All Forum Posts by: Sash Sharma

In terms of layout, picture 3 is an entryway. There is a sofa and a chair seat but not facing each other directly but that's the best I could have done considering the limited space I had to work with. But it is a moot point as none of this furniture is at the place now.

I took your suggestions and changed the verbiage in listing. Thanks for that.

The security deposit and first month's rent is normal and a standard here but some landlords at their discretion may take one month's deposit. I understand about the pets but it is just my personal preference.  I can't speak of LA but as far as I know having a pet in a no pet policy lease is clearly a violation of lease here just like no smoking policy.

Originally posted by @Greg M.:

I think the pictures are part of the problem. The furniture in there is very taste specific and outdated. Looks like a place two jocks lived in. Get it out of there and then open up all the drapes/blinds and let the light in. I assume picture 9 is very close by. If so, looks very nice. Include more pics like this of the area, perhaps some aerial views that can likely be found online.

I'm not able to visualize the layout of the house. Is it one floor or two? If two, what is on each floor? On a house this tiny, if a renter can't visualize the layout, they may pass on viewing it.

Picture 3 confuses me. Is that the entryway? Are there two couches facing each other, but not directly in front of each other? That would make conversations awkward. 

Change the wording to be more positive. You have: Tenant pays for utilities. Owner pays for cold water, snow removal, trash pick up and landscaping. Why not just: Water, snow removal, trash collection, and landscaping included.

You're asking two months security deposit and first months rent. That's $6,750 just to move in. That's a lot to most people. Is a two month security deposit normal in that area? 

If people are dropping out of the picture after you ask about their credit, then you need to be clearer in your listing. All you say is that "good credit is required". What is good for this area? Have you set actual criteria? If not, do so. If yes, state it. Minimum 680 credit score is required, no exceptions. 

No pets. Why? Over half the households in this county have a dog or cat. You just cut your potential renter pool in half. Given the Emotional Support Animal scam taking place, you might as well allow pets since if I want one, I'll get one by going the ESA route and you won't have any say in the matter.

Originally posted by @Mike Parelli:

@Tracy Minick Facebook advertising would definitely help. The more places it is accessible the better. Great advice. 

Originally posted by @Jaysen Medhurst:

@Sash Sharma, when I checked the Craigslist ad the map showed this in upstate NY, near the VT border. Can’t imagine that’s helping.

After my experience last year, I pre screen most via email to weed out such renters. As mentioned before, half of them never respond when you ask about their credit.  

I have your contact info and will reach out to you. 

Thanks!
 
Originally posted by @Mike Parelli:

@Sash Sharma nice to meet you via BP. I am a full time Real Estate Broker in town and can tell you rentals, especially on the lower end in Greenwich like in Byram, is a game of numbers. It's a lot of sifting through unqualified renters. As people already mentioned great photos and an attractive price helps. Here is a link to what is available on the MLS for reference.

http://www.flexmls.com/link.html?1g31t3mbxk0e,6,1

Happy to help anyway I can feel free to reach out. I look forward to connecting.