Prepare Your Property for Showings

Getting your property ready to showcase is essential. No matter how many leads you have, it won't matter if you have nothing to show them. Here are the steps to ensure your property is presentation-ready:

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Property Assessment

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While conducting a walk-through with the current tenant, take note of any necessary changes, repairs, or updates needed once they move out.

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Scheduling Repairs

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Promptly schedule the necessary workers for interior and exterior tasks, such as painters, professional landscapers, and other specialists. The goal is not just to fix any damage but also to give the home a fresh appearance.

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Consider Professional Staging

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Consider professional staging to help potential renters envision themselves in the space. You can hire a staging service or keep furnishings and decor in storage. These items might include:

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• Furnishings
• Artwork
• Table settings
• Kitchen Appliances
• Towels and bathroom finishes
• Artificial plants
• Porch or patio furniture
• Decorative accessories

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High-Quality Photos

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Invest in high-quality professional Airbnb photography after refreshing the space and staging it if desired. Consider creating a virtual reality walkthrough to help potential tenants better understand the property's layout.

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Pre-Market Considerations

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This is also the perfect time to evaluate potential changes before listing your rental property. These may encompass:

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• Rental Rate Adjustment: Assess whether your rental rates must be adjusted based on market trends and property value.
• New Fixtures or Finishes: Consider updating fixtures and finishes to give your property a fresh and modern look.
• New Lighting: Enhance the lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere.
• New Appliances: Installing new appliances can be a valuable investment to attract tenants.
• New Flooring or Carpeting: Replacing worn-out flooring or carpeting can greatly improve the property's appeal.
• New Policies: Review and implement new policies to enhance the tenant experience if necessary.
• New Landscaping: Improve the property's curb appeal with landscaping upgrades.

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Create Eye-Catching Promotional Materials

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To effectively market your rental property, begin by making the necessary preparations. This includes assessing potential changes and improvements before listing them. Consider adjustments to the rental rate, fixtures and finishes updates, lighting and appliances improvements, and flooring or carpeting enhancements. Review and implement new policies and improve the property's curb appeal with landscaping upgrades if needed. Remember that making significant repairs or improvements between tenants is often more convenient and cost-effective, so evaluate systems needing replacement.

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Once your property is in optimal condition, leverage your beautiful new photos to create various promotional materials. This can encompass flyers, direct mail cards, and graphics suitable for online sharing. You can work with a graphic designer for a professional touch or explore user-friendly online platforms like Canva, Visme, DesignWiz or Poster My Wall, which offer numerous templates and design options.

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For online marketing, consider updating your website to feature your new listing as a prominently displayed property. Alternatively, you can develop a standalone website showcasing high-quality photos, a virtual tour, and a comprehensive guide to your rental application process. To seamlessly connect your offline and online marketing efforts, incorporate QR codes using QR code generator tool or dedicated web addresses into your direct mail materials.

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Don't overlook the importance of signage for your rental property. Rather than using a generic "For Rent" sign, opt for branded signage or create a custom graphic incorporating one of your professional property photos.

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Build a Local Rental Community

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Thinking about reaching out to folks looking for rental info in your neighbourhood? Well, why not create some cool online stuff just for them? You could start a blog, YouTube channel, or even a podcast packed with the latest scoops and clever ideas.

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What should you chat about, you ask? Well, here are some easy-breezy ideas:

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• Sprucing up your place with renter-friendly decor tips.
• There are nifty tricks to save space in a cosy apartment or condo.
• Spilling the beans on local events and happenings.
• Checking out nearby schools – you know, for the kiddos.
• Digging into the local food scene, where to get the yummiest bites.
• Taking care of your furry pals – all about pets in your rental.
• Getting your outdoor game on – the best spots for sports and fun.

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But here's the cool part: By cooking up this kind of content, you're helping out your current and future renters and boosting your website's search engine mojo (SEO). Plus, you'll gather many followers and subscribers who'll keep returning for more of your awesome stuff. And when it's time to fill up a vacancy, you'll have a ready-made audience to tell about it. How neat is that?

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Leverage Online Listing Platforms for Effective Rental Marketing

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When promoting your rental property, use multiple platform listings. Explore these websites and mobile apps to ensure your listings are up-to-date with accurate contact information, fresh photos, and property details:

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• Local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Abodo
• Apartment Guide
• Rentals.com
• Apartments.com
• RentCafe
• Realtor.com
• Zillow
• Trulia
• PadMapper
• Airbnb 

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Create an Enticing Open House Experience

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When hosting an open house, make it special! Use eye-catching signs and banners to get people's attention. To make families interested, rent a bounce house for kids. You can also set up a popcorn or cotton candy machine or invite a food truck like an ice cream or taco truck. Advertise the open house on social media and invite neighbours; they can help spread the word.

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During the open house, greet visitors warmly and have flyers, business cards, and a free rental application ready. Use Facebook Live or IG TV to update local followers in real time.

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Specialise in a Targeted Market Segment

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Focusing on a specific group of renters can be more effective than trying to appeal to everyone. When you cultivate a market niche, you position yourself as the go-to resource for a particular type of renter in your area. Here are some niche markets to consider:

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• Student Housing: Cater to the needs of students looking for rental accommodations near educational institutions.
• Pet-Friendly Housing: Offer rental properties that are welcoming to pet owners, addressing the unique needs of renters with furry companions.
• Senior Housing: Specialize in rentals suitable for senior citizens, ensuring they have the required amenities and features.
• Military Housing: Provide housing options tailored to the needs of military personnel and their families.

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Advertise Your Rental Property with Houst

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Houst is a leading rental management company that can make your life as a property owner much easier. They're pros at helping you market your property for short-term rentals and long-term lets. Whether you're looking to host guests for a weekend or secure a stable tenant for an extended period, Houst has your back!