Advertising Rental Properties: Marketing Tips for Finding Tenants
Posted by Gary Ashton on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 at 3:09pm.
If you own an investment property, you know finding tenants without a game plan can be challenging. Finding the right tenants is crucial to ensuring your house or multi-family property stays occupied and generates income. With the right strategies and tools at your disposal, however, finding tenants for your rental property can be simple. Here are some tried and true approaches to finding occupants that can make the process quick and hassle-free.
Utilize Online Platforms
Online platforms are a great way to advertise your rental property when you’re looking for tenants. Sites like Craigslist and Apartments.com provide a convenient way to showcase your property with photos and all of the information renters need to consider renting from you.
When making a post on one of these sites, it's important to include all the details about the rental that will make it appealing to people looking for a place to live. Make sure to include the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, features like hardwood floors or stainless steel appliances, any amenities (like a pool or fitness center), pet policies if they apply, and any other relevant information that could attract attention. By providing this information in your listing, you can ensure that interested browsers have an accurate understanding of what they would be renting should they choose to apply for your property.
Photos are essential when advertising your rental property online. Good-quality images can really make your listing stand out from others on the site. Ensure that you capture photos of all the rooms to give future renters an accurate description of the home. Consider taking exterior shots so people can see a bit of the neighborhood surrounding your rental. There are plenty of beginner tips for photographing a home that can make sure you capture the best images without the need to hire a photographer.
Pricing is key when posting listings online since your listing will be viewed among others with similar locations and features. It helps to be aware of rates for properties in the area so you can offer a comparable deal while still making sure you get enough money back each month for maintenance costs and other expenses. Be certain to examine local statutes concerning tenant privileges before advertising prices. Some municipalities have regulations on the amount that landlords can require from their tenants per month due to the location or size of the listing, so it's best to consult with a local expert if you have any questions.
Finally, don't forget about social media when marketing your listing. Posting on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram is a great way to reach out directly to potential renters or buyers who may not be actively searching but could still be interested in what you have listed. By taking advantage of digital tools and leveraging connections, you can expedite the process of locating potential renters.
Networking & Referrals
Networking is a great way to find potential tenants for your property. Connecting with real estate agents, property managers, and other industry experts who may be able to recommend people looking for a place to rent can be an effective way of securing a tenant. You can also ask any existing or past tenants if they know anyone who would like to rent from you when you have a vacancy.
Building relationships can help you get more leads on potential renters and increase your chances of finding quality tenants quickly. You should also join relevant professional organizations or attend events related to real estate investing so that you can network with others in the field and build up your referral network.
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful tools out there when it comes to marketing a rental property. Ask your friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbors if they know anyone looking for a place to rent, as their contacts might have friends or relatives who do.
Ensure that any current occupants are aware if you offer a referral program; this could motivate them to promote your property and, potentially, introduce new tenants. Offer incentives such as discounts on rent or freebies like gift cards for successful referrals. This will show appreciation while helping promote your business.
Work With a Property Management Company
When it comes to taking care of rental properties, many owners choose to work with a property management company. Property managers can help landlords find tenants and fill vacancies quickly, as well as take care of the everyday operations involved with owning a rental property.
Property managers are experts in finding tenants. They can access an array of databases, ranging from credit scores to eviction records, and use them to assess prospective tenants' histories with employment, past landlords, and more. This helps ensure that you’re renting out your property to qualified tenants who are likely to be responsible and respectful of your investment.
Property managers also know how to handle tough situations, like late rent payments or evictions, if they come up. They understand the laws surrounding landlord-tenant relationships, so they can make sure you remain compliant while taking action against problem tenants when needed.
Leverage These Tools to Make Finding Tenants Easy
Finding tenants for a rental property can feel intimidating; however, with the correct approach, it doesn't have to be. Utilizing online platforms can be a great way to find renters. Networking and referrals may even yield potential tenants you already have a warm connection with. Enlisting the help of a property management company is also always an option to find renters. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding tenants who will make your investment worthwhile.
Gary Ashton
The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage
The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!