Blog Post

6 Reasons No One Wants Your Rental

Trisha Goodale • September 29, 2020

A quick look at what prospective tenants are thinking

Is your rental home sitting on the market longer than expected?  Are you getting showings and tons of inquiries but no applications?  Here are 6 Reasons No One Wants your Rental.

1.  Price-In our local market, if your rental sits for more than 14 days, your price is probably too high.  Keep in mind, it is better to rent it quickly for a little less money, than to have it sit for another 30 days trying to get top dollar.  Vacancy costs absolutely kill your ROI.  

2.  Smells--pet, cigarettes, etc.  If your house smells, it is going to cost you.  People can be sensitive to smell and this is the biggest turn off for tenants the minute they walk into a home.  Spend a little and replace the carpeting or have an enzyme treatment done to rid the house of unpleasant odors.  

3.  Mismatched or worn out paint, flooring, etc--Self explanatory, right?  It is amazing what a little paint can do.  We highly recommend using one color throughout the home; this makes touch-ups easy. Moving over to flooring, we recommend a hard surface in kitchen and bath areas and carpeting for living spaces.  Unless, of course, there are hardwoods!  Every prospective tenant loves hardwood floors! 

4.  Location-busy streets, intersections can drag rent down and take longer for a property to rent.  Obviously, you can't change the location, but a lower price can help reduce the vacancy time and installing a privacy fence can help as well.  

5.  Poor photography/marketing--we live in the digital age; there is ZERO excuse for poor photos.  You can hire a professional photographer for $150 or you can wipe off your camera lense, open up the blinds and take great photos with your own smart phone.  Homes that seem dark and drab in photos will definitely sit longer on the market. 

6.  Curb appeal--does the home look well cared for?  Tenants want to be proud of their home.  Tidy up the landscaping, mow weekly and show your prospective tenants that you love your property!  

Following these tips will help you rent your properties quickly!  

Good investing!  


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By Trisha Goodale March 17, 2023
Owning and managing rental properties can be a lucrative business, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From screening tenants to handling maintenance requests, property management requires a lot of time and effort. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your rental properties and maximize your returns. Set clear expectations Before a tenant moves in, make sure to set clear expectations about the rental agreement. This includes the rent amount, due date, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and any other rules or regulations. Having a clear agreement in place can prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the line. Screen tenants thoroughly A thorough screening process can help you find reliable tenants who will take care of your property and pay rent on time. Ask for references, run background and credit checks, and verify income and employment. It's also a good idea to have a conversation with potential tenants to get a sense of their personality and communication style. Maintain the property regularly Regular maintenance can prevent small issues from turning into big ones and keep your property in good condition. Schedule regular inspections and make sure to address any repairs or maintenance requests promptly. You can also consider hiring a professional property management company to handle maintenance tasks for you. Communicate effectively Good communication is key to a successful landlord-tenant relationship. Be responsive to tenant requests and keep them informed of any changes or updates related to the property. Establish clear communication channels and respond promptly to calls, emails, or messages. Keep accurate records Maintaining accurate records can help you stay organized and ensure that you are in compliance with local laws and regulations. Keep records of rent payments, maintenance requests, inspections, and any other relevant documents. Consider using property management software to streamline your record-keeping process. Know your legal obligations As a landlord, you have legal obligations to your tenants, including providing safe and habitable living conditions, respecting their privacy, and following eviction procedures if necessary. Make sure you are familiar with local laws and regulations related to rental properties and comply with them at all times. Of course, if you have a property in Lee's Summit, Raymore, Blue Springs or other surrounding areas, we'd love to assist you with all of your property management needs.
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