Attention spans are short these days, and the tenants who are online looking for a new place to live aren’t going to stop and spend time on your listing unless you give them a very good reason to.
All listings can begin to look the same after a while.
You want to set yourself and your property apart from the dozens of other San Diego rental homes that tenants are scrolling through.
Let’s craft a perfect listing. We know how to do it, as your local San Diego property management resource.
Here’s how to attract the best tenants to your rental property, reducing vacancy and increasing earnings.
Write a Headline That Grabs Attention
Before you even think about putting together a listing, you need to decide how you’re going to introduce your rental property.
The headline is the introduction.
Make a good first impression. Provide a reason for the scrolling tenant to stop and spend some time looking at your photos and reading your description.
The headline of your rental listing is the first thing potential tenants will see—and it sets the tone for everything else. A strong headline should be concise, engaging, and packed with relevant details. Think beyond generic phrases like “2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent” and highlight what makes your property unique.
Here are some recent headline examples that we have found to be effective and engaging:
- “Coastal 2-Bedroom Apartment with Stunning Ocean Views – $3,200/Month”
- “Modern Downtown Loft with Parking and Pet-Friendly Amenities”
- “Bright Family Home in La Jolla, Just Steps to the Beach”
The goal is to pique curiosity and encourage prospective tenants to click through for more information. If you’re offering the same headline as 20 other properties, there’s not a lot of magic happening, and what we need in a listing is magic.
Focus on Photos and Videos to Tell a Story
Today’s potential tenants are very visual people. While the point of looking through rental listings is to find a new home, there’s also a wish to be entertained. Amused. Drawn in. Good images will help you make that emotional connection with a prospective tenant.
You’ve heard the over-used idiom a picture is worth a thousand words, and here we are using it again. That’s because in the rental market, the quality of your visuals can make or break your listing.
Prospective tenants want to visualize themselves living in your property—and clear, professional-grade photos and videos can help them do just that. Ideally, you’ll hire a professional photographer to take stunning photos of the inside and outside of your property. If hiring outside talent isn’t something you’re willing to do, then make sure the person taking your photos is skilled with their camera phone. And, follow these photo and video tips:
- Use natural lighting whenever possible to showcase the space in its best light.
- Highlight key features like ample closet space, upgraded kitchens, or scenic views.
- Stage the property carefully, ensuring a clean and clutter-free space.
- Create a brief walkthrough video that guides viewers through each room.
- Showcase the layout and flow of the property to give prospective tenants a sense of the space and functionality.
- Add captions or a short voiceover to highlight key amenities and features.
With high-quality visuals, your listing will feel more personal and memorable—helping it stand out from the competition. Tenants will schedule a showing already having a clear idea of what to expect, and that means they’re more than interested; they’re practically ready to rent.
Keep Descriptions Concise but Informative
Nobody likes reading a wall of text. In fact, they won’t read that wall of text.
You want to tell a story, but this is not the time to leave a 2,000-word personal essay about the property and its importance to you. Be concise. Be brief. It shows that you’re confident your photos and listing are doing the work you expect them to do.
It also shows that you understand your audience. Your property description should be detailed yet digestible, providing tenants with the key information they need to make a decision. Break the description down into easy-to-read sections using bullet points for clarity.
This does not mean that you should edit so hard you leave out the pertinent information. You still need to include the essential details, such as:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Square footage
- Key amenities (washer/dryer, parking, A/C, etc.)
- Nearby attractions or workplaces (e.g., “10-minute drive to UC San Diego”, “Walking distance to Mission Beach”)
- Lease terms (rent amount, pet policy, security deposit, etc.)
Give tenants the facts they care about most while leaving some room for your property to truly shine. When you provide the necessary information and cut out the unnecessary verbiage, you’ll find that tenants are less likely to bother you with questions that can already be answered in the listing. When they call or message, they’re likely ready to schedule a showing.
Know Where to Post and Share Your San Diego Rental Listing
Feeling pretty confident that you’ve created something special with your listing? Once your photos are on point and you’ve written a clear and compelling description that doesn’t bore anyone to tears, you’re ready to get that listing in front of your next tenants.
As soon as it’s ready, launch it into the world. As any San Diego property management professional will tell you, knowing where to post it is critical. Posting on the right platforms ensures your property reaches the right audience and receives the visibility it deserves. Your goal is to attract highly qualified residents for your property. So, get an understanding of where those highly qualified tenants are looking for their next home. Here are some of the spots we like to share our listings:
- Local Rental Platforms: Websites like Zillow, HotPads, and Apartments.com dominate the rental market and attract tenants actively searching in San Diego. These are good places to post any available rental property you have, but remember that they’re also crowded. You don’t want to throw a listing on there and then forget about it. Follow the performance and don’t let your ad get stale or lost in the pile.
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace are a great way to get your listing in front of renters. Don’t forget to share within local San Diego groups for extra traction. We like the idea of engaging on social media because it gives you the opportunity to talk directly with tenants who are interested in your property. Watch the comments and respond to direct messes. Invite people to like and share, especially if they’re in your local network.
- Real Estate Forums: Engage with communities of renters and landlords on platforms like Rent.com and rental subreddits specific to San Diego.
For properties in competitive areas like San Diego, local exposure is key. Be strategic in your marketing efforts to ensure your listing garners views and inquiries.
Create a Strong Online Presence
Your listing’s success isn’t solely determined by the content of the ad—it’s also about how easily renters can find and trust your property. Creating a strong online presence gives your listing credibility and increases your chances of connecting with the perfect tenant. This is another excellent reason to engage with social media platforms when you’re renting out a property.
Working with a San Diego property management company can help, especially if it’s a company like ours that already has a solid local reputation. We’re online in all the right places, and people know how to find us. We have our own website that includes listings, and when you work with us, your home for rent will be featured on that page.
Need to bump up your own online credibility in order to rent out a home? Here are some of our best suggestions:
- Gather Positive Reviews. Ask previous tenants to leave reviews about their rental experience with you. This adds social proof and builds trust among prospective renters.
- Invest in Professional Branding. If you own multiple rental properties, consider creating a dedicated website or profile showcasing your portfolio.
- Responsive Communication. Once your listing is live, respond to inquiries promptly. Engaging with potential tenants professionally and courteously ensures they feel valued and respected. It’s always a surprise to us when we hear about tenants sending messages or leaving voicemails with landlords and then never hearing back. Follow-up is critical.
By showcasing a strong online presence, you’ll not only attract renters but also create a lasting impression that encourages tenant retention.
Crafting the perfect listing takes time, but it should not stress you out. With attention-grabbing headlines, stunning visuals, clear descriptions, strategic posting, and a strong online presence, your property can gain the attention it deserves in San Diego’s competitive rental market.
An expert touch is always a good investment, whether we’re talking about photos or social media. This is why you might want to work with us. Our team specializes in helping landlords and real estate investors market their properties with maximum impact. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you secure the tenants you’ve been looking for. Contact our team at Chase Pacific Property Management & Real Estate Services.
