Every now and then this blog is inspired by the muses. But first I need to clarify, I’m talking about that Olivia Newton-John kind of muse, not by the classic Greek muses. So what was my latest inspiration? Was it to quit my job and open an elaborately decorated roller-disco? No, it was to help you my friends! Help you turn your house into an actual Xanadu that people will want to rent this summer!
1- Make sure the house is uncluttered and neutralized. By neutralized I mean take all of those quirky little decorative choices you’ve made and turn them into a Pottery Barn dream! Floral patterns are a no. Besides, Laura Ashley has been dead since 1985. It’s time to move on. Think basic, basic, basic; monochromatic bed spreads, curtains and
carpeting. Also, put away all of those family photos that litter your foyer, bedroom and den. Yes, you can tell potential renters you’re going to put them away but it’s better to make it look like an easy task rather than relocating the National Portrait Gallery. Speaking of art, that thing on the refrigerator isn’t that good and your kid is no Renoir. Give it to Grandma. Besides, she loves that ####, go ahead and make her day.
2 – Now that your house doesn’t look like the before from an episode of “Horders,” call a photographer and have the home professionally shot. You get what you pay for and it’s worth it. You’ll get better money if the house shines and it won’t shine if you take photos from your iphone or Polaroid Swinger. Talk to your real estate agent and ask for suggestions. I’m sure they’ll be able to provide you with a few names.
3- Speaking of real estate agents… make sure they know you’re on the market for rent. That means get it into the local database and unless you’re living in the Taj Mahal it’s a good idea to make sure you keep it as an “open listing.” No agent is going to retire from the 10% you pay on the rental lease so at least make it an enticing proposition. More and more agents are putting listings into the system as “exclusive rentals” and that’s a mistake. You’ve just drastically reduced your potential showings. But if the idea of meeting agents or giving out keys makes you nervous, hire an agent and have them list your property at compelling split with the other agents. That means, you’re listing agent takes 20% and the agent who brings the tenant get’s 80% of the 10%. Think about it this way, agents are not doing this as a hobby, they want to make money. Make it worth it!
So once you get your house ready for rental, I’m sure a few of you out there would like nothing more than to relax with a nice round of golf. But if the idea of flying to Florida seems too daunting a task (I’m assuming you don’t want to golf with snow on the ground), you may want to just take your clubs and head to Toilsome Rd. in East Hampton for a visit with PGA Pro Eric Schultzel. His training facility there is completely indoors and weather is no problem. Click the video below to get a little preview.
Visiting Eric’s Golf Simulator Studio from Patrick Mclaughlin on Vimeo.You can also click here to visit Eric’s site or give him a call at 631-527-5959