#1 rental upgrade
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#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Oct 20, 2024 8:43 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by plenty [MO]) Oct 20, 2024 8:53 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by RB [TN]) Oct 20, 2024 9:06 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Oct 20, 2024 9:06 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 20, 2024 9:06 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Oct 20, 2024 9:08 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Oct 20, 2024 9:14 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Oct 20, 2024 9:32 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Jason [VA]) Oct 20, 2024 9:45 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Oct 20, 2024 9:58 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Oct 20, 2024 10:14 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Oct 20, 2024 11:32 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Oct 20, 2024 11:35 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Ken [NY]) Oct 20, 2024 11:47 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Scott [IN]) Oct 20, 2024 11:52 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Oct 20, 2024 11:57 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 20, 2024 12:06 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Oct 20, 2024 1:10 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Robin [WI]) Oct 20, 2024 1:44 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Elena [PA]) Oct 20, 2024 2:03 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Robert J [CA]) Oct 20, 2024 2:40 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by tim [CA]) Oct 20, 2024 2:50 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by DJ [VA]) Oct 20, 2024 3:09 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Oct 21, 2024 1:01 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Oct 21, 2024 1:37 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Oct 21, 2024 1:38 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Oct 21, 2024 7:05 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by LisaFL [FL]) Oct 21, 2024 10:07 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Oct 21, 2024 10:08 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 21, 2024 10:44 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Oct 21, 2024 11:52 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Oct 21, 2024 12:48 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Oct 21, 2024 12:48 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by small potatoes [NY]) Oct 21, 2024 1:38 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Oct 21, 2024 2:17 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by MikeA [TX]) Oct 21, 2024 3:08 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Oct 21, 2024 6:12 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Jason [VA]) Oct 21, 2024 7:10 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Rick [IN]) Oct 22, 2024 3:54 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Oct 22, 2024 8:11 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by J [IN]) Oct 22, 2024 9:59 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by tryan [MA]) Oct 22, 2024 10:18 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Oct 23, 2024 12:48 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Oct 23, 2024 8:30 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Oct 23, 2024 11:44 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 23, 2024 12:25 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Oct 24, 2024 8:13 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Clifster [NH]) Oct 24, 2024 9:24 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by April [KS]) Oct 24, 2024 10:32 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Daddy G [CA]) Oct 24, 2024 2:12 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Oct 25, 2024 1:18 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Oct 25, 2024 1:22 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by OLD NIRA [CO]) Oct 25, 2024 8:35 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by OLD NIRA [CO]) Oct 25, 2024 8:35 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Oct 25, 2024 8:37 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Albany LL [NY]) Oct 28, 2024 12:02 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Scott [KS]) Oct 28, 2024 12:14 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by April [KS]) Oct 28, 2024 2:15 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Kevin [MI]) Oct 28, 2024 2:46 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Oct 28, 2024 5:54 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by probertson [TX]) Oct 29, 2024 10:10 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by probertson [TX]) Oct 29, 2024 10:15 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by probertson [TX]) Oct 29, 2024 10:15 AM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Pmh [TX]) Oct 30, 2024 2:34 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Oct 30, 2024 4:47 PM
       #1 rental upgrade (by Patrick [NY]) Nov 1, 2024 4:35 AM

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#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 8:43 AM
Message:

What would you think would be the #1 upgrade you can do to a rental for wow factor or what you think seals the deal for prospective tenants to want to rent from you? I’m not a big fan of catering to consumer tastes, or HGTV clientele, but I think I might start to have to. People want that lavish lifestyle and they don’t want to pay for it and I think to get them rented, I’m going to have to start providing it. What do you do? --24.152.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 8:53 AM
Message:

Ceiling fan is not enough any more! Following. --172.59.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by RB [TN]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:06 AM
Message:

NE,

these days - fresh paint, new carpets and a dog fenced area.

Most would also like lawn care included.

This aint no Country Club. --69.130.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:06 AM
Message:

Exactly. Upgraded light fixtures isn’t enough. For example, I have a property that has a gigantic open addition on it. Probably 28’ x 28’ with 10 foot cathedral ceilings. I could easily put 100” TV on the wall and they can turn it into a home theater. Is it worth getting into those kind of things?

Fresh paint, and new flooring just does not seem to do the trick. I feel like each unit needs something at this point that says to the prospective tenants that they would be a fool if they didn’t rent this property. --24.152.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:06 AM
Message:

Kitchens and bathrooms. --73.108.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:08 AM
Message:

RB, I could do some dog fences at some of the SFH’s. I’m wondering if I should start doing some accent walls with knotty pine. Maybe some small countertop 24” dishwashers in apartments that don’t have any dishwasher. Wi-Fi controlled light switches? Just brainstorming here. --24.152.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:14 AM
Message:

Roomba Vacuum? New in box Alexa? And they can keep it after 12 months of on time payments? I know consumer culture expects this kind of stuff. If these incentives are simple enough to lock in tenants, I should probably start doing them. --24.152.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:32 AM
Message:

Commercial porcelain flooring where not only a upgrade but will last a very long time along with easy cleaning when move out. Grade one or grade two locks can be key mastered along will outlast cheap grade three dead bolt locks. Using a dead bolt then passage lock where will never lock themselves out. I bought ceiling fans at the restore where found it was not worthwhile to spend for new. Metal switch and receptacle covers do not get broken. --216.110.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Jason [VA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:45 AM
Message:

Until landlords bring existing tenants up to market rents, improvements will all be for not as people just aren’t moving. Why would a family move out of a $900 unit when everything on the market is $1800 and up? --73.147.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 9:58 AM
Message:

Ah, that’s a very interesting perspective. I have unit below “market” that I’m nervous to raise rents on because the tenant pool is so abysmal. --174.249.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 10:14 AM
Message:

Almost every house for rent here looks the same and I swear they copied us!!!! It's recent: grey-ish walls, Allure/LVT flooring, white or grey cabinets.

We always add ceiling fans (necessary in the south.)

Laundry facilities are huge as we have like ONE laundromat and it's always full and dirty. Maybe we have two now but they are 30 miles apart.

A dishwasher is appreciated but I've never felt it made THE decision. Just a nice bonus.

Honestly when it's clean and fresh, with all appliances in place, what tips the balance is always location. Not something we can fix. --173.28.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 11:32 AM
Message:

I must have a good safe solid dog and kid proof fence. It's difficult to rent a house without that fenced yard.

I just had a vacancy in a new-to-me house and could not get any interest in it, even though it is a nice house, until I promised to fence it and got a tenant with two Labrador retrievers.

Sparkling clean is high priority at my price range. Tenants will not clean in order to get in.

My very best house has Formica and tile countertops and not one viewer, not ever, has said, oh too bad, it doesn't have granite countertops. On the flip side, the houses with granite, no one has ever said, oh goody I love that granite. Basically, granite is a not a consideration.

I have had, on several occassions, had some one say, oh good, it has a dishwasher. --76.178.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 11:35 AM
Message:

Another thing that all the tenants like is a garage door opener, and I have had many applicants say, oh good, it has a gas stove. Which, of course, you can not do unless you have gas lines to the house. --76.178.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 11:47 AM
Message:

Do i dare suggest tenants might be looking for a certain type of landlord? maybe more friendly than NE and I are --104.131.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Scott [IN]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 11:52 AM
Message:

To stand out, I offer privacy fenced back yards, doggy doors, and big storage sheds. It seems like people have a lot of junk and are looking for extra storage --107.141.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 11:57 AM
Message:

Storage can make the difference: if a tenant is paying for a storage unit, adding a shed means they can cancel the unit and, once they move their stuff, they are staying awhile.

But I do agree with Jason: price first. Luckily we are usually the cheapest LISTING but that doesn't mean their current rent isn't cheaper. --173.28.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 12:06 PM
Message:

I am going to agree on the fenced yard and type of LL.

Most seem to have multiple dogs and want fenced yards.

Most also seem to look for private gullible landlords.

At this point, I am to the point that I don't care if it sits empty as I am sick of dealing with the prospects. --73.108.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 1:10 PM
Message:

NE: Yes to a countertop dishwasher. Prospect asked me to take out a cabinet and replace it with a dishwasher. My solution was to offer a countertop DW instead. She stayed 6 years. Other prospect couple who wanted 3 things their current rental didn't have: washer/dryer, dishwasher and garage space. I had the washer/dryer, gave them a garage space, and when offered a countertop DW, they declined saying, "we can live without that and don't want to put you out so win/win. When they went on their honeymoon, we upgraded their lower metal kitchen cabinets with wood that matched the other cabinets and new countertop. (surprise wedding gift that benefited the unit in the future.) They loved it.

Appliances, especially gas stoves and dryers are still favored by my prospects.

Been told several times directly from prospects new to the area, that they are looking for mom and pop LL's. Even though that's what we are, I'm careful of those. I'm most interested in prospects that like the unit/property the way it is.

We have a unit with formica pink and white design countertop. We are not planning to replace that. When tenant wanted an upgrade, she asked for a new floor. The floor was a newer, timeless beautiful Armstrong floor seen on commercials in upscale homes. We didn't give her the floor because she didn't clean or take care of the floor she had. It also isn't being replaced now, just cleaned.

--75.11.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 1:44 PM
Message:

Fancy tile backsplash gives the kitchen a WOW factor that translates well to online photos. Inexpensive and way easier to clean the grease off of after they move out. --104.230.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Elena [PA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 2:03 PM
Message:

We allow pets. We have nicely finished original hardwood floors that we redo every 8-10 years or so. Professional cleaning, including windows in between of tenants. Just a nice clean functional unit near transportation. Sells itself. --173.62.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 2:40 PM
Message:

NE, This is an excellent subject matter. During my 46 years of land-lording, tenant wants have changed over the years, so our "list" of upgrades has to evolve to the current times. Like back in the late 1970's, tenants in the HOT San Fernando Valley wanted a heated pool including weekly pool service. So much so that when I advertised my first rental, a 3 bedroom with a heated pool, I had 52 couples show up for my 1st open house. Then as cost rose for electricity and gas to heat the pool, it went from 1 out of 5 renters that wanted a pool to 1 in 24 renters only 5 to 6 years later. Wow! I had to exchange several of my pool home for small apartment properties to break even!

I've experimented with apartment with several vacancies in the same property, using Mr. Landlord techniques. Showing a basic unit with 3-5 year old paint job, flooring and appliances. Or a Deluxe unit with all new everything. And then finally a Custom unit, the tenant/applicant could choose what they wanted and pay a la cart!

So much so that in a large complex I currently have occupied units that the tenants allow showings of my Basic, Deluxe and middle ground. When the costs are close, only a hundred to two hundred a month, applicants want everything. That of those who are still working and earning a great living. For those who are retired on a budget, all they care about is cost.

In a 40 unit across from a school, three blocks from a police station and close to all forms of transportation (Bus, Subway Red-line, bicycle lanes, etc.) the older folks want smaller units (Single or 1 bedroom) on a budget. So I built a rear building in the parking area, all singles no bedroom units, 3 each on the 1st floor with large picture windows to a common back yard. While each tenant only had between 330-450 square feet, the perception was it was their private yard to garden in. Some of these bottom units had a loft with bonus space. And the roof had steps from the parking area that all units on the property could use the top rear roof deck to sun bath, I have a spa there and a BBQ area.

But going towards your specific list: here are me choices, not in any special order:

18" built in smaller automatic dishwasher

Second window/wall a/c in the master bedroom (other a/c in the living area)

Access to a laundry room with coin operated machines.

Second parking spot or area for scooters and bicycles (Secure).

Garden area with hose. I provide tools, electric tiller, etc.

Upgrade from carpet to laminate flooring.

New Blinds every 5 years if needed.

A pet (dog) that passed an obedience training course. When I show units and the applicant has a dog, I take them to my tenant, Mariana, a 70 year old lady with a small/medium dog. When I knock on her door the dog will bark for 20 seconds. Then when I open up her door, her dog will jump into my arms and wag it's small tail. This dog is a lover and not a fighter. I then ask my applicant if their dog would love attention or bite my head off... A pass or fail thing.

--173.205.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by tim [CA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 2:50 PM
Message:

Can lights, laminate flooring, carpet in bedrooms, tall kitchen faucet, backlit bathroom mirror, dishwasher, ceiling fans, dual pane windows and patio doors, nice entry door, decora switches and receptacles, panel interior doors, --73.2.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Oct 20, 2024 3:09 PM
Message:

It's not an HGTV thing, but I have had really good feedback from my "plug & play" wifi location.

Just a centrally located shelf, up high, that has the cable and a receptacle right there.

No extension cords & trying to figure out what tall piece of furniture you can balance the router on. --72.218.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 1:01 AM
Message:

NE,

Good question.

I like Ken's replay about the LL. The local LLs who are full don't bother screening.

Weekly rent is especially helpful right now, plus I'm having to do move in money payment plans. Today was $1300 now and the remaining $209 over the next 30 days, $447.50 bi-weekly.

MY one thing is to HGTV-ify the home. A package. I don't think any one thing makes it happen.

Paint, updated hardware, not expensive. Pro cleaned and smelling sweet.

Beautiful ad photos are part of the HGTV package. I am aghast with the photos some LLs and realtors post.

I don't have SFH prospects asking about tech.

Side note: the 100 year old homes I bought 30 years ago and updated, are now 130 year old homes with 30 year old stuff needing to be updated!

BRAD

--68.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 1:37 AM
Message:

BRAD: Do you retreat buying those 130 year old houses? --75.11.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 1:38 AM
Message:

*regret not retreat --75.11.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 7:05 AM
Message:

Welcome home gift package --24.101.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by LisaFL [FL]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 10:07 AM
Message:

I think it depends on your market. In my area I’ve never had a problem with just basic clean and well cared for houses.

I do feel I’ve attracted good long term tenants with things like fenced yards and a nice storage shed. All my places but one duplex have carpets or garages.

I am no longer maintaining fences though. Our weather makes them a recurring maintenance issue and since my most attractive feature is lower rent it’s an extra I’m no longer willing to maintain.

Any extra I did provide earlier this year for six of my houses was installing new hurricane impact windows. That was very much appreciated. Thinking of adding generator plugs to the panel for the future as well. --75.89.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 10:08 AM
Message:

I hopped on the local listings this morning and most of the competition is drab and priced higher than me. I don’t see too many incentives. I keep coming back to list clean, fresh and affordable list price. --24.152.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 10:44 AM
Message:

I haven't found lowering my list price to help very much. I am below most others. I think the good ones are just staying put, and the bad ones don't want to fill out the prescreen, because they know their sins will find them out. --73.108.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 11:52 AM
Message:

HGTV and brand new apts are the standard we must meet.

Oreo,

Those home were CHEAP and I added lots of value while I learned how to upgrade homes.

They are still good money makers but it's frustrating to rip out things I was so proud to install 30 years ago! Green marble formica tops always got a WOW! No so much any more!

As a Boomer I must proactively consider how the younger eyes see my props.

BRAD

--68.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 12:48 PM
Message:

Virtual staging and extreme editing has hit my market. Even homes with flood water marks on the walls and torn linoleum floors are looking better than my photos :) Bright blues and greens, beautiful (non-existent) furniture...

It's not helping them sell (prices are dropping!) or rent (people don't make more money) but they are making my places look more crappy. --173.28.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 12:48 PM
Message:

Virtual staging and extreme editing has hit my market. Even homes with flood water marks on the walls and torn linoleum floors are looking better than my photos :) Bright blues and greens, beautiful (non-existent) furniture...

It's not helping them sell (prices are dropping!) or rent (people don't make more money) but they are making my places look more crappy. --173.28.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 1:38 PM
Message:

The basic requirements now are new LVP floors and updated bathrooms/ kitchens. I've gotten good feedback from modern looking mirrored vanity in one updated bathroom. I've gotten a couple of questions asking if they can paint and so far my reply is that we consider these type of requests at the 1 year mark when we have an established relationship. The units where I added W&D catch propsects attention when viewing units. One unit has an 18" DW and no one is like, wow dishwasher! The one upgrade I think might catch attention would be adding AC on to forced air systems for whole house heating and cooling. That's not really a thing, locally but i think it might make a difference. --67.240.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 2:17 PM
Message:

Few years back I started putting tile around the surround in the bathroom. Was doing this at each turnover.

Then I started putting tile up at the kitchen sink. People liked it and it cleaned easier. I added a section of tile where the stove was as well.

Those really got the people talking. Replacing the 12x12 SS tiles in the kitchen and bath with LVP has been great as well.

I should put ceramic in the latest empty but I have the new house to fully rehab so I am letting it go this time.

But it is still on the list.

Moved tenants into a house from an apartment. The house has a 1.5 detached as well as a big storage shed. Rent was more but they were going to empty the two storage units and the savings would help.

Moved them in right after the covid stuff. They still have the storage units and have filled both outbuildings up. --107.147.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 3:08 PM
Message:

It starts with the curb appeal. First impressions are hard to change.

Paint the door with an accent color. Modern porch light, fancy house numbers, upgrade the 4x4 or metal post to something beefier and modern. Add some fall decorations to make it look festive. Maybe some nice silk flowers or some mums in a pot on the front porch.

Edge of the sidewalks and curbs, power wash the sidewalks, and put a mold killer on the roof if it's green or black. Sparkling clean windows.

Everything here could be done for under $500. --209.205.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 6:12 PM
Message:

ZERO: Have been considering your tile ideas before. As we upgrade a property or two, think we'll do that.

We have mostly 1920's buildings. Through the years we have been adding beadboard ceilings in the kitchens; hubby should have been a carpenter as he's so good at it. His detail is amazing. It not only hides cracked ceilings, but when so many tenants love to cook, you don't see grease on white ceilings anymore as the beadboard is stained the color of the woodwork. No more cleaning those ceilings before painting. They don't need it.

PLUS, that seems to sell when tenants see it. I had one guy call and tell me he would cry if he didn't get the place because he loved the kitchen. Yep, he was a doctor and stayed three years. --75.11.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Jason [VA]) Posted on: Oct 21, 2024 7:10 PM
Message:

Actually, come to think of it I'm going in the opposite direction. Due to shrinkflation, I'm trying to offer basic amenities and I offer the rest as additional/optional amenities. I recently had a capacitor in a 4 year old ceiling fan fail in one of my vacancies. It cost me about $9 and 20 minutes to fix, but why add another maintenance liability? Instead, I took it down and blanked the box off and added the fan as an additional amenity on my application for $20/mo. If I'm going to have to maintain and clean it, I'll get paid for it. Instead of lowering the rent off the get, I would make it look like the rent was lower by advertising the base rent and then give them the opportunity to rent each appliance or upgrade. --73.147.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Rick [IN]) Posted on: Oct 22, 2024 3:54 AM
Message:

Better quality tenants. --75.104.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Oct 22, 2024 8:11 AM
Message:

Jason, I did the final walk thru on my only empty and decided to change out one of the fans as it was making noise when running.

Bought the new fan at auction for I am sure under $20. Took about 15 minutes to swap them out.

This is the only light source, besides a window, in the room. If I just put a blank cover on it I would be pushing people away.

Cool that you can get extra money like that tho. --107.147.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by J [IN]) Posted on: Oct 22, 2024 9:59 AM
Message:

This is a great conversation. I am working on a 2 bedroom lower level apartment remodel. I decided this morning that I am gonna put the majority of the budget toward slowing the sound transfer between units. It has been the number one complaint of the lower level units. No one is going to walk in and say “wow” but I feel it could keep a resident longer. I also am considering epoxy concrete floors for something different and hopefully something that lasts with area rugs. If I get it right I may be able to add a pet owner in this unit. Smells and noise are 2 big considerations to allow pets. --207.113.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by tryan [MA]) Posted on: Oct 22, 2024 10:18 AM
Message:

In my hood providing a SF was the only upgrade i needed. I dumped the multis upon figuring this one out. --198.168.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Oreo [WI]) Posted on: Oct 23, 2024 12:48 AM
Message:

In your advertising be sure to mention the sound proofing or barrier. I've never read that in an ad, but those moving due to unwelcome noise may gravitate to your place after reading that. --75.11.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Posted on: Oct 23, 2024 8:30 AM
Message:

A big part of this is knowing your audience. For example, I rent to students and I know that internet is one of the top 3 things that are important to them, so providing ethernet jacks in every room is a big selling point, that other's don't do. It also attracts good students, who understand the benefit of an ethernet connection vs wifi --108.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Oct 23, 2024 11:44 AM
Message:

I put ethernet jacks in every room of my house when I built it.

Well not the bathrooms, but I should have done them as well as the cost was minimal.

I do not have all of them wired in down in the mechanical room but if I want to move something around it is easy enough to do. --138.199.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 23, 2024 12:25 PM
Message:

I didn't think too many were still using the Ethernet connection. --73.108.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Oct 24, 2024 8:13 AM
Message:

I use the hard connections whenever I can.

Might be a little more stable, maybe a bit faster and possibly a tiny more secure. --138.199.xx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Clifster [NH]) Posted on: Oct 24, 2024 9:24 AM
Message:

This is all quite amusing, given how a ceiling fan or backyard can be so region specific. How about just being the easiest rental in the block to see, schedule, and move in? Taking a page from the agents: having flyers at open houses with with neighborhood info, callouts to your rental’s top 5 amenities, and an online application that puts your rental requirements right up front so nobody’s wasting their time applying or getting rejecting when they were never a candidate to begin with? Reasonable rent with whatever improvement *to the unit* they get after each annual lease term of on-time payments? Plenty of great tenants out there, we just need to have a system to find them and keep them. --73.227.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by April [KS]) Posted on: Oct 24, 2024 10:32 AM
Message:

The upgrade depends on the property type and property class.

There is one upgrade I put in every property - a keyless entry. It's a win-win. No more tenants tearing out window screens and breaking in because they forgot their key. I have a master code so I never need to go hunt for keys. I don't have to meet maintenance techs with keys because the techs have a code. If the tenants S.O. moves out and they want the locks changed, I program a new code for free in 30 seconds. Class C & D residents think the keyless entry is a fancy upgrade. To me it's a game changer and time saver.

My B apartment community residents want nice appliances and storage. I provide washer & dryers with bluetooth (they never use bluetooth, but it closes leases) and a dishwasher with steam and a 3rd rack (again, gets the oohs and ahhs and closes leases.) For more storage I enclosed the area under all the stairs to storage units and charge higher rent in the ground floor units.

My B duplex residents want to bring their own washer & dryer since many of them are moving from a house. So in the duplexes I don't provide washer & dryer. These are very HGTV. Wood plank tile floor, high-end plumbing and light fixtures, and I upgraded the appliances to stainless steel. The common request from residents in my duplexes are for a fenced yard. I'm on the fence about that one (sorry, bad pun) because fences are not cheap to install, require a permit and a survey, and then there's the ongoing maintenance. Plus the county assessor flags the permit for the fence and raises my property taxes. A fence could be a wash in ROI.

Upgrades should be specific to the property type and tenant base. HGTV'ing a property is over-rated in C & D classes. It's a requirement in A & B classes. I found most people value upgrades that add convenience and function (washer, dryer, storage, dishwasher,...) and my biggest convenience are the keyless entries. For C & D properties, a keyless entry could be enough to set you apart. --165.23.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Daddy G [CA]) Posted on: Oct 24, 2024 2:12 PM
Message:

LVP, ceiling fans,outlets that accommodate cell phone charging cables, lighted outlets where necessary(hallways and baths)all locks keyed alike, plenty storage, garage with opener and clean as a whistle. --72.192.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Oct 25, 2024 1:18 AM
Message:

Online is the new curb appeal. Prospects don't do drivebys anymore. Except for the very few who see our yard signs and connect.

Gotta have a smooth, easy, quick system. MANY times I have been at the home signing a lease when the new leasee gets a call from the other LL finally replying.

Every LL MUST visit the competition - new apts and open houses, then look at your own and get busy.

Even from just 5-1- years ago "Good enough" is not good enough.

BRAD --68.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Oct 25, 2024 1:22 AM
Message:

*5-10 years ago* --68.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by OLD NIRA [CO]) Posted on: Oct 25, 2024 8:35 AM
Message:

First determine if this is a long term investment or a short term. Either way, one should always consider minor upgrades on their property every year. Keep it simple and easy to maintain. Keeps you from running into a major issue at the most in opportune time. All great suggestion one must incororate into there properties.

--47.5.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by OLD NIRA [CO]) Posted on: Oct 25, 2024 8:35 AM
Message:

First determine if this is a long term investment or a short term. Either way, one should always consider minor upgrades on their property every year. Keep it simple and easy to maintain. Keeps you from running into a major issue at the most in opportune time. All great suggestion one must incororate into there properties.

--47.5.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Posted on: Oct 25, 2024 8:37 AM
Message:

That's good stuff BRAD! I've haven't heard "Online is the new curb appeal" but I think that's the truth. Lots of great photos and maybe video walkthroughs are the upgrade. And visiting the competition. Though I'll repeat what I said above, the better you understand your customer's wants, needs and desires, the more competitive you are. I think I'm preaching to the choir on that one :-) --108.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Albany LL [NY]) Posted on: Oct 28, 2024 12:02 PM
Message:

I agree with April, keyless entry has been a game changer for me. I prefer the Schlage ones with the keypad and the manual turn, less to go wrong and battery lasts longer.

I had all of my units wired for Ethernet and nobody uses them even though I rent only to college students. Maybe if it was an engineering / technical school.

Students like bling and pay higher rents, so I am always upgrading with fun fancy stuff: faucets, backsplashes, light fixtures, etc. I only buy Bosch dishwashers now as I have seen how much better they are made, though that market doesn't know the brand and see it as any better. At this point in my career I want fewer service calls and hope they will pay for themselves. --108.44.xx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Scott [KS]) Posted on: Oct 28, 2024 12:14 PM
Message:

@April(KS) Which keyless entry do you use? --72.209.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by April [KS]) Posted on: Oct 28, 2024 2:15 PM
Message:

I use Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolts with alarm and Z-Wave enabled (BE469BP CEN622). If residents want to sync the lock to their wi-fi to monitor who's coming and going, they have to buy the hub and pair. I don't provide technology services.

I change the master programming code first thing on every install so residents can't 'fiddle.'

Residents can set one of the multiple alarm options it comes with. It will alarm loudly if someone is tampering with the lock, or forcing entry,.. plus it automatically shuts off if someone enters the wrong code 3 times.

Residents are responsible for batteries. I text them the Schlage youtube video on how to change batteries. Super simple.

During spring and fall HVAC/Safety tune ups I test the batteries and replace if getting low as a courtesy.

I had a resident buy a house and move out a few years ago. A package came to his old apt. I still had his contact info and reached out. Turned out he moved just a few miles away so I offered to deliver the package. Went to the front door of a very lovely house and saw the exact same model of keyless entry. Chatted with him briefly and he said he'd never live without a keyless entry again.

Residents love them!

--165.23.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Kevin [MI]) Posted on: Oct 28, 2024 2:46 PM
Message:

Great conversation! I have taken a lot of notes.

I have had good luck with an "I won't rent it until I would live there" attitude. Fresh paint, clean & updated hardware are now the basics. New kitchens and bathrooms are nice but are not always in the budget. I find you can make these rooms look good with cleaning, hardware and paint most of the times.

Only one chance for first impressions. Tidy up the outside and have the lawn cut & freshly edged. Clean the front entrance area. For less than $100 you can change the address plate, mailbox and light fixture if they are tired looking. Its the little things that can make the difference sometimes. --68.32.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Posted on: Oct 28, 2024 5:54 PM
Message:

Albany LL, Ethernet can be something that's an attraction but never used. Like April said above: "provide washer & dryers with bluetooth (they never use bluetooth, but it closes leases)" Also, you can advertise Ethernet as the fastest and most secure internet, and I think that's the truth and a real attention grabber for both STEM majors and gamers. --108.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by probertson [TX]) Posted on: Oct 29, 2024 10:10 AM
Message:

I'm surprised at how many didn't have dishwashers to begin with. It would be an anomaly here not to have one. It's expected in SF properties. And probably has a historical date when all houses started to be built with them? My oldest property is 1989 construction.

But I hear ya about the abysmal pool of prospects. I did a lot of work on my current vacancy--some forced by a flood and then a squatter situation. I am currently adding some landscaping in the front (mostly rock) and am going to get professional photos taken. Don't know what else to do given how much $$$ I have lost over the past year and a half on this one.

2c --99.106.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by probertson [TX]) Posted on: Oct 29, 2024 10:15 AM
Message:

Oh, and I've always included yardwork. Can't trust tenants to do a decent job. It's hard enough to find a service that does a decent job and/or does exactly what I tell them to do.

Anyway it gives me an "excuse" to scope out the yards and current condition when I meet my yard guy there ~twice a month. That makes my properties even more below market, but people don't understand that, even current tenants when I raise the rent every year. --99.106.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by probertson [TX]) Posted on: Oct 29, 2024 10:15 AM
Message:

Oh, and I've always included yardwork. Can't trust tenants to do a decent job. It's hard enough to find a service that does a decent job and/or does exactly what I tell them to do.

Anyway it gives me an "excuse" to scope out the yards and current condition when I meet my yard guy there ~twice a month. That makes my properties even more below market, but people don't understand that, even current tenants when I raise the rent every year. --99.106.xxx.xx




#1 rental upgrade (by Pmh [TX]) Posted on: Oct 30, 2024 2:34 PM
Message:

no upgrades. they are renting a house to live in, not building their own house. I put in fenced back yard. storage unit. lawncare included. appliances are with the house. my mkt is students with pets, non smokers & rich parents. --72.158.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by BillW [NJ]) Posted on: Oct 30, 2024 4:47 PM
Message:

Yeah, the fence is a nice one for a dog. People like (nice) dogs and some are good watch dogs, which bodes well with safety and security being top 3 on my "what's important" ranking survey of students --108.50.xxx.xxx




#1 rental upgrade (by Patrick [NY]) Posted on: Nov 1, 2024 4:35 AM
Message:

The update we get the most comments on is adding a coffee station area. Usually on a separate area away from the rest of the kitchen countertop. --142.105.xxx.xx



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