Small houses are not necessarily hard to sell, though it depends on a few factors:

 

## Is it priced to sell?

 

The #1 home selling mistake we see is when a home is not priced appropriately. Listing too high will result in many would-be-buyers not even inquiring. Many will wait for possible price drops or keep looking at other options. What's more, many buyers have firm maximum price limits and won't even consider or be altered to your listing. 

 

To sell your house fast, you need to price it at an attractive point to draw in as many buyers as possible. This means carefully analyzing [comps](https://www.offermarket.us/real-estate-glossary/comps).

 

## How small are we talking?

 

In your local there are likely many people looking for houses for sale with 1 to 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. But if we're talking about a tiny house (100 to 400 square feet), then the market of prospective home buyers is probably also tiny.

 

### How unique is the house?

 

If your house is designed in a manner that very few people find appealing, then you would need to reduce your asking price in order to sell in a timely manner.

Are small houses hard to sell? Not necessarily, it depends on a few factors. There's more to learn at OfferMarket. 

large_Are small houses hard to sell - MetaImage.jpg

medium_Are small houses hard to sell - MetaImage.jpg

small_Are small houses hard to sell - MetaImage.jpg

thumbnail_Are small houses hard to sell - MetaImage.jpg

Are small houses hard to sell - MetaImage.jpg

Are small houses hard to sell? - OfferMarket

Are small houses hard to sell?

## Zillow Offers competitors include:

 

- Opendoor
- Offerpad
- RedfinNow
- OfferMarket

 

| Service | Type | Offer Competitiveness |
|:-------------:|:---------------------------------------:|:---------------------:|
| Zillow Offers | iBuyer | Low |
| Opendoor | iBuyer | Low |
| Offerpad | iBuyer | Low |
| RedfinNow | iBuyer | Low |
| OfferMarket | Marketplace | High |

 

## What is Zillow Offers?

 

​Zillow Offers is an "iBuyer" (short for "instant buyer") of single family homes. [iBuying](https://www.offermarket.us/real-estate-glossary/ibuying) is a new home sales model where you receive a cash offer to sell your home fast. While there is an incredible convenience factor in play, the iBuying model comes with some drawbacks that we feel are important to know. If you're looking to sell your home fast and looking for Zillow Offers competitors, this article aims to detail your options.

 

## Things to know about the iBuyer model

 

- Service is available in limited markets
- Not all houses receive an offer
- You will receive a lower offer than you would in a competitive sale
- You will pay service fees of 6% - 10% (not including repairs)
​
 

## How does Zillow Offers work?

 

1. Check to see if Zillow Offers is available in your area and if your house is eligible to receive an offer.
2. Submit your application
3. Review your estimated Zillow Offers sale price ("market value")
4. Schedule your home evaluation during which repair costs will be estimated and deducted from your market value estimated sales price
5. Review your final offer, if you accept you choose a closing date
​
 

## How does Zillow Offers determine their offer price?

 

Zillow Offers uses a combination of comparable analysis, home-specific information, local broker feedback and machine learning in order to prepare their offer. Your official offer will factor in your in-home evaluation visit to adjust for required repairs.

 

## Where is Zillow Offers available?

 

Zillow Offers is currently available in select cities across 12 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas. 

Arizona 
​Phoenix, AZ 
Tucson, AZ 

 

California 
Los Angeles, CA 
Riverside, CA 
Sacramento, CA 
San Diego, CA 

 

Colorado 
Colorado Springs, CO 
Denver, CO 
Fort Collins, CO 

 

Florida 
Jacksonville, FL 
Orlando, FL 
Miami, FL 
Tampa, FL 

 

Georgia 
Atlanta, GA 

 

Minnesota 
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN 

 

Nevada 
Las Vegas, NV 

 

North Carolina 
Charlotte, NC 
Raleigh, NC 

 

Ohio 
Cincinnati, OH 

 

Oregon 
Portland, OR 

 

Tennessee 
Nashville, TN 

 

Texas 
Austin, TX 
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 
Houston, TX 
San Antonio, TX 

 

## Zillow Offers vs OfferMarket

 

| Comparison | OfferMarket | Zillow Offers |
|:-----------------:|:---------------------------------------:|:---------------------------:|
| Service fee | 0% | 8.5% |
| Repairs | $0 (as is) | deducted from initial offer |
| House type | Any | Selective |
| Closing timeframe | 15 - 45 days | 7 - 90 days |
| Markets | Nationwide | Limited cities in 12 states |

 

## How much does Zillow Offers cost?

 

| Comparison | OfferMarket | Zillow Offers |
|:--------------:|:-----------:|:-------------:|
| Purchase price | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Service fee | $0 | $8,500 |
| Repairs | $0 | $0 |
| Closing cots | $1,500* | $1,500* |
| Net proceeds | $98,500 | $90,000 |

 

## [Sell your house fast and competitively with OfferMarket](https://www.offermarket.us/sell?ref=blog-zillow-offers-competitors)

 

## Related comparisons:

 

- [Offerpad Competitors](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/offerpad-competitors)
- [Opendoor Competitors](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/opendoor-competitors)
- [RedfinNow Competitors](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/redfinnow-competitors)

Learn about Zillow Offers competitors and how the iBuying service compares to Opendoor, RedfinNow, Offerpad and OfferMarket.

Zillow Offers Competitors - Opendoor - RedfinNow - OfferMarket

large_Zillow Offers Competitors - MetaImage.jpg

medium_Zillow Offers Competitors - MetaImage.jpg

small_Zillow Offers Competitors - MetaImage.jpg

thumbnail_Zillow Offers Competitors - MetaImage.jpg

Zillow Offers Competitors - MetaImage.jpg

Zillow Offers Competitors - Real Estate Blogs - OfferMarket

Zillow Offers Competitors

The well-being and safety of all parties is our foremost priority. Please take a moment to review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 best practices. By participating in an OfferMarket Safe Showing, you acknowledge and agree to our policy detailed below and agree to release OfferMarket of any liability.

 

## Sellers, property managers and tenants

 

Selling your house or rental property during the coronavirus pandemic can certainly be stressful. The last thing you want is strangers walking through your home on short notice.

 

1. An OfferMarket representative will confirm a date and time typically with 48 hours notice (no less than 24 hours notice) of the scheduled Safe Showing.
2. If you have tenants living at the premises, you are responsible for providing them with at least 24 hours notice of the scheduled Safe Showing.
3. We ask that you and/or any tenants vacate the premises for the duration of the Safe Showing period -- typically 1 to 2 hours.
4. OfferMarket's representatives (no more than 2) wear protective face masks and are trained to maintain 6 feet of separation when interacting with anyone at the premises. For occupied properties, OfferMarket's team member may use an infrared thermometer for touch-less temperature check.
5. If the premises is vacant, OfferMarket will provide a lockbox and instruct buyer groups to secure the property after their Safe Showing.

 

## Buyers

 

1. An OfferMarket representative will reach out to you to understand your availability and set a tentative Safe Showing date and time-frame. 
2. The representative will confirm your reserved Safe Showing time the day prior to the Safe Showing.
3. To avoid delays, we ask that you arrive 10 minutes prior to your reserved Safe Showing time.
4. No more than 2 buyer groups are allowed to tour the premises at a time. Buyer groups must be limited to 3 people. If other groups are waiting for you to complete your Safe Showing, you must limit your Safe Showing to 15 minutes. The next scheduled buyer groups are allowed to enter once the previous groups have completed their Safe Showing and exited the premises.
5. In order to enter the premises, you must wear a protective face mask throughout the duration of your Safe Showing. Please maintain 6 feet from all other people both outside and inside the premises.
6. If the premises is vacant, OfferMarket will provide a lockbox code the day of your Safe Showing. By participating in a lockbox enabled Safe Showing, you are responsible for locking the premises upon your exit.

OfferMarket's Safe Showing Policy ensures secure real estate walkthroughs. Learn more about our professional Safe Showing process.

Safe Showing Policy - Safe Home Tours - OfferMarket

What is the "Safe Showing Policy"?

Grow your real estate investing business with the most competitive DSCR loan product. OfferMarket provides DSCR rental loans, bridge loans, hard money, fix and flip, slow flip, and ground up construction loans.

Private Lending | OfferMarket

Private Lending

What is Cash Flow?

Gathering Key Financial Information

Step-By-Step Calculation Process

Common Issues And Troubleshooting

Tips To Maximize Cash Flow

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Grow your real estate portfolio with OfferMarket

**Last updated:** March 31, 2025

You want to ensure your rental property pays off but balancing income and expenses can be tricky. That's where a [cash flow rental property calculator](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/cash-flow-calculator) steps in. It helps you see if your investment is actually driving profits or costing you more than you realize.

Plug in your monthly rent mortgage payment and operating expenses and you'll get a clear look at how much money goes in and out each month. This tool doesn't just reveal potential shortfalls it also shows areas where you can save or optimize.

By understanding your cash flow you'll feel confident about which investments make sense. It helps you prioritize properties that bring consistent returns so you can grow your portfolio faster.

## What is Cash Flow?

[Cash flow](https://www.offermarket.us/blog/free-cash-flow) is the lifeblood of any financial venture, representing the net amount of money being transferred into and out of a business, investment, or personal portfolio over a specific period. It is a critical measure that reflects not only the current operational performance but also signals potential future growth. In its simplest terms, cash flow is calculated by taking the total income and subtracting all outgoings—be it operational expenses, debt repayments, or capital expenditures. Unlike profits that may be influenced by accounting practices, cash flow provides a straightforward insight into the actual liquidity available at any given moment.

Understanding cash flow involves examining several components. First, there is operating cash flow, which stems from the core activities of a business or investment property. Next, investing cash flow shows how money is moved in relation to buying or selling assets, and finally, financing cash flow documents funds raised through loans or paid out as dividends. Together, these elements offer a complete picture of financial health by detailing both the inflows that sustain day-to-day activities and the outflows necessary for growth and maintenance. The consistent monitoring of cash flow can reveal seasonal trends, allow for the assessment of debt management, and help predict future cash needs, ensuring that an entity is neither overextended nor undercapitalized.

### Why Track Your Cash Flow?

Tracking your cash flow regularly is essential because it allows you to maintain control over your financial situation. When you keep up with your cash flow, you gain the ability to swiftly identify and address discrepancies between expected and actual funds. This proactive approach can help in preventing shortfalls and ensuring that there is enough liquidity to meet upcoming obligations, such as payroll, rent, or loan payments.

Moreover, detailed cash flow analysis can support strategic decision-making. By monitoring cash movements, you can identify emerging trends and anticipate opportunities or challenges before they become critical. A clear record of inflows and outflows can also help to refine budgeting processes, ensuring that each segment of your finances receives adequate attention. This is especially beneficial if you need to secure external funding or demonstrate financial stability to stakeholders. In essence, tracking cash flow not only highlights the immediate financial state but also serves as a foundation for long-term financial planning and risk management.

### Why is it important for rental properties?

For rental properties, cash flow isn’t just a metric—it’s the pulse of your real estate investment. Rental property cash flow specifically focuses on the income generated by tenants versus the expenses incurred in maintaining the property. Positive cash flow here means that the rent received covers all operating expenses and leaves a surplus, which can be reinvested or saved for future opportunities. Conversely, negative cash flow may signal inefficiencies, high operating costs, or inadequate rental income, which could undermine the overall profitability of your investment.

Accurately measuring and forecasting rental property cash flow helps landlords and investors avoid unexpected financial pitfalls. It provides transparency into how property-related expenses, such as maintenance, repairs, property management fees, and mortgage payments, are balanced against rental income. Understanding these dynamics is crucial not only for day-to-day operations, but also for long-term strategic planning. It assists in making informed decisions about property improvements, rent adjustments, and even diversification of your property portfolio. In addition, a consistent record of positive cash flow from rental properties can be persuasive when negotiating financing or planning for future acquisitions, showcasing your property as a sound and profitable investment.

By integrating these practices into your financial management routine, you position yourself to maximize profitability, minimize risk, and capitalize on growth opportunities—whether in business operations or in your portfolio of rental properties.

 

[![Need a DSCR loan, instant quote, takes 1 minute, no credit pull, no obligation](https://cms.offermarket.us/uploads/CTA_8c5a9145c5.jpg)](https://www.offermarket.us/dscr-loan?ref=tjdscrcontent)

 

## Gathering Key Financial Information

Gather key financial information to see the exact monthly cash flow from your rental property. This simplifies how your calculator reflects each income source and operating expense.

### Rental Income Sources

- Check your total monthly rent. Include any parking fees or additional charges.
- Add other rent-based revenue streams such as pet fees or laundry usage.
- Document any late payment fees if you allow them.
- Include incidental income such as storage fees or utility reimbursements.

### Operating Expenses Overview

- Track maintenance costs such as painting or plumbing repairs.
- Identify property taxes. Data is often found on your local tax statement.
- Review your insurance premiums. Values appear in your annual policy.
- Include management costs such as leasing services or property managers.
- Add utilities such as water or trash service if you pay them.
- Factor in homeowner association dues if the property lies in a community.
- Document any capital expenditures such as roof replacements or HVAC upgrades.

## Step-By-Step Calculation Process

- Step 1: Gather Accurate Records
 
 Begin by collecting all your financial records. Verify each entry against your source documents, such as bank statements, receipts, and rental agreements. This ensures that every figure is accurate and lays a solid foundation for your cash flow calculations.
- Step 2: Determine Rental Income
 
 Identify your monthly rental income. For example, if your rental property generates $2,250 per month, this amount serves as your starting income for cash flow analysis.
- Step 3: Subtract Fixed Expenses
 
 Next, account for your fixed expenses. Start with your monthly mortgage payment—in our example, that is $1,159. This cost is non-negotiable, as it must be paid regardless of the rental income received.
- Step 4: Convert Annual Expenses to Monthly Figures
 
 Include other recurring expenses by converting annual costs into monthly amounts. If your annual property taxes total $1,300, divide by 12 to get approximately $108 per month. Similarly, if annual insurance costs are $900, this translates to about $75 monthly. Subtract these amounts from your rental income.
- Step 5: Set Aside a Reserve
 
 It’s important to prepare for unexpected expenses. Allocate a fixed reserve amount—for instance, $200 per month—to cover any unforeseen repairs or emergency costs.
- Step 6: Calculate Net Monthly Cash Flow
 
 Now, combine all these figures. Start with your monthly rent of $2,250, then subtract your mortgage ($1,159), monthly taxes ($108), insurance ($75), and reserve ($200). This calculation results in a net monthly cash flow of $708.
- Step 7: Determine Annual Cash Flow
 
 Finally, multiply the net monthly cash flow by 12. In this example, $708 multiplied by 12 yields an annual cash flow of approximately $8,496.

By following these detailed steps and ensuring your financial records are precise, you can effectively manage your cash flow and make well-informed financial decisions for your rental property investments.

## Common Issues And Troubleshooting

Common Issues And Troubleshooting occur when the calculator produces unexpected results. Some property owners report data discrepancies in 3 out of 10 instances. Troubleshooting steps improve accuracy and clarity.

- **Overlooking small expenses** (e.g. trash or landscaping). Minor charges can accumulate and create inaccurate totals.
- **Mixing personal and property bills** (e.g. personal utilities). Combining these items often skews the cash flow reading.
- **Skipping periodic fees** (e.g. seasonal maintenance). Excluding these entries sometimes causes inflated profit projections.
- **Misreading mortgage details** (e.g. interest-only terms). Loan structures can alter monthly outflow and impact calculations.

## Tips To Maximize Cash Flow

Focus on these steps to strengthen your monthly income stream:

1. **Review Operating Costs:** Check expenses like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees. Aim for competitive service providers to reduce recurring bills without sacrificing quality.

1. **Optimize Rental Rate:** Evaluate local market data before adjusting rental prices. Keep track of regional listings that match your property type and set a fair rate that attracts consistent tenants.

1. **Use Vacancy Minimization Tactics:** Advertise with concise listings and clear images that showcase property features. Ensure swift responses to inquiries, because vacancies lead to loss of potential rent.

1. **Consider Professional Management:** Compare fees and find an agency with a track record of maintaining properties like yours. Enjoy reduced stress and preserve your time for other investments when managers handle tenant concerns.

1. **Plan For Unexpected Repairs:** Set aside a small reserve for sudden issues. Some investors use 5% to 10% of monthly rent to handle urgent maintenance without breaking the budget.

1. **Leverage The Cash Flow Rental Property Calculator:** Plug in monthly rent, mortgage details, and property expenses to see real-time numbers. Spot patterns that reveal cost-saving opportunities and track progress over multiple properties.

1. **Refinance Strategically:** Research new loan options and weigh offers with lower interest rates. Seek guidance from local brokers when deciding if a refinance boosts net cash flow in your area.

1. **Keep Accurate Records:** Maintain detailed logs for rent payments, repairs, and tax documents. According to the IRS, clear documentation supports valid property deductions and streamlines reporting each year.

## Conclusion

Keep focusing on refining your strategy so you can adapt to changing market conditions and maintain robust returns. A disciplined approach to tracking your numbers provides clarity and helps you respond quickly to any shifts in income or expenses.

Staying consistent with updates to your cash flow data safeguards your bottom line and encourages confident decision-making. By monitoring each property closely you'll better position yourself for stable growth and a more resilient real estate portfolio.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 1\. Why is it important to track rental property income and expenses?

Tracking income and expenses helps you understand whether a property is profitable, identify areas for savings, and plan for future investments. By carefully monitoring mortgage payments, operating costs, and any additional charges, you can avoid unexpected cash shortfalls. Clear financial records also support accurate tax reporting, ensuring you can claim valid deductions. Staying organized with your finances can help you make better decisions when expanding your rental property portfolio and targeting new opportunities in the real estate market.

### 2\. How does a cash flow rental property calculator help?

A cash flow rental property calculator gives you a clear snapshot of your monthly profitability. It factors in rent, mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees to show whether you’re making or losing money. By displaying all costs and income in one place, this tool helps identify inefficiencies, optimize revenue, and reveal opportunities to boost returns. Property owners and investors can quickly see which rental strategies or potential upgrades are most effective. This data-driven insight simplifies planning and decision-making, helping you grow your portfolio wisely.

### 3\. What financial details should I gather to use the calculator effectively?

To use the calculator, collect your total monthly rent, including any additional fees like parking, pet fees, and utility reimbursements. You’ll also need details of operating expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, homeowner association dues, and management fees. Don’t forget to include mortgage specifics, like the interest rate and monthly payment. Tracking these figures comprehensively makes the calculation precise and reveals where you can cut costs or boost income. Having all data at your fingertips ensures you get an accurate picture of your rental property’s performance.

### 4\. How do I troubleshoot if the calculator’s results seem off?

Start by checking that your data entries are accurate and up to date. Overlooking small expenses—like minor repairs, periodic fees, or pet-related costs—can skew results. Ensure you’re using the correct mortgage details, including principal, interest rate, and any escrow payments. Confirm that you haven’t mixed personal bills with property expenses. If needed, recalculate step by step and verify each figure before moving on. A careful review of each item typically resolves most discrepancies and makes cash flow estimates clear and reliable.

### 5\. How can I maximize my rental cash flow?

Begin by reviewing each operating cost to see if cheaper service providers or insurance rates are available. Adjust rent to match current market conditions, and use effective advertising strategies to minimize vacancies. Keeping reasonable reserves for unexpected repairs prevents surprise expenses. Consider professional management if it saves you time and stress while boosting occupancy. Keep accurate records of all transactions to claim valid deductions and streamline taxes. Regularly evaluating and refining these factors, along with monitoring your property’s performance through the cash flow calculator, helps you continuously improve your rental income.

### 6\. When should I consider refinancing for better property cash flow?

Refinancing can be an excellent strategy if it lowers your mortgage interest rate, reduces monthly payments, or consolidates high-interest debt. It might also free up capital for improvements or investments. Look at the total cost of a potential refinance, including closing fees and loan terms. If the savings outweigh these charges over time, refinancing could help enhance your overall cash flow. Always weigh the benefits against remaining loan periods and consider your long-term investment goals before making a final decision.

---

## Grow your real estate portfolio with OfferMarket

OfferMarket is a real estate investing platform. Month-in-month-out, thousands of real estate professionals leverage our platform to grow and optimize their business. Our mission is to help you build wealth through real estate and we offer the following benefits to our members:

💰 **[Private lending](https://www.offermarket.us/loans?ref=content-cash-flow-rental-property-calculator)**
☂️ **[Insurance rate shopping](https://www.offermarket.us/insurance?ref=contentcash-flow-rental-property-calculator)**
🏚️ **[Off market properties](https://www.offermarket.us/listings?ref=content-cash-flow-rental-property-calculator)**
💡 **[Market insights](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRoNHXFVgI36SV0QQpyf9fw)**

---

[![Got off market listings - access deals](https://cms.offermarket.us/uploads/Got_off_market_listings_access_deals_73468e4b7a.jpg)](https://www.offermarket.us/listings)

---

Boost your ROI with our cash flow rental property calculator. Get expert tips & strategies. Read now!

*Quote takes 1 minute, no credit pull

*1 quote from 40+ carriers

*New listings daily

Cash Flow Rental Property Calculator : Cash Flow Strategies to Boost Your ROI

What is Cash Flow?

* Takes 2 minutes, no credit pull