One of my D grade rentals becomes vacant this weekend. I will be fixing it up to sell. I have hired a local realtor who I trust. The realtor said the rental will likely be bought by an investor, rather than a family. I agree with this given the declining conditions in the neighborhood. There is a 24/7 open air drug market and a recent killing.

I want the rental spotless, freshly painted, and ready to rent but do not want to over improve it. Are there any things you can recommend to help sell a D rental in the Badlands?

del,

I am right now making offers (via a RE agent) on a Class D house. I would be willing to offer more if the house was clean, did not stink of pet urine odors, and/or if the house was in 'ready to rent' condition,..which Class D's rarely are.

In your case, all I would do is clean the house to make it smell nice. If it needs painting, then paint it but don't go overbroad here with expensive paint. Also, if it has over-grown grass, mow it. Any trash or junk left by the previous tenant, get rid of it and don't just stack it up at the street curb.

Welcome to the sellers club.

Polish that Pig for top dollar.

Clean up and trim the yard so it looks neat upon first approach. Repair any broken trim and maybe paint the trim if it needs it.

Clean is the most important thing and my experience is that fresh interior paint gives me a good return.

Have a really good tuck mounted steam carpet cleaner clean the carpets if the house has carpet.

The only other thing I would suggest is to be flexible on terms.

del,

Paint, clean, smell good.

I think the numbers will be most important to an investor.

Considering the neighborhood maybe install a SimpliSafe system for $99 for the buyer? Esp for YOU during the time it sits empty while selling!

BRAD

I'm more of an HGTV type renovator but I say slap some lipstick on this pig and ship it!

You didn't mention the price point - in Compton, CA an "F" neighborhood is $500,000 vs $20,000 in some places.

I agree with what Brad says. I'd paint it. Fix any issues that would fail Sect 8 inspection. Make it as spotless as you can. Make sure the ROOF looks good from the street. Pressure washers are awesome!

Put in a SimplySafe, the minute the tenant leaves. But I think I'd offer it as an add-on extra though or for a negotiating option. I had cameras on my apartments and the buyers couldn't care less.

Some basic staging will help. Use the staging to distract from negatives.

Paint the yard with grass paint if it needs it, otherwise mow the weeds. Put in some flowers and mulch and give it some curb appeal. I like those hanging baskets you get at Home Depot with spring flowers. Hang a few on the porch.

Offer financing for top dollar.

Thanks to everyone who posted. Sunday I will change the locks and install a Simplisafe system and several dummy cameras. I find the dummy cameras and video camera signs keep the copper strippers and vandals at bay. Harbor Freight has them for $7.50 each. The dummy cameras appear to be actual cameras that did not pass QA. You put in some AAA batteries and a red led blinks constantly. These make great hood rat repellent.