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Owning a rental property in Lakewood was supposed to feel like a smart move — steady income, long-term equity, maybe a little freedom. But somewhere between the 2 a.m. plumbing calls, the rent that keeps showing up late, and the property tax bill that just won’t quit, you started wondering if it’s still worth it. If you’ve been quietly Googling your options at the kitchen table, you’re not alone. A lot of Lakewood landlords are reaching the same crossroads right now, and the good news is you have more ways out than you might think.

When Being a Landlord in Lakewood Stops Making Sense

Lakewood has changed a lot over the past decade. Neighborhoods like Applewood and Green Mountain have seen serious appreciation, which means many landlords are sitting on properties worth far more than they paid — but also dealing with aging systems, deferred maintenance, and tenants who’ve been there since the rent was half what the market commands today. Add in Colorado’s tenant-friendly laws (including the 2024 updates to the Warranty of Habitability and stricter “for cause” eviction requirements under HB23-1254), and being a small landlord just feels heavier than it used to.

You might be feeling some of these pressures:

• Tenants who pay, but trash the place — or won’t let you show it
• A roof, furnace, or sewer line that’s overdue and quoted at $15K+
• Rising property taxes after the latest Jefferson County reassessment
• You inherited the property and never wanted to be a landlord in the first place
• You live out of state and managing from afar has become a part-time job

If any of that hits home, it might be time to think about an exit — and how to do it without losing your shirt to taxes or a long, messy listing process.

Capital Gains and the 1031 Exchange Question

Here’s the part most landlords don’t love thinking about: taxes. When you sell an investment property in Colorado, you’re typically looking at federal capital gains (15% or 20% for most sellers), depreciation recapture at up to 25%, and Colorado state income tax of 4.4% on the gain. On a Belmar condo or a Morse Park ranch you bought in 2012, that bill can be eye-watering.

That’s where a 1031 exchange comes in. It lets you defer those taxes by rolling your sale proceeds into another “like-kind” investment property. The catch is the timeline — you have 45 days to identify replacement properties and 180 days to close. That’s tight, especially in a competitive market. A fast, predictable cash sale can actually make a 1031 easier because you control the closing date and don’t have to worry about a buyer’s financing falling apart on day 170.

If you’re not exchanging, you might also consider whether moving back into the property for two years to claim the Section 121 primary residence exclusion makes sense. It’s worth a 20-minute call with a CPA before you list.

Sell With Tenants, Without Tenants, or As-Is for Cash

One of the biggest questions Lakewood landlords ask is whether they need to wait until the property is empty. Short answer: no. You have a few real options.

• Traditional listing, vacant: Highest potential price, but you’ll need to wait out the lease (or pay cash-for-keys), make repairs, stage, and show it. Easily 60–120 days.
• Traditional listing, occupied: Limits your buyer pool to investors, often at a discount, and showings depend on tenant cooperation.
• Direct cash sale, as-is: Sell with tenants in place or vacant, no repairs, no showings, no commissions. Close in as little as 7–14 days on your timeline.

For a tired landlord with a place in Green Mountain that needs $30K of work, or an Applewood rental with a tenant on a month-to-month who you’d rather not disrupt, the cash route often nets close to the same after you subtract repairs, holding costs, agent fees, and tax timing headaches.

What a Cash Sale Actually Looks Like

The process is intentionally simple. You share a few details about the property, we take a look (in person or virtually), and within 24–48 hours you get a fair, no-obligation cash offer. You pick the closing date — next week or next quarter. We buy in any condition, handle the tenant communication if needed, and cover standard closing costs.

If you’re ready to talk through your situation — even if you’re just weighing options and not sure yet — give us a call at (619) 480-0195. We’ll give you straight answers about your Lakewood property, walk through the numbers honestly, and help you figure out whether a cash sale, a 1031, or sticking it out a little longer makes the most sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my Lakewood rental property if I still have tenants on a lease?

Yes, absolutely. In Colorado, the lease transfers with the property, so a new owner simply steps into your shoes as landlord until the lease ends. Cash buyers like us regularly purchase tenant-occupied homes, which means you don’t have to wait out the lease or go through a difficult non-renewal. We’ll handle the transition with your tenants respectfully.

How much will I owe in capital gains tax when I sell my rental in Colorado?

It depends on your gain, how long you’ve owned the property, and your income bracket, but most landlords face 15–20% federal capital gains, up to 25% depreciation recapture, plus Colorado’s 4.4% state income tax. A 1031 exchange can defer all of that if you reinvest into another investment property within IRS deadlines. We always recommend running real numbers with a CPA before you decide.

Do I have to make repairs before selling my Applewood or Belmar rental?

Not if you sell directly to a cash buyer. We purchase properties completely as-is, which means no roof replacements, no plumbing fixes, no cleaning out what tenants left behind. That’s often the biggest relief for landlords who’ve been putting off $10K–$40K worth of deferred maintenance.

How fast can I actually close on a cash sale in Lakewood?

If you need to move quickly, we can typically close in 7 to 14 days through a local Colorado title company. If you’d rather take your time — say, to coordinate a 1031 exchange or wait for a tenant to relocate — we’ll close on whatever date works best for you. You’re in control of the timeline, not the other way around.