Most people these days are very well informed, and do lots of research before purchasing anything. Potential tenants are no different and they want to know as much as they can about any property they are viewing, particularly students. They tend to scrutinise every detail before committing to a lease, after all, it's pretty disruptive to have to move again mid way through the academic year. By making the process easier for them and make an informed decision, you increase the chances of letting your property sooner and often to a better type of candidate. A detailed property description will also reassure the renter that you provide a high quality and trustworthy service.
Here are some key points to consider when putting together a your detailed property description:
- Start with a positive introduction – Things like “A well presented, three bedroom” or “Spacious room to let …” always help set the tone for the reader.
- USP’s – What are the main benefits of your property? Think about what students in your area are looking for and highlight those points within the description. Maybe it’s a particular university campus, library, or it’s close to supermarkets and other shops. Or maybe it has free parking or wi-fi. These are all key points in the decision process for students looking for accommodation.
- Be specific with the property details: what type of property it is, room sizes, are there any communal spaces, does it have a washing machine or tumble dryer.
- Students are also very concerned with the bedroom layout. While the images should showcase the layout of the room as much as possible do go into further detail in your description as well. Even down to the type of beds and mattresses being used. If there is an en-suite this is always worth mentioning. (You’d be surprised how many people leave out this detail). Also things like wardrobe space, tv’s or a dvd player. If you are supplying additional benefits be sure to list them.
- Key features - Describe other sought after features the property may have such as guest room, security alarm, power shower, open plan kitchen or games room, double glazing, new boiler, the views. It’s important to think about what your potential student tenants would want.
- Describe the condition of the house and interior furniture and be honest! There is nothing worse than wasting your own time on viewings after telling students they are viewing a house with all the mod cons and they turn up to find this is not the case. They will not be impressed.
- Transport links – This is a good detail to mention and could be a key to sealing the deal. Be specific if you think it will add value and state the distances from key points or attractions.
- Use high quality images –This is potentially the most important point of them all. Nothing aids a sale as well as good images. Pictures speak a thousand words and all that. It’s even worth investing in a decent camera or semi-professional photographer, maybe source a local student to help you out.
- Avoid typos – Make sure everything is spelt correctly and reviewed. Nothing is as off-putting as poor grammar and incorrect spelling when reading a description online. Make sure everything is clear.
- Use bullet points – Time is precious when online, more so when searching for a property as the user moves from advert to advert. Bullet points enable the user to quickly scan the details and get a drift of the property details. Sub-headings are also quite helpful.
- Use descriptive terms - Words such as, comfortable, stylish, luxurious and practical can really help create an image of your property in the readers mind. It is always important to remain positive throughout your property description, and to describe things in an encouraging way. A small living room can be described as “cosy”, or a paved garden could be described as “low maintenance”.