Renting Your Home: Where to Begin?

First Impressions

It is important to make a great first impression on potential renters. An attractive property grabs attention and makes them excited about finding a house that looks and feels well cared for. A well maintained property is more appealing and stands out from the competition. So if you prepare your home correctly, you’ll save valuable time and money.

A good first impression makes an impact on a number of levels. It’s not just the way your house looks to potential renters, but how it feels and smells to them, how their friends and family will react, how they imagine it would be to live there.

With simple improvements throughout your house, you can grab the attention of potential renters and help them see why your house is right for them.

Here are some ideas for increasing your home’s appeal in order to rent it quickly at the best price:

Interior

Clean Everything. Scrub walls and floors, tile and ceilings, cupboards and drawers, kitchen and bathrooms. Wash scuff marks from doors and entryways. Clean light fixtures and the fireplace. Don’t forget the laundry room. Also make the garage and basement as tidy as the rest of the house. Simple little tasks suggest that you take good care of the house and will be an excellent landlord.

Paint. A new coat of paint cleans up your living space and makes it look bright and new. To make rooms look larger, choose light, neutral colors that will appeal to the most people possible, such as beige or white.

Carpet. If it’s worn, consider replacing it. It’s an easy and affordable way to help rent your home faster. Again, light, neutral colors, such as beige, are best. At the very least, have your carpet cleaned.

Repairs and Renovations. Make minor repairs to items such as leaky faucets, slow drains, torn screens, damaged gutters, loose doorknobs, and broken windows. Make sure repairs are well done.

Exterior

Curb Appeal. To determine your property’s curb appeal, drive through your neighborhood and note other properties; then approach your own house as if you were a potential renter. Note things that need improving, such as trimming trees, planting shrubs, or painting gutters. Little things convey that you’ve cared for your home, so do what you can to make your property look like someone’s dream home.

Paint/Stain. If it’s peeling or blistering and you can’t remember the last time you painted it, your house needs some attention. That also goes for stain that is significantly faded. A newly painted or stained exterior will also increase your home’s value.

In the Yard. If your house looks inviting and well-maintained from the street, people will imagine that it’s attractive on the inside, too:

Prune bushes and hedges; trim trees.
Keep your lawn looking healthy by mowing often, fertilizing, edging, trimming.
Clean up and dispose of pet mess.
Weed your gardens; add fertilizer and mulch and plant colorful flowers.
In winter, keep your driveway and sidewalks shoveled, de-iced, and well-lit.

Now you can put out the Welcome Mat!

These elements are no secret – renting anything is about presenting it as favorably as possible.  Make sure that your tenants know that you are a great landlord and have hired a professional Leasing Agent and Property Manager.
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Real Estate for Today’s Market.

Contact me directly
Brenda Hanson 952-250-3896

Brenda@BrendaHanson.net
Minnesota & Wisconsin
MN License #40482511