In order to succeed when you invest in rental properties it is necessary to show your property to potential tenants. Just as if you were selling the property, you must make sure that the property is appealing to tenants in order to rent it out and begin collecting rental income. I learned some fantastic tips from Karen Nelson Bell, a instructor at the Enlightened Wealth Institute.
First, it is important to understand that curb appeal can be just as important to tenants as it would be to buyers. Prospective tenants are often put off by properties which seem to be dilapidated on the exterior. In order to attract good tenants, you need to make sure that your property is inviting and shows the care that you have put into it. Even small rental properties can create a good first impression. Repair issues should always be addressed prior to showing a property to prospective tenants. It is never a good idea to show a property which is still in the process of being repaired or renovated. Wait until the property has been completely fixed up before showing it. You should also make sure the property is extremely clean. There is nothing worse for making a bad impression on a prospective tenant than a filthy property. Above all, be certain that the carpeting is clean. Ideally, it is best to have the carpet professionally cleaned after one tenant departs and before you show the property to the next prospective tenant. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the carpet to dry before you actually show the property to anyone. Never put off replacing worn carpet as this can cause problems in attracting quality tenants. Take the time to make sure you know the best points of the property before you show it. Sit down and think about the best features of the property so that you can easily refer to them when you show the property. Before you actually show the property, take the time to stop by the property to be sure that everyone is set to make a good first impression. If the temperature outside is quite cold or hot, be sure to stop by the property to set the temperature inside the property so that it will be comfortable. Generally, most people will not wish to remain inside a property that is either quite hot or cold. If the temperature is uncomfortable, there is a good chance that most prospective tenants will not stay around long enough to see the best features of the property.
In addition, make sure you turn on all the lights to the property before the prospect arrives!
Do not hesitate to show off the exterior and the grounds of the property. If there is some interesting feature outside, make sure you show it off. The key is to give prospective tenants an idea of what it is like to actually live there and that includes showing off the grounds as well. One cost saving tactic I learned from Enlightened Wealth Institute is the OOPS paint tactic….simply go to a paint store, buy the “oops” gallons of paint they have on sale and mix it all up in a 5 gallon pail, then paint the house! Of course, I only recommend nuetral colors of paint! Finally, make sure you are always prepared for all showings. When you show a property, you need to make sure that you have a rental application on hand as well as a copy of the lease you use. You also need to make sure that you have decided on terms such as security deposit amounts, pet deposits and key deposits.
Tags:
Enlightened Wealth Institute,
Real estate investing
