Every home has “standout” features that should be emphasized and highlighted in marketing efforts by residential property management. Owners and property managers should survey the home to determine the standout features.
Is the living room particularly big and appealing?
Is the kitchen larger or more inviting as compared to other spaces of similar square footage?
Is it an open floor plan?
Are the appliances modern and fairly new?
Is there a large master ensuite and walk in closet?
Steps for Residential Property Management to get your rental property rented quickly
The assessment should also include a list of those things that could be improved. A fresh coat of neutral colored paint can bring life back to a dated looking space, for example. Stained carpets are undesirable and a simple steam clean will often make the floors look new again. Remove unnecessary clutter if possible.
After the assessment, cleaning and repairs are complete, the next step is an effecting marketing plan. Consider listing common areas such as lobbies, elevators, parking lots, and lawn space. Any amenities that exist within a 20 block radius are also worthy of a mention. Residential property management should not hesitate to post the property on all readily available websites and social media including Craigslist and Facebook. There are also local rental property websites available in most major cities. Target your ideal tenant. Printed flyers can be effective if posted in local coffee shops, banks, and libraries. Residential property management should consider offering a small stipend for referrals. Friends and family of current renters can be outstanding prospects. The most obvious way to advertise is a small sign placed into the ground in front of the house. A white background with sharp, clear easily readable fonts with contact information entices a potential renter. If residential property management is aware of a local business that is expanding and hiring additional workers, then it could be wise to contact them regarding the available vacancies.
Pro-tip: Keep a good relationship with your past and current renters. If a second opinion is desired then ask a current tenant if they would be willing to vouch for their property online.
Residential property management must be thorough in its approach to showing and effectively marketing vacant spaces. Potential renters have an uncanny ability to notice those cracks in the walls, chipped flooring, and worn carpet that needs to be replaced. Do not cut corners. Attentive maintenance cannot be overemphasized. Management of residential property should always ask the question – would he be happy living in the space himself? If he can see a deficiency then the potential tenant certainly can.
Before showings, property management should ensure that there are no foul smelling odors in the home and take steps such as sprinkling carpets with deodorizer before vacuuming-fresh linen is a popular scent. If the floors are hardwood or laminate, then thoroughly mopping with a softly scented cleaner would be the appropriate. Avoid pine scents as they tend to overpower. Residential property management should set the temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit; if the temperature is too hot or too cold at a showing, potential renters may question the efficiency of the heating and cooling system.
Pro-Tip: Baking fresh chocolate chip cookies just before showings is inviting and recommended if residential property management possesses the time and energy to invest in this extra step.
Make your rental memorable and clean to rent quickly!
Son-Rise Property Management is a full service property management company located in Bellingham, WA. Contact us today to see how we can help you find the perfect home to rent or manage your property.
