Finding Tenant During Holiday Months & Marking?

Question

Hey,

The one year live in FHA requirement ends this September on my primary home. I want to rent it out to go on to the next live in house hack single family property. However, we are approaching the holiday months such as October, November, and ultimately December to find a tenant. I own a 1,200 sq fit 3/2 house in a desirable area for a tenant & I aim to charge $1,500 rent currently.

My question is am I going to have trouble finding a tenant in the last months of the year such as the holiday months or should I wait till January for example?

Also, When is the best time of the year to rent out a property to tenants?

Courtney Amaya · Answer

You shouldn't have too much trouble at $1500/month in San Antonio as long it comps & presents well for the neighborhood. You're still well under our Market area average for rentals (currently about $1850) This time of year I do like to open up slightly longer than 12 month leases so they end in a heavier leasing late spring/ early summer season.

Happy Leasing!

Alyssa Marquez · Answer

I’m not sure I would wait till Jan solely because it’s after holidays. You might have fewer people moving but usually a nice priced 3/2 gets noticed in late fall and winter. Probably start marketing as soon as your ready, and see what kind of response you get. Of course the most tenant turnover in general happens in Spring and Summer though.

Ryan Spath · Answer

@Juan David Maldonado

Every market is definitely different, but here in Southwest Idaho I’ve personally had better luck with turnover in October, November, and December than I have in January or February. Once it gets really cold, people here tend to stay put nobody wants to move when it’s freezing or snowing.

That said, it’s usually easier to rent a place in the spring and summer since that’s when more people naturally move (job changes, school breaks, etc.). If your home is in a desirable area and priced right, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a tenant even late in the year. I’d focus more on having it rent-ready and marketed well rather than waiting for a specific month.

Patrick O'Sullivan · Answer

@Juan David Maldonado you're setting yourself up well with that house hack strategy. While it’s true the tenant pool can shrink a bit during the holiday months, it’s definitely still possible to find a solid renter, especially in a strong market like San Antonio and with a well-priced 3/2 in a desirable area.

A few tips:

• Price it right and market it well (photos, clean listing, broad exposure) and you’ll likely get interest, even in November or December.
• Consider a lease that ends in spring or summer (like a 15- or 18-month lease), so you're better positioned for future turnovers in peak season.
• Best times to rent are generally spring through early summer (March–July), but life happens year-round—there’s always someone moving due to job changes, family needs, etc.

Price it right and market it well (photos, clean listing, broad exposure) and you’ll likely get interest, even in November or December.

Consider a lease that ends in spring or summer (like a 15- or 18-month lease), so you're better positioned for future turnovers in peak season.

Best times to rent are generally spring through early summer (March–July), but life happens year-round—there’s always someone moving due to job changes, family needs, etc.

If your place is rent-ready by September, no reason to wait. List it and adjust as needed.

Best of luck on your next move. You're on the right track.

David Peschio · Answer

Should be fine. I would suggest that you try for a longer lease if applicant is willing. Maybe a few months longer than a year so when it does come up again you are in the spring. Better for owners due to more demand in the spring and better for tenants when they are leaving to buy a home or look for another rental due to more inventory.

Juan David Maldonado · Answer

@Caleb Brown If a person is looking for a place to live. Does it matter the time of the year?

Caleb Brown · Answer

Not necessarily. I will say certain times of year people are less willing unless it's a necessity. As long as you priced the rent at market rate it should rent out

Caleb Brown · Answer

In TX I don't think it'll be too hard. Sure tenant pool is slimmer compared to other times of the year but it's doable. Make sure you are realistic on the rent. If you were in super cold/snowy places then I can see it change things.

Finding Tenant During Holiday Months & Marking?

Finding Tenant During Holiday Months & Marking?

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