When to post the listing for a long term rental?

Question

Hi All, Newbie here!  We are about to complete the rehab on our first long-term rental (5/1)!  My question is:  do we list it now for rent available as of 5/1 and if so how do we deal with the people that want to come for a tour (understandable)?  Or do we wait until 5/1 and then list it?  We have done all the rehab ourselves (my husband and I) and it will be almost a year since we purchased and I am excited to get it rented!!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I will typically wait until the vast majority of the work is done. You want it to look good in pictures, show well during showings, and be safe for people to tour. I won't normally market more than one week prior to availability if renovations are still on-going.

Luis Saenz · Answer

Hi Angela,

Congratulations! I have worked for property management company and have listed my own rental as well. I would agree with everyone else and say you should wait. However I don't think the property needs to be 100% complete. I say you will want to wait until the property is at least 90-95% complete where the photos/showings cannot really show any imperfections. That way you can start generating tenant leads and keep their info.

When you list, be sure to invest in good, high quality photos and competitive rent!

I hope this helps! Best of luck! I'm sure you and your husband are going to do great!

Hamp Lee III · Answer

I agree to wait as well.

Someone wanting to live in the property wants to see what it looks like now, not what it can be. Showing your house unfinished might actually turn potential renters away.

If you have a great property competitively priced, it’ll rent quickly.

I wish you all the best.

Tyler Davis · Answer

It's generally advisable to wait until you've completed all necessary updates and improvements before posting photos of a rental property. By doing so, you can present the property in its best light, thereby attracting the most desirable tenants.

Tenants often enjoy envisioning how they would furnish a property when they walk through it. Displaying photos of a property while it is still undergoing renovations may create a less than ideal impression and could deter potential tenants.

Overall, investing in high-quality photographs of a finished, updated property is a worthwhile investment that can help maximize the appeal of a rental property and ultimately attract the best tenants.

I hope you find this advice helpful and wish you all the best in your real estate ventures!

Mohammed Rahman · Answer

Hey @Angela T Lawrence congrats!

If I'm in your shoes, I'd recommend waiting. The reasoning behind that is if you have a good tenant that's interested in the property (great credit and income), they will be put off by how the property shows when they take a look in person.

I'm sure you're already making sure to check credit and verify income, references, etc. for any tenants too.