When getting your property ready to rent, there are simple steps you can take to make it feel lighter, brighter, and larger, which your potential tenants will appreciate. Follow these tips to make your home stand out from the crowd.
1. Give it a fresh coat of paint
A can of paint can do wonders. It can completely transform a space, revive tired walls, and brighten up rooms. Try to stick to light paint colors such as beige, grey, and cream. These reflect the natural light in the room, as well as enhance interior lighting, making the home feel more spacious. The lighter the room, the larger it will feel. Picking neutral, timeless designs will also save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to spend more to regularly update to the most current trend.
2. Fix whatever needs fixing
This may sound obvious, but it is easy to overlook. Walk around your property and see if anything needs fixing. Are there holes or cracks in the wall? Any loose doorknobs, drawer pulls, light switches, or electrical socket covers? Some quick fixes can go a long way. Make sure all appliances are working properly as well. You want to put your best foot forward and show that you’re an attentive, responsive landlord right from the start. Regular maintenance during tenancies or in void periods is invaluable, as it shows that you care about your property and will allow it to always stay at its best.
3. Declutter
Walk around and free up as much space as you can. Your potential buyers will want to see all the space they are getting and can occupy. Take down anything personal or anything that’s not necessary for daily life. By completely removing your own stuff, you’re allowing your potential tenant to see the space and imagine themselves living in it.
4. Clean it to a commercial standard
A deep clean and polish will always make your property look as good as it can, so make sure everything is absolutely spotless. Clean every room from top to bottom. Mop the floors, deep clean cabinets (inside and out), bathtubs or showers, toilets, and all hardware. Kitchen counters and bathroom tiles should sparkle and be sure the grout also gets a good scrubbing. Remove dust, cobwebs and grease from overhead fans and light fixtures. Remember that by keeping your property in excellent condition, you will not only have a better chance of renting it to quality renters, but you may also justify a higher rental rate.
5. Upgrade
Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so if you can make any major upgrades, make them here. The difference between an old and new bathtub or shower, or between old and new countertops, can make a significant difference in the eyes of interested tenants. If you can’t afford to or don’t want to do any major renovations or remodelling, even replacing a few worn appliances (like a microwave or a toaster) can make a big difference.
6. Hang some mirrors
Adding a few mirrors is the quickest and cheapest way to create an illusion of space. They make rooms bigger, brighter, and better. Hang your mirror in such a way that it faces or is angled from your natural light source (window, door, or sunroof) to fully capture the light and spread it in your room. Think big but go small with the frame.
7. Get some bright lights
Don’t rely on ceiling light only, as in most cases, they make the corners of the room appear dark and therefore the room itself smaller. A few nice features, such as an eye-catching floor lamp, friendly fairy lights or a bold new lampshade can also change the feel of a room without costing too much money. Make sure all your lightbulbs are working perfectly, too.
8. Check out your competition
Every property has some special features, you just need to find what makes yours unique and desirable and let everyone know about it. Check out your local real estate office and sites and look for properties that are similar in location, price, and specs (number of rooms, square footage, etc.) to yours. Is there something you have that’s better than the other properties in the neighborhood? Make sure to emphasize it, both in upgrading the property and in your marketing later on.
Hiring a property manager can take a lot of stress off your shoulders. They can do everything from making sure your property looks its best to advertising it, attracting tenants, screening them, and organizing showings, so all you need to do is sit back and profit from your investment.
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I am a seasoned property management professional with years of hands-on experience in preparing and renting out properties. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market, property maintenance, and effective strategies to attract quality tenants. Throughout my career, I've successfully managed numerous properties, optimizing their appeal and value in the rental market.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the article:
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Fresh Coat of Paint: The recommendation to use light paint colors such as beige, grey, and cream is spot-on. Light colors reflect natural light, enhancing the perception of space. Additionally, the mention of timeless designs aligns with the practicality of avoiding frequent updates to match trends, saving money in the long run.
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Fix Whatever Needs Fixing: The advice to inspect the property for any issues is crucial. Attend to repairs promptly, including fixing wall imperfections, loose hardware, and ensuring all appliances are in working order. This not only enhances the property's appeal but also establishes the landlord's commitment to maintenance, fostering a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
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Declutter: The emphasis on decluttering is essential. Removing personal items and unnecessary belongings allows potential tenants to envision themselves in the space, focusing on its potential rather than the current occupant's belongings.
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Clean to a Commercial Standard: The recommendation for a deep clean, covering every aspect of the property, aligns with the goal of presenting the property at its best. A well-maintained, spotless property not only attracts quality tenants but may also justify a higher rental rate.
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Upgrade: The focus on kitchens and bathrooms as key selling points resonates with industry wisdom. Making significant upgrades in these areas can significantly impact a property's desirability. Even minor changes, such as updating appliances, contribute to an improved overall impression.
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Hang Some Mirrors: The suggestion to use mirrors for creating an illusion of space is a practical design tip. Placing mirrors strategically to capture and reflect natural light enhances the perceived size and brightness of the rooms.
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Get Some Bright Lights: Diversifying lighting sources and ensuring all lightbulbs are functional is a smart approach. This not only illuminates the space effectively but also contributes to an inviting atmosphere.
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Check Out Your Competition: Conducting a comparative analysis of similar properties in the area is a strategic move. Identifying and emphasizing unique features in both property upgrades and marketing efforts can set a property apart in a competitive rental market.
The article concludes by mentioning the potential benefits of hiring a property manager, highlighting their role in property optimization and tenant management. This aligns with the overarching theme of maximizing property value and ease of rental management.
