As the president of AHRN, I have many conversations with potential landlords and tenants, and I am often asked how I can best present my property to receive more visibility and rental leads. Often, the case really is about presentation and showcasing your property to grab the renter’s attention.
AHRN is a valuable platform for property managers aiming to connect with military members and their families seeking rental properties. To maximize success on AHRN, property managers must employ effective strategies to stand out and attract potential tenants. Here are key insights and recommendations to help property managers optimize their listings on AHRN:
1. Craft Compelling Listings
A well-crafted listing is essential for capturing the attention of potential renters. Here is how to create an appealing listing:
Detailed Descriptions: Provide comprehensive descriptions of the property, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and unique features. Highlight any recent renovations or upgrades.
High-Quality Photos: At AHRN we do not limit your pictures. Use high-resolution images to display the property. Include photos of every room, the exterior, and any community amenities. Ensure the property is clean and well-staged in the photos.
Virtual Tours: Although we do not host video content on our site, we do recommend you video and post links to the videos in the description. Virtual tours or video walkthroughs to give potential renters a realistic view of the property might just give you the competitive edge needed to highlight the property. This is particularly beneficial for military members who may be relocating from distant locations.
Professional Appearance: Ensure you provide a professional appearance with the listing and email associated with the property. We have seen emails that were not professional, descriptions of the property that were not complete and photos that did not highlight the property. Remember, it is a competitive world, and anything you can highlight to have the “edge” you should.
2. Set Competitive Rental Rates
Pricing the property appropriately is crucial for attracting interest while ensuring profitability:
Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand the rental rates in the area. Compare comparable properties on AHRN and other rental platforms to gauge the competition.
Value for Money: Emphasize the value tenants get for the rental price, including utilities, maintenance services, or proximity to amenities and military bases. Consider running military renter specials or price breaks.
3. Optimize Keywords for Searchability
Utilize relevant keywords to enhance the visibility of your listing:
Location-Specific Terms: Include terms related to the property’s location, such as the name of the military base, nearby schools, and local attractions.
Property Features: Highlight key features like “pet-friendly,” “furnished,” “garage,” “pool,” or “washer/dryer included” to attract renters searching for specific amenities.
4. Provide Comprehensive Information
Military families often have specific needs and concerns. Address these by providing detailed information:
Lease Terms: Clearly state the lease terms, including the lease length, deposit requirements, and any policies on renewals or early termination.
Pet Policies: Are pets allowed? Specify any breed or size restrictions. Include pet deposits and pet rent.
Utilities and Maintenance: Outline and define the utilities included in the rent and provide information on maintenance services and response times.
5. Engage with Potential Renters
Prompt and professional communication is key to building trust and securing leases:
Respond Quickly: Aim to respond to inquiries within 24 hours. Prompt responses demonstrate reliability and professionalism. We have seen in recent activity there have been time gaps from an inquiry to a response.
Personalized Interactions: Personalize your communications by addressing potential renters by name and addressing their specific questions or concerns.
Follow-up: After initial contact, follow up with potential renters to provide additional information or schedule property viewings.
6. Highlight Military-Friendly Features
Cater to the unique needs of military families:
Proximity to Bases: Emphasize the property’s proximity to military bases and the convenience of the location for military personnel.
Flexible Lease Options: Offer flexible lease terms to accommodate military schedules, such as short-term leases or clauses for early termination due to deployment.
Community Resources: Highlight nearby military support services, schools, and community resources that are beneficial for military families.
7. Leverage Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Positive reviews and testimonials can significantly boost credibility:
Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied tenants to leave positive reviews on AHRN social media and other platforms.
Showcase Testimonials: Include testimonials in your listing to build trust and provide social proof of your property’s quality and management.
Wrapping it All Up
By implementing these strategies, property managers can enhance their listings on AHRN, attract more potential renters, and successfully lease their properties to military members and their families. A well-crafted listing, competitive pricing, comprehensive information, and excellent communication are key components of a successful rental strategy on AHRN.