What Type Of Tenant Are You Hoping To Attract?

I toured several "for lease" homes yesterday in Fairfield with some wonderful clients.  Wonderful clients who sold their current home in 2 days, because they have lovingly maintained their cozy cottage and it was priced to sell! These prospective tenants are the cream of the crop.  With good credit scores, home-ownership experience, and high-cleanliness standards, my couple represent the landlord's "dream-tenants".  

Fairfield Lap Pool

I have had a few past rental listings where the landlords have not maintained the home as well as I would if I were in their shoes.  The home sits for months with no offers to lease because, honestly, it screams "landlord doesn't care". An unkept yard, dead bugs inside the home, broken light fixtures, and moldy toilets will not attract a pristine tenant.  Prospective tenants who wish to live in a nice home wonder, "If I were to have a repair issue---will the landlord refuse to make repairs?  After all, items A, B, and C do not work when they are showing the property.  What is the likelihood, he/she will care once I am bound to a contract?"

Keeping things neat and tidy helps attract prospective tenants!

Five years ago--this would not be a problem. There was a larger demand for rentals (often oil companies provided a nice rental stipend for their employees). However, in the last five years, investors have flooded the market, resulting in a huge supply of rental properties and reduced demand. So, my landlord friends, it pays to make your properties shine, just as if you were going to sell them.  Not only will you lease your home more quickly, you will also attract quality tenants!

Back to my clients.  Though they are budget conscious because they wish to buy another home by this time next year, they selected a more expensive home to lease because it was CLEAN (this includes how the walls appear--hint hint--it pays to paint) and had a nice layout. If you are thinking of purchasing a rental property or just need some tips about how to best market your rental, call me!  I'd love to help you accomplish your real-estate goals!