In the property management business, we’ve heard many “bad experience” stories from tenants who have been renting a home in Middle Tennessee. Everything from landlords who never answer the phone to landlords who enter a home without warning or cause — some Murfreesboro-area property managers have a bad reputation. Probably the biggest complaint we hear is that of landlords who are unresponsive to maintenance issues or even blame the tenant when the fault is in the old plumbing of the home.
Walking in a Renter’s Shoes
If you are a prospective rental investor, put yourself in a tenant’s shoes. Have you ever rented a home that you that you ended up hating? Maybe the home was old and had lots of maintenance problems. Or you realized the home was in a bad neighborhood after you moved in. Maybe it seemed like things were always broken or breaking.
Now think of the opposite scenario. Have you ever rented a home you loved? Or had a great landlord who offered quick repairs and general upkeep?
If you have tenants who love the home and are happy with the services you provide them, they are more likely to care for the property. But the reverse is also true. If your tenants are unhappy for any reason, these feelings could lead to irresponsible or intentional damage to the property costing you more in the long run in repairs. So, while the first rule of real estate may be location, location, location, the first rule of property ownership is to choose a home that you would like to live in if you were the tenant renting a home in Middle Tennessee. Then treat the tenant with care.
Rental Home Considerations
A few features of the home you may want to consider:
- Located off any main roads
- Homes that are 15 years old or newer
- Has a fenced yard
- No quirky layouts
- Close proximity to schools, shopping, dining, and public transportation
- Relatively new and modern appliances
- Clean and has the appearance of being cared for
These small things will make a world of difference in the types of tenants you attract to the property, and how many applications you actually receive. If you think like a tenant in the purchasing phase, chances are you will attract the kind of tenant you want to occupy the home.
As always, if you have questions in any part of the purchasing phase or about renting a home in Middle Tennessee, Real Property Management Rental Solutions is here to help. Just give us a call at 615-900-4067 today! We specialize in property management of single-family homes in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne, Eagleville, Nolensville, Christiana, Franklin, and surrounding areas.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
