To show a Marlborough rental property to a new tenant, be prepared! In this article, we will cover the steps to effectively and safely show your rental home.
First, do not overlook your need to consider personal safety. Let a friend or family member know your schedule, checking in with them when you arrive at the rental property, when you leave the rental property, and when you arrive at your next destination. These precautions will safeguard you from the added risks related to meeting strangers in a situation that might leave you vulnerable. Remember, your potential renters are actually strangers, not friends and family. Be safe!
Next, be at your Marlborough rental property at least 15 minutes before your appointment as this will give you the chance to quickly gather stray rubbish that may have blown into the yard or entryway, check the mailbox, and also to pull that pesky weed by the front door. Once inside, open up the blinds and set the thermostat for a comfortable temperature before your prospective renters show up. These small touches only take a few minutes, but can make a significant difference in your prospective tenants’ first impression.
Once your prospective renters arrive, greet them at the front door and show them into the home. In the interest of your own safety, let them enter first and always keep yourself closest to the exits while showing the home.
Now it is time for your true showman to come out – point out the amenities of the home, such as lighting, flooring, and other special features. Let new prospective renters know which appliances are included with the home, as well as information about parking, community restrictions, and the like. Helpful hints about the closest public transportation, shopping, and other points of interest in the area may help you get to that lease agreement.
Stay with the prospective residents but do not hover – let them tour the home and give them room to discuss features. When it comes to showing your Marlborough rental property, your goal is to have prospective renters envision themselves living in the home. The more references you can make that will help them feel comfortable and as if they have arrived in a place to call home, the better!
Once the tour is complete, ask them whether they would like to fill out an application to lease. Make it clear at this point that moving forward would hinge on the approval process, because that’s where you will find out if they are truly qualified as reliable tenants. Also, set a sense of urgency with prospective renters with regard to the application – let them know you have other appointments and will be processing applications on a first come, first serve basis. It would be good for both of you to provide a timeline for your decision.
When you plan ahead with this agenda in mind, you assure your safety and you methodically execute this important step in renting your investment property.
Would you like to learn more about finding qualified and quality tenants for your Marlborough rental property? Please contact us for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
