5 Tips For Terrific Turns
When it comes to managing turns and getting a vacant unit ready for the next resident, preparation is key. Many people decide if they want to rent a unit less than a minute after they walk through the door. And most decide to renew—or not—in the first few weeks. That means successful turns come down to two key goals:
- Delivering a great first impression
- Making that impression last
Partnering with a supplier who understands your community, your residents, and their unique needs will set you up for success. Following these 5 Simple Turns Tips will help your team complete turns on time and make sure residents are ready to rent and excited to renew at the end of the lease.
1 — STOCK UP
Having commonly used Make Ready Essentials on hand will help your team stay on schedule and avoid turn delays, even on a tight timeline. Examples of common turns items include:
2 — ELEVATE
Adding a few key updates during a turn can elevate a potential resident’s perception of the unit’s value, offering a competitive advantage.
- Stainless steel kitchen appliances deliver wow factor at a range of price points
- Smart Lock for entry doors () add a modern touch and a secure feeling residents appreciate
- On trend faucets and showerheads project a sense of style many residents are looking for
- WiFi enabled transform an often-overlooked item into an eye-catching feature tech-savvy residents love
- USB charging outlets, especially in kitchens and bedrooms, offer added convenience
- Long-lasting Color-Select LED lighting sets the right mood in every room
3 — WELCOME
What we smell when we walk into a space for the first time makes a huge impact on how comfortable we feel. Making the unit smell fresh and inviting will help potential residents feel right at home.
- When painting a unit, replace the “new paint” smell with aromatic paint additives
- Change HVAC filters and rangehood filters so the air in the unit smells fresher
- Remove any lingering odors by running an machine in the unit at least 48 hours before move-in
4 — TROUBLESHOOT
We know that all mechanical things wear out and break, but when this happens to a new resident right after move-in, it leaves a lingering negative impression. Double-checking a few things during the final make ready review will catch many imminent maintenance issues before the residents do.
- Electrical: Test outlets, switches, fans, cords, and plugs
- Plumbing: Check fill lines, faucets, garbage disposals, and water heaters
- Appliances: Test all plugs, bulbs, elements, and door seals
- Hardware: Check hinges, drawers, knobs, pulls, and stops
- HVAC: replace filter, check thermostat, drain lines, overflow pan, and float switch
- Fire safety: Test smoke, carbon, and combination alarms, check extinguishers
5 — REVIEW
Take advantage of 51Âþ»app’s easy-to-follow Property Turns Checklist. This essential make ready guide walks you through each area in a unit step-by-step.
- Ensure a thorough review every time
- Practical and simple to use
- Be confident the unit is Resident Ready on move-in day.
Successful Student Turns
For tips on conquering the unique challenges of student turns, check out these important resources.
Bonus Turns Tip
Be sure to review 51Âþ»app’s monthly Supply Chain Update to get up to date information, lead times, and stock availability on key turns items such as doors, blinds, caulk, paint, and hardware.