{"id":20336,"date":"2022-02-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=20336"},"modified":"2022-02-28T18:51:59","modified_gmt":"2022-02-28T23:51:59","slug":"writing-perfect-rental-listing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/writing-perfect-rental-listing","title":{"rendered":"Writing a Perfect Rental Listing: Your Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a landlord, you know that the world of rental properties is competitive. You also understand that when potential tenants search for a home, condo, or apartment, they have a list of desired features. They then look through rental listings and choose which ones to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your job as a rental property owner\/manager is to craft the perfect rental listing that will accomplish two things. First, present the property in glowing but honest terms. Second, attract only those prospects who want the features you offer and can afford the rental price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/renting-with-pets-in-canada\">Renting with Pets: Hidden Costs + Provincial Laws<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s unpack the four key elements for creating a rental listing that will attract the right prospects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"you-need-an-engaging-title\">You Need an Engaging Title<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Renters do not spend a lot of time reading through listings. Instead, they need to see, in the title, the standout features of your rental. These include the number of bedrooms\/baths, the monthly cost, type of property, the location, and perhaps one unique feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to get creative here \u2013 just the basics. If those five elements are contained in your title and fit, the prospect will then move onto the full description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/what-renters-want\">What Do Renters Want? (Infographic)<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>As to the one unique feature, this may be something like \u201cpatio with lake view,\u201d \u201cwasher\/dryer in unit,\u201d or \u201cgas fireplace\u201d \u2013 something that other rental properties may not have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider placing the price first \u2013 most tenants will look for that initially to be sure the rent is within their price range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is an example of an eye-catching and informative rental listing title:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-900-mo-2-bedroom-2-bath-apartment-windsor-private-lake\">$1,900\/MO \u2013 2 Bedroom\/2 Bath Apartment, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/windsor-real-estate\/for-rent\">Windsor<\/a>, Private Lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This title provides the essentials and the attraction of a private lake. The word \u201cprivate\u201d connotes exclusivity and grabs the reader\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"writing-a-rental-listing-description-that-sells\">Writing A Rental Listing Description That Sells<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are several things to consider as you prepare to write the description of your rental. First, know your strengths. For example, just as you wouldn\u2019t photograph a listing yourself if you aren\u2019t handy with a camera, consider outsourcing the written portion of the listing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/damage-deposits-regulations-canada\">How Are Damage Deposits Regulated Canada-Wide?<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have strong writing skills, you may want to contract with professional writers or a writing service with a department of journalists and other creatives. While academic<a href=\"https:\/\/getgoodgrade.com\/thesis-writing-service\/write-my-thesis\"> thesis writers<\/a> might be too sophisticated for your task, a laconic copywriter will do the job. You are looking for someone to write a simple yet compelling short piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to write the description yourself, follow these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Start strong with defining features<\/strong> \u2013 a stone gas fireplace, hardwood floors, a large balcony overlooking the water, etc. You want to stand out from your competition.<\/li><li><strong>Use descriptors<\/strong> \u2013 vintage, private, cozy, exciting, airy, sleek \u2013 and choose a few that best describe the property. You will want to work these into your description for psychological value.<\/li><li><strong>Describe the basics<\/strong> \u2013&nbsp; bedrooms\/baths, bonus room, patio with garden. Make sure to list every feature a prospective tenant would value.<\/li><li><strong>Define the neighbourhood<\/strong> \u2013 What is close by? How about schools? Is transportation close? Can a tenant walk to coffee, shops, or the park? Also, describe the general feel of the neighbourhood. For example, descriptors like professional, diverse, and hip can help a tenant visualize what it&#8217;s like to live there.<\/li><li><strong>Draw attention to above-average features<\/strong> \u2013 Highly unique features like a newly remodelled kitchen, on-property gym, pool, clubhouse, double-sink bathrooms, or amazing views.<\/li><li><strong>Add administrative details<\/strong> \u2013 Include the deposit, other fees, policies related to smoking and pets near the end of the rental listing.<\/li><li><strong>Finish with a call to action<\/strong> \u2013 take a virtual tour, schedule a viewing, and include prominent contact info for further enquiries.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a short but effective rental listing description for a c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/toronto-real-estate\/apartments-for-rent\">ondo for rent in Toronto<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"example-of-short-and-effective-rental-listing-description\">Example of Short and Effective Rental Listing Description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This spacious unit has vaulted ceilings, large windows, and amazing views of your private lake. You\u2019ll enjoy a newly remodelled kitchen and light hardwood flooring throughout. 2 bedrooms\/2 large bathrooms w\/ double sinks. Walk to groceries, shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and public transportation is one block away. This building has many amenities, including a gym, pool, and clubhouse. Pets allowed. A deposit and the first month&#8217;s rent are due upon signing. The rent is $2000\/month, and utilities are not included. Take our virtual tour or schedule a viewing by contacting JoeJones@email.com or call (xxx-xxx-xxxx).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"photos-and-virtual-tour\">Photos and Virtual Tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After an eye-catching title, attractive photos and a virtual tour are the second most crucial part of a perfect rental listing. If potential tenants cannot access plenty of visuals, they will move on. Rental hunters review hundreds of rental listings a day and won\u2019t take the time to visit a place that may not be appealing to them. Therefore, having plenty of photos and a virtual tour is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/rental-features\">What Features Do Renters Look For When Renting?<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Take photos of every room and capture multiple angles. You should also include pictures of the unique features described in the listing. For example, the listing above mentioned large windows with lake views, double sinks in bathrooms, a new kitchen, a gym, pool, and clubhouse. You could even go the extra mile and include photos of unique shops or nearby cafes. Virtual tours are good too because they give the \u201cfeel\u201d of walking through the property and the flow from room to room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are not skilled at photography (although newer smartphones are pretty good at this), get a professional to take the shots and video. A professional will consider lighting and angles that make those rooms look more expansive and the colours appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mistakes-to-avoid-in-writing-a-rental-listing\">Mistakes to Avoid in Writing a Rental Listing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that you\u2019re selling yourself to the renter, and these mistakes can give a bad impression about your capabilities as a landlord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Bad grammar and spelling: <\/strong>Your renter will want to know that you are well-spoken and professional, and a poorly written rental listing does not convey these qualities.<\/li><li><strong>Excellent exclamation points and question marks:<\/strong> Use periods or semi-colons to separate the features of the listing. Take advantage of the formatting offered by the rental website.<\/li><li>&nbsp;<strong>A wall of text:<\/strong> Renters want to quickly scan a listing to find relevant information, they don\u2019t want to read a wall of text. Break up your paragraphs, and ensure there are no extra or unnecessary details.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"there-you-have-it\">There You Have It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you follow this guide, you will have a rental listing that will engage, compel, and bring in the right prospects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Writing a rental listing is an art that can help you find the perfect renter<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":20352,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15088],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-20336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renting"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20336","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/98"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20336"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20336\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20550,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20336\/revisions\/20550"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20336"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20336"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20336"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=20336"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}