and what to sell as-is, getting heirs or partners on the same page, and handling investor offers. It’s paid from the sale at closing, with nothing due up front, and it covers me as your listing broker only, not a buyer’s agent. See Exactly What My 5% Covers. →

Yes. If you list with me within 90 days, the $297 comes off my listing fee. I put that in writing in your listing agreement.

If you decide not to sell, you owe nothing more. You still get a written Property Decision Summary within 3 business days. It's yours to use with me or any broker.

Yes. If you own several rentals, we look at each one on its own, because you may want to keep one, fix another, and sell a third. If you live out of state, much of the process can be handled by phone and email, so you don't have to be here for every step. DeKalb County is my focus. If your property is in a neighboring county, I look at it case by case: where it is, how complex it is, and how soon things need to happen. If I'm not the right fit, I'll tell you honestly.

Your lease and Georgia law set the rules for access, so talk to an attorney about yours. I'll build the marketing plan around your tenant situation.

Possibly less than a fully renovated house. But listing as-is on the open market lets buyers compete, and that's how you find out what it's worth today.

I don't give tax advice. Talk to your CPA before you decide.

Start with my Inherited a Home page, then let's talk.

Yes, if that's what I see.