Your search results

Property Management – Chatsworth – What Today’s Renters Want

CHATSWORTH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

What Today’s Renters Want

In older generations, renting an apartment was typically viewed as a temporary measure; with the ultimate goal being home ownership.

A lot has changed since then. The epic housing melt-down has driven more renters into the market. And many young professionals are seeing apartments as a reflection of their tastes and personality, not as a temporary living situation.

With so much changing, why would we think that we should be marketing our communities the same way? What was sufficient for the renter years ago will not pass muster today. And smart property managers are beginning to market to the new, savvy renter, offering them a list of amenities and perks that their parents never dreamed of.

So what are the renters of today looking for? Here’s a list of just a few:

Ability to accept debit and credit cards for rental payments. This is one of today’s renters’ top priorities, and it’s not likely to change anytime soon. Today, cash and checks have gone the way of the rotary phone and VCR. Applicants use their debit and credit cards for just about anything, and they want to use them to pay their rent. There’s not a good reason why they shouldn’t be able to.
A fitness center. Two treadmills and some free weights do not a fitness center make. Renters know they are more likely to work out if the facility is convenient. There’s nothing more convenient than an onsite gym, which offers everything from the standard treadmill to state of the art elliptical and resistance equipment.
Wireless Access. Everyone from the local McDonald’s to the neighborhood coffee shop has wireless access. With smart phones being used by over 58 percent of adults, wireless access is no longer an option – it’s a must.
Open floor plans. While it’s not economically feasible to remodel all of your units to suit the needs of the next generation of renters, it is something to keep in mind when repairs become an option, or you begin construction on a new project. Younger renters prefer open spaces instead of boxy rooms, and will pay premium for units that offer such.
Pet perks. 20 years ago, you would be hard-pressed to find a rental community that allowed pets; particularly dogs. Today, pet acceptance in the norm, not the exception. And tenants don’t just want acceptance – they want a pet park or at least a dog run for their furry family members. Smart properties are offering just that.
Safe Parking. Some things never change, and safety is one of them. A well-lighted, secure parking area will keep tenants safe, and discourage vandalism and other crimes. It’s a necessity.

While preferences will vary from renter to renter, if you start to offer just a few of these options, your traffic, and your leasing rates will like rise accordingly.

by Mary Girsch-Bock

Since 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for our success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.