Write an Eye-Catching Rental Listing

If you search online, whether you go to a specific real estate website, do a generic Google search, or visit a site such as Craigslist, you are going to see listing after listing for rentals. And, sadly, with the exception of any included photos, many of these listings will look the same.

To get the attention of the thousands of people who scroll across these listings, you are going to want to stand out. But, how? What can you do that will raise your listing above the others? Here’s how. 

It’s all in the headline

The headline for your listing is your one chance to make an impression. As potential tenants are scrolling through listings, your headline is going to be what stands out and will determine whether or not your listing gets clicked. 

To make this happen, you will want to give all the information you know they are looking for. How many bedrooms? How many bathrooms? What is the rate? These are things that are necessary since the renter knows what he or she is looking for. But, don’t stop there. You can then proceed with listing the best feature of the property and, if applicable, the neighborhood or area it is located. 

State the “stand-out” feature first

If there are many ads posted for 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for rent in the desired price range, stating the feature that stands out the most will grab attention. This may be the view, the amenities, the school district, or the high-end kitchen appliances. 

Once you have the attention of potential tenants, then you can proceed with the rest of the listing details. 

Pictures, pictures, pictures

People want to see pictures. And, because it is such a common addition to listings when there is no photo, it sends up red flags. This is also the case if you provide 15 pictures of a property, but fail to include any of, say, the kitchen. 

What are you trying to hide? What is wrong with the kitchen?

Watch your adjectives

Believe it or not, it matters what adjectives you use to describe a property. Using a boring, monotonous, or otherwise blah adjective will make your listing mediocre at the very least. However, using adjectives, such as fresh, cozy, unique, or classic will give a much better impression.  

You should use an adjective in the beginning and at the end of the listing. Do not stuff too many within the body of it or you will find your listing appearing a bit over-the-top dramatic. 

The idea behind a successful listing is to make it stand out and, of course, attract the best potential tenant. Follow these steps, be honest about the property, and elaborate on its best feature, and you will be on your way to success. 

 Marina Shlomov, a managing partner at ALH|Podland Realty and Atlanta Rental Homes Property Management is the author of many articles on Landlording, Real Estate, Rental Property Management, Atlanta Property Management, and Real Estate Investing. A residential builder in the state of Georgia since 1999, Marina is an investor herself. Her Atlanta property management company is intended “For Investors” and “By Investors” for a simple reason – she knows what investors’ goals are and she works hard to reach their goals. In her spare time, Marina likes to spend time with her family, friends, garden, read and travel. Check her out at www.alhpodland.com. You can find Marina’s articles and comments at @rentalhomesatl on Twitter, on Facebook, Google+, Blogger. and YouTube,BiggerPockets and REI CLub and LinkedIn.