Tips to Stage Your Home and Get the Right Tenants
Just like you want a responsible tenant, prospective tenants also want a home that is clean, safe and without any problem. So, if you intend holding an open house to attract prospective tenants, you will have to learn the tricks of the trade to showcase the positive aspects of your home and make the right impression.
Most people are unaware of the importance of staging. Don’t be like others. Use staging to make your property stand out, so that your home gets imprinted in the minds of best tenants. Here is what you should be looking to do.
Start from the Yard
Your garden and front yard will be the first thing prospective tenants see. So, it is important you trim and prune plants, mow the lawn and put away gardening implements. The idea is to make your front yard neat and attractive. You don’t have to spend tons of money doing this. Just replace the mailbox, install a few light fixtures in the garden and ensure the plants and flowerbeds are neatly trimmed. This will go a long way in making a positive impression from the curb.
Kitchen
One of the first rooms that most tenants will check will be the kitchen. So spend time scrubbing it. Don’t forget the stovetop, under the sink and inside the cabinets. Prospective tenants will open and check these places for sure. If there is a leaking faucet, get it fixed. If necessary, upgrade the appliances, so that they are energy efficient. The key is making the kitchen cheerful, airy and bright. Tenants love this. You can do all this by applying a fresh coat of paint, replacing the broken handles and knobs of cabinets and of course, getting shiny, new appliances.
Bathroom
The next room that tenants are particular about is the bathroom. Take measures to remove mold from the grout. Lemon juice is a wonderful way to get rid of mold and mildew from grout. Replace toilet seats, fix leaks and scrub the shower area to get rid of scum and grime. You can lend a homely and welcoming appearance to the bathroom by investing in some matching towels and hanging them on the towel rod or rack. Use white vinegar and old newspaper to clean the bathroom mirror. When you finish, the bathroom should be sparkling clean.
Paint Job
Often prospective landlords are tempted to repaint the entire house in colors they like. However, this is not what you should be looking to do if you want to repaint the interiors. Stick to neutral colors and add color in different rooms with the help of tasteful accessories. In fact, using colorful accessories is a great way to draw attention to special features in your home.
Scrub, Clean and Dust
Remove all unnecessary things from the house. You can dispose them, donate them to charity or even sell them off. Create space and just have things that tenants will need to get comfortable. Once the clutter has gone, it is time to get down on your knees and use elbow grease. Clean every nook and cranny in the house. Then vacuum clean the house and don’t forget the cobwebs. Open up the wardrobes and let them air to get rid of any odors. But don’t forget to shut them afterwards.
Other Tips for Staging
Place mats at the entrance and an area rug just inside the doorway. This will prevent your open house guests from tracking in dirt from the street. And, it also will be appreciated by them. It will show them you care about the property and are keen on keeping it clean.
Use air freshener in all the rooms in the house. Vanilla is a good aroma to have in each room. Both men and women will like it. Good smells can be inviting and tempting. After all, you want the best tenants and there is no harm in coaxing them a little to sign on the dotted lines!