Preparing a Vacancy for Market

As we mentioned in our previous posting HERE in today's rental market it's extremely important that you do everything you can to properly prepare a vacancy for rental. Many management companies repaint, recarpet, and call it a day. They then leave the door unlocked and have prospective tenants visit the property unattended and show themselves around.

Now more then ever these lazy management techniques just don't cut it!

Once you have regained possession of the apartment, you'll want to carefully document and photograph it's condition. At Pacific Shore Property Management we strive to have a vacant unit prepared for showings within 3-5 calendar days max.

What a lot of management companies don't realize is that it doesn't cost a lot to look your best. Replacing door handles and outlets that have been painted over is an inexpensive way to give you apartment a fresh look. Professionally cleaning appliances, and plugging in a Glade Scented Gel Room Freshener, gives the prospective tenant a great first impression when visiting the apartment.

However, one of the most important steps, and the key to getting top dollar for your rental, is PERSONALLY SHOWING EVERY VACANCY. We really can't stress this enough! Putting aside the security risks of having prospective tenants wandering all over your property, lazy property management companies that leave doors open, or check out keys, risk having a dishonest prospective tenant turn into a squatter.

At Pacific Shore Property Management we personally show every apartment, selling prospective tenants on the great features of every individual unit. We always make sure to arrive early so we can "open up" the apartment (turn on lights, open shades, etc.). During a showing, you're not only selling the apartment, you're also selling your management services. For that reason we highlight our industry exclusive 48-Hour Maintenance Response Guarantee. All our agents also follow-up with any prospective tenant that seems interested but doesn't put in an application during a showing. Going the extra mile shows prospective tenants that we're a proactive management company that takes care of our residents.

To learn more about what you can do to keep your vacancy factor as low as possible in today's tough economic times please subscribe to this blog, as there are many more great things to come!