Helpful hints when preparing your property for rental . .

When preparing your property for rental it can be difficult to know where to start. We are dedicated to helping you get the most from your investment.

Here are some steps that you may find useful before flying back to the UK and leaving your property in our safe hands.

*  Remember to keep decor neutral. You may like bright colours but your tenants or guests may not! Avoid hanging garish drapes, using bold bedspreads and hanging large colourful artworks on the walls.

*  Let there be light. Ensure all bulbs are working as a prospective tenant wants to be able to see your property in all its glory. Make sure there are no loose handles, switches and light fittings as this can give the impression that the developer was shoddy and does not give a good overall impression.

*  Dress your property for photos and viewings. If you have patio furniture why not display a few nice glasses on the table or a vase of flowers. This will make the place look homely and help someone to picture themselves living there. Or the interior why not invest in some neutral cushions, throws and a couple of nice rugs. This all helps to create that homely feel.

*  Focus on key rooms. Is the heart of your home the kitchen? If so make a feature of this room. Make sure there are no dishes waiting to be washed and dress the room accordingly. How about the bedroom? Why not invest in a quality plug in air freshener, use a neutral bedspread of a nice quality and perhaps place a nice rug on the floor tiles.

*  A place for everything. Put all everyday items away. You do not want the place to look cluttered and your prospective tenants don't either! Place all shampoos and bathroom bits and bobs in the cupboards. Also the ironing board and the vacuum are an eyesore! Hide them somewhere!

*  Fixtures and fittings. Do you have ceiling fans, AC units etc. If your ceiling fans are looking tired or rusty, it is well worth investing in some new ones. It makes all the difference. The same applies to lamp shades, chandeliers and ac units. Try to make everything match and flow. Nobody wants to pay to live in or have a holiday in something that looks like it has been thrown together or that has lacked effort. It will all reflect on you as a landlord/owner.

These are just some guidelines and of course it is up to you how you furnish or decorate your property.

However we as experts recommend that if you have purchased your property purely as a rental investment it is important to bear your target market in mind when furnishing and decorating your property.

Remember that if your property is finished nicely and effort has been taken then tenants or holiday guests are more likely to respect and look after your property and treat it as home.

Remember first impressions make all the difference so it is important that it is a good one! We as the long term rental agents can only show the tenants the property and point out the advantages however ultimately the decision is based on their impressions of the place so it is paramount that the property is spick and span! As for holiday rentals the pictures can't lie. Get your property ready for those all important eye catching and appealing website pictures that will invite people to book for their holidays.