When it’s time to prepare your home for the rental market, you might think that the rental is beautiful as is. However, if you’ve lived in it prior to putting it on the market, it has your flair and sense of style. While you may think it’s great, not everyone will. In this case, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when it’s time to put your house on the rental market.
- Use neutrals.
When you’re redecorating the house and staging it for your prospective renters, incorporate neutral colors. Choose a simple color like white or light grey for the walls. If staging, choose bedding, rugs, curtains and other accessories in neutral colors as well.
- Facilitate the vision.
When someone enters the rental, they should be able to see themselves there. The best way to do that is through removing any semblance of you and your family in the space. Add a few picture frames with lovely quotes or simple artwork. Clear out areas where things items tend to collect. For example, junk mail, paper, newspapers and magazines need to disappear.
- Keep a spotless home.
First impressions are lasting impressions. With a rental property, you typically have one shot to impress the potential occupants. If they see the home is dirty, unkempt and in need of a lot of updates, they’re more likely to run in the opposite direction. Change the carpets. Keep the floors spotless. Make sure the walls are freshly painted, and hire a cleaning service to come in and maintain the cleanliness of the home. After all, if this is your rental, it’s also your investment property. It’s best to take very good care of your investment.
- Consider your audience.
Take a look at where your property is located, and consider the price point. Also, look at the demographics of your community. You’re typically going to get a specific type of client. Think about what they’d like to see when they first walk into a rental. What are the amenities they’d want? What are the perks they’d look for? Once you figure those details out, work on providing them and highlighting the home in the best light.
- Open up the windows.
Speaking of light, it’s important to open up the windows and allow natural light to fill the home. Use curtains that have a sheer layering so that when it’s time for people to walk through, they can see what it looks like with the light shining through. It’s also wise to have a good lighting system for the home. Whether you purchase lighting that stands alone or you use the lighting system that’s wired in, make sure the lights are turned on. In fact, this is the time to run the electric bill up and turn on every light in the house. Light is naturally welcoming, so this will help your house seem more beautiful and inviting.
Does this all sound overwhelming? No problem! Contact us to professionally manage your property. We would be happy to help.
