How does that old, Dusty Springfield song go? “The look of love is in your eyes, the look your heart can’t 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, not only have pride in their investment, but importantly want to 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, and the windows are clean.
It never ceases to amaze me when an apartment owner, who may have spent upwards of HK$20 million on purchasing their place, puts in cheap plastic furnishings, mean hard little sofas only suitable for those who enjoy sitting bolt upright, and cheap shiny curtains that are several inches too short.
Strip lights blaring their cold blue light from above, or a chandelier that would look more at home in a Versailles palace, bed frames that look decidedly unstable, mattresses that are rock hard and yes, unbelievably, even stained – I have seen it all many times.
How on earth do owners think that this is going to attract any decent tenant who will look after the place and pay the rent on time?
Treat your place poorly and that’s how your tenant will treat you and your property.
With a modest budget and little effort, an unattractive, uninviting space can be transformed. Especially now as good ol’ IKEA offers online shopping for Macau residents, with only 10 percent extra for delivery.
Two other features that are also highly requested these days in rental apartments are ovens and walk-in showers. While most local cuisine takes place atop of a gas stove, visitors from overseas invariably want to roast and bake. And if the property has two 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.
Living in the land of feng shui it is frustrating that more owners don’t seem to understand 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’!
