How does that old Dusty Springfield song go; “ The look of love is in your eyes, the look your heart cant disguise, the look of love is saying so much more than just words could ever say”.
That’s how I feel when I go into some of the properties that landlords put on the market to rent.
Some you can tell instantly have not only pride in their investment but importantly they present their property in a way that shows they have the best interests of the potential tenant at heart.
The place smells fresh as if actual cleaning products have been used, rather than just water and an old rag, bathroom tile grouting is mould free, windows are clean.
It never ceases to amaze me when an apartment owner, who may have spent upwards of HKD20million on purchasing their place, puts in cheap plastic furnishings, mean hard little sofas suitable for those who enjoy sitting bolt upright, cheap shiny curtains that are several inches too short. Beds frames looking decidedly unstable, the mattresses are rock hard and yes, unbelievably, I have seen it many times, stained.
Strip lights blaring their cold blue light from above, or a chandelier that would look more in place in a Versailles palace.
How on earth do they think that this is going to attract any decent tenant who will look after the place and pay rent on time?
Treat your place poorly and that’s how your tenant will treat you and your property.
We often place a white or cream coloured rug at the entrance of apartments we rent and manage; instantly shoes are off and it sets the scene for the rest of the place which will be clean and cared for.
With a modest budget and little effort, an ugly, uninviting space can be transformed. Especially now as good old IKEA offers online shopping for Macau residents, with only a 10% extra for delivery.
And folks, the case of the oven. I know most local cuisine takes place atop of a gas stove but our guests from overseas invariably want to roast a chicken, bake some cookies or make grilled cheese sandwiches and an oven is an important necessity.
Another issue, a walk-in shower. Strangely we seem to be getting this request more often these days than a few years ago when a bath was essential. If the property has 2 bathrooms, then landlords are well advised to ensure that one has a bath with shower and the other has a walk-in shower. Ticks all the boxes.
Its frustrating. We come from the land of feng shui. Surely owners understand themselves that it’s the first impressions, the ‘feel’ of a place as you walk in the front door, that will dictate whether they will successfully lease their apartment for a decent corporate rent. Let’s remember the importance of that ‘look of love’!
