Recently, Jenna wrote a post describing her experiences showing an apartment and getting it in rent ready condition. She mentioned that she was showing the property before she was finished with all of the repairs and that one person “shared her vision” and signed a lease for the unit.
First, let’s congratulate Jenna on getting a unit rented and then ready. She deserves it. This is her first property and I saw it not long after she bought it, so I know the amount of work and time that was put into it.
Now, let’s use this opportunity as a teaching opportunity.
You see, I think it is a waste of time to show the property before it is rent ready because in my experience, most folks cannot or will not see “your vision.”
Yes, Jenna did find someone who saw through the unpainted walls, the missing appliances, the unfinished floors, the wet paint, the drop cloths, the extension cords, the tools lying around everywhere, etc, etc. So again, let’s give kudos to her. But I think her experience was the exception rather than the rule and it would have been a better use of her time to focus on getting the unit ready.
Why can’t potential tenants “see your vision?” I think for several reasons.
- They have never touched a paint brush much less done a major rehab so they just cannot conceive of “your vision.” All they see is the mess which screams “RUN AWAY!”
- They can’t see past the mess. The mess prevents them from seeing where their TV, bed, sofa, computer, etc. will go. In their minds, they cannot see this as their “home” because it is not put together.
- The unfinished nature of the unit will highlight the imperfections rather than the benefits and charm of the property.
- They do not want to worry about whether or not you will be finished when they are ready to move in. Will they have time to finish? Will they run out of money? They don’t need to worry about that when there is another unit ready to go just down the street.
- They want to move and be done. Moving is stressful. They do not need the landlord coming in to “finish up a few things.”
- They are afraid you will not do what you say you will do. They have been burned by other landlords before. Why go through that again?
Obviously there are exceptions as Jenna has demonstrated. Some will “see your vision” or will really like the location or some other factor. But most will not be able to see through the mess. Why watch them cringe and frown? Save your time. Save your energy. Focus on getting it done, then show. Your pool of applicants will likely be larger, giving you the added benefit of being choosy.
