Use these 5 steps to help make sure your rental property is ready to rent
Making sure your rental property is “rent ready” is crucial in getting the best tenant for the most rent. The first impression of a property can be the difference between a qualified tenant making an offer or walking away. A qualified professional Property Manager can assist you in making these decisions and perform the necessary actions.
Step 1. Inspection: Take time to inspect the property thoroughly to understand the homes benefits and shortfalls. Does it have modern amenities? Enough closets? The size of the rooms, etc. Also take notice of property defects and possible repair items to make your rental more attractive and more valuable. Check all electric devices and plumbing fixtures to make sure they meet local building code and operate correctly. A slow draining sink or shower may be a clue to future problems.
Step 2. Repairs: It is so much easier to perform upgrades and repairs while the property is vacant. Small fixes like new kitchen cabinet hardware, new light fixtures, matching door hardware, even a
new house number or mailbox are all ways to make a great first impression. This is the time to possibly enlarge your closets, re configure awkward floor plans, and add modern features. Popular new features are the built-in computer desk or home office, usually located in the family room or even the kitchen if the space is available.
Step 3. Finishing: For the paint, choose a 2 tone wall color scheme. Nothing shows you don’t care about your property quite like a 1 color paint scheme. Ceilings, walls, doors and trim all painted the same color look terrible and show a lack of effort. A local paint store professional can help with selections. it is common to paint ceilings white, walls a neutral bright color, and doors and trim in a coordinating different neutral color. Floor finishes (if you have hard wood floors) are equally important, I prefer a natural finish with at least 3 coats of a water or oil based poly urethane coating. Professionally finished floors will be durable and long lasting.
Step 4. Cleaning: Hire a professional cleaning company to detail clean the entire home, including inside kitchen cabinets, windows, bathrooms, light fixtures, shampoo carpets etc. Nothing sells better than a freshly cleaned, ready to move in “rent ready” home.
Step 5. Staging: Add a few personal touches to enhance the homes appeal. A small bowl of imitation fruit on the kitchen counter, a hand towel in the bathroom, a few small faux plants or flowers to add some color and you are done!
Now that your house is rent ready its time to start marketing! Watch this short video to see how a professional property manager can help you get the most out your investment.
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