Best Ad Content For Rentals
Hi:
I'm having trouble attracting quality tenants to a unit I have vacant. I've declined my 4th applicant (all due to serious credit, bounced check, or previous l andlord issues). While I'd rather have no tenant than a bad tenant, I'm looking for some help in writing a good ad. My local paper requires the ad to start with town name, or it goes to the bottom of the listings. Can't use that trick!
Any good suggestions? I've searched the archives and am thinking of advertising a giveaway of a microwave or air conditioner w/1 year lease (satisfied and paid on time).
Thanks!
What type of area? Low-moderate or high income area?
[addsig]
It's a moderate income area. Not sure what the deal is. Never had this problem before. I bought the building (2 unit) in October. 1st fl unit rented the first weekend (had 4 applicants to choose from). Second floor unit vacated 2 weeks later. Been sitting empty for > 2 months since I got it ready to go.
Any ad suggestions?
Yah, I have a suggestion.
And it's free!
Post a "FOR RENT" sign on the front lawn.
That's how I attract 75% of my tenants.
[addsig]
Yeah, I did that. I usually get most of my tenants that way. Didn't work this time.
Any other ideas?
Signs in the yard are good for people who HAPPEN to run thru the neighborhood. Make sure you have arrow-signs coming off the major roadways if you use this source. Otherwise your really counting on a neighbor to spread the word.
NewsPaper ads: Ive never been real fond of using the paper. Its requires quite a bit of money to make the ad JUMP OUT and you will typically get dozens of bad calls asking info not listed in the ad. The best is when they ask a question and then hang up on you at the first answer they didnt want to hear. hahha
90% of the time I use the internet for my "moderate homes". (not low income residence) How? do a google search for classifieds and then list your area or city. There are probably hundreds of sites in your area offering free classifieds which are really just a part of a bigger site. These sites could be for anything. For example: Not even a month ago I stumbled across a local site which was catered to fire fighters. It turns out it was a 'forum board" (good key word to use) who had a lot of visitors daily. I listed the property with a picture and put everything I needed in the ad. Within 2 days a Medical Technician who was a logged into the site regularly responded and that was that. Its sounds odd but it works very well and very free. People know people and people love pictures so plaster it everywhere and list as much info as possible. You wont get very many phone calls but the ones that do call want to do a walk thru!
The internet is where its at!
Just my 14 cents worth hope it helps.
Where's your property located?
If it's anywhere near Pittsburgh, you should try Craig's List. It's a free classified ads website. I use it all the time for my Boston rentals and have great success. You can post pictures also.
http://www.craigslist.org/
Scroll to the right and you'll find the list of cities Craig's List serves.
Good luck.
[addsig]
I agree you should use the TCI listing. I got a good tenant through that recently for a rural house I have. Craig's list is good too, as are the free local papers, even if the ads aren't free. When advertising in papers, always start your ad with a number (or, if the town is required first, put the number right after the town), as most classifieds software puts ads with numbers at the top of the list which is where you want to be. For example, I always start my ads "2 BR..."
Have never used one myself, however, it sounds like you could maybe use the services of a "tenant locator". Not sure if that's the correct term. I have seen the ads for them where I live though. They are basically a service that finds your tenants for you. Not a property manager. They just fill the space and you manage the property once it is occupied. One time fee. At least if they prequalify people like a RE agent then you are more likely to eliminate a bad situation.
Scott
I have always used only the internet. The papers here want $180 for 1 week so I completely avoid them. If you are in an area that has employers that also operate outside of the area, the internet is a good way to attract people moving in. When I first started with rental I went to Google, typed in "houses for rent" and went to the first few sites that popped up. I found www.rentclicks.com. I have found all of my tenants through this, and very quickly. They are all middle income families that were transferred out here because of their jobs. All have been terrific tenants.