You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and list your rental property on Craigslist. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey that will (hopefully) lead to increased exposure and a higher likelihood of renting out your unit.
Now comes the tricky part: actually listing your rental on Craigslist.
If you’re not familiar with Craigslist, it’s an online classifieds website where people can buy, sell, or find just about anything. It’s also one of the most popular websites in the world, ranking in the top 20 globally. That means there’s a lot of competition for listings, which is why it’s important to make yours stand out.
Here are some tips on how to list your rental property on Craigslist:
1. Start with a catchy headline
Your headline is the first thing potential renters will see, so it’s important to make it attention-grabbing. A good headline should be concise and describe what you’re offering (e.g., “2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in bustling Downtown”). You want potential renters to know what they’re looking at right away so they don’t move on to the next listing.
2. Write a great description
Once you have someone’s attention with your headline, it’s time to write a compelling description of your rental unit. This is where you’ll really sell potential renters on why your place is the perfect fit for them. Be sure to include key information like square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, monthly rent price, and any special features or amenities that come with the unit (e.g., in-unit washer/dryer, granite countertops). But don’t stop there – try to paint a picture of what it would be like to live in your rental by describing the surrounding area (e.g., close to public transportation, restaurants, and parks). And be sure to proofread your listing carefully – you don’t want any typos turning off potential renters.
3. Include high-quality photos
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s especially true when it comes to online listings. People want to see what they’re getting themselves into before they commit, so make sure you include clear, well-lit photos of your rental unit from all angles. If possible, hire a professional photographer to take pictures – it will be worth the investment when people start clamoring to rent from you. And if you’re including photos from your phone or camera, be sure they’re adequately sized (at least 1MB) so potential renters can see them clearly.
