The value placed on a rental property is based on various things such as location, size and amenities. Potential tenants like to see new kitchens, new bathrooms, car parking spaces, a nice area and no underlying issues when choosing a flat, house or apartment. All of these, whether good or bad, will help in the decision making process for any potential tenant – they will ask themselves if the value you have placed meets their initial estimations.
It is therefore very important that landlords maximise these first impressions. Landlords need to help improve on quick judgements so that when prospective tenants make them they are more likely to meet a landlord’s valuation. Taken it a step further a tenant may be willing to offer more if needed, first impressions count for everything!
Two things to remember with window dressings –
1. No window dressings: If the property doesn’t come with curtains or blinds then those viewing the property will instantly be aware of this, adding their own new curtains or blinds will come at great expense. This is immediately factored into the value you have placed on the property.
2. Old curtain poles: curtain poles are one of those unnoticeable features that are actually instantly noticeable to those who have never seen them before. Just because they’ve become part of the furniture to you doesn’t mean they give the right impression. Replacing old curtain poles with modern designs helps show the landlord updates his or her properties. New features help justify a properties price tag – no matter how small.
Two things to remember with door handles –
1. Internal doors – Similar to curtain poles, door handles are a clear sign of wear and tear. Handles become worn and damaged, and are often ignored when making improvements. It doesn’t cost much to replace door handles, and the impression new handles give tenants gives a profitable return.
2. Cupboard handles – The kitchen is the most lived in part of a home when you’re awake. This means that it needs to be as impressive as possible to potential tenants. Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms that help determine the rental value you have set. Improving a kitchen can be expensive – replacing cupboard handles gives the impression of a new kitchen.
If you need advice contact an independent lettings specialist such as BELVOIR SHEFFIELD, don’t fall foul of the law! Contact us on 08452 60 40 90 or email sheffield@belvoirlettings.com
Taken from: http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/feature28.html
