Preparing your Home for Rental
With tenants, first impressions count.  A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to rent it to the perspective tenant.  Remember that painting your home can ad 10% to your rental price as well as making it a lot easier to rent your property.

General Maintenance
 Curb Appeal
Oil squeaky doors
 Cut lawns
Tighten door knobs
 Trim shrubs
Replace burnt out lights
 Weed and edge gardens
Clean and repair windows
 Pick up any litter
Touch up chipped paint
 Clear walk & Driveway
Repair cracked plaster
 Repair gutters
Repair leaking taps & toilets
 Touch up exterior paint


Spic and Span
 The Buying Atmosphere
Shampoo Carpets
 Be absent during show days
Clean fridge & Stove
 Turn on all lights
Clean & Freshen Bathrooms
 Light fireplaces in winter
Open curtains in day time
 Play quiet background music
Keep pets outdoors
 The Spacious look
Clean & tidy entrance
 Clear the stairs and halls
Functional doorbell/intercom
 Store excess furniture
Polish door hardware
 Clear counters & stove
Make cupboards neat & tidy

The presence of the owner when your home is shown
It is also imperative that the tenant feels at ease to walk through the house and ask questions and make comments where necessary.  This cannot happen if the owner is aware of the presence of the tenant.  In the same light some of the comments that will be made sometimes are harsh and not always what one wants to hear about your home, which in effect is the most precious possession you own, along with memories.  This can sometimes lead to a feeling of having ones privacy invaded.  We suggest that the owner leaves the renting of the property in the hands of the agent, who is trained to handle all sorts of comments and negative criticisms and respond to them in a positive and sometimes productive manner.

I hope this is helpful and informative.  Remember as your agent, we always have your best interests at heart.
Janet Van Der Schyff