Quote from @Richard F.:
Aloha,
If you are offering a property furnished, you are virtually guaranteeing transient Tenants. You may have a particular market where that is fine, but generally you want quality, long, long term Tenants that have their own "stuff". Much less likely to disappear over a long weekend. Appliances may be a consideration depending on your market. For a condo here, I would always provide range, refer, and either washer/dryer in unit, or laundry center on the property, and usually AC. For houses, we still provide range and refer, but no laundry equipment...only the hookups.
Furnishings also do add cost to your turnovers, as there will be wear or stains that are "normal wear and tear" and you will need to reupholster; or a tv will fail; lots of issues that you might not have in your own home, but that prospective Tenants will notice if you do not address. You also will likely lose out on a "golden" Tenant because you are not willing to store your furnishings and let them provide their own.
On the subject of Condos, please take the time to research and learn to understand HOA Operating Budgets and current Financial reports; Reserve Studies, and Reserve Funding Plans. Forget what the Selling Agents, Management Company, Board members, or your favorite Uncle tell you about how "they are in pretty good financial shape". Only these documents can give you the real facts, but you need some context to fully understand them. And never compare the "maintenance fee" of one project to another...there is virtually no correlation.
