Why can't I get many leads for a Large 4 Bedroom House in NJ?

[Jehan Jaleel]

Hi, I am trying to rent out my house in NJ (because I want to move out of state). So far I have posted an ad on Craiglist and Trullia/Zillow, but after 2 weeks I have only gotten 7 leads. 5 of those I had to turn down because they didn't pass my pre screening (initial credit and income check) and 2 decided they didn't want the  place after seeing it.

I was really hoping to get more leads than this, is it because this is a slow time of year? Or is it hard to rent for a rate this high ($2700)?

Is there anywhere else you recommend marketing it on besides the two sites I mentioned above?

Lastly would you mind taking a look at the listing and giving any recommendations on how it can be improved? Perhaps more photos or a closer availability date?

Thanks.

Jehan

[Neil Hohmann]

Hi Jehan,

I agree with others with regard to photos. Also, go horizontal (landscape orientation) with the photos as opposed to vertical (portrait orientation). It's almost disconcerting that you can't see an entire room, just a vertical slice of it. Also, in the second photo, what's on the floor (an art project?) and what's that cable running along the ceiling? Pick up the room and remove anything unusual.

Also, it should interest potential renters if you show photos of the kitchen and the master bedroom and bathroom. (The standard photos every buyer or renter wants to see.)

Finally, do you think many people are familiar with the term "mother/daughter" with respect to home layouts? Probably not, so using that term might just add to the uncertainty in their mind.

Caught a typo, too. I think you meant "clearing" snow -- not "cleaning" snow. And I would recommend changing the ad to "Non-smokers only. No dogs." Running the two together almost implies you don't want dogs or non-smokers.

Hope that helps.