We've all been there. You sit down to write an ad to draw tenants to your property, and end up staring at a blank screen. It's not because you don't have anything to say- you do. Perhaps even more than will fill the page. But you want to get the attention of the right tenants who will take care of your property, pay you on time and be a great neighbor. You can't just start rattling off details. Never fear. Follow our five simple rules for placing a rental ad, and you'll be in business.
1. The headline matters.
If your potential renters are looking through a slew of listings, you want your ad to stand out- and not because of an excess of exclamation points. Focus on a key feature of the home. Instead of saying, "Three-bedroom, two-bath home available immediately," try "Private bungalow, vaulted ceilings and hardwoods in uptown arts district." Be descriptive, focus on the features and mention the neighborhood.
2. Adjectives rule.
It goes without saying that detailed photos of your property, staged in the right way, provide the best view for the potential tenant. But pictures aren't the only way to entice would-be renters. Use words that bring your property to life. Stay away from common adjectives like good, beautiful, and nice. Those words are everywhere, and tenants will just pass them over. Try words instead like charming, classy, exceptional, or cozy.
3. Use a mix of paragraphs and bullets.
There's nothing more daunting than looking at a page chock-full of text. Start your ad with a few sentences highlighting the most interesting features of the property, what makes it unique, and what it would be like to live there. Put the details in a shorter bulleted list. Do you accept pets, what appliances are included, and what is the square footage?
4. Write to your audience.
Are you looking for a nice family of four with two steady incomes to move into your home? Talk about the great school district, the proximity to nearby playgrounds, and the quiet family-friendly neighborhood. If you're looking for a young professional, talk about the nightlife, unique restaurants nearby and outdoor recreational areas.
5. Be upfront.
if you want to get along with your tenants, you'll want someone who is responsible and trustworthy. The best way to reach a person with those qualities is to build trust yourself from the start. Be open about the property's conditions and any glaring flaws.
Don't forget to put a little personality in your ad. After all, what better way to reach the right tenant, than to find someone similar to you?
Related: Using Social Media in Your Real Estate Business, How to Verify and Manage Your Real Estate Business on Google
