In theory, rental property investing is easy. It’s a simple math equation that requires a few moving parts in order to be successful. The first step is to find the right property and buy it at the right price. The second step is to set the right rent rate. And the third step is to find the right tenant. Unfortunately, a lot of newbie investors get tripped up around this idea of getting their property rented. The main culprit? Not understanding how to create an effective rental property listing.
7 Tips for Better Rental Property Listings
A good rental property listing is what can set your property apart from the dozens of other similarly-priced properties in the same neighborhood. But what constitutes a “good” or “effective” listing?
Well, let’s take a look at a few helpful tips.
1. Write a Compelling Headline
Your headline is the first thing potential renters see, so it needs to grab their attention. Instead of a simple, boring title like “2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent,” make it more engaging. Highlight a unique feature of your property or the location to stand out from the competition. For example, you might say, “Spacious 2-Bedroom Apartment with Stunning City Views” or “Charming 3-Bedroom Home Near Parks and Schools.”
2. Use High-Quality Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to rental listings. People want to see what the property looks like before they even consider renting it, so you need to include clear, high-quality photos. If the pictures are dark, blurry, or poorly framed, potential tenants might skip over your listing, no matter how great the property is.
Make sure you take photos in good lighting, preferably during the daytime when natural light can brighten up the space. Capture every room, including the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. Don’t forget to photograph the outside of the property as well, including any yard or parking space.
If you want to go the extra mile, hire a property management company to create your rental listing and promotional strategy for you. They’ll almost certainly include professional photography as part of this package.
3. Highlight the Property’s Best Features
What makes your rental stand out? Does it have a newly renovated kitchen? A large backyard? An open floor plan? Mention the unique features that set your property apart from others. Renters are often looking for specific amenities, so be sure to list things like:
- Stainless steel appliances
- Walk-in closets
- On-site laundry
- Pet-friendly policies
- Proximity to public transportation
If your property has any special features, such as a balcony with a view or modern smart-home technology, highlight those as well. The more details you include about what makes your property attractive, the more likely you are to catch the eye of the right tenant.
4. Be Clear About Rent, Lease Terms, and Policies
Potential tenants need to know upfront what they’re getting into. Be clear about how much the rent is, when it’s due, and what’s included. Does the rent cover utilities like water, gas, or electricity? Are there any additional fees, such as parking or maintenance fees? If there’s a security deposit, make sure to mention it in the listing.
You should also be transparent about your lease terms and policies. Specify whether the lease is month-to-month, a 6-month lease, or a full-year lease. If there are restrictions on pets, smoking, or other tenant behaviors, make sure to clearly communicate these rules. (Being detailed in your listing also reduces the number of calls you get from people who are just reaching out to ask clarifying questions.)
5. Avoid Jargon and Be Honest
It’s important to write your listing in clear, easy-to-understand language. Avoid using too much real estate jargon or over-the-top descriptions that might turn off potential renters. Words like “cozy” can be code for “small,” and “charming” can sometimes imply “outdated.” Instead, stick to straightforward language that accurately reflects the property’s features and condition.
Being honest in your listing is crucial. If there are any drawbacks, such as limited parking or an older building, acknowledge them in a neutral way. Renters will appreciate transparency, and it’s better to address any potential issues upfront rather than have people show up expecting one thing and finding another.
6. Respond Quickly to Inquiries
Once your listing is live, you’ll start receiving inquiries from interested renters. To keep the momentum going, be sure to respond quickly to their questions or requests for showings. If you wait too long to get back to people, they may lose interest or find another property that better suits their needs. A prompt response shows that you’re a responsible landlord, which is something many tenants value.
Consider setting up an automated response system to acknowledge inquiries right away, and then follow up with personalized replies. Make it easy for potential tenants to view the property by offering flexible times for showings, including evenings and weekends.
7. Promote Your Listing
Don’t just rely on one website to attract renters. Use multiple platforms to promote your listing and reach a broader audience. Post your listing on popular rental websites like Zillow, Craigslist, and Apartments.com, and use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to spread the word. You can also share your listing in community groups or ask friends and family to help you promote it.
Improve Your Rental Property Listings
If you want better rental property listings, begin with doing some of the things highlighted in this article. The more hyper-focused you become on improving your listings, the better your results will be over the long run.
Lean into this element of the equation and you’ll start to see some wins!
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