In your opinion, what would be a better way to go right now when moving out of the forest into a new home? Selling your townhouse, or renting it out? Also, what sort of taxes come along with renting out your home? (if you know). And lastly, what commission do you charge to sell homes in the forest? I remember you saying it was lower than other agents?

These are difficult questions because I don't know your entire situation. It certainly is a buyers market right now. The last report I've read from the Board of Realtors shows on average home values in the Capital Region have dropped 8% between March 06 and March 07. Saratoga County has taken the hardest hit, but also Saratoga county also rose the most during the boom. All indications show that it will continue to drop over the next 12 months. Once you already own a home...it becomes a relative situation...your home sells for less...but you will buy for less. If your home rises in value,so will the value of whatever you buy. Renting out your townhouse is a wonderful idea if you are the type of person who can deal with rental property. I've helped a number of clients right now do that, and its worked fine. I have a lot of experience with rental property and the benefits of having it. You must do your homework, or get a quality realtor to help you rent the house...you can't rent to the first person who shows up with money in their hand. You must do a credit report and know who you're dealing with. Right now Luther Forest townhome rentals are doing well. There are no tax implications while renting, you declare the income..and write off your expenses. Usually with depreciation + expenses you will show a paper loss against your regular income. When you sell the home you will have a capital gain to pay tax on 15%..plus the depreciation that you wrote off is taxed at 25%...these numbers will be reduced by any capital improvments you have made. This gets a little muddy if your income is above 100K(AGI)..more than I can explain here.
As far as commission, I have sold everything I've had in the forest in less than 60 days, but I have not accepted listings that I feel the owner is not realistic in their pricing. I don't expect people to give their homes away, but in this market you must price your home at about what the last home like yours has sold for. Obviously consideration for condition, and negoition room is applicable. On a Luther Forest home I will charge 4.5% total. Thats with full service, TV advertising, Harmon Homes,open houses, as well as full MLS..the home will appear on all major company websites not just REMAX.