You can only make a first impression once and that can mean the "taking or leaving" of your property from a prospective tenant
Preparing your property to let starts before an applicant even walks through the door - it starts from our visit to take photographs. We will arrange a day and time that is mutually available for both you and a member of staff from Talbie's to visit your property for a valuation and to take pictures. These are the pictures that we use to market / advertise your property; therefore it is imperative that the property is in a suitable condition for photos to be taken. This means
- Clearing any washing and / or laundry away
- Making sure there is no clutter on floors, tables, sofas etc
- Ensuring beds have been made
- Putting any washing up away
These steps really help to show your property in the best light; meaning there should be no rooms "hidden" from being marketed on your behalf and also stops the dreaded applicant thought process of "why is there only 1 bedroom shown in the pictures...there must be something wrong with the other(s)"
Viewings
As everyone knows, there is a lot of competition for properties at all levels throughout North London, meaning that presentation is increasingly important to highlighting your property's advantages and making it stand out from the rest. These are some very simple yet helpful and effective tips to achieving this;
- If applicable, make sure the front and / or rear garden is tidy; that it's not over-grown and that there is not an over-flow of rubbish
- Clear mail / circulars / junk mail from inside the front door (if possible have mail re-directed)
- Make sure windows (including curtains and net curtains) are kept clean, allowing as much light into the property as possible. Natural light is an amazing "free" asset that can help entice tenants
- Even if the property is empty, a surprising amount of dust and dirt can accumulate; so make sure this is regularly checked and cleaned
- Prevent any damp / dusty smells by regularly airing the property
- Make sure the property is at a comfortable temperature for viewings (i.e. warm in winter and cool in summer)
- Ensure the property is not cluttered; allowing prospective tenants to see all the space the property offers
These are very simple steps that generally do not cost a thing but could add a great deal to a prospective tenants viewing experience.
To furnish or not to furnish...?
In the majority cases, achievable rent is not affected by whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. The only time when furnishings can affect the rent is when the furniture is of very high / expensive standard or if additional items not originally offered are brought in specifically for a tenant (although there is no obligation for a landlord to do this and a price must be agreed between all parties).
However, even though furnishings do not generally have a direct effect on rent, it can sometimes affect how quickly a property is rented. If you are renting a property furnished; you cut off the market of tenants who have their own belongings. If your renting your property as unfurnished; you cut off the market who cannot or do not want to spend the additional funds buying all new furniture. Therefore, being flexible with adding or removing items of furniture can be a real benefit in cutting the amount of time your property is on the market.
- Furnished properties generally mean they are ready to be moved into straight away (try not to over furnish and please make sure furniture is of a good standard and meets regulations)
- Fully furnished includes the above details in addition to having all ben linen, cutlery, crockery and cleaning materials.
- Unfurnished is defined as the property being let completely empty except for flooring (carpet or wood), curtains, lamp shades (no bulbs should be left exposed) and kitchen white goods (i.e. fridge-freezer, cooker and washing machine)
- Part furnished as you can imagine is a mixture of the above definitions. Please note that it should be made very clear as to what will and will not be provided for the tenant prior to any viewings taking place.
What tenants like...
There are a number of generalised features that the majority of tenants look for or prefer in a new property they are looking to rent. Again, providing these do not necessarily result in achieving a higher rent....but it does shorten the period of time your property is left untenanted (saving you money in the long run):
- Neutral colours - All walls should be of a fresh, light colour such as an off white or magnolia. Dark walls make a room feel smaller and less inviting
- Carpets - If carpets are to be provided (wooden floor is sometimes preferred by applicants, especially on ground floor levels) please make sure they are of good, hard wearing quality. In addition, having the same carpet colour / type throughout is much more sought after as it provides a better "flow"; rather than different colours in each room (neutral colours such as beige / biscuit are again preferred)
- Kitchen - This (along with bathrooms) is the most important room; a clean, new, modern kitchen with fitted units and storage space is always a good selling point (please leave instruction manuals for all appliances and make sure these items are in working order)
- Bathroom - Fully tiled bathrooms are the most sought after due to their modern feel and that they are easy to maintain. Bathrooms with carpet flooring tend to be a turn off for tenants due to dampness occurring from the wet floor. Powerful showers are also a feature that many tenants ask about (electric power showers being the most common)
- Storage - Tenants like to see / know there is plenty of storage capacity in all areas of the property. This includes wardrobes in bedrooms (if furnished), cupboard space in hall, units in the kitchen and any use of loft / basement
- Garage - If a garage is provided with the property, this should be cleared out so a tenant can use for their own car and / or belongings
- Garden - If a private garden is available for use by the tenant, this should be provided in a good standard and easily maintainable. For larger gardens, it is not uncommon for a landlord to hire a gardener to maintain the property on behalf of the tenant; with the fee for the gardener included within the rent (this can be negotiated at time of valuation)
