Whether you live in an area with a seasonal influx of renters or anticipate brisk rental activity year-round, you can always use a little advice on showing rental properties. A prospective tenant’s first impression of your rental property is crucial to whether or not they decide to apply. So, if you’ve received multiple applications, are considering selling your property, or are just looking for tips on showing rental properties, you’re in luck.
Maintaining your property and having it ready for viewings is important for attracting rental inquiries, and showing your property to prospective tenants must be handled properly. Multiple components and factors go into getting your property ready to show, and it’s important to remember these tips to help you show the best rental property possible.
Safety always be first
A rental property isn’t home. It’s an investment that you own. It pays your rent and property taxes and does its best to bring in cash flow consistently. Ensuring your property is well-maintained and safe is your responsibility, and it’s critical to your reputation as a homeowner and future landlord.
Pre-qualify is one of the keys
Pre-qualify is a key to showing your rental property. The offer to purchase or lease a property before the buyer or tenant has viewed the property. Pre-qualifying buyers mean those who have obtained a loan commitment for a mortgage, which shows how much the buyer can afford to borrow, and the interest rate and term.
Schedule showings in a block
Potential tenants and buyers are often busy, and showings arranged at the last minute are less than desirable. You want to make a good impression, and the best way to do that is to prepare in advance. Start by scheduling showings at least a week in advance, preferably longer, to allow time for people to find a time that works best for them.
Show up early and primp
Showing a rental property is important. This is your opportunity to make a great first impression on renters, so taking the time to show a property and make a good impression is important. Showing up early and being friendly and approachable are two of the most important things you can do to sell your home.
Stay out of the way
Showing a rental is a great idea, but it needs to be done carefully. To help the showing go smoothly, make sure the tenant is out of the house, and the house is clean and free of clutter. Leave the home as clean and tidy as possible for the next prospective tenant. Always stay out of the way when showing the house and let the tenant lead.
Ask for honest feedback and have applications on hand
Many property managers don’t implement a strategy for acquiring feedback about their rental properties. The benefits are numerous, though, including the ability to solicit feedback from tenants, obtain suggestions on improving the property, and access information about tenant preferences.
Follow up
Before you show your property to potential tenants, ensure it’s as clean as possible. Rental properties require regular maintenance and care, so sharing that information with prospective tenants in your rental listing is important.
In today’s rental market, landlords will be hard-pressed to find tenants who will leave the property in good shape. A tenant who leaves it in good condition probably has a healthy respect for the value of their own property and pays rent on time. While this sort of tenant is ideal, some landlords may be frustrated with those who don’t want to or can’t stick to the required maintenance schedules.