by Courtney Thinks

Created on: September 24, 2007

Posting a rental or lease property on the internet is a fast, inexpensive, and easy way to advertize your available properties.

Determining WHERE to list is easy, (after MLS of course and where appropriate): "Craigslist" is a FREE, user-friendly and well-known site to post ads.

If you want to find other sites, a simple search should yield popular ad sites in your area. When choosing a site assess the following: price, terms of use, features available (does the site allow you to post photos?), and ease of use/readership (is the site available without a membership or sign-in requirement?).

Next, please, please take some time to ensure the following (prospective tenants can spot an amateur from a mile away and they will happily troll right past your ad):

1. Photos: You must use photos or most prospective renters will skip or filter your ad in their initial search. Use as many photos as the site allows and provide links to more photos if possible.

2. DO IT RIGHT: You must post quality, interesting photos with the most features in each photo without looking too busy. No one wants to see a picture of the commode or the trash shed.

3. DO IT WELL: Did I say "Quality"? Post photos that are decent quality - pay attention to lighting, exposure, and perspective. A Yard/House shot and several interiors featuring clean, crisply decorated rooms and major living areas that are properly lit are a must. Include views and other minor features only if they are a major selling point for your listing.

4. Not too short, Not too long: post ALL of the details for the property - General location, asking price, size (3-2-2? 5-3? 2-1) PLUS square footage, date availability PLUS highlight 3-5 attractive features. For example:

"Rosewood Area 3-1, hardwood floors, fenced in yard, W/D on site, $1300 - Available March 1st".

Use the remainder of the posting to discuss deposit amounts and other standard features plus any special requirements you will enforce:

"All bills paid, no pets, 1st and last months rent deposit, credit check required, tenant responsible for lawn care, hot tub on site, etc."

5. Make sure you leave contact information and instructions with at least two methods of reaching you, (i.e. phone number and email).

"Showing by appointment only, lockbox for realtors - please call ahead as property is currently occupied, call or email at 555-7777 or landlordUSA@webaddress.com"

A few closing thoughts . . . SPELL CHECK - ads with typos and spelling errors indicate that you could be incompetent or lazy, undesirable qualities in a potential landlord or leasing agent; DON'T OVERSELL your place but leave undesirable details for one to one discussion; respond to inquiries in a TIMELY MANNER and lastly PUT ALL RENTAL/LEASE AGREEMENTS IN real live paper writing.

Follow a few simple rules and a low budget but high-traffic Internet listing can move your property and help you find qualified and viable tenants.

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