How To Nail A Rental Property Showing In 4 Easy Steps

While the location of your property and condition the property is in play a large role in how quickly you will rent out a vacant unit, the way you handle a property showing will also play an important role. Landlords often underestimate how much the property showing contributes to filling vacancies. If you are losing interest after showing your rental property, check out these four easy steps to help you nail your next showing.

Do Your Prep Work

One of the most important factors in the success of your property showing is how well you prepare. Not only should you make sure the property is ready for touring, you should also have everything together you need for interested applicants. For example, print off some flyers of the property to hand to those who express further interest in applying for the property. This will help keep you top of mind while they tour other properties.

Part of your prep work should focus on making the property look its best. If you are showing the property with tenants still living in it, ask them to ensure everything is ready for a showing. Ideally, showing the property when it is not occupied gives you the most control over the showing. In this case, be sure you head to the property before interested parties arrive. Even if you have already cleaned the unit and made it ready, you will want to quickly dust things, open up doors to closets and cabinets, as well as air out the place if it has been sitting for awhile. Consider bringing some air freshener to help make the first impression a pleasant one. Think about the walk up to the property as well. Clear the walkway of any debris, snow, or other obstructions.

Put A Professional Foot Forward

Never underestimate how much your attitude and greeting will affect the success of a property showing. If you are not naturally an outgoing or friendly person, consider bringing along someone who is. While you do not need to become best friends with people during a showing, you do want to demonstrate that you will be a fair, professional landlord.

Small things like opening doors for people, learning their names, and patiently answering questions goes a long way in the impression you will leave. Even if you just had the worst day, you need to create a positive impression during a property showing. Keep in mind they are not just shopping for a rental property, they are shopping for a new landlord.

Be A Good Tour Guide

The best tours I have been on are always due to the amazing guide. While you may not be taking people on an exciting river rafting trip, you are still giving a tour. Play the part of a tour guide and pass along useful information to interested parties. Highlight the very best features of your property. For example, while guiding potential applicants through the home touch on small details they might not notice, such as the brand new, energy saving appliance you just installed. You can also provide them with information about the area, like how close the rental is to the center of town or a nearby attraction.

When you show a property, you are ultimately a salesman. While you never want to mislead applicants by lying about the property, you can help them see the best components of the property.

Make The Next Step Simple

When you are showing a property, make sure the next step to apply for the property is easy and that the interested parties know how to take that next step. Provide them with information at the showing about how to apply. Be sure to follow up with interested parties as well. Give them your contact information as well as getting theirs. This way they can contact you with any questions and you have a way to reach out to them as well.

This is also a good time to let interested parties know about how the application process will work. For example, if you screen tenants, let them know that part of the process will be going through a background and credit check. By providing clear, straightforward instructions, you will create a smoother application process.

In conclusion, you can add your own extra flair to the showing process (whether that is baking cookies or handing out bottles of water), but the most important factor will be the way you interact with interested parties and how well you follow up. 

Best of luck with your next property showing and happy landlording.