Preparing Your Let Property for Viewings

When attempting to let your vacant property, appearances and first impressions are paramount. By following a few simple tips, you can maximize your let rate and reduce the amount of time that your property remains vacant between tenants.

Appearance from the Street

As many potential tenants will drive by a property they are interested in, before ever contacting the owner or letting agent, it is very important to take a critical look at your property from the street. Be sure there are no weeds in your garden or walkway areas. Trim and maintain the hedges, and remove any rubbish. Be sure rubbish bins are not visible from the street. Put a fresh coat of paint on the window trim and front door, and be sure that exterior light fixtures are clean of spider webs and have working bulbs.

Entryway Appearance

As the entrance foyer is the first impression to the inside of your home, be sure it is free of clutter. Floors should be clean and foyer tables should be dusted and free of clutter. Be sure any remnants of pet or cigarette odor is eliminated, and be sure to have a friend or family member walk through and verify this for you. Most often, the owner of a property is desensitized to the smells of the home that may be obvious or even offensive to one who does not live there. To make the foyer more inviting, display a few lively framed prints and a small bouquet of fresh flowers in a simple vase on a sideboard table. This small gesture helps to establish the welcoming of your new tenants to their potential home.

Interior Appearance

When you have made the decision to let your vacant property, this is the time to take an objective look at your furnishings and simplify. Put any unnecessary furniture items into storage, and remove personal items such as photos and knick-knacks which will make your potential tenants unable to picture their own personal items in your space. Be sure to shampoo carpets, wash walls, and dust the tops of bookcases and ceiling fans. Be sure there are no items in disrepair. Again, this is a good time to have an objective friend walk the property for you. Patch any cracks, and add a fresh coat of paint where necessary.

Bath and Kitchen

The bath and kitchen areas are of the most appeal to a potential tenant. Be sure these areas, particularly, are spotless. Any reminder that your potential new tenant is not the first to use these very private areas will turn them off to the entire property.

With attention to these items, you can make your property the most appealing possible to any potential tenant.