Investing in real estate has several advantages. This is a relatively safe placement, the value of which increases continuously and which generates attractive income. Better still, these income is regular, which limits the risks linked to investment, but it is still necessary to be able to keep its tenants …
Indeed, at the Bélanger real estate company, we know that one of the keys to profitability (and peace of mind!) Is to attract good tenants. To achieve this, there are several simple strategies to set up that will help you become a better owner of rental buildings.
- Renovate
Maintaining your building is essential. However, some renovations have much more impact on the satisfaction of its tenants. For example, improving insulation makes it possible to reduce both the energy bill and the carbon footprint, an argument that particularly seduces tenants sensitive to the environment.
“Sunorization and insulation are aspects that concern tenants. The decarbonation of our real estate stock is one of our priorities. It is true that we also do a lot of work that we notice less, such as changing windows or a heating system, but which are always very appreciated. Take the time to inform your tenants about these improvements and answer their questions. They like to know what is happening and will be grateful, ”explains François Bélanger, president of the real estate company Bélanger.
- Offer several inclusions
Increasingly, a tenant will seek to obtain small additional advantages. With this booming trend, you may think for example of including certain appliances, the Internet or a TV service in the cost of rent.
“More and more, we install wall heat pumps in our apartments. First, it is more effective from an energetic point of view than an electric plinth, but it also makes it possible to air conditioning during the summer. The tenant therefore no longer has to buy window air conditioners. And the electricity bill will decrease, sometimes significantly! This is the kind of inclusion that people are looking for, ”continues François Bélanger.
- Improve the experience
In the same vein, provide small extras improves the daily life of tenants. On the security aspect, among others, installing surveillance cameras, an access control system with smart card, or other technologies, will reassure your residents.
“When space allows, we like to create different common areas. Roof terrace, swimming pool, outdoor space to relax, etc. We particularly prioritize gym; It is a beautiful service offered to our tenants, and a way of showing them that their health is important to us, ”notes François Bélanger.
- Offer a personalized service
The tenant is your customer. Listening to your needs and responding quickly to your requests is essential to maintain a good relationship. If he has a plumbing break for example, he wants to be able to contact you and get an answer quickly.
“With us, we have teams dedicated to maintenance and service with tenants. We can reach us at any time, by phone – and it’s a person who answers! – or by email. People do not only want a beautiful rent, they want to be able to count on an owner or a building manager who is in his business, ”explains the president of the real estate company Bélanger.
In addition, a younger clientele often prefers to avoid the phone and manage everything online. Offering a chatter option or an online lease renewal process are great ways to simplify their lives.
“You have to know how to adapt our services and our means of communication to our different clienteles,” adds François Bélanger.
- Diversify your offer
In real estate, needs are quickly evolving. The real estate company Bélanger has chosen to bet on a very varied real estate stock. Whether in the choice of locations, types of buildings or the size of the apartments, we make sure to join a large clientele.
“Diversification provides us with more regular income, and our investments are safer, since they are not linked to a single sector or sole type of tenant. I am convinced that if we offer beautiful accommodation, well maintained, well directed with a team attentive to tenants, there will always be people who will choose us to find accommodation, “he concludes.