Assessing Reasons For Ongoing Vacancy

[Benjamin F.]

I have a property that's been vacant for almost three months, which happened previously about a year ago.  Given the rental comps in the area (Northern Virginia near Dulles), it seems the property should be earning more and be filled faster.  I'm not sure where the problem is although one thing that worries me is the realtor who seems to be too late in starting to advertise the vacancy, which then results in a need to lower the rent.  So I lose money on the vacancy as well as the ultimate rental income.  Of course there could be problems with the attractiveness of the property that are out of the realtors hands.  How have others handled this type of situation and are my concerns about the realtor justified?