If you’re looking to rent a property that you own, it may be easy to just list it quickly and hope for the best.
Usually, you have to flip the property completely or upgrade it with some TLC. However, you can do some things to make your home rent faster instead of sitting on the market in its current state, which could raise doubt for potential renters.
Follow these tips to make your home attractive to renters.
1. Add Furniture
Having furniture in the home gives those looking at it an idea of the space’s dimensions. It leaves nothing to chance and shows renters how furniture fits into the space.
An empty home makes it hard to imagine furniture placement, so unless renters are walking around with a tape measure and a notebook with their furniture dimensions, they can’t fully grasp the home’s potential.
Even if you just furnish the home for a photo shoot, this will help renters who are browsing the photos online to visualize their own things in the space, and it will make the place more attractive.
2. Update and Repair Everything
If you replace outdated or malfunctioning appliances and tackle any repairs before listing your home for rent, you will be able to say things are new, up-to-date, and re-finished.
So, now’s the time to do any wall, maintenance, lighting, and garage door repairs or minor renovations you’ve been putting off.
There’s another benefit to updating appliances: With the latest features, you can increase your rental rate and attract more attention to your listing.
3. Paint Everything
Don’t list your property before updating any old or chipped paint.
Make sure to touch up the paint throughout the house — not just the walls; but also the cabinets and trim.
Keeping in mind: Certain colors (such as pink or green) may put off potential renters even if you decide to allow them to paint.
Warm neutrals statistically are considered the best paint colors for rentals. That’s probably because neutrals go with everything!
Here’s how to:
Tips for Painting Interior Walls and Trim
How to Properly Paint Cabinets
4. Boost Curb Appeal
Curb appeal can be as simple or complicated as you choose to make it. Freshly cut green grass can be all it takes to show the renter that the home is well cared for. Water the grass and keep the property well-trimmed for the photos and throughout the time that it is on the market.
If you want to boost curb appeal, some hardy perennial plants can add value to the property.
No matter what you choose to do, a well-manicured lawn is sure to draw in a crowd.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah.
