Earning consistent rental income and long-term ROI starts with an occupied property. You want to get a tenant into your home and pay rent as quickly as possible. But before you can do that, you have to make sure the property is ready for the market. Listing a property before it has been cleaned and made move-in ready will only lead to longer vacancy times. Tenants won’t want to apply for a property that isn’t looking its best.
We have a few things to check off your list before you put your property in front of prospective tenants.
Remove any Personal Property and Clutter
The property needs to be completely empty before you list it on the market. There shouldn’t be any of your own personal belongings, and there also shouldn’t be anything that belonged to the prior tenant. Clear out everything, including trash and things that may have been left behind. Check the refrigerator for old food and open all the drawers in the kitchen and the bathrooms.
Don’t leave an armchair in the living room because it’s too heavy to move. Don’t leave a set of towels in the bathroom. Your new tenants won’t want a toaster or a set of dishes. You might think you’re being helpful, but you’re only offering a cluttered property. Tenants want to move in their own belongings. Clean the property out completely. This is an important first step.
Inspect your Visalia Rental Home Carefully
Don’t advertise or show your Visalia rental property before you know that everything inside of it works the way it’s meant to. Do a thorough walk-through and inspection as you’re getting it ready for the rental market. Test every system and function:
- Turn on the heat and the air conditioning.
- Run all of the water, including faucets, sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Flush every toilet.
- Test every outlet.
- Turn on the appliances.
- Look at the locks on all doors and windows.
- Open closets and drawers.
Make a list of anything that needs to be repaired or replaced, and then get your vendors to work.
Professional Rental Property Cleaning
Your property has to be so clean it shines.
When prospective tenants begin to schedule showings, you want to show them a home that’s clean and bright and full of welcoming crisp smells. Have a professional crew come in to scrub the home from top to bottom. Find cleaners who are willing to dust ceiling fans and baseboards and pull the appliances out to dust and sweep behind them. You want tubs and sinks that sparkle.
Landscaping and Curb Appeal Creates Good First Impressions
Your curb appeal is your first impression when you’re renting out a property. The way your rental home looks from the street will either excite or dissuade prospective tenants.
There’s no need to completely upgrade your landscaping, but pay attention to the details that will get the attention of prospective tenants. You don’t want any debris or trash on the outside of the home. The paint should be in good shape and the windows should be clean. Sweep away any cobwebs or leaves from the front door. Make sure there’s adequate exterior lighting. If your property has a yard, make sure the lawn is mowed and the bushes are trimmed. Remove any weeds from the flower beds.
When all of this is done, your property is ready for the Visalia rental market. It’s time to put together a listing and show your home.
If you have any questions or need any help, please contact us at The Equity Group. We’d be happy to put our expertise to good use.
