Your Guide to Attracting the Best Tenants by Preparing your Property for Rent… the right way

If you are renting out a property for the first time or you are looking for guidelines on how to prepare your home for rent, you are in the right place. One of the most important aims of a property investor is to attract high quality tenants.  You have more chance of doing this by preparing and presenting your home for rent in the best possible way. 

Cairns Rentals property managers are experienced and specialise in helping property owners prepare their homes for rent.

What Is a Rental Appraisal and why do I need one?

When I make an appointment to carry out a Rental Appraisal, a lot of my customers ask me the same question. What is a rental appraisal, how long does it take and what is involved. Also, known as rental valuation.

So, what exactly is a rental appraisal. It is the first and most important step to renting out your property. It will provide you will valuable information such as; condition report on your property, the current rent you can expect to receive, comparison to similar properties in your area and market conditions and current trends.

 Many of my customers are renting their properties out for the first time. It is important to understand what a rental appraisal is all about. Today I have taken time out go to write this article, to explain what it’s all about and what is involved in more detail.

Why do I need a rental appraisal?

If you have a property that you are planning to rent out as an investment, it is important to know as much information about the rental market as possible. You will gain an understanding on how your property is valued, the current market trends, occupancy levels and the cost involved.

This a free service which is worth your while taking advantage of.

The key benefits:

• It’s a free service
• It’s risk free and you can only benefit
• An experienced property manager will have a lot of valuable knowledge to share
• You will get to understand the current market trend and what’s happening in your area.
• All your questions regarding preparing your property for the rental market will be answered

What you will learn

• You will learn the rental value of your home
• Current market trends and conditions
• What similar properties are being rented for
• How quickly can we rent your property
• What are the current vacancy rates

You will gain a better understanding of the process a property manager goes through to prepare, market and rent out your home

• Information about our property management services
• Fees and charges for service
• How we communicate
• How we prepare and market your property for rental
• How we select tenants and handle any dispute in unpaid rent
• How we handle repairs and maintenance
• How you receive your rent and reports

How we calculate how much rent can you expect to get from your investment property.

The four main factors that are taken in consideration when evaluating the rental value of your property

1. The Location / Suburb
2. The property value
3. Repairs and Condition of property
4. The Current Market and local comparisons

The other factors that also play a part in determining rental valuation are:

• Number of bedrooms / bathrooms / car parks / garage
• Age of property
• Street appeal
• Outdoor entertainment
• Garden
• Pet friendly
• Quality of the fitting
• Security
• Storage / wardrobes
• Low maintenance

It is really a no brainer, if you are considering renting out your home this is a free no obligation service for you to get the an instant rental value of your property and a complete understanding of what is involved.

Whether this is your first time in the rental market or you are looking for some new and fresh information, I am Paulina the owner of Cairns Rentals and ready to give you my personal service.

Why Trinity Beach Real Estate is considered a Top Investment….

When you are looking to relocate, invest, live or rent, getting as much information as possible about the area is critical to making a happy and profitable decision.

We have put together interesting facts and valuable information that could just get you excited about living, investing or renting in Trinity Beach Real Estate.

As stated by the Australian Bureau of Statistic, between 2016 – 2017 real estate in Trinity Beach together with Smithfield had the biggest growth in Cairns. This makes Trinity Beach one the most popular suburbs to live.

Real Estate in Trinity Beach

The median sales price for house in Trinity beach in last year was $495,000 based on 129 home sales. Compared to the same period 5 years ago increased 30.6%

Houses in Trinity Beach are great investments not only for adding value to an existing or new portfolio. Properties near the ocean are different to a standard investment can be rented as a holiday house for certain parts of the year, investing in a seaside property has many benefits, can be rented permanently or for holiday rental.

Interesting Facts about Trinity Beach

• Trinity Beach as at 2017 has an estimated population of 5,5897
• It’s biggest growth came in 1980’s with a population increase taking it to 4,000
• Trinity Beach got its name after the nearby Trinity Bay was named by Captain Cook in 1770 on Trinity Sunday
• Trinity Beach esplanade – Vasey Parade was named after Major General George Vasey, a New Guinea Campaign hero was killed when his plane crashed in 1948 in the waters of Trinity Beach
• In 2003-2004
• Trinity Beach State School open 30 January 1979
• Trinity Beach is ranked as one of the most beautiful Beaches in Australia

What the locals say – Living at Trinity Beach is like Heaven on Earth

The locals who live at Trinity Beach believe they live in Heaven on Earth. That’s what they say. It’s a combination of the beautiful beach, the atmosphere, the friendless, the locals themselves, location and the amenities. It all adds up to the perfect relaxed lifestyle

The Locals who live at Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is a village lifestyle, where the residents are friendly and interact with each other. Trinity Beach attracts families, young couples, retires and tourists, with a wide age group ranging from babies to retired pensioners. People who choose to live here are looking for that laid back relaxed lifestyle that includes BBQ’s and walks on the beach. Meeting family, friends in the local café and bars

Trinity Beach Location

When investing, renting and living, it is important to consider how popular the location of the suburb is. This will ensure you have a high demand for people who want to rent from you and a valuable investment.

Trinity Beach ticks that box. It is a desirable and popular location and   living in a beach suburb, surrounded by wonderful green parkland will add value to your investment.

With only 20 mins drive north of Cairns, 17 mins from the airport, 10 minutes to Palm Cove and 45 minutes to Port Douglas, Trinity Beach finds itself in the perfect location.

Trinity Beach Public Amenities

Trinity Beach provides its residents with an array of great amenities. These consist of the beautiful Vasey Esplanade, stunning sandy beach, turquoises water, walking tracks, parkland with exercise machines, BBQ and picnic areas, cafes, restaurants, sporting club, local shops including newsagent, pharmacy, bakery, butcher, post office

Trinity Beach is Walkable

 If you like the idea of leaving your car at home and walking to the local amenities, then Trinity Beach has this covered. The ability is walk or bike ride to your local café, restaurant, gym or shops is very appealing and you can do exactly that when living at Trinity Beach.

Schools & Education

For families one of the key factors about buying and renting is the location of schools and universities.

Trinity beach has the following schools:

Trinity Beach State School

Address:  Wewak Street, Trinity Beach QLD 4879.

Website: www.trinitybeachss.eq.edu.au

Email: admin@trinitybeachss.eq.edu.au

Phone: 07 4057 1400

Trinity Beach State School Facts:

• Opened on 30 January 1979
• Primary school for Boys and Girls P – 6
• 950 students
• 60 teaching staff
• Award-winning road safety ‘Bike Bus’
• Instrumental music program with a school band and strings orchestra
• Performing arts program
• Includes piano lessons, tennis, and cheerleading
• Clubs that include Lego, running, chess, and gardening
• After school and a holiday program
• Leadership skills for children

School mission is to “Engage young minds to meet the challenges of the future by offering unique world-class education programs form the early years to university and beyond”.

Safe and Friendly

Trinity Beach residents are part of a police neighbourhood watch program, working together with the police to keep their suburb safe

Trinity beach things to do

Enjoy the beautiful beach – Far North Queensland to home to some of the most stunning beaches in Australia and Trinity beach is a prime example.

Water sports – https://www.trinitybeachwatersports.com.au/

Trinity Beach Water Sports is a great day out down the beach for all family and friends. You can hire a great range water sports from:

• Paddle Boards
• Kayaks
• Hobie Mirage Trimaran

Every weekend and school holidays you find families having fun on the beach with Trinity Beach water sport inflatable play equipment

Earl Hill Walking Track

If you are up for a challenge, and you want to experience some of the most stunning views of Trinity Beach then

This 300ft climb is worth the effort. It is known to the locals as the Red Arrow of northern Beaches. It’s great exercise and a favourite walk for families. It is only 1km to the top but its steeps and feels a lot further.

You will find the entrance in Trinity Park in Bluewater Estate off Roberts Road

Fitness and Sport

Trinity Beach has a range of sport and fitness facilities to meet everyone’s needs.

Coast Fitness at Trinity – 17 Cayley St Trinity Beach

Website: www.coastfitness.com.au    Email:getfit@coastfitness.com.au

They boast 30 years’ experience and offer 7 days free membership, so you can decide yourself if this is the gym for you

Pilates

Sarah Jane Pilate Studio – 4/22-24 Trinity Beach Road

Website: http://www.sarahjanepilates.com.au/

Email: info@sarahjanepilates.com.au

Trinity Beach is home to one of the best Pilate Studios in Cairns. Run and owned by Sarah Jane.

Yoga

Dagmar3Yoga & Ayurveda – 22 Bluewater Lane, Bluewater Trinity Beach

Website: www.3yoga.info

Email: hello@3yoga.info

Take your energy to positive and calm place with Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda Medicine

Trinity Beach Real Estate

There is no doubt that Trinity Beach Real Estate is at this time not only a great investment but the lifestyle that Trinity Beach offers its residents is truly magic

The need for Pet Friendly rentals in Cairns….

The need for Pet Friendly rentals in Cairns and across Australia is in high demand. If you haven’t considered renting your home out to a pet loving family, consider thinking again.

Why Landlords should consider Pet Friendly Rental

If you own an investment property and you have been hesitant about turning your rental home pet friendly then maybe it’s time to consider it as a possible option.

The Facts

• 5 million Australian families own pets – approx 33 million pets in Australia
• One third of Australia families rent
• There are just not enough pet friendly rentals to meet the demand
• 60% of tenants are looking for a rental property that allows pets.
• Only 10% of rental homes in Queensland allow for pets

It’s true – Why Pets Owners make great tenants

• Rental Properties that are pet friendly are in huge demand and rent much faster
• Pet owners looking to rent are often willing to pay more rent
• Pet owner prefer longer rental lease, reducing tenant turnover and advertisement fees
• Pet owners tend to take the house rules seriously and cause less problems
• Pet owners can be more considerate of the neighbours

Tips to make certain your rental investment is protected and Pet Friendly

If you are considering allowing tenants with pets, there a few things you can do to ensure your home is protected and pet friendly.

First, do the research… Have a think about what type of pet you will allow.

For example:

• Small dogs or cats that are under a certain weight.
• The number of pets allowed
• A certain breed that doesn’t shed hair

The most popular animals Australian love as pets are:

1. Cats
2. Dogs – small
3. Dogs – medium to large
4. Birds, fish and guinea pigs

What guidelines and instructions would you put in place?

Here are a few examples

Pets to be kept inside or outside

Depending on your property, the pet, the size, breed etc.. You may want to include this rule in your pet clause.

Ask the tenant for a pet resume.

This is an instant way have a clear picture of your tenant’s pet. This could include details like:

• Breed
• Age
• Vaccination
• Flea and worming
• Nature / temperament
• Training

 Screening tenants with pets

Screening tenants with pets is a little different to a normal screening and must be lot more thorough. One of the most important points is to obtain references from the tenant’s previous landlord regarding their pet.

Dogs must be house trained and have attended obedience lessons

This is a good rule to enforce. It shows that the pet owner has really gone all out to ensure their pet is toilet trained and disciplined.

Pet Hygiene

Ask tenant for proof of the last Flea-tick check-up report. Does their animal have a weekly pet bath? Add this into your clause and ask for proof. When the tenancy expires, the tenant should organise to have the property fumigated as well as all carpets cleaned.

Pet Bond

There is no pet bond to cover damages. But a pet agreement can be added to the lease stating that tenants are completely responsible for all damage caused by pets.

Pet Damage

There is currently just one Landlord insurance company we know off that offers pet damage cover up to $500 and that’s Terri Scheer. So, make sure you include a pet agreement in your lease

Higher Rental Fee

Pet owners looking for a rental property expect to pay a higher rental fee

Increase in the Number of Property Inspections

Include a clause that your property manager increases the number of inspections to the property to ensure the tenant is looking after the house and abiding by the pet rules.

When making the decision to allow your property to be pet-friendly it is important to consider all the pros and cons.

Tenants Guide to Pet Friendly Rental

There will be pet friendly landlords in Cairns but be patient as it may take a bit of time for your property manager to find them. This your opportunity to be persistent and resourceful meaning you need to plan ahead.

 Understand how a landlord feels especially if they have had a bad experience in the past with renting to tenants with pets. A solution orientated attitude could make all the difference.

 The one of most important things you can do is to present an eye-catching Pet Resume

 What is a Pet Resume?

A pet resume is one of the most powerful tools you can use to impress a property manager, who then will pass it onto the property owner. It portrays you as a responsible pet owner in every way possible. The more information you can provide about yourself and your pet, the higher your chances are of winning over the property owner and securing your rental.

What to put in your Pet Resume

With a detailed and well-presented pet resume you can showcase future landlords and property managers with an accurate description of your pet’s finest qualities.

Apart from including the name, breed, age, sex etc.. you must include a description of your pet’s nature and temperament, training and obedience certificate, noise control, pet hygiene and pet odour control.

Don’t forget to add the medical history, vaccinations, flea control and treatment. Include a great photo and even better one with you and your pet.

Include details of microchip

Make sure you add details of your pet’s registration and microchip. Cairns Dog and Cat registration form

More information on tagging and registering your dog

Example of Pet Resume

How to Impress the landlord

Everything that you can think of that could be a negative experience to a property owner who is consisting renting to a pet owner, make sure you have a solution.

 List Everything you are Prepared to do When you Vacate the Property.  

• Remove all signs, traces or sours of your pet
• Flea treatment, deodorising, carpet and floor steaming
• Repair any damage, scratches, holes from digging etc..

 A check list of what else you can do to impress the property owner

• Offer to sign along-term lease
• Offer to Pay your rent in advance
• Your willingness to follow strict pet guidelines set out by the landlord
• More regular property inspections
• show case yourself as a responsible pet owner and tenant
• Positive reference from your previous landlord, vet, friends and neighbours
• For first time renters get personal and professional references for your doctor, teacher, dentist. Anyone who knows you well.
• Certificates of training
• Letter from dog groomer and trainer
• Consider pet insurance to show the landlord you are a responsible pet owner
• Try to arrange a time for the property owner to meet your pet.
• Help the property owner – Offer to make the backyard pet friendly