To be a successful landlord, you need to be able to attract the right kind of tenant. The ideal tenant is someone who pays rent on time, takes care of your property, and who rents long-term.
Nowadays, tenants can easily search for rental properties online, so there is high competition. This makes it difficult to attract prospective tenants, especially good and reliable ones.
That’s why it’s important for landlords to write a good property listing to grab potential tenants’ attention. The property listing should also be strategically placed to reach the right audience.
We here at Realty Management Associates have created this list of tips to help you write a good property listing.
1. Target a Specific Type of Tenant
It’s crucial to first and foremost determine what type of tenant would be ideal for your property. In marketing, the first step is to determine your “buyer’s persona”; or in this case, “renter’s persona”.
The main goal in determining your renter’s persona is to know the wants and needs of your target tenant, and then write a property listing that will specifically address what your ideal renter wants.
For instance, say you own a stylish loft in a highly urban location. It’s the perfect choice for single tenants, but a poor one for a family.
On the other hand, your ideal tenant would be a family if you owned a single-family house in a quiet neighborhood.
If you own a studio near a university, then you should target tenants who are students.
If you know who would most likely be interested in your property, you’ll have an edge among your competitors: you’ll be able to create specific property listings for your target tenants. Having a clear idea of your renter’s persona will save you a lot of time and effort.
2. Create a Catchy Title
The title of your property listing is the first thing tenants see in the search results. Your title will either attract potential tenants to click through your ad or completely ignore it.
That’s why it’s very important to write a catchy title and stand out among the rest. Make it personal, but as informative as possible.
Here are some examples to help you create a catchy title:
Good Title: Three-bedroom house with floor-to-ceiling windows
Bad Title: House in Boise for rent
Good Title: Chic studio unit with access to pool
Bad Title: Studio apartment for rent
3. Include a Complete Description
Property listings often include all the basic information about the property. Basic information means the type of property, the property’s total area and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms it has.
Give a detailed description of your property to encourage potential tenants to contact you and schedule a visit. To do this, you can:
- Indicate the Rental Price – Listed properties with the price are viewed more than those that do not show the rental rate. You could also detail how much is due for the first payment and any security deposit required.
- Share Info About the Neighborhood – Describe the neighborhood to help potential tenants visualize the area. For example, mention that the neighborhood has a spacious park or an amazing view. Describe if it’s a vibrant neighborhood or a laidback one.
- Describe the Amenities – Share with potential tenants whether the property has a wide parking space, or if the condominium provides access to a swimming pool or gym.
- Be Specific About the Location – It’s important for potential tenants to know the exact location of your property. Include specific landmarks near your property and its proximity to them.
4. Highlight Unique Features of the Property
It’s important to highlight unique features and the advantages of living in your property. Show what sets your property apart from all the other properties in the area. Some examples of unique features can be:
- Large and spacious storage areas
- A fireplace
- More than one bathroom or bedroom
- Unique flooring or decorations
5. Show that You’re a Good Landlord
Tenants want to stay in a property that is managed by a dependable and capable landlord. You can show potential tenants that you’re a great landlord by providing recommendations from past renters.
When meeting potential tenants for the first time, inform them about the best places to visit in your neighborhood. Let them know that they can easily contact you whenever they need to reach you, and show them that they can trust you by being consistent in your words and actions.
6. Be Careful with Adjectives
Be creative when you write your property listing and choose descriptive words wisely. Use more concrete words, rather than using common terms such as “amazing” or “charming”. Remember that using too many descriptive words can also turn off potential tenants.
Sometimes, it’s better to be straightforward in your language. Some examples include:
Bad example: Largest house in the neighborhood.
Good example: This house has 2,000 square feet of space.
Bad example: Amazing amenities.
Good example: The unit has an access to a swimming pool and gym.
Bad example: The house has a charming interior area.
Good example: It has floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden floorings.
7. Showcase High-Quality Photos
If your property listing includes high-quality photos, you’ll be able to attract more potential tenants. As a result, you’ll be able to rent your property faster. Make sure you take photos of important living spaces, amenities and outdoor areas.
You can try the following to improve the quality of your photos:
- Make sure the room is furnished to make it more attractive.
- Avoid capturing mirrors, as your reflection might be included in the photo!
- Clean the property thoroughly before taking photos.
- Use natural or direct lighting to make your photos look brighter.
- Take photos of the property from different angles.
It’s essential to attract the right kind of tenant for your property. To be able to find the ideal tenant, the first step is to write a detailed and appealing property listing. If you follow the tips above, you’ll be able to create a great property listing for your rental unit.