Owning a rental property may sound like an easy way to make money, but for many, it is easier said than done. In order to find success in the investment, there is a significant amount of work that must be done even before a tenant moves in. Before property owners can make a profit, they must first get their property listed and marketed.
Often times, the importance of a good listing is overlooked, but experienced property managers in Fort Collins know how to avoid some key mistakes homeowners make when listing their properties. A properly executed listing can make a significant difference in attracting interest and filling vacancies.
As you work towards listing your rental property, be careful to avoid these key mistakes that can leave you with a lackluster listing.
Pictures are one of the most important components of an effective rental listing. Potential tenants rely on pictures to give them a glimpse into what the property looks like and what it has to offer. Pictures also provide the tenant with an initial opportunity to envision their own lives, belongings, and family within the home. In all reality, you need to take pictures of your rental property in order provide tenants with proof of what you say the property has to offer.
Pictures are typically the first thing a prospective tenant will look at. If the pictures of the house pique their interest, they will likely request a showing. Often times, people just ignore listings that do not have pictures and they may even skip over listings with poor quality pictures. Be careful to upload high-quality pictures that are not blurry, dark, or pixelated. The better the quality, the more professional you appear.
Make sure to include pictures that showcase the best features of the home while also providing a view of the most important spaces in the home. Use pictures to show the condition of living areas and bedrooms, but also include pictures to highlight any unique features such as updated appliances, flooring, or other desirable details.
Having good pictures on your listing can help you get more views, more showings, and more applicants.
Tenants are looking for a rental home that will meet their needs and the needs of their family. Be careful that you do not use vague terminology or neglect to include key information that could appeal to a potential applicant. Failing to include important details could cause people to move on to another listing. Some owners mistakenly believe that including limited details could force tenants into calling or scheduling showings, but in reality that will push them in the opposite direction. With adequate details, you can attract more potential tenants.
When outlining property details, start with the important numbers such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. These details serve to meet the tenants' needs. From there, include any information about design, upgraded features, or desirable aspects such as new appliances, hardwood flooring, or a fenced-in backyard. These details serve to meet the tenants' wishes. Finally, take the time to gather information about the safety of the property or neighborhood, along with other facts and details about the location such as proximity to freeways, shopping centers, and entertainment. These details will appeal to the tenants' lifestyle.
Every listing should include the monthly rent amount. In addition to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, this is one of the most important aspects of a rental listing. Tenants do not want to waste their time looking at a rental property that they cannot afford. In order to know if they can afford the home, however, they will also need an understanding of other additional and applicable costs. Taking the time to clearly outline costs such as application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, included utilities, and additional charges for parking or amenities can also be beneficial in getting your property leased.
Pricing your rental can be one of the most difficult things to do. If you set the rent too high, you could lose on the number of applicants you receive, while setting it too low could affect your own finances and the cost of maintaining the home. Knowing how much rent to charge for your property can be difficult to determine, but with help from experienced property managers in Fort Collins, you can find the amount that will cover the cost of the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance of the home while still making a profit.
Be careful that you quickly and professionally respond to inquiries about your property or to schedule showings. Failing to respond in a timely manner will result in lost interest and tenants who have moved on to the next property on their list. If you are unable to keep up with emails, calls, or messages in regards to your property, you may want to consider professional property management services that will take care of any and all aspects of listing and managing your home.
All Property Services provides expert property management in Fort Collins and the surrounding areas. We have extensive experience in creating successful listings that will fill vacancies quickly with good tenants. Contact us today to learn more.
Our team is here to help you find your next home. Feel free to call and schedule a showing or start your search right here.
