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By Ann Marie McManus

Ann Marie McManus, a proud Augusta native, brings over four decades of real estate experience, making her one of the top professionals in the area with a sales record of 2,200+ homes.

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You do not have to choose between selling your home and keeping your Masters rental income.

I hear this every spring. A homeowner calls and says, “My house is rented for the Masters, but I am ready to move. Did I miss my chance to sell?” And every year, the answer is the same. No, you did not. In Augusta, this is normal. We handle it all the time.

In fact, if your home is rented for the Masters, it may be in the best condition it has been in all year.

By the time your home is ready for Masters guests, it is usually freshly painted, cleaned out, and depersonalized. Closets are organized. Landscaping is trimmed. The house feels polished. That is exactly how buyers want to see it. So instead of being a conflict, Masters preparation often becomes an advantage.

So how does this actually work? Let me break it down simply.

List early and plan ahead. Many sellers list in February, even though the house is already in top condition. We take professional photos, go live on the market, and often secure a contract in March. If Masters week is already booked, we address it upfront in the contract.

Buyers in Augusta understand this. Some even see value in it. They know the home has been maintained to host guests. They also see the future income potential if they choose to continue renting.

Clear communication from the beginning keeps everyone comfortable.

“A home that has been successfully rented during the Masters carries a certain credibility.”

Use delayed closing or possession. We have standard forms in Georgia (and South Carolina, too) that allow for delayed closing or delayed possession. This means you can close on the home but remain in it through Masters week. The agreement outlines who maintains the property, how insurance coverage remains in place, and who is responsible during that short period.

Everything is spelled out. Nothing is left to chance. If timing works better the other way, we can also delay closing until after the rental. I coordinate with the rental company to ensure expectations are aligned. When everyone understands the plan, it becomes simple.

See the built-in value. There is also a financial component that buyers recognize. A home that has successfully rented during the Masters carries a certain credibility. It shows care. It shows upkeep. It often shows tasteful updates year after year.

And for sellers, that rental income can provide helpful flexibility during a move. Extra cash flow in the middle of buying and selling never hurts.

The only issue I see is when sellers become rigid about dates. When we step into the buyer’s perspective and create a win for both sides, the transaction moves forward without strain.

If your home is rented for the Masters and you are thinking about selling, do not assume you have to wait another year. Call me at 706-481-3800 or email annmarie@annmariemcmanus.com. You can also visit annmariemcmanus.com. I’ll sit down with you, go over your options one by one, and help you map out a plan that protects your income while positioning your home to sell well.

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