Before you can start collecting rent payments, you have to find a great tenant for your unit.
If you don’t know how to boost your rental appeal and hold effective showings, however, you’ll be sitting on a vacancy due to a lack of interest from quality tenants.
In this article, we’ll be giving you six tips you should follow when showing your rental property.
Make Necessary Repairs
Tenants don’t want to move into a damaged property. Be sure to make any necessary repairs before you have prospective tenants over for showings.
Examples of common repairs include:
- Fixing Cracks and dents in the drywall
- Replacing hinges on cabinets and doors
- Refreshing water fixtures
- Servicing appliances
- Fixing or replacing locks
- Adding window dressings
For tax purposes, put off expensive repairs until you’re actively seeking a tenant. Repairs made before a property is officially “in service” aren’t deductible, so you’ll save more money by waiting until you can fully deduct these costs.
Deep Clean
The first step of cleaning rental properties is clearing out any old furniture and unnecessary items. Next, remove pests from the property and clear all the dirt and debris by sweeping and polishing the flooring and cleaning the carpets.
Next, add a fresh layer of paint to any rooms that need it. Choose neutral and warm colors to make the space as appealing as possible. Don’t forget to also repaint the trimming and doors.
Accessorize, But Don’t Overdo It
Staging rental units with accessories can help give off a homier and more lived-in feel. Generic items like books, plants, dishes, towels make the space feel livable and cozy.
With that said, you don’t want to over-accessorize. Give renters the opportunity to fill out the space for themselves with their imagination.
Furthermore, don’t personalize the space or accessorize with objects that could turn renters off. For example, religious or pollical decorations, refrigerator magnets, pet accessories, children’s items, and family photos may keep prospective tenants from connecting with the property.
Furnish Appropriately
It’s a good idea to give each room in your unit an identifiable purpose by placing basic furnishings where appropriate. For example, a bed in the bedroom or a couch and coffee table in the living room can help make the unit feel more like a home. With remote work becoming more common, you may also want to find a space in the unit for a desk or home office, since this is an important living component for many renters.
Again, don’t overdo it with the furnishings and keep them simple. Don’t pick furnishings that clash with the unit. If your unit is a beachfront property, wicker chairs and beach décor might be appropriate, while an apartment in the city would do better with modern-style furnishings.
Have Inviting Lighting
When renters come to tour your property, you want to make sure the lighting in your unit is inviting. The best strategy is to maximize on natural light by opening all the blinds.
When natural light isn’t enough and you need the help of artificial lighting, you should layer your light sources with lamps. Overhead lighting can be useful, but sometimes it can be harsh. Place lamps throughout the unit to soften the lighting and create a more comfortable ambiance.
Don’t Forget Curb Appeal
Many landlords forget to consider their property’s exterior. Having good curb appeal will give your renters a positive first impression of your property, so make sure to give your exterior plenty of attention. Start by landscaping your property and regularly maintaining it. This means mowing, removing leaves and debris, pulling weeds, mulching, and trimming bushes and limbs. Adding some in-season flowers to your yard is also a nice touch.
Make sure your building’s exterior is looking good. Keep the gutters clear, and power wash the siding, driveway, and walkway. If your building needs to be repainted, hire someone to do so. Also, make sure your front door is in good shape. Repaint it or buy an entirely new door if need be.
Conclusion
It’s important to make necessary preparations to your property before showing it to prospective tenants. This means making repairs, cleaning, accessorizing, furnishing, creating effective lighting, and prioritizing curb appeal.
By following these tips, you’ll have a much easier time attracting tenants and filling your vacancies quickly.
