The property market is a competitive place, so any successful landlord will need to make sure their property is ready. However, getting a property ready to rent involves improving both its physical appearance and functionality.
So, when you open it up to prospective tenants, they can easily visualize turning it into their new home.
We at Taylor Street Property Management believe the best way to get renters into your property quickly is to ensure it’s welcoming and fully functional. So, we have put together this article to help any landlord get their property rent-ready.
Create Curb Appeal
The first thing a prospect will see is your property’s exterior, so you want to make sure it looks great.
There are a few steps you can take to improve your property’s curb appeal. Here are some of them:
Clean With a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer can be used effectively to get rid of the dirt and stains on your exterior walls. This is a quick process, and it will leave the walls looking clean and presentable.
Clear Up Any Trash
It’s a good idea to collect any trash from around the premises and dispose of it responsibly. Items left out such as worn-out furniture, paper, and empty cans may create the impression that you don’t care for your property and turn away prospective tenants.
Landscape the Property
By simply mowing the lawn or trimming any shrubs, your property will look neat and well-kept. You may also want to consider planting a tree to provide some shade.
Paint the Exterior
If you are still unhappy with your walls after pressure washing them, you may want to consider adding a fresh coat of paint. Exterior paint may be costly, but it makes your property look like it’s new.
Check for any Damaged Appliances
At this point, you should go through each room in the house and assess what needs to be fixed or replaced.
We would advise using an inspection technique known as “walking the wall”, where you would start from the doorway and walk along the interior walls in each room, noting down anything that needs to be repaired.
Create a list of every item that needs to be repaired or replaced and use reliable contractors to get the job done, this will go a long way to keeping your renters happy. We would also advise you to take pictures for future reference.
Keep the Interior Spotless
Making sure your property is completely spotless is an important part of getting your property rent-ready. Though you may be able to do it yourself, we always advise you hire a professional cleaning service.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Applying fresh paint to the interior can give your property new life. When selecting the colors, it is advisable to choose neutral ones like off-white. Though bright colors may seem appealing, they might not be your tenant’s preference.
It is also important to use the same color of paint for each room in every unit. This can help you save money when a tenant moves out by doing a simple touch-up instead of repainting entire rooms.
Repair the Floor
The floor of your property is one of its most noticeable features. So, you should clean any stains on the carpets or floor tiles, and polish hardwood or laminate floors.
Carpets tend to trap odors so a replacement may be necessary if they’re worn out. Make sure that everything looks clean and smells inviting before opening your doors to any prospects.
Upgrade the Fixtures or Appliances
You can greatly improve the interior of your property by making a few upgrades to key areas. The kitchen is a good place to start. Replacing the countertops and faucets can, not only improve the quality of tenants you attract but increase the value of the property as well.
You should also be aware of what you should repair and what you should replace. Kitchen cabinets, for example, might not need to be replaced. But you may need to buy new appliances or furnishings to save on their long-term repair costs.
Ensure Everything Works
Test all the appliances to ensure they function properly. From light bulbs, electric appliances and outlets to water pressure and plumbing, you should ensure it all works.
It is also prudent to check the fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors and replace their batteries.
Hire a Property Management Company
A good property manager will ensure that your property remains occupied by keeping up with maintenance issues and marketing the property when tenants vacate.
A property manager will also provide thorough tenant screening and airtight lease agreements that can protect you from financial loss and legal liability.
Hiring reputable property managers is instrumental to your success in real estate investment. Who better to rely upon than the leading Phoenix property management company, Taylor Street Property Management?
Bottom Line
Getting your property ready to rent is an incredibly important step in running a successful real estate business. You must make sure the property is clean, inviting, and amongst other things, has fully operational appliances and outlets.
If you need assistance in managing your property or finding the right tenants, reach out to us at Taylor Street Property Management. We have more than enough experience managing properties in Phoenix, AZ and we’ll help you achieve your rental property’s full potential.
