Hey everyone! Welcome back to episode 17 of the Women Invest In Real Estate podcast. In this week's podcast episode we're going to be talking all about how you can make your mid-term rental stand out in a saturated market. This is such a great question and so relevant right now because the mid-term rental market is on the verge of some fierce competition and it’s super important to make sure that your listing stands out among others to keep your occupancy rate high and vacancy level low. You won’t want to miss this!
Tip #1: Post great photos
While we’re both guilty of not following this rule, if your MTR is in a highly saturated market we highly recommend investing in a professional photographer to take your listing photos. If you must take the photos yourself using your cell phone here are a few good rules of thumb to follow: use landscape mode, make sure your finger is not in the photos, take photos of small details (washer/dryer, kitchen utensils, etc.), and always brighten your photos.
Tip #2: Accept pets
We have learned that many travel nurses travel with furry companions and you can do things like requiring an additional non-refundable pet deposit and charging monthly pet rent to keep your listing in demand and keep the tenants happy to have their pets with them.
Tip #3: Provide laundry access
Nurses, specifically, do a lot of laundry. They can’t go to their hospital shift in a dirty pair of scrubs and having to sit at a laundromat outside of their working hours is less than ideal. Also, generally, the first amenity people look for, is laundry. So if you can swing it, and you’re in a saturated market, invest in putting a washer and dryer in your unit (or have a shared laundry space).
Tip #4: Add a security system
Many of our travelers are solo travelers and having that extra security feature can help people feel much more comfortable and safe when they are traveling in large cities. Also, some insurance companies offer a discount for having an active security system installed.
Tip #5 Update small touches
Small changes can make a big impact, without making a big dent in your wallet. Update light switch plates, cabinet hardware, faucet heads, and outlet covers; even simple ceiling fixtures can be a nice bonus to travelers (ceiling fans are big sellers!).
Tip #6 Focus on the bathrooms and kitchen
A big visual point in any property is the kitchen and bathrooms. Investing in even small updates in those spaces can go a long way.
Tip #7 Create an inviting outdoor space
After working a long shift in a hospital or corporate office, traveling professionals enjoy having their evening meal or even their morning coffee on a nice patio. Add a bistro table and chair set and this will help your unit stand out amongst the competition. It's so nice to have just that little outdoor space where you can spend time.
Tip #8 Write a detailed description (that sets the mood)
The more details you can add to a description the fewer questions people will have. They know what to expect which is a huge draw for a potential tenant. Help them envision what it looks like to live there: “enjoy your coffee outside on our shaded patio in the mornings and evenings”. Put yourself in the tenants’ shoes and answer the questions before they are even asked.
Tip #9 Make the barrier to entry low
Make your responses and communication timely; the application process easy; the deposit process seamless, and never wait to respond to questions and inquiries. If you wait more than 1-2 days, chances are that tenant has already moved on.
That’s all for this week. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us on Instagram.
Thanks for listening and we’ll catch you in the next episode!
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