As a landlord, when you get new tenants, you want to make them feel welcome -- and you want to develop a good rapport with them. After all, when you have happy tenants that feel comfortable with you, they are more likely to reach out when any issues arise and they are more likely to renew their lease at the end of its term.
So, how can you make a positive first impression that is going to reward you with these benefits? Here are 5 ways to do just that.
1. Start your first impression from the very first time you meet.
Maybe it is on the phone when the potential tenant is inquiring about the property. Maybe it is at the showing. Or, maybe the first time you actually have a face-to-face with the landlord is at the leasing signing. Whenever it is, make it personable. Dress nice, smile, be approachable and warm as you introduce yourself.
First impressions are made within the first moments of meeting someone so make it count.
2. Make sure the property is clean.
When you have new tenants moving into your rental property, the property needs to be in tip-top shape. They shouldn’t arrive at their new home and feel as those they need to do some heavy cleaning before they can unpack.
Make sure there is no dust, grime, fingerprints, and so forth throughout the unit. Because of the satisfaction a tenant receives, hiring someone to clean the property before the new tenant arrives is worth the extra cost.
3. Put together a welcome book.
This could be in the form of a book that has all sorts of information about the community, such as dining and shopping options, local emergency services, information on utility companies, garbage collection dates, and more.
These are things that can help your new tenant feel welcome to the neighborhood -- and is especially helpful for those who are new to the area. Taking the time to put it together says a lot about you - and makes a very good impression.
4. Give a useful welcome gift.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to go above and beyond at making a good first impression. Leave a basket or bag in the unit for the tenant that contains things like a couple of rolls of toilet paper, a roll of paper towels, hand soap, bottles of water, a bouquet of flowers, and that welcome book we talked about above. Moving day is tough for anyone and walking into the new place and seeing such a gift can make a huge first impression.
5. Be available to your new tenants.
Any questions or concerns that come up may have your new tenants giving you a call. While you should always make yourself available to new tenants, this is especially true during their initial move-in.
Knowing that they can count on you to answer and be there is a great way to make a positive first impression.
Feeling overwhelmed at all you have to do and be as a landlord? Hiring an Atlanta property manager can reduce the need for you to have to be so present. Professional property managers know how to handle every aspect of rentals - including making a good impression.
