Over the years I have been asked this question many times. In the current market, many solvent homeowners are becoming reluctant landlords in the greater Sacramento area since they cannot sell their property right now. Converting a owner occupied property into a rental property is straightforward, but it is not the same a selling the property. Purchasers of real estate are not as concerned about small maintenance issues like paint condition, carpet condition, or cleaning as a prospective renter. This makes sense because a purchaser of a home is looking at the long term prospects for the house and will cover the small items for the sake of a good deal on the purchase. But a renter, wants an immediate payoff as rents paid today are lost. The renter has to be sold on the immediate deal, there is no long term benefit.
So, what should be done to make a house rent ready?
1. Paint the walls. No shortcuts here, if the walls don't look like they have just been painted, paint them.
2. In the Sacramento, CA rental market, put up good window coverings. This varies by market, so check with your property manager, rental housing association, or local realtors.
3. Clean the carpets and interior.
4. Fix up and clean up the yard. Curb appeal applies to rental properties.
5. Make sure everything works. Windows should lock, appliances should work, heating and air conditioning should work, doors and locks should work, put cover plates on, fence gates should be operational, fix broken windows, no leaks, no mold, no trip hazards, and get rid of any smells.
A final question, would you move into the property in the condition it is in? If so, you are getting close!
Robert A. Machado, CPM, MPM 916-429-1205 X 105
5896 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA NATOMAS TO ELK GROVE
8856 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, CA CITRUS HEIGHTS TO CAMERON PARK
1220 Melody Lane, Roseville, CA NORTH HIGHLANDS TO LINCOLN
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