More than 53% of Hinesville residents rent a home or apartment, making it a promising opportunity for local real estate investors. This location attracts a wide range of tenant demographics, including manufacturing professionals, retail management, and transportation employees who work for the Port. The government sector is another major employer in the region, especially the U.S. Department of Defense.
Real estate investors in the area must deploy strategic property marketing campaigns to attract and retain quality tenants from these demographics. From real estate listing photography to search engine optimization (SEO) and open house staging, a comprehensive approach is imperative.
Investors who want to scale their rental property portfolios must hire a property manager with demonstrated real estate marketing techniques. Here are several marketing methods to consider as a Hinesville investment property owner.
Hire a Professional to Oversee Property Marketing
Hinesville property managers spearhead all marketing efforts for rental properties. They list properties, coordinate showings, manage campaigns, and respond to questions from prospective tenants. Skilled property managers ensure that rental listings are visible on top rental platforms and search engines to target tenant demographics.
Additional marketing benefits of hiring a property manager include:
- Demonstrated expertise in the local rental market
- Optimizing real estate listings with SEO
- Access to the latest property marketing tools
- Leveraging professional networks to ensure top maintenance
Technology is crucial. Property managers understand the workload required to market multiple rental properties and know how to use real estate marketing software effectively.
Staging Properties to Attract Tenants
Prospective Hinesville tenants start their rental search online. A picture is worth a thousand words; therefore, rental listings can either make or break a potential deal. Quality tenants look for quality rental properties.
Experienced property managers stage rental properties for listings. Property management companies work with a network of local vendors, from interior painters to window replacement companies, to ensure rental properties shine in professional photos. If the property is still furnished, a property manager will also declutter and depersonalize the space, allowing prospective renters to better envision themselves living there.
Such preparation is necessary for the next property marketing strategy, the open house. In-person viewings remain one of the most valuable tenant attraction tips. Prospective tenants view with a discerning eye; therefore, it's crucial to hire a property manager with an eye for detail.
Enticing Rental Property Listings
Excellent staging standards are necessary for producing high-quality photos for rental listings. These photos are accompanied by professionally written copy detailing amenities, price, and next steps in the application process.
Pricing is crucial here. A property manager will craft a pricing strategy based on the market rate, square footage, and amenities. Price is typically the first thing prospective tenants look for when searching for a Hinesville rental.
Listings should be clear about the following:
- Monthly rent amount
- Pet policies
- Deposits
- Rules for tenants
- Amenities (pool, deck, private backyard, etc.)
- Square footage
- The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Fully-equipped kitchens
Tenants also want to know if utilities are included in the price, as well as water and garbage. Rest assured, property managers are readily available to answer any inquiries about the property, including setting up appointments for viewings.
Listings should also include a link to the property management company's website or application link. Working with a property manager provides the added benefit of a website. Property owners don't have to build their own site; plus, companies like Holtzman Real Estate Services provide online renter portals where tenants can pay rent online with ease.
Market Property Effectively with Social Media and SEO
According to the National Apartment Association, 98% of prospective renters look for rentals online. Therefore, SEO experience is a must for property managers. By optimizing rental listings with relevant SEO keywords, investors can increase the online visibility of their portfolio to target demographics in Hinesville.
Property management companies implement the following local SEO strategies:
- Generating keywords such as "Hinesville rental homes," "homes for rent in Hinesville," and "2 bedroom apartments for rent in Hinesville"
- Optimizing real estate listings with local references and high-quality content
- Providing a mobile-responsive website to improve user experience
Property managers may cross-promote listings on social media to increase exposure. Social media is also a type of "external SEO" which drives more traffic to rental listings. Including social media buttons on a listing makes the content more shareable to the Hinesville community.
Social media marketing, again, speaks to the importance of taking high-quality property photos. The most significant social networks in a property manager's toolkit are Facebook and Instagram. Facebook allows for more hyperlocal marketing strategies while Instagram is a visual platform ideal for real estate photos; property managers may also cross-promote content on these platforms.
Enhance Communication With Email Marketing
Email marketing is the next strategy in a property manager's toolbox. If the majority of rental-seekers are looking for properties online, they're more likely to use email to communicate.
Property managers may implement the following tactics:
- Send auto-responses during off-hours
- Write follow-up emails
- Email rental listings to a contact list
Property managers may also email applications to interested tenants. Email is an excellent way to deliver digital documents to new tenants, including copies of lease agreements. A property manager may also email lease renewal reminders as a tenant retention strategy.
Property marketing doesn't end once a tenant moves into a rental. Investors also need a marketing strategy for tenant retention to reduce turnover. Rental properties with low turnover rates look great in a portfolio, especially if an investor is planning to sell some of their assets.
Two of the most important tenant retention strategies are property maintenance and upgrades. Kitchens should be equipped with quality appliances, HVAC systems should be up to date, and plumbing should have new pipes.
Start the Marketing Process Now
Are you a Hinesville real estate investor interested in the city's rental market?
Your next step is to talk to a property management company about your investment property goals. A property manager will be happy to discuss strategies to improve the visibility and profitability of your portfolio through targeted property marketing campaigns.
The team at Holtzman Real Estate Services is experienced in all aspects of property management, including accounting, property taxes, and compliance. Our team has the education and licensing to manage your real estate assets effectively.
Contact us today to discuss your goals for Hinesville property investing.
