There are few things as satisfying in this world as finding a source of passive income. You get to kick your legs back as the money flows in on its own. For many homeowners, renting out can provide such a dream lifestyle. With America’s homeownership rate being 65.8%, it makes sense to view renting out as a valid income source.
On that note, did you know that it’s possible to rent your own private island for a vacation? If you earn enough passive income, it can be fun to try sometime.
But before you get to do any of that, you first need to find and attract a renter. Most potential tenants will be looking for a few factors when visiting a prospective home.
In that regard, cleanliness and appearance play a big role. On the other hand, if you have found someone interested in your home, short-notice staging can be tough.
In this article, we will explore some of the steps involved in performing a home staging when time is scarce.
1. Assess the current condition of your home
Doing an objective assessment is the first thing you want to do. Don’t approach this step as a homeowner would. Instead, put yourself in the shoes of a renter. What will their eyes gravitate toward? Would it be the ketchup stain that somehow appeared on a bedroom wall? Make a note of it.
Would it be a small section of the roof where the paint has started to flake? Note it!
Are there scratch marks on the living room door that your pet is responsible for?
You get the point.
Take as many notes as you can and rank them by severity. Most landlords never put themselves in this position because they see themselves as the ones in power. It’s true that a renter pays to live in your home. So, no, you don’t have to go out of your way to please potential renters.
That said, if you are in a hurry, a good home staging can find you a tenant faster.
2. Know When to DIY and When to Hire Professional Services
Once you have a clear list of what to start dealing with, it’s time to get to work. However, you can go two ways with this. If the patch-up requirements aren’t that serious, you can probably manage with a gallon of paint and a few nails.
However, if you have been neglecting the house, it can be unmanageable. One option that many homeowners prefer is the hiring of move in and move out cleaning services.
According to Lakeview Maids, such services usually offer same-day or next-day cleaning. Professional services are ideal when time is short and you need a perfect clean-up done quickly.
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On the other hand, if you have time to prepare, you can choose to save money and do things manually. Sure, it’s unlikely to look as good when compared to having the pros step in, but that’s the trade-off.
If you do choose to go the professional route, remember to get multiple quotes. You might get scared off by a high quote when there might be several budget-friendly options out there.
3. Try to Hit Two Birds With One Stone
A deep clean of your property is also a good time to take a look at any critical systems. This can include HVAC inspections, safety checks on electrical systems, or even a plumbing overhaul to fix leaky faucets.
If you have had issues with pests or mold, now would be a good time to also hire pest control. With proper scheduling, you can tackle deep cleaning and pest control simultaneously.
It can also be helpful to document all the tasks that are being carried out during this pre-staging period. Not only will it be useful as a future reference, but you can even bring it up during rent negotiations. Your tenants will be happy to see that they are moving into a place that has been maintained recently.
If you choose to hire professional cleaning services, you can also ask them for recommendations. They might notice aspects of your home that warrant a second look.
Conclusion
Staging a home can be complex, but when you cut to the chase, it’s all about presenting a well-maintained home. Sure, clean-up work can be boring, but hey, that’s what professionals are for.
If you have more important things to do, hire one and watch your home magically transform. It’s really surprising how much better a home looks after a good clean-up and makeover.
Of course, don’t rule out cleaning on your own. If you can use the right equipment and methods, the results can be stunning as well.
