Preparing to rent out your Osceola investment property is an important first step in finding a great tenant and earning consistent rent. Whether you’re renting it out for the first time or you’re turning it over between tenants, you cannot advertise and show the home until it’s in the best possible shape.
Pay attention to these things as you’re preparing to list your property, and you’ll have a better chance of finding a great tenant quickly and earning the most possible rent.
Clean and Inspect the Property
The first thing you need to do is to completely clean the property out. If there were tenants living there previously or if you lived there yourself, make sure all personal belongings, trash, and unnecessary items are removed. When prospective tenants come in to see the property, they’ll want to imagine themselves and their possessions living there. That’s hard to do if there’s already furniture in every room.
The property must be completely clean. Hire professionals to do everything like dust the ceiling fans, clean behind appliances, and scrub the sinks and tubs. Pay attention to curb appeal and make sure the lawn and landscaping looks good. The grass should be cut and the yard should be free of trash and debris.
Then, inspect the property carefully. If there’s anything that’s broken or in need of repairs, fix those items right away. You don’t want to market your home before it’s completely functional. Check light bulbs and electrical outlets. Make sure all the appliances work and the toilets flush. Look for leaks under sinks and try all the doors and windows.
Consider Affordable Upgrades and Updates
Once the home is working well and looking clean, consider what you might do to make it more appealing to prospective renters. You don’t necessarily have to renovate the whole house. But, some new paint will go a long way, or updated flooring. If your dishwasher is 20 years old and loud, consider replacing it with an energy efficient model. Put new hardware on the drawers and cabinets. These things will get the attention of good tenants and make your home look modern and brand new.
Price the Home Competitively
Pricing is an important part of the rent-ready process. You need to make sure you’re not over-pricing it, otherwise it will sit vacant on the market for longer than you’d like. Check out what other properties are renting for, especially those in the same neighborhood that are similar to your home. Don’t undersell it, but don’t make the price so outrageous that good tenants refuse to consider it. Talk to a property management company; we always have reliable data and resourceful pricing tools.
Take Great Marketing Photos
Before you lit your home, take some good pictures. Most tenants are looking for homes online, so you’ll want to make sure your listing has a lot of great photos, and maybe even a video. Provide an idea of what your home looks like. Include a picture of the front of the house, the kitchen, the master bedroom, and the bathrooms. Focus on special features like outdoor space, garden tubs, and other amenities that will make your property stand out.
These are a few of the things we recommend you do before you list your property on the rental market. If you have any questions about the leasing process or Osceola County property management, pleases contact us at Park Avenue Property Management.