By Property Management System
PORTLAND, Ore. – During a competitive rental market, it can sometimes be difficult for landlords to market their properties because depending on the location of their rentals they may have to compete with other rentals that offer newer, in-demand amenities.
Thankfully, it’s not difficult for any landlord in Portland Oregon to other rental properties especially if they start promoting their rentals most underrated amenities.
What Underrated Amenities Does Your Rental Have?
It doesn’t matter if your rental property was built in the 1970’s 90’s or 2000’s, just about every rental property has underrated amenities and landlords can attract more tenants to their rentals if they start promoting those amenities to renters once again.
Some of the most underrated amenities include:
Location – Can the location of your rental property be considered to be an amenity? The answer to this question is yes especially if your rental property is located close to schools, colleges, public transportation, sports teams and the cool things that Portland has to offer.
Upgrades – Have you recently updated the flooring, cabinets, HVAC or windows in your property? If so, don’t hesitate to market those upgrades as amenities because those upgrades could be exactly what some renters are searching for.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Promote These Underrated Amenities!
Underrated Rental Amenities: #1
Outdoor Space = An Extension of Your Rental
On warm summer nights and dewy weekend mornings, your tenants will crave the ability to relax outside. If your property has outdoor space—even if it’s just a small area—play that up in your listings.
Do you have a deck, balcony, patio, or yard? Do you have space for an outdoor table and chairs? Does the backyard come with anything, like benches or a garden? Include images that highlight these outdoor spaces, and help tenants visualize spending time there.
Here are some buzzwords that Rentalutions recommends including in your listings (if they apply, of course):
- Upscale
- Urban
- Perfect for entertaining
- Water views
- City skyline views
- Backyard haven
Underrated Rental Amenities: #2
Security Features = Peace of Mind
A security system brings peace of mind, but it’s also expensive and requires installation. If you don’t have a full system hooked up, be sure to include information about other, less traditional security features:
- A peephole on the front door, especially if it provides a wide-angle view
- Motion sensors
- Updated locks or smart lock technology
- New windows, which are likely stronger and more “break-in proof”
Ultimately, you want to be able to say that all points of entry are secure. The 4 areas recommended by security experts are:
- Windows
- Front door
- Backyard
- Garage
Underrated Rental Amenities: #3
Updated Technology = Staying Connected
With so many of our gadgets requiring connectivity, it’s important to stay up-to-date on tenants’ technology needs. How can you make it easy for new tenants to get and stay connected? Having a Wi-Fi-ready unit is a no-brainer; but here are a few other upscale technology features to promote if you have them:
- A smart home system (like Nest) for heating/cooling and lighting
- Smart lock systems
- Any TV mounts or surround sound options that are already in place
Underrated Rental Amenities: #4
Energy-Efficient Upgrades = Money Savings
Upgrading windows doesn’t just make them safer; it also helps to keep heating and cooling costs low. Old windows leak air, costing tenants hundreds of extra dollars a year. If you’ve recently made energy-efficient upgrades like replacing your windows, talk about the money-saving benefits that tenants will enjoy. In addition, eco-friendly living is a rental amenity that many of today’s tenants will find attractive.
Use this Energy Saver guide from Energy.gov to find more ways to make your home energy-efficient. You can also take it one step further using this energy savings checklist from Madison Gas and Electric to make more upgrades that you can feature in your listing.
Underrated Rental Amenities: #5
Accessibility = Social Life
As homeownership rates hit record lows, more and more people are seeing the financial benefits of renting versus buying. As many as 71% of Millennials are renters:
“Traditionally, young adults have become first-time homebuyers as they grow older and have [advanced] in their careers and incomes. This suggests that the fundamental shifts in the economy (job loss, low-income growth, diminishing affordability of homes) may have caused the increase in renting for those in the 18-34-year-old group,” a recent Trulia report said.
A prime location is critical for this portion of the population. They want to be able to get to work easily and go out with friends on the weekends. To show accessibility in your listing, include the commute and walk score, both of which you can get from WalkScore.com.
Get Portland Oregon Property Management Here
Need Portland Oregon Property Management? Contact the team of professional property managers at Property Management Systems today by calling us at (503) 515-3170 or click here to connect with us online.
Our team specializes in affordable and reliable property management for the Portland Oregon area, this means that regardless if you are located in Portland or elsewhere in the United States you can count on us to provide you with excellent service and great support so you can grow your portfolio of rental properties.