We are often asked to evaluate rental properties before advertising them as available for rental and recommend renovations or improvements that will not only increase rental value, but attract and retain great tenants.
In all tenancies, short or long-term, the resident is making the property their home. They wish to be comfortable, safe and aesthetically pleased. The initial first impression you make to tenants in either marketing photos on online advertisements or their viewing of the property will establish your professionalism and care for the property and hopefully foster that same care for the property from your potential tenant.
We recommend the following improvements or renovations pre-tenancy:
- Neutral Fresh Paint: tenants like to see a blank canvas when entering a rental property. Loud colors detract from the viewing of the property, making it more difficult for the tenant to envision themselves living in the property. Fresh paint can also mitigate many smells that may exist in the property, such as smoke and cooking residue.
- Clean Carpets or Replace Carpeting: if you are unable to clean noticeable stains from the carpet I recommend replacing the carpet completely with a better alternative. Vinyl plank is durable and moisture resistant.
- Yard Clean-Up: an inexpensive improvement if done unassisted, a thorough yard clean-up will help that first impression immensely. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and tidy leaves around the property.
- Deep Clean: no one desires to move into a home that is dirty in any way. Ensure you deep clean the property. We at South Okanagan Rentals have a deep cleaning checklist which details all important cleaning items; such as, but not limited to, pulling kitchen appliances out and cleaning behind them, cleaning baseboards, dusting ceilings etc.
These few items above are inexpensive and effective ways to improve your rental property and secure great tenants.
Feel free to contact us anytime at 250.485.9935 for a free market evaluation of your property in the South Okanagan; serving the communities of Summerland, Penticton, Oliver or Osoyoos. Upon beginning to work together we will provide you with our recommendations on the best actions to take to maximize the return on your investment.