Keeping up appearances

Maintaining the appearance of a rental property is a must for any landlord in San Diego. Let’s face it; the monthly rent is steep and prospective inhabitants want their money’s worth. No one who can afford a good apartment will want to live in a dump. This means for any property owner in San Diego that once an apartment becomes vacant, there has to be some work done to make the space look very presentable.

Your Bucket List

It would help if you did the following before showing what you have to prospective tenants.

• Assess the existing conditions. The property needs a full inspection every time an old tenant permanently leaves. This includes going through each room to see if the former occupants did any damage or if there is a need for significant repairs. Things are made easier if you have taken pictures of the unit before the last tenant takes occupancy. You can then do a before and after comparison that may affect whether the old tenant gets back the deposit.

• Check the kitchens. Depending on the setup, you must inspect the stove and the microwave to ensure both are operational. The refrigerator must be in excellent condition. This is also the time to look at the flooring and cabinets to see if they need to be replaced.

• Bathrooms. This is the most used part of the property, next to the bedrooms. They need to be sparkling clean. If the toilet needs replaced, then so be it. Faucets and fixtures might need to be upgraded and the shower thoroughly cleaned.

• Apply some paint. A fresh coat of paint will dazzle a bedroom and make other rooms in the apartment look more appealing. Neutral colors are good, and some bright accents will add charm.

• Curb appeal. It does not mean flowers by the window. Your outdoor amenities will matter. You must clean any hot tubs or fire pits and check to see if they are operational.

• Be ready to clean. The former tenant may have done nothing to keep the unit clean. You might have to use professional cleaners for carpets and hauling out trash. It is worth it to let cleaning professionals do the work.

• The interior style helps. This includes mirrors and affordable artwork. You do not have to stock the apartment with knickknacks. A few fixtures and proper lighting can make the place look very inviting.

• How about a small welcoming package? A small bottle of wine and some flowers, coupons, and a guidebook to the area can make a visitor feel very welcome.

Naturally, you must assess what the costs are going to be to make the property look presentable. You may want to do a lot of the work yourself, but professionals will do a better job. It would help if you always kept in mind that whatever you spend is a business expense, and a few months of rent will make up for what you paid.

Take Advantage of Experience

There are property management companies in San Diego that have prepped properties for viewings. They can do a lot of the work for you, and they offer other services to make your life easier. These third parties have proven thier worth to landlords in San Diego time and again. Alta Vista Properties is one of the best.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

We are a property management company in San Diego that has managed properties all over the metropolitan area. We make sure that your property is ready for viewing. We perform inspections for damage, and any repair work is done quickly with the help of reputable professionals. The rental looks its absolute best when it comes time to invite the public to see it.

Please do inquire at any time about our property management services. You can reach us at 858-274-3600 or by email at info@altavistaProperties.net. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.