Tom Kelly: Make the right first impression with rentals

Memorial Day is right around the corner. The summer vacation season, coupled with the popularity of by-owner rental sites, has you ready to jump in to the rental industry.

It’s no mystery … the key to a successful, money-making property is satisfied renters who want to return because of the special experience they enjoyed at your place. And, if they were impressed with their time and accommodation, they are going to tell their friends and acquaintances. While you often can’t be there to place a rose in every room every time a new visitor arrives, make sure you take the time between cleanings to scoot back you your property and make certain your people are getting the kind of dwelling to want them to enjoy.

The goal is to provide a relaxing environment. Help ensure that goal by investing in great bedding – especially in the largest, or parents’, bedroom. Kids are resilient and can curl up in a sleeping bag in the most curious of places. But go out of your way to pamper, and even indirectly coddle, the people most likely to write the check. A great night’s sleep brings people back. If they don’t receive it, it’s often downhill from there. They’ll find fault with the inefficient corkscrew, comment on the poor water pressure, or complain about getting a splinter while walking on the deck.

Put yourself in the renter’s shoes. What would you expect to have in a vacation home at the rental price you are charging? When compared to your competition, are your rates fair and in line with the rest of the pack. When it pours rain for three straight days, is there enough to do to keep your renters from harming themselves?

While cable television is the scourge of many vacation-bound parents, some owners have found cable has really made a difference for some of their customers. What could be done right away - perhaps deeper cleaning than you are getting from your service – that would make your stay more enjoyable? During the high season, what could you accomplish with $20, one helper (your loving husband?) and four hours dedicated to intense elbow grease? Be sensitive to smell, aware of color.

Substitute the throw rugs in the kitchen with new inexpensive, colorful new rugs. Not only do they help give the home a clean and fresh look, but such moves show renters that you care about the condition of your home – and that you expect the same from them.

Here’s a quick honey-do list you can complete with 20 bucks, one helper and four hours. Never underestimate the renter’s first up-close look. Remember, these people are on vacation. Make it memorable from the start.

• 1. Clean the front door and make sure the doorknob and lock work and look sharp. It’s a pain to wrestle with a difficult lock in the dark.
• 2. If the street numbers are dirty, paint or clean them. If you have a screen door, repair any holes in the screen and wipe the metal frame. Clean all cobwebs from the light fixtures and fingerprints from the entry.
• 3. Pull the grass from any cracks in the steps and trim trees and lawn. Make certain your shrubs don’t look like grubs. If you have sprinklers, see that the actually spray and not merely trickle. Coil the garden hose and rake any leaves.
• 4. Buy a welcome mat if you don’t have one. This will save you time and effort cleaning interior rugs.
• 5. Don’t make the backyard the dumping ground just because most people probably will come and go from the front of the house
• 6. Always look twice at the gutters and downspouts. A bent gutter can slow the flow of water, collect pools and cause rusting. Realign the gutter by repositioning nails or gutter hangers. It can often save you from moisture problems in the basement.
• 7. Make sure your deck doesn’t take anybody for a surprise slide ride. Clean the deck of moss. If your tulips have toppled, place a potted flower or two on the deck to add color.
• 8. Clean all kitchen appliances, and don’t let the refrigerator resemble a bulletin board. Save the kid photos for home. Replaced Teflon pans if the scratches resemble golf divots. Make sure drinking glasses shine.
• 9. No mold – anywhere – especially in the bathrooms. If necessary, replace the toilet seat. A new oak unit, with brass fittings, can be purchased for less than $20.

Never apologize for the condition of your home. Offer a clean, comfortable home for rent and hope for the best.