Owning a rental property is harder work than most people think. Buying investment real estate won’t be a great experience if you don’t find quality tenants who reliably pay rent every month. And getting good tenants who stick around a long time isn’t exactly easy-peasy, either.
That’s one reason many people who get into the rental property ownership space hire rental property managers nearby to help serve their tenants and care for their properties. So, if after saving money and doing research in Houston you buy an apartment unit to rent out, consider bringing in a Houston apartment property manager to lend a helping hand.
It’s no secret that the quality of your marketing will directly correlate with the quality of the tenants you attract. If the right tenants never hear about your property, you’ll end up with renters who aren’t the right fit. That will mean more stress than anyone should have to deal with and constant turnover that forces you to regularly seek out replacement tenants.
Here are four strategies to effectively market your rental property and land the right tenants.
1. Make a High-Quality Listing with Great Pictures and a Good Description
Your ad will often inform the first impression that potential renters have about your rental property. And first impressions count. Too many landlords take the easy way out and slap together a hastily written description of the property, along with some dark, blurry photos. While they may rent out the property with that approach, it’s not likely to attract the best tenants.
Start by cleaning up the unit before taking photos. Open the curtains, turn on the lights, and take photos during the daytime to give the impression that the unit is bright and sunny. Take photos of the main rooms and the exterior of the unit. You don’t need professional photographers for this process. Quality photos are the goal — whether you get them from a professional or not.
The description of your apartment should be just as deliberate. Emphasize the best features. Ensure you tell the truth — but do so in as positive a way as possible.
2. List Your Property on Reputable Rental Websites
Even the best listing will do you no good if the right people aren’t seeing it. One of the best ways to advertise a rental listing is to list it on several reputable rental sites rather than listing it on one site or in a simple classified ad. Many rental applicants search several sites, so listing ads on various reputable online platforms will give you a better chance of finding a good tenant quickly.
Acting on inquiries on time is also important. A desirable property advertised on the right platforms can generate a lot of inquiries within a short time. Failing to act on them on time can cause a good tenant to look for a better alternative.
3. Leverage Social Media and Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Don’t ignore the power of social media when marketing your rental property. You may not necessarily need to open a specific account as a landlord, and by simply posting your property in local groups and among your social connections, you may find good leads. People also tend to trust word-of-mouth referrals. So, you should let contacts know about your rentals.
If you choose to use social media groups, keep the posts professional, brief, and in line with privacy guidelines.
4. Act Like a Professional Landlord
Marketing is not just about the property. It’s also about you. Many potential tenants are just as interested in learning more about you as a landlord as they are in the apartment itself. Poor communication can cause qualified applicants to walk away.
Be respectful and direct when you’re messaging people. Share accurate information, describe the application process clearly, and be on time for showings. Have your important documents ready so you’re not rushing at the end.
Teaming up with a property management firm will help you on the professionalism front. The service provider can assist with landlord responsibilities so your tenants are never neglected.
Effective marketing won’t simply fill a vacancy sooner rather than later. It’ll set the tone for the whole relationship between the landlord and the tenant. By intentionally using these marketing strategies, you can do yourself a big favor as a rental property owner and landlord.