I’m having trouble re-renting my home

[Jayden Hamilton]

I have tenants moving out the end of July and I’d like to have my property re-rented by August 1st and have someone moved in and sign the lease. So far I’ve been having no luck on finding good potential tenants, most of them are from a not so demographic and my property is in a very nice area. You can check it out online, 111 Virginia Ave, O’Fallon, IL 62269. Why am I having difficulty finding decent potential renters when I’m asking below what the market rent is for the home and I have it listed on several sites online and I have a for rent sign posted in the yard.. it’s been about 2.5 weeks with no true luck. Any advice? I don’t want to lose a months rent or just be gullible and let anyone move in. I want good tenants that treat the home like it’s their own.

[Jennifer Donley]

I'm down the road from you!  

I'm in line with most of the other advice you've gotten.

1.  I always have professional photos taken and always when it's vacant.

2. I use the best interior photo that I have - usually the kitchen or living room with lots of light - as the first photo.  

3.  I think your rent is at market at best & possibly too high.  Rentometer says average within a mile is $1145 and 75th percentile is $1284.  There are 2 other Zillow listings relatively close that are lower and 1 has an additional bedroom.

4.  I'd recommend using Facebook marketplace as well - it's a very successful way to advertise here in St. Louis.

5.  When I talk to other landlords who tell me they're having trouble leasing a property, and we've covered all of the above, there is usually a process issue as well.  Something along the lines of - it's difficult for people to schedule to view the property, landlord is taking too long to get back to people, there's a full application to view the property, etc.

6. Finally, if you have people who are interested, ask for their feedback - why did they call/inquire, what did they find helpful, what could be better, etc? 

There is a shortage of housing here as almost everywhere so there's a reason you're having trouble, just have to figure it out.  Let me know if I can help further.