We see all sorts of emails go by when people are looking for a home for rent. We see people wanting to know if that extra bedroom is separated from the rest of the house so that it is suitable to the Mother in Law. We see people wanting to know if everything is on the same level. We see questions about parking. Can I park my RV in the driveway. It’s really quite a plethora of items that we see being asked of landlords and property managers as people contact them about their rental properties.
However, there are three basic questions that we see over and over.
When is your property available?
When you are posting your advertisement for your rental home, make sure you tell your prospective tenant when the property you are advertising for rent will be available. You reduce calls that take valuable time. It saves you and the prospective tenant time. If the prospective tenant is looking for something in the next 2 weeks and your property isn’t available for another 6 weeks, it will save you and them time because they can move on to the next property without contacting you.
Do you have any more pictures?
How often have we heard that staging fills more properties than anything else. Well, pictures are “Staging on the Web”. A prospective tenant is more likely to call on that house that has the picture of the cute second bedroom, the nicely organized kitchen as well as the spacious living room. They already have an idea that it is something they are interested in and that they would like to get a closer look. That’s what you want, isn’t it? You want the prospective tenant to ask to come see the house. You need that opportunity to discuss it with them and determine if they are the tenant that you want renting your property for the next several years.
Do you take pets?
Make it clear in your ad what your pet policy is. If you don’t allow cats, but do allow dogs under 40 pounds, let the prospective tenant know. This is another huge time saver. Why have to deal with that email, or that phone call if you can take care of it up front. If you don’t take pets, making it clear in your advertising will again save you and the prospective tenant a ton of time.
Make sure you are providing the best possible information to your prospective tenants when you post your home for rent.
Keller Williams Realty Kingstowne/Alexandria, VA Office - Fairfax, VA
Experienced Real Estate, Professional Serving No. VA and DC
Thanks Jom, I have a property that I have just purchased for my personal portfolio. Although the price was right and it is a single family home in No. Va, it may be more difficult to rent due to a lack of storage space and only a living room, no separate Den. Its attributes are single level living in a single family home, small lot, a Jacuzzi on the large back deck that opens from the living room and rent at the price of a townhome or condo. The backyard is fenced in (great for a dog).
I plan on replacing the current carpet, updating the kitchen and appliances as well as adding some interior decorating touches to give the feel of a ski lodge resort or chateau. One thing I will allow are pets on a case by case basis depending on the breed and size. I have learned you can command a much higher rent and larger deposit from pet owners and the risk is minimal if you put the right flooring in, etc.
Jan 22, 2011 04:38 AM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer
Most rental websites provide an inquiry/question response for tenant prospect contact about property and I always ask WHEN they are moving? HOW MANY in their family? IF they have pets? I want that information before continuing with further e-mail or phone inquiries so that I can assist them in finding a property within their moving timeframe.
Jan 22, 2011 04:52 AM
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