How to Ensure Your Property Shows Well to Prospective Residents

To ensure the rent is paid on time and your property is respected, you need quality tenants. For
their part, good tenants want property that is clean, well maintained, safe, and enjoyable to
occupy. Even if your property has seen better days, there are things you can do to help attract
good residents:

● Improve curb appeal: Since most prospective residents will drive by your property
before even considering it, you need to make sure you maximize the curb appeal of your
real estate. Remember, first impressions are everything. Make sure any lawn and
hedges are trimmed and tidy. Ensure the front entrance is well-maintained, clean, and
welcoming. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders.
● Eliminate bad odors: When a potential tenant enters your property, they see with their
nose first. If they smell mildew, garbage, dead rodents, or waste, they won’t make it past
the foyer. Also, keep in mind that overspraying artificial air fresheners just adds to an
already unpleasant smell and makes the whole situation worse. Instead, opt for natural
air fresheners. Better yet, find and remove the source of any unpleasant smells and
leave the windows open for a few hours to air the property out.
● Clean windows: Many tenants favor bright, open floor plans. Make sure all windows are
cleaned and be sure to keep blinds and curtains open to add warmth and appeal to your
property.
● De-clutter surfaces: By clearing surfaces and floors of debris and clutter, you can make
your property look more spacious and inviting. Clean up laundry piles and dirty dishes
before letting potential residents walk through your property.
● Clean bathrooms: A clean bathroom can make or break a potential tenancy. Ensure
that tiles, mirrors, shower glass, and other surfaces are sparkling clean and always keep
the toilet seats down.
● Hide / store trash cans: Keep trash cans empty and out of sight, especially in the
kitchen.

Because these tasks can eat up a good deal of your time, you should consider hiring a property
manager. An experienced property manager can assess your real estate and determine what
should be done to improve your chances of filling vacancies with quality tenants.