Perry Beebe
06 Mar 15
Whilst it is true that you are considered an investor if you have a rental property, there are many of us who are just your every day average family who choose to rent out the family home instead of selling it, if and when they need to move on.
So for many of us understanding what tenants are looking for these days, let alone getting your own home ready for rent, can be a challenging task.
Today All Residential Real Estate is going to take the risk and anxiety away with these great tips to keep you on track.
When you evaluate your own home it is best to do it through strangers’ eyes, in order to see where you may be able to add improvements to your property.
If you can find the time, go to a few open homes to see how a property can be well presented and what exactly you may be competing with.
It is best to clear away those stockpiles of materials you’ve been hanging onto for future or “just in case” projects. A tenant will have no use of them and they will become overgrown and decay in your absence.
Trim away overgrown shrubs and trees, mow, weed, and add mulch to your garden. A tenant will have a better time of maintaining your grounds if they are handed over in a good state.
If you decide to make changes to your garden area prior to letting your property, make sure they are low maintenance ones, as tenants generally don't spend much time looking after someone else's backyard.
Make sure fencing, gates and pathways are clear and in good condition. If they aren’t you got it! – Fix them.
If you have sticking doors, loose hinges or fly screens or walls full of holes then you would do well to repair or replace them. Do the walls need a lick of paint? Choose neutral, light shades as this appeals to more people.
When considering your home through a tenant’s eyes it is important to understand what they will be wanting in a home.
If you have no undercover parking, will adding a carport or shed mean more rent? Or a better tenant? Or both?
Will updating the kitchen make your home a better place to live in for a tenant? Which means more rent?
As experienced, reliable and well informed property managers, we are able to answer these questions and more to help guide you to your rental goals.