Most people these days begin their quest for a new home or furnished apartment by first going online. As a landlord, you’re aware there’s more to marketing an apartment than putting a sign in the yard. Since your property is sitting vacant, it’s time to write a great property listing that catches your renters’ (or guests’) eyes.
You’re gathering thoughts and perhaps have a good title. Now, you’re wondering how to describe an apartment for rent. Here are 8 useful ideas you can use along with an eye-catching image:
- Describe all differentiators, apartment rooms, features and amenities
- Write persuasively, avoid bland statements with superlatives
- Use 250 words or less in your description
- Set clear expectations and extra costs
- Watch out for legal pitfalls
- Give property address
- Add a call-to-action with your contact info
- Proofread your listing
Your listing is important
Apartment or vacation rental searching can be an interesting thing for guests and tenants. They are either upgrading or looking to have a new exciting experience. They are looking for a better location, better price and better amenities.
Writing a description offers them a chance to match the lifestyle you provide with what they’re looking for. Keeping in mind that they are going to read a lot of listings, you must come out original, unique and specific. The following information will provide you with the formula to win their hearts.
1. Write a description for each room, features and amenities
First-time renters, vacation guests and people viewing your listing need to know the most about your property to pique their interest. It is important to list the most notable/valuable things in your home.
Is it the open dining space, kitchen cookware, number of bedrooms or sleeping arrangements, king size bed, proximity to supermarkets and entertainment spots? How about amenities like a hot tub, pool, gym, free, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
In other words, what is that uncommon aspect of your property that is hard to find in others. Talk about the beautiful view of the garden, large windows, rooms full of natural light, CCTV, overlooking-balcony, secure locks, contemporary/Scandinavian/traditional interior design, chandeliers, extra bathroom, ample parking, marble, wood or tile floor.
Picture your ideal client and put the most important features on top of the list. Search details might attract just the right renters of customers.
2. Include persuasive and appealing words
Gone are the days when ‘charming’ and ‘amazing’ meant anything in listing property. Instead of using empty words, use persuasive and solid description that creates a mental picture of what the property’s like.
You leave a lot on the table when the listing states “remarkable apartment next to the road.” You can try something like “private two-bedroom furnished apartment located 2 minutes from the main drive.”
Or “situated on the beach, with a spacious balcony to watch the kids play” instead of “best view of the beach”.
Try using statements that answer their needs. And don’t forget to include enticing words that we all associate with home such as comfortable, warm, and relaxing.
3. Use 250 or less words
Rental listing descriptions need not be long. All you need are short, informative sentences which highlight two or three best features and exciting attractions around.
A professional format will be to transform blocks of sentences into paragraphs and bullet points for list-items. The more concise it is, the more easily the reader can scan through and find the information they want.
These few details are effective enough to excite your client.
As you already guessed, they’re going to pick up the phone and call to inquire more or even book a visit to come see the place.
4. Set clear expectations and extra costs
If you’re running a vacation rental business, the rate per night for the apartment will look exaggerated if you keep adding extra charges for non-essentials. You may add a few but not all, since not all guests will use the services.
Extra fees you may charge may be for car rental, transfers, spa and massage services, babysitting, grocery delivery or tour guide.
You can mention beforehand that these services are available at additional costs. This prepares the client to know what options they have when they book your apartment. It also prevents future conflicts that may arise due to not making things clear from the start.
The same applies for long-term rentals. Be up front when it comes to garbage collection fees, rental agency fees, maintenance, parking fees, security fees, tax fees or deposits.
5. Watch out for legal pitfalls
As a law-abiding citizen, you want to avoid any action that might jeopardize the mission to get a new tenant. You want to comply with all housing laws on indiscriminate treatment for all nationals, races, religion, family status, and gender.
It is insensitive to say you are “looking for a young couple.” Even while showing the guests or renters around the house, try to be sensitive, otherwise, they’ll get the notion that you are only after a particular group of people.
6. Give property address
Landlords and property agents usually have reasons for not providing property addresses. Whatever that may be, generally, it is good practice to include.
A large percentage of guests and tenants search for rentals or furnished apartments based on preferences. That means they have a specific location in mind.
Your prospective rental or vacation lead will be able to find your unit within that area with more ease. But none of this information is specified, they will typically end up skipping the listing.
7. Add a call-to-action with your contact info
In a polite way, invite your guests or renters-to-be to take action immediately. Let them know this is a prime opportunity that they might lose to the next person.
As a renter or guest the last thing you want to experience is the landlord not responding to your inquiries or picking up the phone. Maybe they dialed the wrong number.
When giving contact information it is easy to jumble email addresses, phone numbers, and website addresses. You can avoid this by double-checking what you provided. Test hyperlinks to make sure they open and work.
If you feel you don’t want to mix your personal emails with tenant leads, it is recommended to use a separate email account for that purpose. An alternative to phone numbers is Google Voice.
8. Proofread your listing
You are done with the creative piece. Step away from the listing work and come back when you’re fresh.
It is easy to identify small mistakes that got past your first read with a fresh set of eyes. What’s even better, you can have a third eye or somebody else help do away with what you’re not sure or doesn’t serve you best.
Put your description into action
Apart from the title, description is the essential part of any listing you make. It’s a chance to paint a picture of all the positive aspects of your home without exaggerating or adding unnecessary fancy words. You get good reviews and reputation when you set expectations correctly.
So, with a concisely constructed listing that has the client or tenant in mind, not only portrays you as a passionate and professional landlord, but it also helps build rapport with many tenants to come, and might just reduce the period your property stays vacant ever again.