Landlord Tip: How to Get Your Property Summer Renter Ready

The months of summer see one of the most active periods for the rental market. Families seek new homes when children are on summer break, graduates of college move for work, and generally, the demand for rental homes increases. And that makes it the ideal time for landlords to ready their properties to secure high-quality tenants.

As a private lender, mortgage broker, or referral partner, knowing that your landlords and property investment clients are fully prepared for this busy rental period can be what makes all the difference in their success. Maintained properties fit for summer are more attractive to tenants, therefore increasing occupancy, and eventually, more returns on their investment.

If you deal with landlords or property investors who are dependent on rental returns, counseling them on how to optimize the curb appeal, efficiency, and marketability of their property will enable them to find tenants sooner. And that translates to more business for you in the long term.

Let's see how landlords can get their rental properties ready for the summer boom and how you, as a broker or lender, can be a go-to resource in the process.

The Power of First Impressions in the Rental Market

First impressions count in any real estate deal, and rentals are no different. A tenant's initial encounter with a property usually occurs online—via listing photos, virtual tours, or drive-by viewings. If the home's exterior is not inviting, many prospective renters won't even request a tour.

For brokers and wholesale lenders, this is where your guidance becomes crucial. If you’re helping landlords secure funding for their properties, advising them on simple, cost-effective improvements can increase property value, attract better tenants, and ultimately lead to better loan performance.

Make your clients consider what distinguishes their rental from others for sale. It could be a tidy lawn, a newly painted exterior, or a trendy patio area. Upgrades are the little things that count.

Outdoor Spaces: Gardens, Grass, and Gathering Areas

One of the most significant summer draws for renters—particularly families—is outdoor space. A lot of renters seek an inviting, comfortable place to hang out, entertain, or simply play with the kids.

Landlords should consider enhancing their property’s exterior by:

• Creating a functional outdoor living space – A small patio, deck, or fire pit can transform an empty backyard into a sought-after feature.
• Low-maintenance landscaping – Adding manageable plants and decorative garden areas can boost curb appeal without creating a high-maintenance headache for tenants.
• Improving the lawn – Overgrown or patchy grass can make a property look neglected. A fresh layer of mulch, trimmed bushes, and a well-maintained lawn can go a long way.

Minor Upgrades That Make a Major Impact

Brokers and lenders can incentivize their customers to make tactical, high-return upgrades to appeal to quality renters. Unlike house flippers, landlords can benefit from long-term appeal. Some easy, yet effective, exterior updates are:

• Sealing cracks in the driveway and walkways – A well-maintained entrance immediately makes a rental look more inviting.
• Updating mailboxes, house numbers, and exterior lighting – Small details create a polished look that potential tenants notice.
• Touching up paint on doors, fences, and shutters – A little effort in refreshing exterior paint can make an older property look significantly newer.

These adjustments not only serve to allow landlords to fill vacancies more quickly, they build property value, which can be significant when seeking higher loan value or refinance potential down the road.

Weatherproofing and Energy Efficiency: Selling Points for Summer Rentals

Summer heat can be a deal-breaker for tenants if the property is not comfortable. For landlords, energy-efficient upgrades are not only a way to attract more tenants but also to command higher rent rates.

Encourage your clients to consider:

• Checking the HVAC system – A well-functioning air conditioning unit is crucial in the summer. If the system is outdated, upgrading to an energy-efficient model can reduce maintenance costs and attract tenants who prioritize comfort.
• Adding ceiling fans – A simple, cost-effective upgrade that can enhance air circulation.
• Installing smart thermostats – Tech-savvy renters appreciate the convenience, and landlords benefit from reduced energy costs.

By positioning yourself as a knowledgeable broker or lender who understands the value of property improvements, you strengthen your relationship with investors and create repeat business opportunities.

Marketing a Rental for Maximum Exposure

After the property is summer-ready, landlords must make sure it's properly marketed to find tenants on time. As a broker or wholesale lender, you can assist them in financing marketing efforts so they can get the most out of their listing's exposure.

Key strategies to highlight include:

• Professional photography – High-quality images increase online engagement and show off the rental’s best features.
• Optimized listing descriptions – Encourage landlords to use descriptive, engaging language that highlights unique summer-friendly features (e.g., “Enjoy evening barbecues on the spacious backyard patio!”).
• Utilizing rental platforms and social media – Listings on sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace help reach a broader audience.

By grasping these tactics, brokers are able to provide more than merely financing options—more importantly, they can present themselves as the go-to advisers in the world of real estate investing.

Why This Matters for Brokers and Wholesale Lenders

Helping landlords prepare their properties for summer isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about long-term investment success. A well-maintained rental means:

• Faster tenant placement – Minimizing vacancy periods increases cash flow stability.
• Higher tenant satisfaction and retention – Happy tenants are more likely to renew leases, reducing turnover costs.
• Increased property value – Well-kept properties appreciate over time, improving refinancing and resale opportunities.

As a broker or wholesale lending partner, your role isn’t just about securing funding—it’s about helping investors make smart, strategic decisions that maximize their rental income.

RCN Capital: Supporting Brokers with Smart Financing Solutions

Here at RCN Capital, we understand that private lenders, referral partners, and mortgage brokers have a vital part to play in ensuring real estate investors achieve success. That is why we provide flexible and competitive financing options custom-made to meet your clients' requirements.

Partnering with RCN Capital gets you access to:

• Short-term bridge financing for property improvements.
• Long-term rental financing to help landlords scale their portfolios.
• Custom lending solutions designed with real estate investors in mind.

Are you ready to help your clients maximize their rental property potential this summer? Contact RCN Capital today to discuss how we can support your real estate lending business.