Leasing your Camarillo rental home is an important process. To attract and retain sensible, high-quality tenants, you will have to create a positive experience for each prospect from the moment you answer the primary screening calls. Whether you call it good customer service or just common courtesy, the most successful rental property owners know that there are certain things you can do during the viewing process to get your preferred applicant to sign a lease.
The main thing to know about providing a great property viewing experience is that your tenant isn’t just checking out your rental home. They are also deciding whether they want to rent the home from you. A rushed or negative experience may turn from otherwise qualified applicants and make it more tricky to keep your property occupied. So, managing that experience is a skill that you can and should develop. Practice being friendly and polite on the phone, no matter how stressed or tired you may be. Take into account that the person on the phone is someone worthy of your courtesy and respect, and that can help guide how you interact with them.
As soon as the property viewing has been scheduled, you have an opportunity to enhance that first impression of you and your rental home by using a few more customer service tactics. For example, when you show up for your viewing appointments, show up as a professional. That means that you have to dress nicely, in business or business casual clothes. You should likewise be sure that you are ready to answer your applicant’s questions, not just about the property but also about the neighborhood, nearby amenities, schools, public transportation, and other points of interest. If your prospects don’t ask, be sure to work the area’s best selling points into the conversation as you take them around the property.
Other than professionalism, it’s a good idea to also interact with each applicant on a personal level. For example, as you speak to each prospective tenant, be sure to ask their name and use it during your tour. Not only is this considered polite, but it will help them understand that you see them as an individual, not just your next rent check. The secret to selling anything is to establish a personal connection. You can do this by utilizing simple methods, such as asking questions about them, their interests or work, or other appropriate topics. Just steer clear of anything that may be viewed as too personal or that might make your applicant uncomfortable (religion, politics, or family status, for example).
Lastly, it’s essential to bear in mind that while renting a house is your business, to your prospective tenant, it is about finding their next home. They may be emotionally or mentally exhausted from their search or be overly inquisitive. Either way, greeting them with a pleasant tone and a clean, well-maintained property can help you and the rental property stand out from the crowd. A home is a place that should feel inviting and safe, even for renters. Whatever you can do to help them think of themselves living, relaxing, cooking meals, and enjoying life in the home will greatly increase your chances of leasing your rental property right away.
By taking the time to learn and use these and other good customer service techniques, you may find that vacancies are suddenly a thing of the past.
Whether you’ve already got a lease signed for your investment property or need someone to find a tenant for you, Real Property Management Limitless can help manage your rental. Contact us online or give us a call at 805-702-7800.
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