10 SIMPLE TIPS YOU CAN DO IN UNDER 10 MINS TO HELP GET RID OF THOSE STUBBORN VACANCIES!

1. Add the dimensions of each room and be specific. 

Know the ins and outs of your unit to impress your potential tenant and be honest! Building trust is important for the foundation of your relationship. Talk with your potential tenant and ask them questions so that you know what is important to them. If they are in the fashion business tell them how many hangers can fit in the closet or shoe boxes on the top shelf! 

2. Define space.

In a studio, you can add a small rug to show the living room space apart from the kitchen. This is even useful for a 1-bedroom open concept. Add an end table with a place setting/glass to show they have somewhere to eat even in a smaller studio. A great investment might even be a murphy bed! Show them what the potential could be.

3. Add a mirror and/or wall art. 

Do this to accentuate space and make it more visible to the naked eye. If it is a smaller unit, mirrors can make it feel bigger and open the space up. If you are going to add wall art, make sure it is one piece, geometric, and goes with your color scheme. You do not want to crowd the wall, but make sure it is a statement. This is a valuable tool to use if you want to draw the eye away from a not so pleasant view of the parking lot next door. 

4. Glamorize the regular.

Make the apartment feel like the destination. Stage items to make the bathroom feel like a spa! Add a bag of soaking salts, candles, or even a bathtub caddy. Green plants (real or fake) can brighten up any cold vacant unit and make it feel more like home. If it is furnished, do not be afraid to add those fluffy hotel pillows or a comfy throw! It could make all the difference. 

5. Declutter and clean the space. 

Make sure your unit is spotless. This is crucial! From the fans to the blinds to the baseboards, make sure it is clean because nobody cares how great an apartment is if it is dirty. Clear out any unnecessary items! Any papers, knick-knacks, etc. Make every item purposeful and be sure to not go overboard. Also take out any bulky items like a toaster oven. You want to show the potential and possibilities of the unit, not make it look like someone is already living there.

6. Run a Facebook/Instagram ad.

Do not fear technology! It is the world we live in and if you do not grow with it, you will be left behind. That means missing opportunities such as using social media to your advantage. You should have an Instagram/Facebook for your apartment building. You can also link these accounts when you have created both, so you will only need to post once! Make sure you create them as business accounts to do so. When posting a vacancy (staged unit) you can post it as an ad to reach a greater audience beyond just your followers. Based on your budget, Instagram works with you. It takes less than 5 minutes to do! You could even select a photo you have already posted of a unit to save time.

7. Communication.

Set reminders for yourself to send thank you letters! They can be pre-generated but be sure to add an individualized touch such as “I know you said our washer and dryers were the most important part of your home, it’s a bonus they are energy efficient, as well!” Another important aspect is to ask for feedback in that email. “How would you rate our building and the apartment you saw in our tour today?” When they respond, if it is not a 10, ask what would make it a 10 and see if you are able to make it happen! It could be a small difference and worth doing to get your unit rented. 

8. Professionalism & Trust. 

Dress should be business casual! Make sure you are practicing proper hygiene...As a property manager if you cannot take care of yourself, what will that say about how you care for your building?! First impressions are crucial, make sure you and your building are putting your best foot forward. Show you are knowledgeable about your building! Back it with enthusiasm and positivity. If the property manager showing an apartment does not believe in or care about what is being said/shown, why would anyone listen? It is also important that we are using professional language. You have no idea the potential tenants' religious practices, culture, pronouns, etc. So, make sure you are not saying “love,” “guys,” etc. Do not get too personal with people. Nothing says let's not rent here like a compromise in safety. 

9. Respond to reviews.

Take a few minutes every day to respond to your apartment reviews. The first thing people usually look up when renting are the reviews! We try our best to give everyone the perfect experience, but things happen. It is nearly impossible to have zero bad reviews, so when they happen, respond with grace and understanding. People are going to see every review and comment so make sure you are responding to show how you handle those challenging situations.

10. Take care of the 5 senses.

Sight: Everything should be tidy and seamless for your tour AHEAD OF TIME. Smell: Have a room air freshener handy, but make sure it is just a “clean” scent that is not too overpowering. Taste: Offer your guest a water from the fridge or a little snack. If you bake cookies just before, you take care of taste and smell at the same time! Touch: Again, make sure everything is clean in case the potential tenant wants to open closets/cabinets or sit on the couch! Hear: Stay positive and be sure to bring up the amazing things about their potential new home!