One of the most important elements of successfully operating a rental property is acquiring quality renters on time. For third-party originators, wholesale lenders, and brokers, assisting clients in writing effective rental listings is an excellent means of providing value and establishing yourself as an advisor whom they respect. Clearly written property listings don't simply enable investors to fill vacancies sooner—they bring high-quality renters who are happy to pay a premium and remain for an extended period, cutting turnover and providing consistent cash flow.
If you deal with residential or commercial mortgage brokers, private lenders, or referral partners, understanding how to assist clients in maximizing their rental listings can make you stand out in the lending industry. Here's how you can assist your clients in developing effective property listings that produce results.
It's all about understanding the target tenant that you need to achieve a successful rental listing. As a broker or lending wholesale partner, you can instruct your clients about how to present their listings so as to target the correct renters.
For instance, if your investor has a rental property in a neighborhood known for families, their listing must convey proximity to highly rated schools, parks, and grocery stores. If they're marketing to young professionals, the listing must highlight proximity to public transportation, co-working facilities, and trendy restaurants. Investors do not always consider their listings in these terms, so positioning yourself as a sought-after expert can enhance your relationship with them.
An introduction and title on a property listing are the most important parts to capturing attention. Most investors just include the number of baths and bedrooms, but you can get your clients to come up with something more appealing.
A good title should be brief yet mention what the selling points are. Rather than having "2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent," you can recommend something like, "Spacious 2-Bedroom Apartment with Modern Amenities in Downtown [City].”
The introduction should then take the same approach, presenting a glimpse of the most appealing aspects of the property concisely and interestingly. A good introduction could be as follows:
"This stylishly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in downtown [City]” features sleek finishes, washer/dryer in unit, and close proximity to public transportation—ideal for working professionals or small families seeking convenience and comfort."
By assisting your clients in enhancing this part of their listing, you make them more likely to find tenants promptly—more likely to come back to you for financing down the road.
After the listing gets a potential tenant's attention, the next step is to give information that keeps them interested. Investors often forget how valuable it is to include thorough property descriptions, so this is another area where you can advise them.
A well-written property description should include:
Remind your clients that concise, accurate descriptions avoid unnecessary calls and make the listing more desirable. An educated tenant will be more inclined to go through with a showing, conserving time for both the investor and the tenant.
What makes this rental stand out from the rest? Wholesale lenders and brokers can tell their clients to emphasize the most attractive features of the property. Is it a freshly renovated kitchen, pet policies, or panoramic city views? These must be showcased prominently in the listing.
Encourage property owners to highlight:
When these features are presented effectively, they help justify a higher rental price and attract renters willing to pay for quality living spaces.
In the digital age, it's all about strong visuals. Research indicates that listings with great photos get as much as 118% more views than listings with poor-quality or no photos. That's a statistic worth sharing with your clients, since many may not know how big a difference professional photos can make.
Encourage your clients to:
A well-photographed property increases engagement and leads to faster lease signings, benefiting both the investor and their financing partner—you.
Tenants aren’t just renting a property; they’re buying into a lifestyle. Listings that provide information about the surrounding neighborhood often perform better than those that only focus on the property itself.
Brokers and lenders can advise investors to highlight:
A property’s location can be its biggest selling point, and ensuring this information is included in the listing can help maximize interest.
You may ask yourself—why should you, as a broker or wholesale lender, care what your clients are doing with their rental listings? The reason is straightforward: Better listings equal quicker lease signings, which equates to your clients continuing to provide cash flow and return to you for their next transaction.
When investors struggle with long vacancy periods, they may blame market conditions, pricing, or even their financing terms. By proactively guiding how to optimize their listings, you’re positioning yourself as more than just a lender—you’re becoming a valuable business partner.
At RCN Capital, we specialize in helping brokers and wholesale lending partners grow their business by offering flexible, competitive financing options tailored to rental property investors. Partnering with RCN Capital gets you access to:
Are you a mortgage broker, private lender, or referral partner looking to expand your business? Contact RCN Capital today to learn more about our wholesale lending programs and how we can help you provide leading solutions to your clients.