It can sometimes be confusing trying to figure out how to get your rental unit advertised. Where are the best places and best ways to advertise? Here are a few tips for where and how to advertise your unit.
Where to Advertise
Newspaper - Local papers allow you to post an ad in the classified section for a fee.
What to Include: Make sure to include your contact information. Address is rarely included in this type of ad. Focus on the features of your unit to peak interest. You would want to make sure you maximize the space you have paid for. Here are some helpful abbreviations commonly used and understood:
- #/# - # bedrooms/# bathrooms
- WD - washer and dryer included
- WD HKPS - washer and dryer hookups
- gar - garage
Craigslist - Craigslist is a commonly used website that has classified-type advertisements on it. For this type of ad, it is completely free and will stay on the site for 7 days. Click on the link for real estate that fits your unit. Postings can be made every 2-3 days. You can upload up to 4 pictures with your ad.
What to Include: Since you have a large amount of space allowed, you can put a lot of information into your ad, but you don't want to overdo it. Things that should be included are:
- the address (street and cross-street or the actual address)
- the monthly rent
- any utilities that the tenants are responsible for
- security deposit amount
- number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- parking (aka - garage, carport, assigned, unassigned, driveway, etc)
- special features (aka - fireplace, basement, bonus room, newly remodeled, washer/dryer, etc)
- area features (aka - school district, near freeway access, near shopping, etc)
Management Company - You may find that you need a little more help in finding a tenant for your unit. You may want to look into hiring a management company. Even if you do not want to have a management company manage your unit, some companies offer a Lease Only option. This option is where they will advertise, run applications, get contracts signed, and collect the security deposit and first month's rent in exchange for a set fee. After this, they will pass everything back to you.
- Aapex Property Management is one company that offers this service.
What to Include: Give all of the information you have to the management company. They will sift through it all for you and make sure they highlight your property's best features.
