From Cookies to Curtains: How to Make Renters Bite

Home designs come and go about as quickly as fashion fads. Ten years ago avocado green appliances, floral curtains and shag carpets were SO OUT, but now these “special order” items are in high demand because vintage is the new modern. While posh is “IN” for now, it likely won’t be in another ten years and profitable rental property owners are wise to keep this in mind. They key to attracting and retaining tenants is to create a space that is inviting and timeless.

Create a Timeless Look

Keep rental property designs simple to save money and time ensuring that renters will be attracted to your home regardless of what’s in style today.

Consider these timeless design tips:

• Revamp countertops and flooring with natural materials like quartz and wood slabs. Plus, studies show that counter and floor renovations add value to rental properties.
• Colors are powerful. Stick to timeless, neutral hues and patterns for walls and curtains, so as to not deter potential renters interest simply because your choice of décor doesn’t fit in with theirs.
• Showcase natural lighting by using drapes or curtains that hang between the top of the windows and the ceiling to give the illusion of larger windows. Invest in LED lighting for fixtures, but refrain from getting crazy with trendy light fixtures. Simple is best.

Show Big Style in Small Spaces

In every home, rooms should be multi-purpose; bedrooms can’t just be for sleeping. Remove clutter so potential renters can envision the space as a baby room or an at-home office.

In addition, everyone loves storage space… renters with growing families need a lot of it. Turn your attention to your closets, cabinets and shelves. Consider adding more storage space and then keep everything as organized as possible so prospects can envision their own things fitting just as neatly as yours do.

Highlight Family Friendly Features

When a couple is on the hunt for the perfect family home to rent, they’re looking for something that has more than just two bedrooms. They want safety and convenience.

First, you’ll want to identify potential hazards such as securing railings and balconies as well as kid-proofing windows and securing locks. And then give some attention to the kitchen. The kitchen is the one room in your house that can make or break a deal. It is certainly the part of the home that a family will use the most, so freshen it up with a quick coat of paint, revamp those dull kitchen cabinets and add extra storage space.

Another consideration for family-friendly rentals is pets. One of the top reasons families don’t choose a rental property is because they don’t allow for pets. A no-pet policy has its benefits as pets can be responsible for property damage and noise concerns. But, on the other hand, if you choose to allow pets, you may be able to raise the rental price and charge a pet deposit for security if damage is done.

Appeal to the Senses

In the end, renting a home can be an emotional decision which means you have to appeal to the renters’ emotions. Since emotional reactions and decisions are directly guided by sensory information, when your prospective tenants walk through your door, greet them with the scent of freshly-baked cookies in the kitchen, sight of fresh flowers on the table and the sound of relaxing music playing in the background.

Just remember to stay in the neutral zone when you set out to ignite the senses. Stick with neutral scents like vanilla, lavender and those delicious cookies which are known to promote relaxation and happy feelings.