Would you please look at my listing?

Question

We’re having trouble finding a tenant for our new duplex. I have a couple theories, but we’re brand new to this and I’d love to hear what those with experience have to say. We listed it on 4/28 and have had 18 contacts, 12 tours, but no applicants. We thought this thing would be a slam dunk, so I’m feeling pretty discouraged.

Here’s the listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

Josh L. · Answer

Pet owners will filter for rentals that allow pets.

But, renters won't see your rental that because you didn't mark that down as an option.

Instead, you only mentioned it in the description that you would allow a pet.

But, don't expect people to actually read the description.

Account Closed · Answer

I agree that the finished basement is a problem as a bedroom, but I think it's a fairly easy fix.  Just put up a partition wall with a door into the bedroom.

The problem is that everyone who wants to do laundry or go into that utility room for the laundry, is going down those stairs and hence through that downstairs "bedroom."

So, what I'd do, is put up a partition wall.  Where I'd put it: Where that cut out already is in front of the closet under the stairs.  Face the closet under the stairs.  Then, turn around.  See the wall that comes out from the right - simply extend it across to the left and put a door in it.

It would look normal, visually, and then everyone could use that storage closet under the stairs - perfect place to store winter clothes and stuff, X-mas decorations, etc.

A non-load-bearing partition wall with a door in it to the downstairs "bedroom" should be pretty cheap.  Then, it's a win-win for everyone - private bedroom downstairs with it's own door into their private space, and it looked like there was still another closet already in what would be the private downstairs bedroom, so you shouldn't have to worry about that.

Nicky Sunde · Answer

Account ClosedThat’s exactly what we were considering doing. Thanks for your feedback!

Account Closed · Answer

Me, too!  I thought it was the perfect solution to the yellow tile to just go with a golden paint.  I thought that was brilliant.  I hate seeing old retro tile removed, although sometimes, it's just got to be done.  I wouldn't sweat removing pink, for instance...

Nicky Sunde · Answer

Thanks, @Karen Mills. We used comps from Zillow- 3 bed/2 bath with similar square footage.

One possible problem is that the 3rd bedroom is the finished basement and doesn’t really have its own door. There’s a pocket door at the top of the stairs, but a couple have discussed that being a privacy issue.

Shane Ziegler · Answer

It seems $200-$350 too expensive for the bedrooms and square footage, especially during the current pandemic.  If it was a SFH instead of a duplex, you might be able to get that much.  It looks really nice and clean though.  We are just starting to get into the time of year that a lot of leases end and people are looking to move, so you might get it, if you hold out a while.

Stephanie Haggerty · Answer

@Nicky Sunde it's a beautiful property! Have you considered asking those who have toured for feedback so you can understand from their perspectives why they aren't interested?

Ivan Widman · Answer

Similar to what others said, price seems a bit high given everything that is going on. Like Tim, I check rentometer for everything to get a ballpark and adjust accordingly. The pro version of the site gives quite a bit of information as well. I wouldn't expect top dollar given our current economic climate. Maybe lower it for a year to get it filled then try to raise it back up next year. We also list through Cozy which hits more sites but have had our best luck in this market through Facebook. Once Zillow starts charging we'll stop using it completely anyway.

Adam Tafel · Answer

Facebook marketplace, craigslist, apartments.com. Since we're already at May 5th, add "half-off May Rent" to the title. Generally I don't like renting to folks who move in last-minute mid-month (sign of irresponsibility, statistically cause more problems in my experience) but due to the pandemic plenty of tenants are in unique situations with housing. Good luck!

Tim Swierczek · Answer

@Nicky Sunde with 12 tours

and no interest you are likely proceed too high. Average rent is $1700. See attachment

Would you please look at my listing?

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