Can I start advertising the rental property I have under contract

[Corey Law]

Hello Everyone, I am hoping to close on my first investment property next month. I am wanting to get a head start on some things. And I want to know if I am allowed to advertise a property that I have under contract? I want to upload it to sites like Zillow and Craigslist. 

Thanks,

Corey L

[Peter M.]

You could but unless it is already in move in condition I would not. I think of renters as having no imagination. If they see a place not fixed up, even if you tell them all the nice things you will do, they will be skeptical and just move along. Plus they might see something and think it is something else, like dirt they think is mold, then they will always question "did my landlord actually get rid of that mold? I have a cough now so it must be from the mold, I think I'll stop paying rent until its fixed" Even if it is fixed up, how will you show it? If you do this, don't take money from anyone. You can collect applications but don't do the paid services like credit and background checks until you own the property.