Advertise a unit 3 months before it's available?

[Jon Schwartz]

I'm closing escrow and starting reno on a duplex in two weeks. The reno is scheduled to end on November 18 (and we've worked in buffer time, so I'm confident we'll be done by then). At that time, I'll be moving into one unit and renting the other.

The duplex is in an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles where units like this (3 beds, 2 baths, private yard, private 2-car garage, central heat and air) rent for $5000+ and comparably sized houses rent for $6500+. Within the neighborhood, this duplex is especially well-located for walking to shops -- a total rarity in LA!

I'm thinking about advertising the unit as soon as escrow closes. I can include pictures of the exterior and rooms that won't change much (dining room, living room), as well as describe the scope of work to be done, the finishes and appliances to be installed, etc. The availability date will be November 18. Is this a good idea or a bad idea? The unit will be renovated to high standards and its location is very desirable, so I'm hoping some potential tenants with plans to move in a few months will see the ad and bite. Is this hope unrealistic? Should I wait until closer to the availability date -- say, six weeks out -- to advertise?

Thanks!

[Theresa Harris]

I would wait until you are closer to finishing.  You never know what will happen during renos plus people won't be looking that far out.  Plus people have a hard time imagining the finished product.