If you’re thinking of letting a property, here are some suggestions to consider. First of all, work out what type of tenant you’re targeting. This might be determined by the type of property you’re planning to let. For example, if you have a semi-detached house with three bedrooms and a garden, then you’re more likely to target families or couples who are thinking of starting a family. If you have a city loft, then you might want to target young professionals.

Once you’ve worked out your target market, then take a critical look at your property to see if there’s anything you need to do to bring it up to scratch. For prospective tenants, first impressions really can make all the difference, so try to see your property through their eyes. If you can’t be objective about it then get someone you know to help, or consider whether your local estate agents might be able to help. Stand outside your property and look for anything that needs attention, for example missing tiles, chipped paintwork, overgrown hedges or unnecessary clutter.

After you’ve sorted your property exterior, then get to grips with inside. Many letting agents will tell you that kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a property deal, so if you’re pushed for time, then at least make sure you deal with these. Kitchens need to appear to be light, airy and spacious. You can create this illusion by using light colour schemes and reflective surfaces. If you don’t have time to redecorate or refit a kitchen, then at least clear all surfaces and clean worktops, windows and appliances so they’re sparkling clean.

The bathroom must be clean and comfortable. White bathrooms are attractive to most prospective tenants, but at the very least, make sure everything is scrupulously clean. Adding some bright, fluffy towels and a small basket of pretty soaps can make a big difference without costing a fortune.

In terms of the rest of the house, if you’re going to redecorate, then keep your colour scheme light. You may love orange and purple stripes, but your tenants may not. Many letting agents recommend that you use a neutral colour scheme. This helps to make your property appear clean, light, airy and spacious. And more importantly, when people come to see your property, it appears like a blank canvas and they can easily imagine their furnishings and personal items blending in.

You may like to consider using estate agents or letting agents to make your life easier. They can provide advice on how to market your home and advertise for tenants within the right price range. More importantly, they can deal with the legal and administrative side of things. For example, estate agents can provide the tenancy agreements, collect and retain the bond money and collect rent on your behalf. If you choose, this can limit the contact that you need to have with your tenants. And although it doesn’t happen often, occasionally tenants can cause problems by not paying the rent. Letting agents can help by mediating on your behalf.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Shepherd Gilmour, Manchester letting agent.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Shepherd Gilmour (http://www.shepherdgilmour.com), Manchester estate and letting agents.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Shepherd Gilmour, Manchester letting agent.

Category: Real Estate
Keywords: estate agents, letting agents, property to let, property for rent