Just read a post on Brian’s REI Blog that talked about quickly filling vacancies. His advice was fast, easy, and inexpensive:
Post your vacancies on Craigslist.
I know it seems simple, but it is amazing that landlords and property managers alike, don’t use this tool to its potential. If you want to advertise your apartment or house for rent, this is absolutely the most cost-effective option. According to Alexa, the site is one of the 30 busiest sites in the world! Go where the crowd is, but do it correctly.
Here are a few simple tips about posting a vacancy on Craigslist:
1. Be as detailed as possible
2. Post information about the amenities
3. Post information about the neighborhood. Tell the potential tenant why this location is better than others. Let people know where the property is relative to Major Highways, and landmarks.
4. YOU MUST INCLUDE PICTURES! This is so important. People will look at posts that have images before posts without them. If the unit is ugly, use a pic of the building. If the building is ugly, use an image of the unit. If both are ugly, ignore rule#4!
5. Post as much contact information as possible. Be careful posting your email address, though. I’d recommend using Craigslist’s anonymous emails.
6. Avoid shorthand. You’re not posting in the newspaper anymore. Craigslist and other classified sites let you write as much info as you’d like. Use that ability. Everyone does not know what dw, cac, and other abbreviations mean.
7. Respond as quickly as possible. If someone is responding to your ad, it means that they are actively searching for apartments. If you don’t get to them, someone else will!
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I was trying to convince my completely computer-illiterate landlord to let me out of my last month of rent, so I posted my apartment on craigslist for him, and I had him a new renter in *under 2 hours*. I had 7 appointments scheduled inside an hour, and the first woman to come see it snapped it up.
In short, craigslist rocks.
Good for you. I know a few managers who are computer illiterate – still swear by classifieds in the papers. Unless they keep up with the times, these guys will become outdated.
I have used Craigslist for several real estate deals, and I love it! I am surprised they are not charging yet on their real estate services section. Until then, take full advantage!
I think they may be charging in certain markets. I remember that they charge brokers for listings in NYC. . . . at some point it would make sense to charge in all of their largest markets. The site has become so important that people will still post there.
Craigs list is a fantastic resource, and so much less expensive than the newspaper! I’ve found that when posting ads on Craig’s list, it’s good to keep re-posting the ad every few days or so — so that it comes up in the top of people’s search results.
Last time I advertised my rental unit, I used Craigs list, and linked my ad to a webpage with a traffic counter on it — that way I could tell when traffic was starting to slow, and it was time to re-post the ad.
How can i add my apartment? It will free or will cost?
I do not speak english very well. If you do not mind, i wold apreciate very much in receiving the answer.
thanks,
Cristina – It is free to add your apartment. All you need to do is go to the link for the city you’re interested in advertising in, and then click on the appropriate housing link. Once there at the top right you’ll see a link to post an ad. Let me know.
i dont agree with you here.
Why don’t you tell us what you disagree about the post, Andy? Seems to me like your only purpose posting here is to get people to see your link. Otherwise, I’m sure you’d give us a bit more detail about your thoughts.
Looking for a nice 2 or 3 bedroom to rent in Gary, Indiana. Someone help!
Looking for a house to rent. Either a 2 or 3 bedroom for $650.00 at month. Please email me at sweettracy123@hotmail.com
I know I’m a little late to chime in on this — You’re mostly right on; but i have to disagree with the last line of rule #4. If the place is ugly and you don’t post a pic, the person is just going to be diappointed when they come to view the property. More information is always better. If the place has undesirable features, the price should make up for it. But a person should know what they’re getting into. Also, a place would have to be really horrible for there not to be some way to take a somewhat flattering photo or two.