Staging a rental property with tenants to sell your home?

[Sherwin Gonzales]

I'm looking into selling my rental property in the Bay Area and was wondering if anyone has had experience in staging a property with tenants in it before placing your home on the market? I'm thinking about rearranging my tenant's big furniture items and maybe adding a few more other pieces to market the home better.

Are there incentives you offered tenants to compensate for the inconvenience of living in a staged home, accessing the property in preparation for listing, open houses, and during escrow?

Thanks in advance BP universe!

[Dan King]

It all depends on the tenants tolerance level.  My experience is that getting the tenants out before the sale provides me the best level of options.  I can stage it exactly how I want with no tenant schedules or "mess" issues to work around.  Additionally, buyers might feel nervous knowing tenants will be displaced and there could always be a problem getting the tenants out on time.  I expect they are month to month right?  If they are on a lease that runs beyond your sale date that offers additional unique challenges.  I understand getting that extra rent is nice but for me I like the tenants out first so I can properly maintain and clean the property and then stage it for maximum exposure.  This provides the realtors the best chance to properly "show" the home with the least amount of potential challenges.  This process will enhance your sales price potential that will more than make up for the lost month or two of rent.  Good luck!