Another thing we always recommend owners do is to fix anything that they know is broken. There may be little idiosyncrasies that you were used to when you lived in the house, but when you are renting it out, those things need to be fixed. This might be a toilet that runs, windows that don’t close right and other minor repairs that need to be made. It is far more inexpensive to fix those things before a tenant moves in than after, when those small problems can become larger issues. You also want your tenants to be satisfied. If they have to call you constantly and request repairs, they may not be likely to renew their lease.
Outside appearance and curb appeal is also very important. I ask the owners we work with to consider what people are seeing when they first roll up to look at the property. If they see dead bushes, a scraggly lawn and overflowing gutters, your potential tenants might drive right past the house. They won’t be willing to pay what you’re asking in rent or you’ll have to keep it on the market longer and continue with the advertising and the showings. When you have great curb appeal, it’s easier to get that place rented out.
At Fox Management, we provide our owners with a detailed checklist that helps them get their homes ready to rent. We help them go line by line to make sure the place is prepared. We also provide free evaluations, so if you are interested, please contact us at Fox Management. We can help you establish what your property might rent for and help you get it ready for the market.