Listing and advertising rental properties is a massive part of being a landlord or property manager. After all, you want as many eyes on your property as possible to try to reduce vacancy times and attract new tenants quickly. However, it’s essential to create a detailed and compelling rental property listing that accurately describes your rental property. Today, we’ll review how to create a professional description and what to avoid putting in your rental listing.
Contents of This Article:
- What Makes a Good Rental Property Listing?
- How to Write a Catchy Listing Title
- How to Write a Rental Property Description
- Adding High-Quality Rental Listing Photos
- What to Avoid In Your Rental Property Listing
- Craft a Compelling Rental Property Listing With BMG
What Makes a Good Rental Property Listing?
Landlords and property management companies in Washington, DC, need to know what a good rental listing entails. A good rental property listing effectively communicates the key features and benefits of the property to prospective tenants. It should be accurate and enticing enough for tenants to inquire further about the property or schedule a viewing. Some of the key parts of a rental listing include:
- An eye-catching headline
- A detailed, accurate, and enticing description
- High-quality photos of the property
Aside from these key details, you’ll want to include several details in your rental listing description. After all, you want to provide potential tenants with all the information they need to make an informed decision. Some crucial details to add include the following:
Basic Information
- Rental price and which utilities are included in the rent
- Security deposit amount
- Additional fees or charges (application fee, pet fees, parking fees)
- Property type (apartment, house, condo, etc.)
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Square footage
- Availability date and lease term length
- Whether pets are allowed and any restrictions
- Smoking policy
Location Details
- Address or general location
- Proximity to public transportation, schools, parks, etc.
- Neighborhood amenities and attractions
Property Features
- Property layout and features
- Appliances included (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer)
- Flooring type
- Parking availability
- Outdoor space
- Access to amenities like a pool, gym, onsite laundry facility
Contact Information
- Landlord or property manager’s name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Preferred method of contact
Photos and Visuals
- High-quality photos showing the interior and exterior of the property
- Video walkthrough or virtual tour of the property
How to Write a Catchy Listing Title
The headline of your rental property listing is arguably the most crucial element. It’s the first thing prospective tenants will see, and it may make or break whether or not they click on the listing. While the headline doesn’t have to be overly creative, it must be straightforward and summarize what a prospective tenant needs to know about the property.
For instance, when tenants are looking for a rental property, they need to know a few basic points: the number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, price range, and the location. You can include these key details in the rental listing to help it stand out and encourage more interest.
- Price – number of bedrooms/bathrooms, property type, neighborhood, and a unique feature
Here’s an example of what it may look like.
- $1,500/month – 1 bed/1 bath rental home in Baltimore, MD, with hardwood floors and newly remodeled bathroom
How to Write a Rental Property Description
Once you’ve got a catchy title with some basic information, you can move on to writing an intriguing rental listing description. You’ll want to start with a captivating opening sentence or two that grabs the reader’s attention and highlights the property’s most attractive features. For instance, you could mention its prime location, unique architectural style, or stunning views.
Then, you’ll want to outline the basics as you did in the title. Describe the property’s layout, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and any additional rooms. Additionally, highlight key features like updated appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, or a fireplace. You’ll also want to mention the size of the property, including the square footage.
Next, list any amenities that set your property apart, whether it’s a swimming pool, onsite laundry facilities, a gym, or outdoor spaces. You can also describe the neighborhood and its attractions, including nearby schools, parks, restaurants, shopping centers, and more.
Throughout your listing, paint a picture of the lifestyle your tenants can enjoy by living in the property. However, don’t forget to include practical details, like pet policies or restrictions, parking options available to tenants, and utilities and services included in the rent amount.
Once you’ve written a compelling, detailed, and accurate rental property listing, end it with a call to action. Encourage tenants to take the next step by scheduling a viewing, submitting an application, or contacting you or a property manager for more information.
Adding High-Quality Rental Listing Photos
The details you include in your rental property listing are crucial. However, the photos you include with the listing are equally as important. After all, people want to only click on a listing if they can actually see what the property looks like. So, the more high-quality photos you add, the better.
You’ll want to include photos of all the major rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, the living room, and the kitchen. Just one picture is fine, but the more you add, the better. Additionally, if there are special features of the property, like a balcony, fireplace, swimming pool, or large yard, include photos of these as well.
If you want the property to look as good as possible, you’ll want to hire a professional photographer to come and take the photos for your listing. While you can take the photos yourself, they must be high-quality and match your description. Hiring a professional to take them may be worth it if you’re not confident in your photography skills.
What to Avoid In Your Rental Property Listing
You’ll want to keep your rental property listing short and sweet while including all the necessary details that will make your property stand out.
That said, there are certain things you’ll want to avoid when presenting your property in the best possible light. Here are some things to avoid in your rental property listing.
- Incomplete or inaccurate information
- Exaggerated or misleading claims
- Ignoring Fair Housing Laws
- Very long descriptions
- Lack of contact information
Additionally, you’ll want to review and double-check that your grammar and spelling are perfect in your rental listing. Poor grammar comes across as unprofessional and may cause a tenant to skip on to the next rental property listing.
Craft a Compelling Rental Property Listing With BMG
You don’t need to be an all-star writer to prepare a compelling rental property listing. However, there are certain things you’ll want to include, like the basics, what makes your property stand out, and plenty of photos. It’s important that you keep it short and sweet while also being as accurate and descriptive as possible.
Need More Advice? contact us today!
If you’re looking for help listing and advertising your rental properties, it may be time to hire a property management company. A full-service property management company like Bay Property Management Group can help list your properties, screen new tenants, collect rent payments, and maintain your properties. Contact BMG today to learn more about our services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.
