900 Biscayne

In this market, I have been working with a lot of renters and property owners who purchased units in the Brickell, Downtown/Midtown Miami areas.  Although there is new inventory, there are also plenty of renters that would love to live in your unit.  

If you want to position your unit to get as top rental dollar as possible, it’s key to have the unit in super showing condition.   If it’s not in “super showing condition” at least be prepared to cover the essentials that most renters are going to ask for to live in the unit prior to signing a lease. 

“Jamey”, you say, “my unit is brand new, what do you mean in super showing condition?” 

This week I have been showing rentals in 900 Biscayne and Marina Blue.  Gorgeous buildings by the way and two of my new favorites.  Unfortunately some of the units (because the buildings are brand new)  are not necessarily what I would call “rent ready” meaning the units still have that first coat of primer, no blinds, missing light fixtures and I can see my rental customers’ minds ticking away assessing which unit they would rather rent based on the condition of the unit.   Some of the owners have quickly turned over their units and made them ready to rent by painting, putting up blinds, shelving, etc.; while others have not.  If the unit is on the market for rent, what are you waiting for?  Make it look great so you will get good solid offers!

You have to remember that renters are a little timid too in this market.  They are wondering if you as the owner are going to be able to maintain the unit throughout the duration of the lease, they are concerned if their deposits will be protected. What would you rather lease?  A unit that has all of the finishing touches or one that looks like it was just turned over and thrown back on the market to rent? 

So here are some tips to make sure your unit is in super showing condition, hopefully preventing it from sitting on the market too long and getting low ball offers. 

1.  Primer is not paint.  If the unit only has primer on the walls, I highly recommend having someone come in and put a real coat of paint on the wall.

2.  Closets finished out.  You don’t necessarily have to go all out with a full on closet system but at least put some type of system in that allows clothes to be hanged and/or shelving. 

3.  Window Treatments.  Trust me, you are going to get offers from renters asking for window treatments to be installed.  They don’t have to be top of the line but at least blackouts in the bedroom and some type of covering for the other areas.

4.  Light Fixtures.  If the lighting only has the little light bulb, buy a light fixture and cover it.  You can go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and pick up a package of these super inexpensive. 

Those are the basics and shouldn’t be too much additional expense.  I think you will find that most of the renters will ask for these items and if they don’t, they will probably ask for a reduced rent or money off in order to do it themselves. 

Good luck with renting your property and if you need help, I will be happy to assist you!

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