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3-STEP GUIDE TO KILLER LISTING PRESENTATIONS

Young couple preparing real estate presentation

In the real estate business, the old adage stands – “If you list, you last!”

It doesn’t matter how you dress up your presentation or how many bells and whistles you add to it, if your presentation does not impress – you won’t get many listings. This simple 3-Step guide can help you rock your presentations and get more listings.

Step 1 – The phone call Getting accurate preliminary information is a prerequisite for your presentation. Having a list of questions ready when a prospect calls you about the possibility of listing their house, is step one. Very often, the first phone call from a homeowner is the place to gather as much information as possible about the homeowner and the property, regardless of whether you plan to follow a one-step or two-step presentation process.

The more the information you get, the better your chances of cross-referencing the listing and understanding the various nuances attached to a sale. Don’t hesitate to ask simple questions such as:

  • Where did you hear about me?
  • Why are you selling your property?
  • By when do you need to sell? Is there an urgency to the sale?
  • Do you have a price in mind?
  • How did you arrive at the price? How flexible are you with this price?
  • Are there any financial considerations I should know?
  • Does the property have any legal issues that can affect listing?
  • Has your home had any renovations, additions or major repairs?
  • What makes your home stand out from your neighbors’ homes?
  • Can I meet with all the decision-makers?

Step 2 – The comps With the basic information, you will already have some idea of property, location, and its Saleability. But without knowing the home-seller’s area, it won’t be of much use. So, the next step would be a drive-by of sold listings in the home-sellers area and visit every home in the area that is on the market. This is the best way to ensure that you’re aware of all of the various negatives and positives of the listing presentation itself and also other homes in the seller’s neighborhood.

Hidden damage to the exterior or patio can be a damper to the listing, just as dilapidated signage or broken lighting can. Just driving through the area, you can come to understand the general state of affairs in the neighborhood. This will also help to understand what investment into the property will yield the best return.

With all of this information, you can move to step three – compiling the CMA for your new listing.

Step 3 – Compiling the presentation  Whether you choose a fancy presentation on your laptop or the older printed & bound format, a good listing presentation is like a good book with a “beginning, middle and end” and it should engage the seller from the first page itself. Other than the presentation, pay attention to these “deal-makers”.

  • Solid delivery: Rehearse your pitch a number of times before you arrive at the seller’s home, so it comes across as confident and convincing. Engage the homeowner by asking questions, smiling, explaining, and guiding. But do not be overpower at the same time.
  • Positive body language: Engage with the homeowner in a friendly manner and ask probing questions, without coming across as overbearing or aggressive.Maintain eye contact, especially while making an important point and demonstrate concurrence by nodding your head or smiling where appropriate.
  • Be attentive: In order to get the full picture, you truly need to remember what the homeowner is telling you. If you do not have an answer ready, make a note and tell them you will get back to them – and do that. Asking the right question, and noting responses demonstrates that you are listening and what they the seller is saying is indeed important to you.
  • A single agent please: Even if you are teaming with two or more agents, only one should go on the listing presentation. More than one is overkill and can be construed as a desperate move on your part.

There is no beating the feeling of walking out of a homeowner’s house knowing you absolutely nailed that listing presentation.

Follow this simple guide and make it happen!

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BEACH-STYLE DECORATING IDEAS…JUST FOR YOU.

Can’t make it to the beach? Why not bring the beach home to you! These simple and stylish beach-style decoration tips, accessories and painting styles can add a seaside feel to your single-family home easily.

Bright light and colors. Combine crisp whites with contrasting accents in bright colors to create an illusion of costal living. Aqua-green accents cushions, walls and throws recreate the ocean’s blues and whitewashed horizontal planking gives off a feel of old Gulf-front beach houses. An emphasis on color and light enhances the beach-front feel. Go big on using bright colors the kitchen island, matched with an outdoor lattice. Bright sunlight on white cabinets, and warm wood floors provide the required balance. Why not paint the highlight wall teal blue, setoff against a geometric flooring pattern in terracotta and white?

The power of white. Another alternative is to keep everything refreshing white from ceiling to floor, to give your home a light airy beach feel. Extend the white theme to wood planking, window drapes, sheers, sofas, throw pillows…just about anything! In addition to providing a neutral base, the ample white spaces bring out hidden opportunities to highlight the décor in your home effectively. A large and bright wall painting featuring marine motifs forms a great focus point in the family room.

Glossy wood floors and other wood accents on the mantle bring out the feel of sea-going yachts. Tiled backsplashes in blue, green or jade and beaded-board cabinet fronts with stainless steel accents in the kitchen add elegance and sophistication

Seafaring style accessories & motifs. You’d be surprised just how much of a difference adding just well-thought of and carefully selected seaside reference, such as a palm-patterned rug can make! Match it to seashell-print cushions and coastal artwork over shelving, filled to the brim with shell frames. A tasteful collection of seashells and starfish adds an organic accent to any room. Oversize glass vases filled with ocean treasures can add a unique style highlight in a seemingly dull room.

Bring the outdoors in. Louvered doors (and windows) can easily transform seemingly mundane surroundings into a romantic alfresco setting. Louvered doors evoke a nostalgic look of old beach cottages and can be opened to extend your room to outdoors. Canvas curtains add softness and additional protection. A painted conch shell paper weight can highlight the glass-topped wicker table and inviting ottoman recliners.

 Don’t hesitate to try out these ideas and bring the beach to your home! And remember, there is no limit to the simple things you can do to transform your home to a beautiful beach home and increase its value over time.

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BENEFITS OF A VILLA LIFESTYLE…SUMMED UP.

Is your single-family estate home a little too lonely without the kids? Are the noisy neighbors in your condo proving too much? Maybe the security arrangements in your duplex or multiplex home leave a lot to be desired? Or you just want to own a home in serene surroundings with gorgeous views to tranquil courtyards, lush greenery and your own private pool in a desirable community…

These and other reasons are why choosing a villa home can prove the ideal solution to your housing needs, along with the perks of a privileged lifestyle.

Amenities. Most large residential communities with villas offer homeowners a raft of facilities within the compound. You can enjoy access to fitness pools for swimming laps or water aerobics if they are featured. If biking is your thing, offer miles of walking and bicycle trails with bike tracks. Or just cast a rod and reel into the lake from the designated zones and keep the kids busy. Other facilities like basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, or a large, grass field is perfect for playing baseball or kickball can cater to sports enthusiasts. And if you are an avid golfer, you can plan a great day out if your community has an on-site golf course and putting green. In South Florida you’d be surprised how many premium residential communities do, along with community centers and even a village community center.

 Security & privacy. Villas in gated communities are the next best alternative to private villas. In addition to the myriad amenities, you also enjoy the benefit of 24×7 security for your family. Since villas offer you your own space where you can go about your routine, you need not worry about prying eyes. Yoga in the garden or a romantic dinner on the terrace – you don’t need to cast a second glance! And forget about rushing out to put away the children’s’ bicycles and toys…they will still be there in the morning.

Lifestyle. After a busy day spent dealing with the hassles of life, nothing can be more welcoming than coming home to a comfortable and tranquil villa home that affords you all the luxury to unwind in peace and quiet. Maybe the wife has planned on mingling with a few like-minded neighbors over drinks over the weekend…heck you can fire up the barbeque and just add to the fun! Potluck or roast, the neighbors will swing past (or just walk up to your home!). And you can crank up that stereo without thinking twice.

Investment benefits. Villas located in safe neighborhoods that are family-friendly, pet-friendly and secure are sought-after property, as they are close to everything you need, yet away from the hectic suburban sprawl. Unlike apartments, townhouses, multiplexes or condo complexes that can lose value over time, the capital gains associated with your villa will rarely decline, which makes for an excellent real estate investment. Of course, one needs to invest in maintaining the property to enhance its perceived value. And when it is your own villa, the opportunities are limitless. And eventually, you get to decide just how much you want to invest in speccing up the property.

So, whether it is the casual and carefree lifestyle that appeals or the more prestigious high-end living option, villas in residential communities give you freedom to decide what’s best for you.

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MAKE YOUR HOME A PET SANCTUARY!

Sixty-eight percent of US households own a pet, according to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). If you are one of the about 85 million families, living with pets in your home, here’s a few tips on how to make your home a pet sanctuary.

  VIP (very important pet) entrance All us pet-lovers know well enough our furry friends do not necessarily follow our routines! Just when you have curled up with that favorite read, your pet just has to go, and you have to let him out. And then, it has to be let back in!

Do: Invest in a dog flap in the kitchen door (or another door opening onto the porch or rear of the home). Cats know just know how not to litter, and rarely need attention. But dogs are a different story! As your puppy grows up, it will only go to the designated spot, without you.

Don’t: Don’t expect your adorable pet to remain adorable for too long, when the puddles start to appear with alarming regularity. And you only have yourself to blame for not taking the dog out when it just had to go.

 

 Furniture & fittings Homeowners with pets must make special considerations for the many accidents that can happen with clumsy paws, extra-wiggly tails and over-excited furry bodies in the house. A little attention to furniture and safety can make all the difference. A safe home makes for a happy home for your pets and you. 

Do: Plan your living space with the needs of your pets. No matter how much you invest in training, pets aren’t always aware of their surroundings and they don’t mean to cause trouble intentionally. Still, think of re-locating furniture items and objects that can be obstacles for your pets when they are bounding around, or items that can pose a risk as  falling objects.

 Don’t: Avoid furniture with sharp edges or tables that sit too low – the candles, glassware and other breakables are at risk if a tail wags too close! Avoid furniture items that serve as an invitation to kitty to scale and knock-over in doing so. Items that are even slightly imbalanced can easily tip over with the lightest brush. Use stair-guards for clumsy paws just as you did when the kids were growing up!

 

Upholstery How likely is my upholstery likely to gather fur? Think about this, and then think more carefully about your choice of fabrics!

Do: Invest in quality and hard-wearing textiles that can withstand the test of paws and claws! No need to go for an industrial feel, but opt for smooth finish tapestries, leathers and synthetic fibers which are easier to clean, and remove your pet’s fur from. If hair stuck on sofa fabric is a visible annoyance (and can be for many tidiness freaks!), use a roller brush to catch the fibers and dispose of them easily.

Don’t: Avoid using fabrics like silk, corduroy, velvet and velour, since pet hair tend to cling to them, and prove difficult to remove. Delicate materials that could be damaged by your adorable pet, like silk, linen and lace can be avoided.

 

Flooring & Walls In the early months when your puppy/kitten is still learning to toilet-train, flooring that is easy to clean – should be your first choice. Even later, when your dog will stomp right in with muddy paws, leaving marks all over, a wet mop will be all that is needed to restore the floors to squeaky clean. Walls without textures will help as they won’t attract fur when your pet enjoys a nice rub against them.

Do: Laminate flooring or synthetic wood parquet is the best choice of flooring. Ceramic and stone tiles also make for an excellent choice, owing to their simple cleaning requirements. They will also help to keep your pet cool in the hot Florida summers. Choose walls without textures and opt for paint finishes that repel fur – semi gloss, for example.

Don’t: Hardwood floors scratch and stain easily, requiring frequent attention to maintain their attractive look. And… they also need immediate cleaning should a little puddle appear! And little puddles will appear in the early months when your puppy is still finding its way around the house. Make things easy for the little scoundrel and also for yourself!

 

Kitchens Pet friendly interiors are not only about keeping your living space accessible and comfortable for your pets but they should allow the beauty of your well-appointed home to come through. Your super-stylish kitchen is quite not the same with unsightly doggy/kitty bowls littering the floor. Worse still… food bits!

Do: Ensure your kitchen cabinets and furniture has sufficient ground clearance. This will allow you to slide feeding bowls underneath the edges, bringing them out only at feeding time. Position the water bowl out of the way, and around a corner (if possible) but within reach. So your thirsty pet always has fresh water, without sloshing around in the bathroom.

Don’t: Leaving leave food out in the open. After all your furry friend would really love to sink his teeth into that juicy steak and tempting him hardly fair! Also, do not leave pet feeding-bowls out in plain sight. Not only does it spoil the look but can also attract unwanted pests.

 

Pet beds A comfortable pet bed is an essential element of today’s pet friendly interior home design. In addition to giving your pets a sense of belonging, pet beds also help to train and discipline your furry friends by setting boundaries.

Do: Choose a pet bed made of durable and hard-wearing materials, yet comfortable enough, creating a relaxing space when your pet gets back indoor after a hectic day of romping around outdoors! Colors and fabric design are important so as to differentiate your pet’s bed from the rest of the furniture. And make sure to wash it out once in a while to maintain hygiene and looks.

Don’t: Try to match with your general decor, keeping with the style of house. A modern and contemporary designed home merits a simple, more elegant design to blend with the rest of your interiors. Save the thick rug for a more traditional home!

Follow these tips to keep your beautiful home looking neat and tidy, and let your pets enjoy their sanctuary without the fuss!

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INVEST AND PROFIT IN FORECLOSURE PROPERTY

Florida ranked among the top 10 states for highest foreclosure rates in 2017 despite the number of foreclosures dropping by 45 percent compared to 2016. In Florida last year, there were 24,215 foreclosure proceedings filed, compared to 43,772 in 2016, according to ATTOM Data, a multi-sourced property database.

South Florida, still has the nation’s highest foreclosure rate at 1.3% and it stands to reason there are thousands of foreclosed homes to invest in. With the numbers reducing, the right investment may be harder to find, but savvy real estate investors are still finding them, and holding or flipping them profitably! The trick to turning a profit without falling prey to problems, is understanding what put these properties into foreclosure in the first place.

What is driving Foreclosures? Nationally, foreclosure filings for 2017 fell 27 percent compared to 2016, reaching their lowest level since 2005, according to the report. Foreclosures are a mix of new and legacy problems. Defaults on mortgages, delinquent property taxes, fraud, flawed court systems and banks still playing catch-up are all part of the problem. Though the situation is better today, property owners are still falling victim to a flawed system which hasn’t properly delivered. You still hear of properties that have fallen back into foreclosure as a result of lending criteria better aligned to interests of banks, mortgage providers and financiers.

Distressed property sales are no pushover. If you think, distressed property owners are all in the market to sell – think again. The decision to hold off a sale or foreclosure can be tied to various reasons. One reason is that property owners that have lost trust in parties that offer to ‘help owners out of foreclosure’ because of the dubious nature of transactions. Unscrupulous operators tend to tarnish the image of the lending business, delivering a setback to owners. Another reason is tighter controls, new rules and regulations to reduce turnover, making it harder for owners to sell, in the face of ready and interested investors. Yet other owners are not convinced they are really going to lose their properties, and delay taking action. Or they are bullish on their property value, delaying foreclosure.

Best practice. Today, investors need better strategies, more convincing arguments and smarter marketing tactics to win-over distressed property owners. Online foreclosure listings like Trulia foreclosures, foreclosures.com, Yahoo foreclosures, MSN real estate are a great start-point. Foreclosure auctions, Banks & Mortgage lenders, Real estate wholesalers and investor groups are all great sources of market information. Title companies mortgage companies, brokers and realtors are good for business based on referrals. Knowing where to look for distressed properties and foreclosure deals, is only one side to investing in the thousands of distressed properties in South Florida. Learning how to prospect and how to make winning offers is the key to sustainable long-term gains.  Invest in the right education, market knowledge, capital and financing, before investing in distressed property.

If sourcing, buying and recycling foreclosure properties for profit is your goal, practice due diligence first!

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NOT EVERY GOOD PROPERTY MAKES A GOOD RENTAL PROPERTY!

Real estate offers many investment formats, though the most commonly known are rehabbing and flipping. Building a portfolio by acquiring rental property is also a good investment strategy but remember – Not every good property makes a good rental property! When considering purchasing a rental property, it is important to focus on aspects that can make a rental property stand out.

Location. Location. Location. This is the gospel about any kind of real estate property, be it rental, residential, commercial, retail or investment. If a property does not have a favorable location, you can be sure, demand will invariably be compromised. Put yourself in your customers shoes. Since rental decisions are based on first impressions and perceptions, the smallest negative can set back long-term rental values. Unlike short term flips, with a rental property a five to ten-year horizon is ideal, meaning you need to have a long-term perspective for the area you are buying in. Talk to other owners in the area to see if they have insights on future development plans for the area. A planned new school, or medical center or even a commercial development will certainly bump up holding value over time.

Rental property goals. Before jumping in, it is advisable to have a clear fix on the short and long-term goals for the investment, since they will determine the level and kind of work you will put in and future upgrades you make. So, the question to ask is – Am I looking to generate monthly cash flow or long-term capital gains? If you only plan on renting out the property for two or three years, chances are you will keep away from expensive upgrades. On the other hand, if you are planning on renting until the property is free and clear, you may consider upgrades and repairs that will enhance curb-appeal and perceived property value. The right decisions will help maximize returns and most likely impact your future investing decisions. Sometimes a sudden jump in value can tempt you to sell before the anticipated ten-year horizon. Or an unforeseen financial circumstance can force you to liquidate. The best of plans can change along the way, but your goals will help you these changes.

Financial considerations. For a rental property, financial considerations are all important. New investors may not have an idea of all the costs associated but should take into account property management costs like utilities, landscaping, repairs and other items. Even the cost of vacancies, should be factored into the overall cost of ownership, which includes beyond loan financing, mortgage, interest amount, taxation and insurance costs. The more you know about comparable homes in the area, the better equipped you are for determining rental value for own property. Take time to talk to agents to get the lie of the land. And if you are planning on getting a property management company onboard, make sure they understand the scope of work involved in managing your rental. That way, you can come up with the real cost of ownership and yield.

Understand your market. Before finalizing a purchase, spend time to understand what investment into the property will yield the best return? Tenants will invariably seek out the most comfortable option, but not necessarily be ready to shell out the extra dollars! Take time to research what’s on offer in the area. Understand what it will take to keep your rental occupied with minimum vacancy gaps. People like to rent homes they are comfortable in, but not willing to pay the extra price for it. Not always! Renters will often place a premium on a driveway, and a garage. Consider investing in one if it will allow you to charge a higher rental and ensure your property retains demand. An outdoor patio may seem like a good idea, but if the cost of putting one in, does not justify the small rental gains, you’re better off without it.

A good rental property is indeed a good business proposition and can help grow your portfolio. But get to know everything about the property and the market to get the best return on your investment.

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GET THE BEST INTEREST RATE ON YOUR MORTGAGE!

 

For first-time home buyers, the loan amount is a key consideration. But the interest rate is equally important for calculating monthly mortgage payments. It pretty much defines whether you are going to move forward on the property or not. Follow these simple tips on securing the best interest rate on your new mortgage!

High credit score A high credit scores demonstrates good financial standing, and financial security. Lenders will offer lower interest rates to those individuals, that represent the lowest financial risk, in order to safeguard their loans. Make sure to keep your credit score as high as possible. And keep the credit history squeaky clean!

 Low debt-to-income ratio The lower your debt-to-income ratio, the lower your interest rate will be.Generally speaking, consolidated outgoings should not exceed 40 percent of your monthly income. So, your credit card bills, personal loan, home mortgage and car payments should all fit within that 40 percent. Try to clear a couple of smaller loans before taking out a bigger mortgage, to qualify for a lower rate.

Work on your cash reserves Ideally your savings should provide financial cover for 6 months, meaning, you will be able to meet your financial obligations for 6 months even if you are un-employed for some reason. Someone with $50,000 in savings and $4,000 in monthly outgoings is a stronger candidate, than someone with say, $8,000 in the bank and similar outgoings. Remember, a dollar saved, is a dollar earned!

Fixed or adjustable rate mortgage? Many adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans offer interest rates lower than that of a fixed rate mortgage, in the introductory period. For those planning to pay off the mortgage in a short amount of time, ARM can be the better option, by taking advantage of lower rates during that introductory period.

Maximize the down payment Interest rate is partially based on a home’s loan-to-value (LTV). If you lower your loan’s principal amount, the interest rate will be correspondingly lower. If a home is worth $100,000, and the loan is for $80,000, the LTV is very high and it presents a riskier investment to the mortgage company. But if the loan is for $40,000, you can qualify for a lower interest rate.

Sustained employment record Secure and sustained employment with large and recognized companies (for example Inc 500 companies) is a key consideration for processing loans. Income stability and steady employment represent financial security to lenders. They can count on you to pay your mortgage in full every month, if you remain gainfully employed. And even if there are small gaps in employment, your cash reserves and credit history will act as guarantors in your favor!

Shop around for loans Lending criteria vary with lenders, and it is worth doing your research to finding one that meets your requirements. Some lenders will offer lower rates, but loans will require some form of collateral guarantees or other financial security. Others will not ask for too many sureties, but the rates will be higher based on the risk factor. Shop around to make the right choice for your mortgage. It really isn’t the brain surgery it is made out to be.

Happy hunting!

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MAKE SMALL LIVING SPACES FEEL LARGER WITH A FEW EASY TIPS!

 

MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME OR RENTAL. OR JUST MAKE YOUR CURRENT SPACE BIGGER!

Sunday garage sale with the lemonade stand! Over the years we end up collecting far more stuff than we’ll ever need. And at some stage it may be good to get rid of clutter. Rule of thumb – If you haven’t used something for six months, you probably don’t need it. Get hold of old toys, clothes and stuff you haven’t touched in a while to hold a garage sale. Get the kids involved and make a fun day of – complete with a lemonade stand!

Re-think storage at home.  Once you’ve cleared out the clutter you can start making better use of existing spaces at home. You may have completely ignored your attic, which can be cleared out to make for excellent storage. Lofts are a great way to get stuff off the floors. Elevated shelves, wall-racks and in-closet racks are an alternative standard shelving, and they also create a nice optical illusion of space.

Consider multi-purpose furniture. Fold-away beds are great for maximizing space in bedrooms or smaller spare rooms, and can practically create a whole room by folding away. The same goes for a nest of tables, stackable tables and fold-away desks. These can all be folded out of sight when not in use, opening up hidden space. Beds with storage can double up as toy bins and linen cabinets, often eliminating that extra closet hogging up a corner! In any case, heavy, boxy furniture is not really in vogue anymore. Glass-topped tables can make a huge difference and are trendy. Ditch the solid wood swing doors for elegant sliding glass doors. They can really open up cramped spaces,  adding a touch of class.

Off-site Storage is an option. Off-site storage is worth considering, even though there is a cost attached to it. Depending on how much, you may consider lumping it with your other household monthly outgoings. Or consider it just an annual cost to capitalize, if it frees up needed space at home. This can often negate the need for a larger home, and the associated cost.

Walls & Floors make a huge difference. White is the default color for small spaces, but it doesn’t need to stop there, because light pastels are an equally good option. Mix and match white walls with peach, magenta or mushroom blinds or sheers, to create a light and airy feel to the indoors. Soft florals prints are a good match to light colored walls, and consider doing away with the heavier drapes that have “Been there, ever since we moved”! Flooring can make a big difference in how large a room feels, and consider lighter wood and tile options when the time has come! You will be surprised how much you can achieve just by lightening up the floors in a small room.

Lighting & Mirrors add the finishing touch. Brighter lights can help open up a hidden space, and can alter the entire look of a room. The same effect can be achieved with mood lights. If adding an expensive skylight is not an option, you will be surprised with what a stylish over-size mirror can achieve to create the feel of dramatically larger space, using available light.

So, there you are. The next time you’re considering a change of venue, make sure to try out these tips first! Not only can they save you thousands of dollars in expensive moves, but also the pain of moving. And also add demonstrable value to your home. Or rental.

Happy decorating!

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SIMPLE TIPS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY. 

MAKE MORE MONEY ON RENTALS.

Enhancing the face value to a property is a proven means to justify a higher rent. Fancy upgrades, landscaping and major overhauls can cost a bomb, and do not really contribute to increasing short-term rentals. But these simple tips can add demonstrable value. Make sure to include them with your new leases, and the money will start to come in!

Exterior image: Just drive up to your property and notice the way it looks! A bad first impression can be the first thing to put off potential renters. Focus on the exterior to enhance visual appeal by visual elements like landscaping, patio, and the actual entrance. Front doors are often overlooked, but in fact are one of the first things people notice. Re-painting, oiling the hinges and re-alignment are things you can do yourself. A little detailing on the signage, lighting and frame can make a huge difference. A simple power-wash can take years of the exterior and you will be surprised by how the property looks. A fresh coat of paint to the shutters and windows can add the finishing touch. And make sure the shrubs are trimmed so renters can actually spot the garden hidden away…it is important!

Living area:  Brighten up the living area. Do away with pre-conceived notions of “Neutral is nice” and don’t be afraid to create a feature wall in earth-brown to set off the eggshell walls. A console table or a decorative mirror near the entry can add a nice touch. Invest in a nice light feature to lighten up a dark spot and bring out the hidden space. Consider lining up elegant planters, if you have steps leading up to the entrance. Shine up the window glasses and pay attention to molding. Replace the aging couch and get a couple of rugs to give your property a ‘Lived-in” feel! These will not set you back over a $1,000 but will completely change how a prospective renter views your property. Renters mostly have short-term needs and will go for a house that feels as much like home as possible.

Flooring: Flooring is one of the most noticeable items and its condition is often the reason why rental properties lose demand. Hire a cleaning crew to give the carpeting a professional clean-up. Work out the cost to see if hardwood floors may be an option though maintenance-free Laminated wood flooring can be a cheaper cost- efficient substitute. Hardly takes a couple of days to put in and can last for years! Often your home-furnishing store will offer a rebate on installation and even consider removing debris for you. Flooring should come across new as possible, as it can often be deal-breaker. Decide wisely!

Added extras:  Believe it or not, the condition of appliances can give a strong indication of the state of the property. A 15-year-old, noisy air-conditioner hardly builds up the comfort level, even though it may still work. Busted alarm systems and partially-functioning outdoor lights are not things you want potential renters to stumble upon. You see, renters like to feel they own the house they will live in and new appliances and equipment give that feeling. Make sure to get the pros to go over the HVAC, electrics and plumbing before concluding your next rental lease! You will be surprised at the additional dollars you can command for your rental property, together with peace of mind for both, yourself and renters.

If an “Ultimate Chill-out” pool is the BIG sales pitch, it needs be exactly that. Of course you will need to walk the fine line between thousands of dollars in a new pool, or cheaper repair alternatives, but in the end, your proposition must ring true. Last but not the least, be attentive as a landlord. Renters only want to feel at home, and being reachable is an important aspect of that. Happy renting!

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