Preparing your property for the rental market will help it get rented quickly to good tenants and for the best price. You don’t want to begin marketing the home if it’s not move-in ready. These are a few things you can do to cover your bases and ensure your property is rent ready.
Landscaping and Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and when prospective tenants arrive at your property, you want to show them a home that looks clean, neat, well-maintained, and attractive. Curb appeal counts. Make sure the lawn is mowed and the bushes and trees are trimmed. Clean any debris or cobwebs away from the front door, and make sure everything looks great from the outside. If tenants don’t like the look of your property from the outside, they won’t bother seeing the inside.
Cleaning and Repairs
Before it goes on the rental market, your house has to be clean. Clean does not mean simply running a vacuum and wiping down countertops. It has to be professionally cleaned so that it really shines when prospective tenants see it. No one will be willing to move into a dirty house, and it has to be free from your personal belongings and the former tenant’s personal belongings as well. Make sure your potential tenants can imagine turning the property into their home.
Marketing and Advertising
Once your property is physically ready to rent, you need to begin advertising and marketing the home. Take a lot of high quality photos that you can use to advertise online. The majority of tenants are looking for their next home on sites like Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, HotPads, and Rentals.com. You need to post a compelling ad and a number of photos. Video is also a good idea, so people can feel like they’re getting a tour before they even see your property.
Scheduling Showings
Your house is ready for rent, and it’s time to schedule showings. Be available to show potential tenants your home so you can answer any questions, hear feedback, and provide applications. Tenants have a lot of options, so if you’re not available and responsive, they will move onto the next property.
These are some of the quick and easy things you can do to prepare your property for the rental market. If you need help with any of this, please contact us at Chattanooga Property Management.
