Presenting a Lettings property for the first time..

This article is mainly aimed towards first time landlords but the tips can be used by anyone looking to put their property on the market. Not only do the best looking properties generate a premium but they are separated from the competition, attract a wider audience and rent faster. Below are some points to consider when preparing your property to rent.

1. First Impressions & Kerb Appeal - Tidy the front garden, shape any hedges and clean the windows, this will be the viewers first impression and can make all the difference. If the exterior paint is flaking then it might be worth giving it a quick rub down and paint which keeps up maintenance and adds to the presentation.
2. Painting - If you haven't given the inside of the property a fresh coat of paint in a while then you should look to see if it's in need of one before renting. It's always best to stick to neutral colours; off whites, modern light greys and colours to match the theme of the property. Your agent should be able to advise you if your property could benefit from this and colours they recommend.
3. De-clutter & De-personalise - Hide away any clutter and personal items as well as pictures to let the viewer imagine their belongings in the property. By tidying the property in advance of any marketing will help the agents photographer get the best possible images.
4. Photography - Ensure that your agent is taking photos on a bright (ideally sunny) day, check the photos are to a high standard and they have taken both internal and external photos. They should have at least one photo of each room, but be careful not to get too many to avoid giving too much away. It's imperative that the property is looking it's best for the photos as these photos are more than likely going to be sent to all of their applicants and displayed online.
5. Floor Plan - Most prospective tenants would appreciate seeing a floor plan both before and during a viewing so ensure that your selected agent does floor plans. This helps the applicant plan how they would use the space.
6. Make Your Property Smell Nice - Instantly make your viewer feel comfortable by adding some Lilies to the main room and some plug in air fresheners around the rest of the property. If you don't like the idea of flowers then just stick with the plug in's.
7. Lighting - This is a very small but powerful thing. I always recommend checking the lightbulbs are all working and they are bright enough to light up the whole room. There is nothing worse than a dull lit room (especially when the days are getting darker earlier).
8. Back Garden (If Applicable) - No need to go to town on expensive landscaping but it's best to make sure that the hedges are trimmed and the grass is cut. By having a tidy back garden it looks presentable to any viewer and also sets a clear standard.

There are plenty of other ways to get the best from your property, for more information or advice then feel free to get in touch...