Your property listing is your core advertisement; every other promotion builds on it. A great rental listing must quickly catch prospective tenants’ attention to stand out among many listings in Jacksonville, NC. Properties without photos or good descriptions receive significantly fewer inquiries, so it’s crucial to get this first impression right.
That’s where expert property management companies like Blue Horizon Property Management can help. With deep local knowledge and marketing expertise, we know what it takes to craft a rental listing that resonates. Continue reading to learn how to create your first rental property description.
Crafting a Compelling Listing
Potential tenants endlessly scroll popular house listing apps like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, and your listing only has a couple of seconds to grab their attention. From the jump, it must convey key information quickly to attract serious prospective tenants.
If you're feeling the urgency, it means you're starting to understand the impact of an appealing rental listing description. Let it fuel your creativity to craft four to six sentences that keep the reader engaged without overwhelming them.
Highlight Pertinent Details
Start with the property’s most unique feature. Does it offer walk-in closets, hardwood floors, or floor-to-ceiling windows? Highlight these standout property details upfront. Avoid vague phrases like “great amenities” and instead use vivid, purposeful descriptions such as “spacious living area with natural light and bay windows.”
Use the tips above to craft a well-structured listing description. Begin with a catchy rental listing title that includes the price, bed/bath count, property type, location, and one standout feature.
Follow with a strong opening rental listing description that builds on your hook—the unique feature. Then wrap up with essential details and a clear call to action, including information about the deposit, utilities, pet/smoking policy, parking fees, application process, rent amount, and contact details.
Here's a working example from Blue Horizon Property Management's property listings:
Building Type: Single Family
Deposit: $1,500
Date Available: Immediately
912 Laurel Lane - 1
Charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home on Over Half an Acre – Private Cul-de-Sac Location
Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on over half an acre, offering a peaceful setting and a spacious, private backyard. Enjoy the outdoors on a generous 16' x 12' deck—perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Inside, the kitchen features a cozy dine-in area, stainless steel appliances, beautiful countertops, and a pantry that provides ample storage.
Important Details:
- Application Fee: $75 nonrefundable per person (everyone 18 and older must apply)
- Pets: One dog under 30 lbs allowed (NO CATS). A $350 nonrefundable pet fee and a separate $20 pet application are required.
Don't miss out on this rare find with privacy, space, and charm!
Call Blue Horizon Property Management today to schedule your own personal showing.
Showcase the Property
Use visuals to highlight key amenities, whether it’s a condo’s shared amenities or a house’s private outdoor area. Listings with professional photos of all the major rooms receive more views and inquiries.
Include at least one picture—a well-lit, high-quality photo of each room. Use natural lighting and clean compositions to enhance appeal. Your primary photo should highlight the rental’s best feature to draw attention.
Make sure your visuals support your written description; excellent photos can elevate your narrative. If it fits your budget, consider adding a virtual tour and floor plan to provide a more complete picture of the space.
Target the Right Audience
Identify your target audience and tailor your listing to their preferences. Think like your ideal renter and use keywords like “month-to-month lease” to appeal to specific groups. They can be families, young professionals, or retirees.
Highlight your rental property’s proximity to schools, transit, or shopping centers based on what your ideal tenant values. Young professionals may appreciate modern appliances and nightlife, while families prioritize space and quiet surroundings.
Be sure to comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. This applies to your listing language, tenant interactions, and even how you present or show units. Avoid phrases that violate Fair Housing laws like “perfect for a young couple” or directing certain renters to specific units.
Feature Nearby Amenities
Help renters visualize the lifestyle your property offers by highlighting neighborhood services and conveniences that add value to your location and justify your rent price.
If you want to appeal to commuters and families, note your proximity to public transport, schools, or major companies. Emphasize the convenience of the location with phrases like “walking distance” or “short drive.”
Highlight nearby restaurants, parks, and attractions to make the neighborhood feel more vibrant and appealing.
Optimize for SEO
Search engine optimization can be a bit nitpicky, especially to people who don't practice digital marketing, but it's necessary. If you want to get noticed by the search engines, you have to abide by their rules. That said, below are a few guidelines you can follow easily:
- To raise your local search rating and draw in qualified leads, use terms that are particular to your location and special features, such as "Jacksonville, North Carolina rental with in-unit laundry."
- Incorporate keywords such as "rental listing" and "rental property" to increase search engine visibility.
- Use long-tail keywords to target specific renters and boost local SEO, such as "pet-friendly apartments in Jacksonville, NC."
Reaching a Wide Audience
List your property on popular rental websites and social media platforms to maximize exposure and attract a wider pool of potential renters. Utilize property management software like Buildium and AppFolio to manage your listings efficiently. These tools can help you track leads, streamline the application process, and analyze performance.
Think of your overall brand as you list your property on these platforms. Maintain a consistent and professional style across all listings by avoiding all caps, excessive punctuation, and spelling or grammar mistakes that can turn off serious renters.
Working with Property Managers
Partnering with property managers can further expand your reach and attract potential renters. They can help market your rental, optimize listings, and ensure compliance with Fair Housing laws, including helping you avoid discriminatory language. They also assist with matters beyond property listing tasks, such as tenant screening, credit and background checks, handling inquiries, and responding quickly to maintenance issues.
Attracting the Right Tenants Starts with an Outstanding Listing
Creating a perfect rental listing requires attention to detail, vivid photos, and a compelling, concise description. Use effective strategies to reach potential tenants and fill your vacancy quickly.
Blue Horizon Property Management can get you faster to that goal. With our years of experience and expertise in property listing, we know how to craft great listings that stand out in competitive markets.
Contact us today for a free property consultation!
FAQs
1. What are the key elements of an effective rental listing in Jacksonville, NC?
A strong rental listing includes a rental listing headline, a concise yet detailed rental listing description, listing photos of all major rooms, and essential details like security deposit, pet policy, and availability.
2. How can I make my listing more appealing to quality tenants?
Highlight your property's most unique selling points, use vivid and specific language, and include information about nearby facilities that suit your target audience, such as schools or transit options.
3. Why is it important to follow the Fair Housing Act when creating a rental listing?
Compliance with the Fair Housing Act is essential to avoid discrimination. This means avoiding language that suggests preferences based on race, religion, gender, familial status, or disability.
4. How can I reach millions of renters with my rental description?
Post your listing on popular rental websites and social media platforms. Use local SEO strategies and keywords like “pet policy apartments in Jacksonville, NC” to improve visibility and attract qualified leads.
