If you want your ad for your rental property to be seen, take these essentials into consideration. Taking the time to create an informative and attractive listing not only helps you catch the eye of potential renters, but it can also save you time in the long run. When rental shoppers know little about your home, you might end up having many conversations ending with, “Oh, that’s not quite what I was looking for.” Save yourself from the headache of too many dead-end calls or inquiries or even showings. Informed renters will be one step closer to making a decision before contacting you, reducing the number of inquiries where you discover that your property and the potential renters just are not the right fit for each other.
Here are 5 essential elements of a great rental listing:
- Lots of quality, high-resolution, and recent photos
A listing without any photos may not even receive a second glance; one with poor or too few photos might earn a click, a quick scan… and a click away. Strive for a minimum of 10 photos, and be sure to capture not only both the interior and exterior of the home, but the yard. If you have multiple units, show only pictures of the unit being advertised – even if they’re very similar.
Photo hints:
- Open blinds and curtains to maximize the natural light
- Shoot at an angle to add dimension and visual interest
- Declutter, or viewers will remember the pile of clothes on the bed instead of the spacious master suite
- Close toilet lids and avoid having your image show up in a mirror
Quality photos of an uncluttered home aren’t simply good marketing — they are a subtle prescreening tool. Shabby photos are more likely to deter renters who take pride in their home, potentially leaving you with contacts who are less concerned about keeping up the property; nicer photos will appeal to tidier tenants. Also, taking updated photos is a must. If someone sees photos from when the home was 1 yr old, and it is now 7 years old, they are expecting the finishes like the photos, not the worn out carpet or scuffed up walls that may be more precise of the actual condition of the rental property. It doesn’t matter if the condition is pristine, but it will matter if it doesn’t hold up to what was shown online.
In addition to photos, take your listing to the next level with a video. Walking through the property helps potential tenants see the layout of the property rather than just what each room looks like. This can make a huge difference as potential renters are trying to visualize themselves in the property.
- Detailed property description
Beyond the basic information — bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage — include any details that will promote the property and give any potential tenants a good picture of the home and makes it memorable. Are there updated appliances or upgraded cabinets or countertops in the kitchen? Does it have new windows or carpet? Extra closet space? Energy-efficient features? A fenced yard? Highlight any desirable extras, like included utilities, parking spaces, security system subscription or yard maintenance, and point out unique amenities or features to generate interest and make your property stand out.
- Rental policy overview
In addition to the rent price, deposits, fees and lease term, be upfront about any policies that could be deal-breakers (or deal-makers) for prospective renters. Disclose your policies on pets, smoking, noise, parking and anything else that might affect a rental decision. For example, if your property includes a garage, but it is not visible in your photos, make sure the description states that there is a garage. If there is a big storage shed in the backyard, but it won’t be available for tenant use, make sure that is stated. If your photos show a refrigerator, but it belongs to the current tenant and won’t be there for a new renter, make sure your ad states no fridge is included. A less specific listing might generate more inquiries initially, but only causes you to get more calls with questions instead of actual interested renters.
- Neighborhood or Community information
If your rental is in a multi-unit building or part of an HOA, list any community amenities available for tenant use, such as a pool, fitness facility, barbecue area, lawn or roof deck, or clubhouse. Also note if the building itself or a clubhouse has secured access, and/or if there is an onsite manager.
When renters are looking for a new home, the property itself is not the only factor in their rental search. Including information about the home’s proximity to transit, shopping, libraries, pools or other area features can influence a renter’s decision to contact you. Point out anything that makes your neighborhood desirable — especially if it’s not obvious to someone just driving by — like summer concerts at the nearby park, walking trails, specialty food stores or other unique spaces or businesses. Remember to avoid terms that might violate fair housing laws, as harmless as they may seem, such as “great area for families with kids” or “large Asian community.”
When in doubt, hiring a professional property management company to promote, advertise, and lease out your property can be beneficial and can help you in the long run to avoid the violation of fair housing laws and can get you more traffic on your ads, as well as free up your time as they field the inquiries for you. If interested in more info about having the services of a professional, please contact Amanda at Real Property Management Alamo, 210-787-3876 or amanda@rpmalamo.com.