Blog Post

Rental Property Marketing Mistakes

Pam Nguyen • Apr 06, 2023

Investing in a rental property is a great way to generate income. However, if you want to be a successful rental property owner, you need to effectively market your rental unit to ensure a high occupancy rate. It takes more than just listing the property and waiting for prospective tenants to reach out. Effective and efficient rental property marketing requires landlords to set the optimal rent price and select the most suitable advertising platforms.


Even the most experienced landlords can make mistakes when marketing their rental properties. That’s why the experts at Dawson Property Management have put together a guide to the most common rental property marketing mistakes.


Keep reading to learn more about how to advertise your vacant rental effectively!


Invest in Professional Photography


Images can have a huge impact on the decision-making process of potential tenants. If your listing photos are low quality and do not showcase the property’s best features, there is a high chance that prospective tenants will lose interest in your rental.

an over the shoulder view of a landlord holding a digital camera prior to uploading photos of their vacant property to their laptop

Professional photographers will highlight your rental property's best amenities and assets, making your listing more attractive to renters. Investing in high-quality professional photography is an excellent way to make your listing stand out and increase the likelihood of finding a tenant quickly!


Write a Detailed Property Description


Another mistake landlords make when marketing their properties is not including enough information in their listing descriptions. To market your property effectively, you need to provide a detailed description of the property, including its location and nearby amenities.


It’s also best to include an accurate floor plan.  A well-detailed description allows prospective tenants to imagine themselves living on the property. You can also provide more information about the rental unit’s unique features to make it more appealing.


Maintain and Update Your Property


Rental properties regularly shift, which means landlords must do their best to keep up with tenant expectations. When conducting property inspections, be sure to take note of any areas on your property that could be improved upon. Upgrades such as repainting, adding new fixtures like shelving units, and providing more amenities will improve your rental unit’s value and ensure that renters are interested in your property.


Set the Optimal Rent Price


Another common rental property marketing pitfall is overpricing the property. Landlords may have a high opinion of their property’s value based on appreciating market trends or improvements that have been made, but if the rent price is too high, renters will look for housing elsewhere.

a small toy house made of wood with a red roof sits on a black calculator on a white background

Optimal pricing is essential to rental property marketing, and landlords must ensure their property is priced according to the local market demand and conditions. It’s essential to study the market, conduct proper analyses, and understand how your rental compares to others in your area.


Market on Multiple Platforms


Landlords should not limit themselves to just one marketing channel when advertising their rental properties. Listing properties on a single platform will limit visibility and may put you at risk of missing opportunities to fill vacancies.


You can use several channels to increase your vacancy's exposure, including real estate websites, social media platforms, and property listings. Don’t neglect traditional advertising channels like local ads and referrals; they may help you find the perfect tenant for your rental. 


By using multiple advertising channels, you are more likely to increase the reach and exposure of your property, thus attracting more potential renters from various sources.


Respond to Questions Promptly


Landlords can miss out on potential renters when they fail to communicate clearly and respond to inquiries from prospective tenants in a timely manner. Renters are often in a time-sensitive decision-making phase, and delays in communication may result in them choosing a different property. 


It is critical to respond promptly and professionally to prospective tenants’ inquiries and give comprehensive responses to any questions they may have.


Host an Engaging Property Showing


Showcasing your property in its best light is crucial to landing a high-quality renter. When showing your property, be sure to highlight its best features and amenities! Prior to any showings, make sure the property is clean and well-lit.

A landlord in white sneakers sweeps the hardwood floor of their rental property with a bamboo broom

Additionally, try to be present when prospective tenants come to view the property. This will allow you to provide tenants with important information about the property and answer any questions the renters may have.


Conclusion


Renting out a property can be an excellent opportunity to generate income. By effectively marketing a rental, landlords can attract high-quality tenants and get the best value from their investment.


However, marketing a property can be a time-consuming and tedious process. That’s why many landlords and property owners choose to work with a professional property management company. With the right property manager, you can easily avoid making marketing mistakes and increase your property’s chance of getting rented out in no time.


If you need help marketing your rental or any other aspect of property management, reach out to the experts at Dawson Property Management today!

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