How to attract good tenants for your rental investment property.

1. Ten Ways To Attract Good Tenants
By Jeremy Hart, NRVLiving.com and Coldwell Banker Townside, Realtors Blacksburg, VA
You want to be a landlord, but you don’t want to deal with bad tenants. Sure, that makes sense. Here’s some tips, from
Wolkia, on how to attract GOOD tenants.
Reprinted from http://www.nrvliving.com/2010/05/03/attract-good-tenants/
As a landlord, “the turn” can be one of the most stressful
times of the lease. In a short period of time one set of 6. Let them know that you will be accessing the
tenants moves out, the property is cleaned and prepared, property every other month for a
and a new set of tenants moves in. As a rental property maintenance checkup. Ask the tenants to
owner going through a “turn” myself, a post by Wolkia put any non-emergency maintenance items
was timely. In it she identifies ten ways to attract good on a list on the refrigerator so you can
tenants. address them on your visit.
7. Send them birthday cards. Yes, it is a
1. Dress professionally. First impressions matter and business transaction; however, showing you
will set the tone for your relationship with the care can go a long way.
tenant. 8. Include a washer and dryer.
2. Allow pets. Many property management 9. If, due to economic conditions, you need to
companies will no longer allow pets. Being pet- offer a free month rent … NEVER offer the
friendly can set you apart and attract more first month free. You are inviting deadbeats
potential tenants to you. to live in your property for free for 30 days.
3. Be organized and have procedures in place. If you Instead, offer the free month after 6 months
are disorganized, it will make the tenants think or over the holidays.
you don’t care. Have checklists and paperwork in 10. Be present. Be available. Lack of
order. communication can quickly break down the
4. Show that you care for the property and the tenant/landlord relationship. Respond to
tenants will care too. Even if it’s outdated in their questions and concerns promptly.
areas, a clean property can overcome many
objections. Wash the windows, manicure the yard Being a landlord doesn’t have to be difficult. The
… show some pride of ownership. horror stories are out there, certainly, but with
5. Offer a discount for a multi-year lease and/or for careful preparation – of the property, of your
payroll/bank draft setup. processes, and of your tenant selection – it can be a
very rewarding opportunity. Thanks, Tina, for the
post.

2. Jeremy Hart a licensed real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Townside Realtors in Blacksburg, Virginia, and founding member of NRVLiving Real
Estate. If interested, his license number is #0225077937, and he’s been a licensee in good standing of the New River Valley Association, the Virginia
Association, and the National Association of Realtors since January 2004. You can contact him at jeremy at nrvliving dot com.
Disclaimer: I’m just a real estate agent and while I’m one piece of the puzzle, don’t forget to consult your attorney, tax professional and librarian
before making a financial or real estate decision. It should be noted that the articles in this blog are solely my opinion, and likewise those who leave
comments are providing their opinions, as well.. These are not the opinions of Coldwell Banker Townside Realtors, their affiliates or any employee
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