1. Comparable Properties. If there are other for rent signs in the neighborhood be sure to call them and pretend like you are a prospective tenant. Ask how much the rent is, what the terms are and the amenities that the house comes with. If you expect to rent your property with in 3 weeks you need to make sure your rent is $50/month (or so) cheaper than other comparable houses in the same neighborhood.
2. Curb Appeal. Looking at the front of the property can you see any noticeable damage? Is the lawn well maintained? Make sure the property looks like some one takes care of it. If it looks like a slum lord owns then that is the type of tenants that you will attract. Good tenants find good houses! When you go inside the property, does it smell? Make sure that the property is clean, smells good, has newer carpet and fresh paint.
3. Advertise. Make sure your property has a sign in the front yard. Post it on Craigslist using a syndication website like postlets.com. Postlets is owned by Zillow and will push your ad out to dozens of other websites. Also, place an ad in your local new paper. Believe it or not, some people still look in newspapers for their next home.
Have the best house. Have the cheapest house. Tell people about it.
4. Answer your phone. Be sure to be available to take calls regarding your house. Renters move fast and expect someone to answer. Lots of landlords that work a “day job” miss phone calls and lose opportunities. Remember, the best tenants demand the best service. If you don’t have the time or energy to make sure that you get the best tenant for your property possible you can always hire a company like Lease317.com to take care of it.
