Tips to Nail Your Next Property Showing

Having great tenants is critical for long-term success in the rental market. Great tenants keep minimize vacancies, reduce the risk of damage and neglect, and create peace of mind for landlords. Attracting the right renter takes some forethought and effort that is worth the investment of your time and energy. So, prepare your property, conduct a showing, and find the tenant that will settle in and stay long-term.

Is a Walk-Through Important?

A showing is one of the most important steps in successfully renting your property. While the prospective tenant may have some idea about the unit from your online listing, the in-person showing will ultimately determine whether they submit an application or walk away. A property walk-through allows the tenant to see that it is clean, well-maintained, and comfortable enough to see themselves living there.

Clean and well-maintained properties reassure the tenant that the landlord is reliable, up to date on maintenance, and will be available for repairs in the unlikely event they’re needed.

Preparing Your Property

Your goal in preparing your property is to make it as appealing as possible. The proper preparation will pay off in the end, so spend time on these seven tips.

1. Remove the Clutter

Don’t assume that your former tenant took all of their belongings with them. Do a walk-through and thoroughly inspect closets, cupboards, sheds, and cubby holes to ensure the previous occupants left nothing behind. Neat and tidy properties, inside and out, set the tone for your potential tenants.

2. Ensure the Property is Clean

No one wants to live in someone else’s dirt. Hire professional cleaners to thoroughly clean your property before showing it to the next tenant. If there are multiple showings, take time to quickly dust, sweep, and wipe down the property to keep it sparkling clean.

3. Decide on Staging

Staging a property with furniture is not a requirement. However, it can help tenants get a better feel for the space and envision themselves living there. A few key basics, like couches, beds, and dining tables, can create a homey atmosphere and reduce concerns about how furniture fits in the space. i.e., will the bedroom fit a king or a queen-sized bed?

4. Check Your Plumbing

Water pressure and properly working water features are something an experienced renter will check. Make sure that you’ve repaired any leaks, the water pressure is appropriate, toilets flush properly, and faucets do not drip before showing your property to a potential tenant.

5. Test Appliances, Lights, and Windows

Everything in your property should be in good working order before you ever open it up for a showing. This assures the tenant that you can be trusted to keep everything safe and in good working condition. Don’t forget, a walk-through includes the outside as well as the inside of the property!

6. Switch on the Heating and Cooling

Keep your property at an appropriate temperature for the season. Switch the furnace or air conditioning on before the scheduled showing. This step demonstrates that the units are working properly and the renters feel comfortable while they are there.

7. Light it Up

Turning on the lights ahead of time will make your property feel bright, warm, and homey. Well-lit areas give renters the impression that you are confident in your property and have nothing to hide.

Information to Have on Hand

Every once in a while, you may get an unexpected question, but tenants typically have a standard list of information they need to obtain. Know your answers ahead of time and have any papers ready to hand over to the potential tenant should they need them, including:.

• Square footage of the property.
• What the rental fee includes.
• Application requirements – application, application fee, credit and background check, pet deposit, security deposit.
• Other areas of the property that are available for tenants to use.
• Amenities within the broader community such as schools, shopping, local attractions.

Making Decisions

In order to comply fully with federal and state housing requirements that protect against housing discrimination, you must follow the same screening requirements for every prospective tenant. Here are three things professional, smart landlords do:

• Never make a decision during the showing.
• Always follow through with their tenant screening process with consistency and documentation.
• Don’t make exceptions for anyone.

The RPH Distinctive Difference

Preparing and showing your property can seem like a herculean task. This is why the care and attention to detail that Rent Portland Homes by Darla Andrew puts into each of their properties is integral to their success in finding stellar tenants and renting properties at top dollar.

The first step in attracting quality tenants is the online presence Rent Portland Homes creates. We advertise homes on hundreds of websites using high-quality property photos that create an inviting presentation of your home. We also produce video tours allowing potential tenants to virtually walk through an available home and get a feel for the property without actually stepping inside. This allows them to envision themselves in the home and better understand how they would live in the space.

Our representatives personally conduct all property showings so the landlord can feel confident that we’ll find the best tenant match for their property. This process includes:

• Handling any questions from potential tenants.
• Providing all regulatory real estate disclosures to potential renters.
• Personally conducting the application and screening process.
• Running all prospective renters through our customized screening process, which includes eviction history, national criminal background checks, and credit checks.
• Collecting the security deposit.
• Drafting and signing the lease agreement and obtaining all required documentation from the tenant.

Rent Portland Homes is passionate about renting quality properties to quality tenants. From advertising the property to managing every detail of a new tenant’s move-in, we are committed to creating an environment of confidence and trust with our landlords and tenants.

Partner With the Experts

Partnering with expert property managers can help you shoulder the burden of owning a rental, lessen your stress levels, and increase the value of your properties. Call or text Darla Andrew today at 503.515.3170 to learn more about how we provide the support you need to confidently enjoy the rental process.