When working with an owner that has never rented their property before, it’s important to be honest on what it is going to take to get it rented! This can be sensitive topic, when the home is their current residence and are some obvious condition problems.
When and how to tactfully reveal to the owner that the home needs to look clean, smell clean and not have any evident deferred maintenance can be awkward. In most presentations the question of, “How long is it going to take to rent?” always comes up. This is can be your opening. We can rent you home in most cases to the first or second applicant, but then explain.
When showing the home it so important there is not any question in applicants mind that the home will be in move-in condition. If there is a question on what is going to be repaired, replaced or cleaned, they could move on to another home! Go through the home with the owner and point out all repairs that need to be completed before it can be listed. Continue to explain that the home will need to be cleaned in a professional manner. Be specific on what clean is. There are different standards on what “Clean” is.
If the home has a pet order, it will have to be addressed by replacing the carpet or flooring. Even a slight pet order can keep a home from renting. At the end of my inspection, I feel confident in saying, “If we take care of these items that your home should rent very quickly, possibly to the first or second person who views the home. If we do not we run the risk of an extended listing period. Most the owners that I have had to address these problems with are open to making the corrections; the ones that do not are informed and prepared for the wait.
