How to Advertise Your Rental Property to Stand Out
Advertising your rental property effectively is essential in a competitive market. Renters have more options than ever, making it harder to attract attention to your listing. Many properties look similar, so you need a clear plan to stand out. A strong marketing approach helps your property get noticed and rented faster. Good advertising highlights what makes your property unique. High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and the right pricing can make a big difference. Listing on popular rental platforms increases visibility, but using multiple strategies works best. Your goal is to attract renters who are serious about finding a home. Clear communication, competitive pricing, and a professional presentation help you achieve that. Below are 10 ways to improve your rental listing, get more interest, and find the right tenant quickly.
1. Make Sure Your Property is in Good Condition
Before advertising your rental property, make sure it is in good condition. This is especially important if a tenant recently moved out or if maintenance has been overlooked for a while. A well-kept property attracts more interest and helps you secure a tenant faster. While this may require some investment, it will make your listing more appealing and improve your chances of renting it out quickly. If you need to remove excess furniture or personal items, consider using a self-storage facility to keep the space clean and uncluttered. Start with a deep clean. Professionally clean carpets, scrub floors, and remove any dust or grime from baseboards, windowsills, and ceiling fans. Patch holes in the walls and apply a fresh coat of paint to create a clean, inviting space. Check that all included appliances work properly and replace any that are outdated or broken. Inspect plumbing, electrical outlets, and light fixtures to ensure everything is in working order. Fix minor repairs that could discourage renters, such as leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, or damaged trim. A well-maintained property not only looks better but also shows potential tenants that you care about upkeep. Putting in the effort before listing will help you attract serious renters and reduce vacancy time.
2. Make Small Upgrades for a Big Impact
While inspecting and deep cleaning your property, you may find areas that are outdated or in need of an upgrade. Consider investing in these upgrades or renovations to help improve your property’s value. This could be as minor as updating the ceiling fans and window treatments or changing out faucets to more modern designs. Paying attention to details is important. Making these upgrades can help you list your property at a higher price and attract more interest. You don’t need to tear down walls or add an additional bathroom to your home—small upgrades make a big impact.
3. Consider Professional Staging
After you’ve gone through and cleaned, repaired, or upgraded the necessary aspects of your home, consider hiring someone to professionally stage the property. This is especially important when providing high-quality pictures and videos as it allows potential tenants to see what the livable space looks like with furniture inside. This takes out guesswork for size comparison and reduces the chance of providing misleading information. Professional stagers are great as they know how to manipulate your home to highlight all of the property’s best assets while diminishing any drawbacks. If you are interested in going this route, just make sure that your listing clarifies that your property comes unfurnished. While staging is an investment, it can reduce the time your property is vacant thus allowing you to earn more over time.
4. Respond and Engage with Interested Renters
Whereas a professional stager will help you showcase your property’s best features, you’ll need to make sure that you’re responsive and engaging with interested tenants. The more professional you are at this, the more likely someone will choose to rent from you. Even if someone finds their dream property, when a potential landlord was unresponsive or aloof, most prospects continue their search elsewhere. Be early to showings, make sure that you get your property ready to be seen, and enhance the ambiance with a candle or seasonal scents.
5. Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
The exterior of your house is just as important as the interior, so curb appeal matters. Keep the landscaping well-maintained by trimming shrubs, mowing the lawn, and removing low-hanging branches that block the view of your property. Repair any broken or worn-out exterior fixtures, such as porch lights, railings, or mailbox posts. If your yard needs extra attention, consider hiring a professional landscaping service. Otherwise, dedicate a weekend to simple DIY improvements. A well-kept exterior creates a strong first impression and makes your rental more attractive to potential tenants.
6. Reinforce Security
Many people are beginning to prioritize safety and security when searching for a new home, so do what you can to reinforce the security of your property. If your neighborhood is in a safe area, that’s great. It’s likely still going to be foreign to the tenants moving in. You can install a home security system that tenants can activate if they see fit or have an ongoing account with your preferred company—simply having the hardware available is a big plus. Just make sure that any cameras or monitors don’t make potential tenants feel uncomfortable. For example, internal cameras that are pre-installed in rental properties often make people feel like they’re being watched, which is not something that anyone enjoys. If you have cameras installed, keep them pointed outside towards main entrances.
7. Take Professional Pictures and Video
Arguably, the best way to market your rental property to stand out from the competition is to take high-quality, professional pictures and videos. Most renters use online platforms as their first step in finding a new home and if they don’t find the pictures to be appealing, they won’t give your place a second thought. This is even more important in today’s world, as many people are still trying to limit unnecessary, in-person contact. If you want to stand out, you’re going to need pictures and videos that are better than what your smartphone can deliver. Pictures and videos should also accurately reflect the space to avoid problems later on. For those who don’t have a good camera, consider hiring a professional real estate photographer.
8. Determine the Market Rent
After making sure that your rental property is ready to be advertised, do some research on the current market rent. Rental rates fluctuate depending on the supply and demand within a market. There are plenty of tools available online to help you understand what homes and apartments in your area are being rented for. Right now, the market is hot so you may be able to fill vacancies with higher monthly rents than before. However, that may not always be the case. If you want to stick to the higher end of the average rental price, you should be prepared to wait longer for vacancies to be filled.
9. Include Perks on the Listing
Beyond the standard details, renters want to know what makes your property stand out. A basic two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is easy to find, so highlighting unique features can set your listing apart. Emphasize special perks that add value for potential tenants. If your property has a garden space, rooftop access, pet-friendly policies, free Wi-Fi, or is near public transportation, be sure to include these details. Even small conveniences, like built-in storage or smart home features, can make a difference. The more appealing and detailed your listing, the better your chances of attracting the right renter.
10. Be Active on Multiple Platforms
The success of your rental listing depends on how well you market it. While platforms like Trulia and Zillow are essential, expanding your reach can attract more applicants. Social media is a powerful tool, with 72% of American adults actively using it. Posting your rental on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and local community groups can boost visibility and attract potential tenants at little to no cost. To maximize exposure, experiment with different types of content. Share high-quality photos, video walkthroughs, and engaging descriptions to capture interest. If you prefer a specific type of tenant, tailor your listing accordingly. For example, if you want long-term renters rather than college students, set rental terms and requirements that reflect that. Strategic marketing ensures your property reaches the right audience and helps you find a reliable tenant faster.
For those who’d prefer to stay off social media, that’s okay too. There are hundreds of different websites designed to help connect landlords and tenants. You can also work with a trusted real estate agent to help target your search and find you the best match.
If you’re ready to purchase your first rental property, or if you’re looking to add to your growing portfolio of homes, First Star Realty is here to help. Our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find exactly what you’re looking for in an investment property, primary residency, or secondary home. We’re committed to providing five-star realtor services to Northwest Arkansas and will work with you throughout the entire buying or selling process so that you have the peace of mind you need. First Star Realty’s team of highly seasoned real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service to all of our clients. Call us today at 479-267-1600 or fill out a contact form on our website.
