Turning Your Home Into a Rental | Real Life Planning Podcast Episode 76
Real Estate CoachingIn Episode 76 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with attorney and real estate investor Jen Sperling about the ins and outs of turning a former primary residence into a rental property. Jen shares her experience of doing this not once — but twice — and offers hard-earned lessons and practical advice for anyone considering the same. From choosing a rental strategy to navigating landlord laws and long-distance management, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom for growing a real estate portfolio while staying grounded in your values.
Download the Podcast Companion Guide: 10 Questions: Do I Sell or Rent My Home?
"Turning your home into a rental can be the lowest-barrier way to become a real estate investor—especially when you already know the property inside and out." — Jen Sperling
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
| 💡 | What should you document before converting your home into a rental? [00:03:00] |
| 💡 | Why Jen chose to rent instead of sell—and how that shaped her wealth journey [00:04:05] |
| 💡 | What laws, rules, and financial steps must you review before renting your home? [00:06:17] |
| 💡 | What are the biggest differences between managing condos vs. single-family homes? [00:18:39] |
| 💡 | How can you align your values with your real estate strategy? [00:25:52] |
Takeaway Quotes:
"If you’ve lived in the house, you know its quirks—and that knowledge can save you and your tenant a lot of stress." — Jen Sperling
"Not telling your insurance company that your primary residence is now a rental can void your coverage." — Cynthia Meyer
"Aligning your values with your real estate strategy isn't just possible—it's powerful." — Jen Sperling
Connect with Jen Sperling:
- Website: Better World Real Estate
Connect with Real Life Planning:
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
If you like this video podcast, consider joining Real Life Planning’s Question of the Week where our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERs™ and rental property business owners answer the most common questions about real estate financial planning direct to your inbox.
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