One of the most effective ways to get a property rented quickly is to stage it. In other words, to make it appear warm and welcoming so that prospective tenants can envision what it would be like to live there themselves. Successful staging, however, involves a lot more than just putting furniture and a few other accessories up. There’s a certain art and science to it. Let’s take a look at some expert tips to help get you ahead of the game.

Clean Up the Yard

First impressions are important, and the first opinion your prospective tenants will form of your rental property will occur the moment they pull up in front. That said, make sure the yard is well kept. Grass should be cut short, landscaping in good shape and walkways clear. If you’re showing the property in the evening, make sure outdoor lighting works and the fixtures look nice.

Create a Warm Welcome

Little touches, like a small flower garden by the doorway and a nice welcome mat can relay the feeling of warmth as prospects enter. Light a candle near the entrance using a soothing, homey scent such as warm apple pie or French vanilla. This can trigger a sense of comfort and a feeling of being right at home.

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Focus on the Kitchen

Studies have shown that this room is the most important for helping tenants decide whether to rent a property, so make sure you focus plenty of attention here. Ensure that the floor, walls, fixtures and appliance are all clean and in good shape. Little touches like table cloths and flowers can also go a long way to painting that picture for your prospects of what it would be like to make that kitchen their own.

Don’t Forget the Bathroom

Many property managers are surprised to learn that the bathroom is also an important area in helping a prospect decide whether to rent a property. Clean the room thoroughly and keep fixtures up to date, replacing anything that is damaged or broken before you show the property. As a final touch, hang some clean towels and include a matching shower curtain to bring everything together.

Keep Closets Clean

Closet space is also a very important factor to many prospective renters, so make sure you highlight what your property has to offer by removing excess clutter, which can make larger storage areas appear smaller. It’s ok to keep clothing in them if the property you’re showing is still being rented, but just ensure that everything is hung neatly and appears organised.

The Rest of the House

The best advice for staging a house is to take a step back and envision yourself as the prospective renter. Does the property appear inviting and make you feel at home? Could you imagine yourself living there and making that space your own? Anything that sticks out as you’re doing this assessment may be an area to focus on correcting before you show the property.

This may seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off in the long run when you have prospective tenants chopping at the bit to sign the lease and rent your property on the spot!

This article was originally published by Joseph Slonimsky on the 1st July 2014 via netintegrity.net

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