Both new and seasoned landlords know that by writing a strong property listing, they can attract the right tenant. Landlords want to attract a responsible tenant who pays rent on time and takes care of their property. However, it’s not easy to attract the right tenant, as they can easily search for other options online.
You must write a complete property listing that will grab your prospective tenant’s attention. You must also make sure that your property listing reaches the right audience.
In this article, you’ll learn some useful tips for writing a good property listing.
1. Determine Your Target Audience
The first step is to determine who is the ideal tenant for your rental property. In marketing, there’s the term, “buyer persona.”
In this case, we can use “renter’s persona”. Your goal in creating a renter’s persona is to better understand your tenant’s needs and wants.
For example, if you own a chic loft in the city center, your ideal tenant would likely be single. The property is not what a family with two kids would choose.
Though, if you own a single-family home in a quiet neighborhood, your ideal tenant would be families. If your property is a studio unit near schools, your ideal tenant is a student.
If you have a clear idea of your renter’s persona, you’ll have an edge among your competitors. It will be easier for you to create a specific property listing that targets your ideal tenant. This would, in turn, save you a great deal of time and effort in advertising your property.
2. Write a Catchy Title
Your property title will be the first thing your prospective tenant sees when they search for properties. The title can either attract them to check your property or completely ignore it. Choosing whether or not to follow this step can make or break a potential tenant’s interest.
You need to create a unique and catchy title to grab their attention. A good tip is to make your title informative and precise. Here are some examples of what to write and what not to write.
Good title: Stylish loft with floor-to-ceiling windows
Bad title: Rental property on Mulberry Street
Good title: Cozy studio with outdoor pool
Bad title: Unit for rent in city center
3. Provide Complete Property Details
Most property listings include the usual property details. For example, it shows the type of rental property, such as a single-family house or a condo unit. Moreover, it shows the total area in square feet and how many bedrooms and bathrooms the property has.
Make it a goal to show what your property offers to encourage the potential tenant to visit.
To give a more complete picture of the property, you should do the following:
- Include the price – Property listings with the price stated get more views than those that do not.
- Describe the neighborhood – Does it have an amazing view or a vast park? Is the neighborhood vibrant with life, or more laid back?
- Highlight the amenities – These can include washers and dryers, heating, air conditioners and elevators.
- Give the specific location – Aside from providing a map, you can mention specific landmarks. For example, “2 miles north of Madison Street, from the Broadway subway station”
4. Share Unique Property Features
Describe in your listing what makes your property unique and list the advantages of living there. Write down details that will set your property apart from others in the area.
For example, your property may have spacious storage areas or lots of natural light. It may also offer an additional bathroom or plenty of parking. It may offer a fireplace in the master’s bedroom or attractive stained-glass windows in the corridors.
These unique features will make your property more attractive to potential tenants.
5. Avoid Using Superlatives
Writing a property description is your chance to be creative, which is why you should choose descriptive words wisely. Instead of using “amazing” or “charming”, use more concrete words to help your tenant visualize the property. Keep in mind that using too many descriptive words might also turn off potential tenants.
Bad example: It’s the biggest house in the neighborhood.
Good example: This house has 500 square feet of space.
Bad example: The property has amazing amenities.
Good example: The house is complete with a pool and jacuzzi.
Bad example: The home is filled with charming interiors.
Good example: It has high ceilings and wood floorings.
6. Add Quality Photos
Having high-quality photos will help you find the right tenant faster. Add as many photos as possible in your property listing. The photos should capture prominent living spaces, outdoor areas and amenities.
You can follow these tips to achieve quality photos:
- Use natural or direct lighting. You can do this by taking photos during the daytime or using indoor lights, such as lamps. Avoid using flash, as it can make the photo look unnatural.
- Take photos from different angles. To make the room look larger, take photos from the farthest corner of the room. To make the ceilings look higher, take photos while crouching or kneeling.
- Make sure to tidy up the room before taking photos.
- Avoid mirrors, as your reflection might be shown in the photo.
- Furnish the room to make it more attractive to potential tenants.
7. Show Your Tenant That You’re a Great Landlord
Show potential tenants that you’re a dependable and competent landlord to earn their trust. You can provide recommendations from past tenants or mention real estate awards you’ve received.
Be helpful by revealing the best places to visit in your neighborhood. Show them that you can easily be reached whenever they need you. Most importantly, be consistent in everything that you say.
8. Proofread Your Listing
After writing your property listing, you need to make sure that it’s error-free. Make sure that you use complete sentences and proper punctuation. When you use long, run-on sentences, it might not be easily understood.
Take time to proofread your listing or better yet, ask someone else to go over it. Having another set of eyes will help you find mistakes you may have missed.
To attract the right tenant and rent out your property quickly, it’s essential to write good property listings. Make sure your listing differentiates your property from other properties in the area. If your property stands out, tenants will most likely choose yours against others.