How to Prepare Your Apartment for an Open House

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As they say, presentation is everything, and hosting an open house is no exception. If you’re trying to fill vacancies that have been weighing you down, an open house is a great way to get people interested in your property. In preparation, here are a few critical things you should do to ensure your open house leads to a signed lease.

Clean Up

No one wants to walk through a home that’s full of clutter or has the smell of your last tenant’s pet lingering. The fastest way to lose a prospective tenant’s interest is a dirty space. To make your rental look as attractive as possible, a deep-clean is key. Hire a professional cleaning service to ensure every corner is sparkling clean, and you’ll leave a far better impression.

Stage the Space

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To help your attendees see the potential of your unit and visualize their new home, stage rooms with furniture and decor. Anything is better than nothing, as an empty unit lacks warmth whereas a furnished one creates an instant sense of home.

Spread the Word

To build up interest, post the open house details online, print flyers, or tell your current tenants to spread the word with anyone who might be interested.

Provide Refreshments

Baked goods, bottled water or some type of refreshment is always a nice added touch that people take notice of. It also makes your open house feel more inviting, encouraging people to stay a little longer.

Collect Information

Remember to collect attendant’s contact information so you can follow up with them in the coming days.

If you’re a showing a unit that is currently occupied, don’t forget that you must give your tenant at least a 24-hour advanced notice so they’re aware you’ll be entering their apartment. Unfortunately, you won’t have the same kind of control over the state of an occupied unit as a vacant one, however, if you have a similar unit that’s empty, you can opt to show that one instead.

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