Winter Rental Properties

The Obstacles of Renting in the Winter

While it is true that every property owner should try to have their rental properties filled before the winter season, there are some cases that are unforeseeable and cause property owners to come out of hibernation for the winter.

Moving

Winter is considered the slow season for property owners. Most people are cozied up in their homes with a cup of hot cocoa and have no desire to move. Which brings us to the number one reason it is hard to get a property rented in the winter, people simply do not want to move all their stuff in the colder weather.

Fun in the Sun

One of the biggest investments for properties is vacation homes. During the winter, there are a few amount of places that thrive because of nearby skiing and snowboarding areas. However, for the rest of those who do not have the extra getaways in the winter, we can count out our fun in the sun incomes.

Winter Getaways

There are new beasts of competition that crawl out of their holes for a few months out of the year, those, of course, are winter lodges and resorts. All of our vacationing families tend to pack up and move to winter adventure areas.

Tip the Scales with Concessions

Renting in the winter and dealing with the competition of appealing winter lodges, we understand there may be only a few people left that could rent your property. So how do you get them to choose you out of the others? There are many things that property owners can do during the slow season in order to rent out their properties.

Security Deposit

One of the most common things that can be done to encourage people searching for a home in the winter is to offer reduced prices for security deposits, lower monthly rent, or even a free month of rent. Offering deals like these are known as concessions.

Monthly Rent

Another common tactic for renting in the winter is to offer a free month of rent. Never make your free month of rent the first, instead make it the last month.

Bend Your Rules

Many property owners have a set of rules when it comes to the tenants of their houses. One of the most common being no pets allowed. Considering a change to rules like these could mean all the difference when trying to rent out your property for the slow season. However, when making the changes make sure there are securities in place, such as pet deposits.

Offer Amenities

Offering simple amenities, such as washer, dryers, microwaves or dishwashers add convenience and ease to a tenant. It’s also a bonus to the tenants because it’s one less heavy object they have to move in the cold.

Know Your Location

Even though it is winter, doesn’t mean there isn’t something that will appeal to renters. Know the strengths of your city or town and let people know. North Carolina has beautiful winter snowfall and offers sledding, skiing, and snowboarding services.

Property Management Company

Now that you know the basics of renting in the winter, you’re ready to manage your property. However, if you’re like most people and would like to relax during the holiday season, Shearer Realty offers property management services in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in learning more about our property management services give us a call. 704-567-8200