If only renting a home in Long Beach was as easy as posting it online and waiting for renters to come charging with their neatly completed applications. Before you consider posting your property available as a rental we invite you to consider five items that will help you to attract the best renters.
Tip#1: Fixing the “Annoyances”
In any home you get used to those certain nuances (let’s be honest they are annoying) that are easier to work-around than fix. It could be anything from a broken electrical socket, a troubled faucet handle to door hinges that creak. Whatever the items are you might have gotten used to them but a new tenant will see them as signs you don’t care about the property. It’s easy to assume that if a prospective tenant doesn’t see that you have fixed a socket prior to them signing the lease agreement, how can they be assured you will be attentive to their needs once the lease is signed?
Even if the items are small, yes even those creaky hinges, take the time to get everything in tip top shape before you start showing your property to prospective tenants.
Tip#2: Fresh Paint
This is one of those items that many property owners resist due to the investment. If you have had a tenant for a number of years, or if you are going to rent your home after living in it for a period of years then this is one of the key updates you can do to demonstrate that your rental is the one to rent. There is nothing like walking into a home and getting enjoying that fresh paint smell. The home might have been built in the 40’s (like many throughout Long Beach) but a fresh coat of paint will have someone feeling like they are walking into new construction. Keep in mind that while you might enjoy bold colors that can be a bit too specific to your tastes. Consider neutral colors to attract the widest variety of great tenants.
Tip#3: Flooring (Clean and/or Replace)
In many properties there is a mix of flooring types. It is very common to have wood, tile, and carpet in the same home. Depending on where each type of flooring is located and the age can dictate whether you are going to be in need to clean or replace it.
The most heavily trafficked areas (i.e. Living rooms and Kitchens) traditionally have the most wear. In these areas if you have flooring that can withstand the use, think of tile or wood, then you might be able to get by with a nice deep cleaning to have your Long Beach home in rental ready condition. Carpeting usually suffers the most as between kids and pets it is very difficult to care for. Before deciding to replace carpet consider having a professional floor cleaning service out to provide you with their expertise on whether it can be saved.
If you do have to replace flooring take time to consider current trends, what flooring investment could last over time, and which one will have renters eagerly submitting their application for your home.
Tip#4: Curb Appeal
People often attribute curb appeal only to those properties that are listed for sale but that certainly isn’t the case. With a variety of homes, condos, and apartments available for rent it is important to consider what you can do to attract the right renters for your Long Beach property. While there are many items you could do to spruce up your home’s curb appeal we invite you to consider a few key ones that can provide a high impact at an efficient price:
- Landscaping
- When is the last time you put down fresh flowers and bark in your yard? Consider clearing out the old and maybe even dead plants and spruce it up with fresh plants. For a few hundred dollars of materials it can make a big impact.
- House Numbering
- As people are navigation to the available rentals in the area is it easy for them to identify your address? Think beyond the numbers on the curb and consider refreshing the numbers on your home to make it easy for people to see.
- Lighting
- Do you have a clean and bright light near your door? What about lighting that complements the fresh landscaping? A few key lights can show those prospective renters that you care and have them enjoying the home for years to come.
Tip#5: Major Systems Check
Checking the key systems that can result in a frustrated tenant is a key step to complete prior to renting. Consider having professionals out to perform service on your Heating/A/C, check your water heater, and maybe even perform a mainline clean-out. If you want to avoid the service aspect then you could engage a property inspector to run through your entire house (common when purchasing a property) and they can give you a good idea on your home’s general health. Keep in mind if you haven’t had some of your systems checked annually they are likely due for service anyway.
Don’t let this list be daunting. Each one is a step that takes an investment of time and money but will also help you to find the best prospective tenant for your home. When you want help with these items we invite you to give us a call at (562) 888-0247 and we can share how we can accomplish all of these tasks and even find you a great renter.
And if your home is already prepared to become a rental and you would like to discover how much we feel it could rent for, simply request our
Free Rental Analysis.
