It seems like a lot of people would like to see more functional kitchens, and more storage. Would you take one place over another due to these features? Assuming the price and neighborhood and other features were identical?
2007-04-12 14:14:08 · 7 answers · asked by Angie 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
First impressions are always the deal breaker. The place needs to be spotless. No paint on hinges or doorknobs, no stains on carpet, everything scrubbed within an inch of it's life. The grounds need to be maintained, well kept and attractive - no weeds, graffiti, trash or overgrown trees, grass or bushes. The leasing office should be attractive, functional, non-cluttered and inviting. Staff should be dressed professionally, SMILE, and make the leasing process as quick and painless as possible.
I manage a 100 year old building that was converted into lofts. Most of our lofts are very small, some facing a dark alley, and most of the bedrooms will not hold anything larger than a nightstand and a full size bed. But I am 98% occupied every month with waiting lists and I have a great reputation with former residents, who recommend others to come live at my community. The reason is that my staff is awesome, the property is being maintained 6 days a week, they see people cleaning the hallways and grounds all the time, and we go above and beyond to help our residents any way we can, by delivering packages, having maintenance requests completed within 24 hours, and providing small things that really make a difference - DVD rental machines in the laundry rooms, we exchange quarters in the office for the laundry, we hold resident get togethers at least once a month, and we communicate with our residents weekly, by sending surveys and getting opinions.
You can't do anything about a small kitchen, but you can install shelves for new residents, decorate a vacant apartment so they can see how it can look, and offer one of your maintenance staff on move in day to help put up curtains, shelves, or pictures. Stop by on move in day and offer cold drinks and some snacks, and call the day after move in to make sure everything went okay and see if there are any questions you can answer or help with.
You may have to lower your prices initially to get them in the door, but once you have them there, don't be afraid to let them look elsewhere. If you are honest and show true warmth and are friendly, they will come back even if they find something better. The personal touch will bring them back in.
Bottom line - treat people the way you would want to be treated and the small kitchen and extra storage will not matter.
2007-04-13 03:35:00 · answer #1 · answered by wickdsinnr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good kitchens are big plus points, I turned down apartments based on them having crappy kitchens. Storage is nice but less important, if the footage is there I can always stack boxes. I can't fix the kitchen in an apartment, I'm stuck with it, so it had better be suitable for my needs.
If the apartment has good soundproofing so I won't hear the neighbors swearing at each other, that'll make your place stand out! :)
2007-04-12 14:21:53 · answer #2 · answered by hp77bfly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clean, nice neighborhood, good neighbors, knowing you are a hands on landlord and will response when there are problems. Working appliances, doors and windows are secure and weatherproofed, good locks, good heating/cooling system.
I can live in a small place and even put up with a small kitchen, but I need a good size " real " bathroom, not just a showerstall. Good security is a must.
2007-04-12 15:45:34 · answer #3 · answered by Pantherempress 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for males, but I know as a female I'd definately I want to rent a place more if it had a big bath tub in atleast one of the bathrooms in the house.
Nicer appliances too. I dont mean I want it to be pretty, I mean I want it to function OUTSTANDINGLY!
Windows are definately a plus too. Plus they always make small rooms LOOK smaller.
The ability to paint the walls, some color, any color, would be great too.
2007-04-12 14:23:53 · answer #4 · answered by the princess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good customer service is crucial. Visit a lot of different places, and weigh out the good and bad.
2007-04-13 07:24:30 · answer #5 · answered by Teresa C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing would make me rent. I'll buy, even if I have to buy a tent!
2007-04-12 14:22:13 · answer #6 · answered by jdkilp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cleanliness. Clean clean clean, make it look as if it's never been lived in.
2007-04-12 14:18:54 · answer #7 · answered by CJ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋