advice needed

Hi all, just wondered about genaral advice on renting out a 2 bed appartment out we have just purchased in Hasienda Riqulme polaris world spain, we are new to this but we would like to rent it out to cover costs at least, we are going to aim at the golf player market mostly but we will need to cover costs so maybe that market is to small? any advice would be much appreciated, ie the best and most cost affective ways to get the max out of the appartment.

                                                                 thanks and kind regards in advance John 

Hi Weaver01

First of all if you are only going to target golfers as renters then you need to have a look at your bed configuration. If you have a double bed then you need to think about repalcing it with two single beds. It is easier to push two singles together to make a double than it is to get two guys to share a double bed.

Advertise on the right websites, including golf related sites. Make up a postcard size advert and see if you can put it up in golf clubhouses in the UK or even on cars in golf course carparks.

Thanks neil, we have not got antthing in the appartment yet we where going to target golfers mainly but we just need at least to cover costs ie morgage etc.

                                                       regards John

Hi John - you would be incredibly lucky to cover your expenses through rentals at the moment.  It does of course depend on the level of your mortgage, but there are so many properties available for rent that you will have to keep your rates low to get any tenants, and you will need to market your property really well to find clients.  It should build over time, as hopefully people who come to your property will recommend you and you can offer them incentives if they do.

It can also be very hard to find an honest company if you want someone to manage the property for you.  It helps if you have a neighbour who will tell you when you have guests staying, just in case the rental company decide not to let you in on the secret and pocket all the money.  This has happened several times on my urb!  You can use a neighbour to do your meet & greet and cleaning but they will probably not be insured or legal, so this has to be borne in mind. 

I recommend to people to do their own advertising - here on EOS, of course, and on one or more of the big rental sites.  To find the best one, just google as if you were looking for your own apartment to rent, and see who comes on top.  Then good pictures and lots of description are key, as well as distance to airports, local attractions and info about the golf facilities. 

The apartment needs to be simply furnished but well equipped and cared for.  Don't skimp on linen!  I think the advice about single beds is excellent, if you are aiming at golfers.

oh - and the best advice I can give is talk to everyone you meet about your fabulous apartment in the sun - and always have those advertising postcards on you, just in case.  Vista Print are very fast and cheap.

Good luck!

Thanks Clare  for being honest.

                                      regards John