At NC Real Estate we have been having a busy January, we have just successfully launched one property and are about to bring another to the rental market. At this point in the property timeline it is about showing off the end product on the world. It is making sure that others see what you have done in the best possible light so that you ensure you get the business you want from it in return. Therefore you must make sure your marketing strategy is at its best.
To start off, choose your advertising platform. We use Upad, who ensure that your property is marketed on all the property search databases, RightMove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket and Gumtree to name but a few. However, we know that you can also go to the providers direct so shop around and make sure you are happy with where your property is being listed.
Next you must focus on your description. What are the highlights that you are selling about your property? Your bought it for a reason and you were sure it would rent for a reason so sell it.
First, write a summary paragraph. Make it short and sweet. Focus on buzz words like luxurious, newly refurbished, modernised, cosy, warm & comfortable. Then add a brief description of the property, here’s ours:
Modern, superbly decorated bungalow with 3 double bedrooms, fully fitted, integrated kitchen and beautiful bathroom. Spacious southeast facing, private garden with gorgeous panoramic views over Bath. Parking for 3 cars. 2mins walk to bus routes, with fast commute to the centre of Bath and the Universities.
Second, bullet point a property description. Outline the highlights and don’t just make them sound good, make them sound excellent (although remember you can’t lie or mislead so make sure what you are talking about is actually present):
• Modern, superbly decorated bungalow located on the sought after Englishcombe Lane – on your doorstep is the stunning Somerset countryside to the West and the beautiful city of Bath in the East.
• Three stylish double bedrooms with fitted cupboards.
• Well designed kitchen with fully integrated appliances.
• Huge bathroom suite with built in storage and mirrored wall.
• Spacious private garden and patio area which envelops the bungalow for beautiful panoramic views.
• Large driveway and garage with enough space for 3 cars
• Set away from the main road providing privacy
Third, how easy is it to get anywhere, where is it located? This is really essential for prospective renters as they want to know how convenient it is to local amenities:
• 2 minutes walk to bus routes into the centre of Bath and the Universities.
• 5 minute drive into town, 5 minutes to Bath Spa University, 10 minutes to the University of Bath, 15 minutes to the Royal United Hospital, 30 minutes to Bristol.
Next, describe the local area in terms of your prospective tenants. If you are looking for a family home, describe family friendly things. If you are looking for young professionals perhaps direct them to bars and nightlife:
- 2 minutes walk to the newly refurbished Culverhay Leisure Centre.
- Southdown Primary School and The Bath Community Academy secondary school are within the immediate vicinity
- 5 minutes walk to a Tesco Express.
- 5 minutes drive to Sainsburys Superstore.
- For relaxation, the beautiful valley of Englishcombe with it’s rolling hills and enchanting forest, or the well lit round-hill park, are a short walk from the bungalow, perfect for an afternoon stroll or dog walk.
Once your description is ready, take pictures to match. We aren’t talking any old pictures from your camera phone, we are talking big, bright, beautiful and well lined pictures. Show off your rooms and hire a professional if needs be. Dress the rooms, give your potential tenants something to imagine, give them a taste of what it would be like to live there. Tenants will often make a decision by pictures alone, so make sure you have lots, and make sure they are detailed. Another good tip is take pictures in the sunshine, it makes everything look so much better. Here’s a quick sample of ours before it goes to market (looks exciting right?!):
Finally, you need to price your property. Search the market using the property listing sites that you will be using and make sure your price fits in with the market. It’s no good thinking it’s worth more than where similar properties are sat because that could lead to voids – price it right, price it fairly. Think about it like this, if other properties are at £1,000 a month and you are at £1,100 and you take 2 month longer to let the property, over a 12 month period your competitors will make £12,000 and you will make £11,000.
Once you are happy, check it over and then double check it and then launch it. Show off what you have been working on and be proud of it. We are firm believers that if you love what you are bringing to market then everyone else will too.
If you need any help at all with how to market your property then do not hesitate to get in contact with us at NC Real Estate, or via Facebook, or Twitter.
And, if you want to know more about our new beautiful 3 double bedroom bungalow in Bath that will be coming to market within the next 7 days for £1,250pcm then email us at natasha@ncrealestate.co.uk.
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