Hey I'm needing some advice. I recently purchased a duplex in Knoxville, IA that I've been trying to get filled. It's been a couple months now and I'm struggling to find quality tenants to put in place. The layout is friendly to older people, but every inquiry I get isn't exactly a high-quality tenant that I'm not going to have problems with. I have a for-rent sign in the yard, and posts on realtor.com/zillow.
Let me know if there's something I can improve or ideas that might help!
Nice looking unit. However, your listing does not feature the fireplace (and whether it is gas, wood, or non-functional); also, judging by appearance, I would expect it to have central AC, which you do not mention either. These are both highly desirable features that should be prominent in the descriptor. You also should have an exterior view from the street, and a view of yard area along with details if it is shared, and who's responsible for basic lawn care. Without the exterior view, it is hard to judge pricing, but I think you are pretty close.
Check your active ad sources to see how many current vacancy listings there are within your pricing tier, and then evaluate against those.
Nice looking unit. However, your listing does not feature the fireplace (and whether it is gas, wood, or non-functional); also, judging by appearance, I would expect it to have central AC, which you do not mention either. These are both highly desirable features that should be prominent in the descriptor. You also should have an exterior view from the street, and a view of yard area along with details if it is shared, and who's responsible for basic lawn care. Without the exterior view, it is hard to judge pricing, but I think you are pretty close.
Check your active ad sources to see how many current vacancy listings there are within your pricing tier, and then evaluate against those.
Professional photos are worth every penny because it will draw in more people. I took a quick look at other rentals in the area and I think you are overpriced as well so I would reevaluate that.
Seems quite over priced for Knoxville, might focus on new professional pictures, marketing the property on as many MLS sites a possible and price adjustment.
I really need to disagree with the idea of hiring a professional photographer. Yes, it's a better choice for executive level homes, estates, or large properties where you need drone pics.
For an average "work force" or low end property, in town, cell phones take great pics. BUT, you need to take a minute to focus on taking marketing shots, vs. the normal point and shoot overview or detail shots. You need to tell a story with your series of images...the same story you will be telling in person at a showing. From the street, to inside the front door, following the natural flow of the floorplan. Key details of kitchens and bath can be helpful if they are unique, but otherwise just a wide view encompassing the whole room is sufficient. Be sure toilet seats are closed, and fixtures polished. Bedrooms are pretty basic, but be sure to include the closed closet doors to clarify locations. Walk in closets should get an additional full view, but otherwise standard closets should just be closed. Make sure all drawers, and cabinet doors are also closed. You do also need to move, or remove, any rubbish, tools and ladders, or personal property not included in the rental before taking pics. All room lights should be on, and blinds or draperies open, with pics taken during daylight hours. Newer smartphones have multiple lenses, and are capable of wide view, and often, even panoramic images.
The pano option is great for exteriors, to include just a small portion of neighboring homes for providing insight to how close or distant the neighbors are; also to create a wraparound view of a large back yard.
The wide view should be used to essentially obtain a full 90 degree view of a room, ideally from a near corner position to effectively show the entire room. You should have a "composition guide" option which places a grid on the screen to align your shots level.
If the space has already been cleaned and is ready to rent, it should only take 10 - 15 minutes tops to take some good looking pics. Just BE SURE, before you leave, that all are In Focus! In some cases you may need to "lock on" to a feature, usually by simply touching the area on the screen. This helps if there is poor contrast in the shot, or lighting glare.
The Big No No for images used in your marketing is using pics of occupied or work in progress units. Not much different than walking a prospect through in those circumstances. You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression. A little effort on your part will save unnecessary expenditures with equally good results. All you need is for the prospect to respond to the ad by calling or emailing. Then, it's up to you to effectively evaluate their fit and "sell them" on applying for the unit.
