Attracting an Audience – 5 Essentials for a Must-See Listing

Optimise your ad to catch the eye of your perfect tenant

Landing your dream tenants means providing the best value on the market for their situation and needs. Taking the time to create an attractive and informative listing will go a long way in attracting the right kind of tenants, and having a low vacancy period for that all important annual return.

When prospective tenants don’t know enough about the property they will often show up with expectations that do not match up with what they are seeing or thinking. Informed renters will be one step closer to making a decision, saving you time by reducing the number of dead-end calls, emails and tours.

CONDITION:

Not only does the condition of the property matter when it comes to enticing high quality tenants into renting your space, it also sets the standard for how you expect the property to be left at the end of tenancy. That means clean, damage-free rooms, a well-kept exterior and making sure all the details are taken care of (no burnt out lightbulbs, previous tenant’s belongings present, etc).

PHOTOS:

Once you’ve had a chance to get the property into shape, the photos you advertise for the space need to be representative of the property’s current condition, look and feel. Before the photography appointment, make sure to turn on all the lights, open all the blinds/curtains and arrange any staging according to the room’s best photographic angles. Professional photography makes a huge difference and gives your rental listing a competitive edge but if you do choose to take the photos yourself use a wide angle lens and shoot into corners to show off more of the room per photograph.

PRICE:

To help you appropriately price the property, you can check similar properties on “Trade Me”. Find three to five similar properties nearby and price yourself objectively against the competition. Make sure you’re considering all the important factors when deciding if a property is “similar” to yours. Look for things like similar square-footage, updates, appliances, amenities, room sizes and year built. If your ad runs for longer than three weeks without any real action, your property may be overpriced.

Rental policy overview:

In addition to the rent price, deposits, fees and lease term, be upfront about any policies that could be deal-breakers (or deal-makers) for prospective renters.

For example, if a garage is visible in your photos — but it’s not available for tenant use — be clear in your description. A less specific listing might generate more inquiries, but if those renters don’t qualify because, for example, they have pets and you don’t allow them, you won’t rent your property any more quickly.

Not sure professional listing photos really make that big of a difference? Check out some before and after shots that may change your mind here.

All seeming like too much work? Request your client agreement now and we can take of this for you.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is exclusively for promotional purposes and is not to be relied upon for legal or contractual dealings. Tenant Source recommends you seek independent legal advice, and that you may need to seek technical or other advice and information prior to making any actions in regards to tenancies in your investment properties. Tenant Source Ltd including its staff and directors accepts no responsibility for any issues arising as a result of taking advice from this publication.