Get Your Property Rented Faster with these Tips

Being in between tenants is the worst. Even when you’ve factored vacancy into your monthly costs, it still sucks when it happens. Your top priority now is getting it rented, and getting it done quickly so you’re not leaking money month after month. Here’s how you can speed up the process:

Boost the Curb Appeal

What’s the first thing someone sees when they drive up to your property? Is it overgrown bushes, a crumbling sidewalk, or anything else unsightly? If so, you’re seriously damaging your curb appeal – and your prospects. Remember, most people make snap judgements, and these first impressions can be difficult to change. Avoid this by giving prospective tenants a great first impression that will make them eager to see the inside of the home. Clean up the yard, store trash cans in a garage or around back, plant some pretty flowers, and touch up any peeling paint. These are easy and inexpensive steps to boosting your curb appeal, and believe me, it will make a difference in the eyes of renters.

Make Sure Security is a Priority

Moving to a new neighborhood can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the area. Unless your property is in a gated community (and even then, security still matters), do what you can to improve the unit’s security. This doesn’t necessarily mean installing an alarm system, although this will definitely earn you points with renters, but make sure all your locks on your doors and windows are functioning properly, and that your main entry points have deadbolts. You can also do things like install a peephole or security lighting outdoors, and provide window coverings for privacy.

Stage It

Vacant homes do not show as well as those that have furniture. Without any furniture to define rooms or give an idea of how much space is actually there, it can be difficult for some people to visualize themselves in the home. If possible, stage the place with a few key pieces of furniture and decor to give it a more homey feeling and help people picture how it might look with their own things. You don’t have to do every room, but having a couple of chairs, a dining set, and a bed and nightstand can go a really long way in making your place look great.

Show it Like You Mean it

Showing the property to potential renters is where you really get your chance to shine. Bring your A game by doing a couple easy things to make your property look great and your tenants feel comfortable at the showing. First and foremost, make sure the property is clean. Nothing turns off renters faster than a filthy home that smells weird. Light a mildly scented candle, and open all the blinds to let natural light in. Arrive early and bring some bottled water to offer your visitors, and if you know they have kids, having a couple of toys on hand to keep the little ones entertained isn’t a bad idea, either.

Of course, another option is to avoid all this hassle and use a turnkey investment strategy. Your turnkey provider will not only offer cash-flowing properties, they’ll likely already be tenanted – so you can start making money immediately. And if you choose a provider with in-house property management, the deal gets even sweeter. The management side of the company will handle all the day-to-day stuff, freeing you up for other things – work another job, be with family, or scout more properties. If a time comes when a tenant doesn’t re-sign the lease, the management company will even take care of marketing the property and locating a new quality tenant.