When a prospective tenant reaches out to you, they’ll usually want to schedule a property showing. You’ve probably posted many photos online, but nothing quite sells like a prospective tenant walking through the doors and imagining themselves living there. Here are a few methods to make sure your property is ready to make a great first impression.
Curb Appeal
If the exterior of your property is not clean, it will give the impression that the rest of the property isn’t taken care of and your prospective tenants won’t want to go inside. There are many small things you can do to increase the curb appeal of your property. Mowing the lawn, removing weeds and trash, and adding a few flowers are a few inexpensive things you can do. You might also consider adding a fresh coat of paint or making sure the mailbox, light fixtures, and house number decals are all in good condition.
Consider Staging
If you’re having a hard time filling a property, bringing in furnishings and professional decorating can help it sell quickly. Any personal artwork, photographs, or unique decorations should be avoided, as they usually don’t go over well during showings. Making sure these prospective tenants can see themselves living there is very important, and leaving up any personal items or decorating to a personal taste can dampen that illusion you’re trying to create.
Highlight Focal Points
Most properties have certain focal points or features that make them stand out against others. These selling points should be decorated to stand out and should also be highlighted during the tour. Some examples could be big bedrooms, beautiful views, walk-in closets, fireplaces, or window seats. Whatever it is, a little decor such as throw pillows or brightly colored picture frames can help them stand out.
Do Basic Repairs
Make sure you can honestly say everything in your property is in working order and ready for them to move in. The last thing you want is for a prospective tenant to notice a leaky faucet or ask about the dryer that needs fixing. This will also allow for your tenants to move in and not have anything to complain about the first few months of living there.
Keep it Simple
Above all, whether during staging or adding new decor, it’s important to keep it simple. Extreme styles will throw people off and discourage them from signing, but neutral paint colors and furniture with small, tasteful accents will attract more tenants.
