To show a rental property to a prospective new tenant in the Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee region, many first time landlords simply show up at the scheduled time with little preparation. Here are a few tips for effectively and safely showing your rental home.
Preparing for Your Rental Showing
First and foremost, you need to consider personal safety. Let a friend or family know your schedule, and check in with them when you arrive at the rental property, leave the rental property, and arrive at your next destination. Remember you’re meeting strangers at the property, not friends and family. Be Safe.
Next, arrive at your rental property at least 15 minutes before your appointment. This will give you the chance to pick up trash that may have blown in, check the mailbox, and maybe even pull that pesky weed by the front door. Once inside, you can open the blinds and set the thermostat for a comfortable temperature before your prospective renters show up. These small touch ups only take a few minutes, but can make a significant difference in the prospective tenants’ first impression when showing your rental home.
Showing Your Rental Home – After Renters Arrive
Once your prospective renters arrive, greet them at the front porch and show them into the home. For safety purposes, let them enter first and always keep yourself closest to the exits while showing your rental home home. Now it’s your chance to point out the amenities of the home, such as lighting, flooring, and other special features. Let prospective renters know which appliances are staying with the home, as well as other items that they may need to know, such as parking or common interest community restrictions. Also let them know about the closest public transportation, shopping, and other points of interest.
Stay with the prospective residents but do not hover. Let them tour the home and give them room to discuss features. When it comes to showing your rental property, your goal is to have prospective renters envision themselves living in the home.
Once the tour is complete, ask them whether they would like to fill out an application to lease. Be careful not to make comments that may lead renters to believe they have already qualified for the home as you never know what the approval process will uncover. Provide them with a timeline for your decision.
A properly and well thought out plan can help make sure you’re safe and not rushed for this important step in renting your investment property.