RISMEDIA, July 26, 2010—An effective property listing provides renters all of the details necessary to understand if your property is a good fit for them. Making a good first impression is critical to hook prospective renters and get them interested in learning more about your property. But the second step, providing all the details and information renters commonly need and want in order to take the next step, is equally important.
The experts at Rent.com suggest the following tips to build an effective property listing:
Compare your listing to other competitive listings. This will help you understand how best to differentiate your property and make your listing stand out in the crowd. Look at how comparable properties are marketing themselves and what they are offering. Then think about what features and amenities your property has that are unique and different from the others. Call attention to these aspects through descriptive text and photos to build a picture for the renter about how life would be better at your property.
Choose your property images carefully. Leverage the best photos of your property and be sure to include both exterior and interior shots. Your primary image may be the only image a renter sees to determine if they want to visit your property. It should be colorful, sharp and distinct from other comparable listings. Renters have told us that photos of a rental unit’s interior are extremely important to them so don’t skimp here. Make sure you provide enough interior photos to completely show each room of the rental unit and any details that make your rental property unique.
Create impactful headlines. We recommend that your headline highlights three aspects of your property—your location, an amenity and an interior feature—in order to give renters a well-rounded view of what you have to offer. Use specific and descriptive words instead of generalities to grab the renter’s attention and make your property relevant. For example, instead of highlighting location with generic words like “convenient location,” get more specific such as “within 3 miles of upscale shopping and dining” or “easy access to I-40 and I-240.” When calling out an amenity of the property, use more descriptive words to draw a picture before they even have a chance to view your photos. For example, instead of “sparkling pool” you might say “resort style pool with expansive sundeck.” As for interior features, again, specifics are more tangible. Instead of “spacious floor plans” try something like “up to 1,200 square feet” or instead of “renovated apartments” you might say, “brand new kitchen appliances and fixtures.” A strong sample headline would go as follows, “Within 3 Miles of Upscale Shopping & Dining, Resort-style Pool with Expansive Sundeck and Brand New Kitchen Appliances & Fixtures.”
Include floor plans and complete property details. Floor plans are the second most requested images behind interior photos for rental units. Renters want as much information as possible to help them understand if the property will work for their space requirements, furniture and lifestyle. Without enough detail, they may opt to pass over your listing entirely. Aside from the basic information on number of bedrooms/bathrooms and rental price, make sure to include information on square footage, security deposits, application fees, pet policies and fees, parking, whether or not utilities are included in the rent and any special amenities on the property.
Advertise move-in specials if you have them. By displaying your move-in specials in your online ads, you provide an instant incentive for someone to visit your property. If you have a special offer for new tenants, make sure to broadcast that message in your online advertising to drive traffic to your property, increase leases and maximize the overall impact of your promotional campaign.
Rent.com is the nation’s #1 Internet listing site (ILS) in the rental housing industry, enabling renters to find a residential rental property online using a free robust search tool. Rent.com has the most online renter traffic and the largest inventory of contracted property listings. GET 50% OFF OUR NEW FLAT-RATE LISTING FEE! Try Rent.com today and take advantage of this limited time special offer.
For more information, click here.