Is the value of your real estate fully maximized? In this period of lease renewals, the Kangalou team has put together a useful guide to marketing your property to maximize the full value of your dwelling and find the right tenant.
The appeal of the apartment
It’s no secret that a well-maintained, clean apartment inspires confidence and attracts quality applicants. It’s surprising how small, simple, and effective improvements can transform the attractiveness of a dwelling:
- Clean windows for more light.
- Remove limescale deposits in washbasins/toilets.
- Lubricate door hinges and fix handles.
- Repair leaky faucets.
- Replace damaged switch plates and sockets.
Don’t neglect outdoor spaces: first impressions will determine how your building is perceived.
Your dwelling, an exclusive product on the market!
Having an apartment to rent is an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often, so design your listing like advertising a new product. Photos should be neat and professional-looking, since they have the power to make your property stand out from the crowd. If the property is occupied at the time of the photo shoot, ask for the tenant’s cooperation in having the apartment cleaned and de-cluttered. Offer a gift card as a thank you or incentive.
- Take your photos in landscape format to get an overall view of a room.
- Shoot in daylight, without flash.
- Put the camera at a height of about 4 to 5 feet, ideally on a tripod.
- Make sure the photos are of good resolution.
Good photos can not only have an impact on the quality of your tenants, but also increase the perception of your property’s value.
Find the right sales words
Every apartment has “selling” features that need to be identified and promoted. Are you far from public transport? Make the most of the peace and quiet! On a busy street? Make the most of central access!
Highlighting the eco-friendly aspects of your property can strengthen your market position.
Open house
An effective way to find a tenant is to organize an open house.
You have two options:
| Option 1 Individual appointment times | Option 2 Traditional open house |
|---|---|
| PROS -Allows you to tailor your message to your visitors. -Convivial exchange that allows you to evaluate the candidate. | PROS -Allows more applicants to visit. -Saves time compared to individual visits. -Can create a sense of urgency and competitiveness. |
| CONS -More complicated to organize if the property is occupied. -Higher risk of no-shows. | CONS -Difficult to connect and answer questions. -Qualifying candidates becomes complex. -Risk of theft if property is furnished. |
Choosing your tenant
A well-written description can filter candidates right from the start. By using terms that evoke a specific lifestyle, you increase the chances of attracting candidates whose lifestyle is in harmony with yours and that of the other residents of the building.
No matter how good your property is, or how eager you are to rent, it’s best to be patient. You’ll always find other potential candidates.
The little +
Love your current tenants? Tell them you have a referral program with rewards for
referrals. Adding testimonials from former tenants could also add credibility and value to your property.
Pre-rental survey
Although time-consuming, a pre-rental survey can save you hours of trying to get rid of a bad tenant. Use the tools available, such as ProprioEnquête, which offers a complete pre-rental screening. Check the accuracy of the information. Validate that the information written by the applicant on the rental application matches the one revealed by the pre-rental screening, thus confirming the tenant’s honesty. Bear in mind that if two people occupy the property and both sign the lease, it is necessary to carry out two screenings. Make sure that both parties sign the lease.
Beware of credit checks: they don’t show rental payment history. Good credit does not guarantee a reliable tenant.
The choice of tenant is yours!
When relocating, it’s a good idea not to give immediate preference to one candidate. As a landlord, you have the privilege of choosing the tenant, but don’t forget that it’s illegal to discriminate against potential tenants based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, color, language, or sexual orientation.
Beware of a tenant who puts a lot of pressure on you to get a quick answer. Take your time to make the right choice.
