images. A steady camera helps create sharp and clear images, making your listing look more professional. NO. 5 FOCUS ON THE KEY FEATURES Highlight the unique features of the property (e.g., high ceilings, hardwood floors, updated appli - ances). These features can help to sell the space and differentiate it from other rental properties. Focus on the fireplace, the unique lighting fixture, or the kitchen island, depending on what stands out the most. If you are unsure, ask a friend or family member for their opinion. You can also include pictures of any shared amenities such as a gym, pool, or rooftop deck if your rental is located within an apartment building. NO. 6 SHOW THE NEIGHBORHOOD Take pictures of the surrounding neighborhood (e.g., local parks, restaurants, public transportation). Doing so will give potential renters an idea of the local amenities and lifestyle. If there are shopping cen- ters or supermarkets nearby, include them in your listing. A picture of the local school or community center can also help sell the space to families. NO. 7 HIGHLIGHT ANY REPAIRS Be transparent with potential renters and highlight any recent repairs or upgrades such as a new HVAC system or renovated bathroom. Transparency can help build trust with potential renters and give them confidence in the property. Take pictures of the new appliances or fixtures and include them in your listing. Highlighting the repairs will also help to justify a higher rental price.
photos. Aim to take photos during the day when there is plenty of natural light; avoid taking photos during harsh midday sun or in the late afternoon when the light may cast long shadows. Check the weather forecast to avoid overcast or rainy days that may make your photos appear dull. NO. 12 USE PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE Even if you take excellent photos, a little bit of editing can go a long way in making them stand out. Photo ed- iting software can help you brighten up your photos, adjust colors, straighten lines, and even remove small blemishes or distractions from the background. Although it’s important to avoid overediting, a few subtle tweaks can help improve your photos and make your property more attractive to potential renters. There are plenty of free and paid photo editing software options available online, so find one that suits your needs and skill level. High-quality photographs are essential to a rental listing. They could be the difference between attracting or dissuading potential renters. By following these 12 tips, you can showcase your rental prop- erty in the best possible light and set yourself up for the best chance to rent your unit. •
NO. 8 PRICE COMPETITIVELY Make sure the rental price is com- petitive with similar properties in the area. Conduct a thorough market analysis to determine the average rental price in the neighborhood. Consider highlighting any unique selling points that may justify a higher price, such as a rent-to-own option or a building with amenities. If you are unsure about pricing, consult a professional property manager for guidance. NO. 9 INCLUDE A FLOOR PLAN Adding a floor plan to your listing can help potential renters better visualize the space and layout, especially for apartments or multiunit buildings. A floor plan helps potential renters see the flow of the space, how the rooms are connected, and the overall layout of the property. Including a floor plan can also help weed out renters who may not be interested in the space, saving you time and resources.
NO. 10
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHER If you are not confident about your photography skills or do not have the necessary equipment, consider hiring a professional photographer. Professional photographers have the experience and equipment needed to capture high-quality images that will attract potential renters. Although hiring a professional may be an ad- ditional expense, the investment can pay off by attracting more renters and justifying a higher rental price. NO. 11 PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIME OF DAY AND WEATHER The time of day and weather can greatly impact the quality of your
Luke Babich is the co-founder of Clever Real Estate, a real estate education platform committed to helping home- buyers, sellers, and investors make
smarter financial decisions. Babich is a licensed real estate agent in the state of Missouri. His research and insights have been featured on Big- gerPockets, Inman, the Los Angeles Times, and other online and media outlets. Babich earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, with honors, from Stanford University.
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