Effective For Rent Ads
Writing an Effective Ad is Job #1
It’s a renter’s market out there. With thousands of homeowners unable to sell and turning to renting, along with condos converting to apartments and higher rental inventories, landlords have more competition than ever.
Writing an effective for rent ad for your properties is the first step to filling that vacancy while simultaneously starting the tenant screening process. Here are a few examples of well-written ads found on Craigslist.org:
$1200. Cute studio apartment on the top floor of an older home. Unit has a living room/bedroom combination; kitchen; bathroom with tub only; 2 small rooms for storage; no laundry facilities; dog ok; fenced back yard; Application fee required. Please contact [phone number] or our website [url] for more information or to set up appointment to view.
What works: Selling terms like “cute” and “older home” will appeal to a certain tenant. “Studio” lets readers know it’s a one-person unit, and the tub detail prevents surprises. Information on the application fee helps to screen those who might not have sufficient resources. There is a website for further information, which is helpful to a high percentage of the tenant population.
Here’s another well-written ad:
$950. 3 bedrooms/ 2 baths. Approx. 1300 SF. Across from 1st St. Elementary School. Central Air/Heat. Appliances included (Fridge, Microwave, Stove, Dishwasher). Security System. 1 car garage w/opener. Fenced in backyard. Patio. Very clean home in excellent cond. Well maintained. Ready for move in. Open floor plan, natural light. New sod in front yard, sprinkler system. Lawn maintenance and HOA Fees included. A must see!!
What works: Very thorough description; including number of bed/bath rooms and square footage, will help narrow tenants. Location information communicates convenience to families with small children. Obviously, if your rental unit is not appropriate for children, you wouldn’t advertise a school close by! The security system and cleanliness will appeal to picky, safety-minded renters. This ad is chock full of details and makes the home sound very appealing.
And now for an ad that is not likely to attract any phone calls:
House for rent: $750. 3 bedroom 2 Bath. 2 car Garage. Available soon /will show now. Contact Dave 555-6360.
What doesn’t work: The ad couldn’t be any more basic. If all the tenant cares about is the price, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and size of the garage, do you really want them for a tenant? Since that’s all the ad communicates, most desirable tenants will completely overlook this ad. And what does “available soon” really mean? More detail, please!
In this competitive rental market, if you want your ad to attract the attention of the type of tenants you want in your rental properties, you must do a great sales job. Promote the best aspects of your property, make it sound super appealing, and compel the prospective tenant to pick up their phone and call you before it’s rented to someone else!