Accidental Landlords Are Reshaping the Housing Market
Marketing Matters
In today’s rental market, speed matters more than ever. The Q2 2025 RentEngine Leasing Report reveals that leasing activity is down compared to last year, with two-thirds of property managers reporting slower movement. For rental property owners, this means one thing: every day your property sits vacant is money lost.
At On Q Property Management, we combine advanced technology, proven marketing strategies, and hard data to rent your property faster while still finding the right residents. Here’s how we turn insights from the latest industry report into real-world results for our clients.
1. Get the Price Right, Right Away
Pricing is the single most important factor in leasing speed. The data shows that overpriced rentals, often starting just 5% above market rate, typically need almost two price reductions before they rent. That delay costs owners 10+ extra days of vacancy and $650–$660 in lost income for the average property.
Our approach: Before a property is ever listed, we conduct a deep rental market analysis using real-time comparables, local demand trends, and seasonal data. This ensures your listing hits the market at the right price point immediately, avoiding costly delays and unnecessary price drops.
2. Minimize Friction in the Application Process
Residents expect a smooth, simple application process. The easier the process, the more applicants a rental property gets.
Our approach: We streamline the application process with simple, transparent steps and reasonable fees, ensuring qualified applicants don’t get stuck, or give up, halfway through.
3. Maximize Listing Appeal
Your listing’s presentation is your first impression, and in leasing, first impressions decide how quickly your property rents. The report found:
- Short, engaging descriptions get more leads than long, detailed write-ups.
- 18–20 professional photos is the “sweet spot” for maximum interest; more than 20 offers no additional benefit.
- Listings must appear across multiple platforms. Zillow remains the top lead source at 57%, but property manager websites have grown to 18% of applications, a huge jump from earlier this year.
Our approach: We create visually compelling listings with professional photography, concise descriptions, and syndication to every major rental platform, plus our own high-traffic On Q website. We also cross-match interested leads from other available properties in our portfolio, further increasing your property’s exposure.
4. Respond Immediately to Leads
Speed is the key to turning interest into action. The best-performing property managers convert 50%+ of leads into scheduled showings by responding quickly and making scheduling easy. Delays, sometimes even just a few hours, can cause a prospect to move on to another property.
Our approach: We leverage smart scheduling technology to let prospects select a showing time instantly, without waiting for human confirmation. This 24/7 availability ensures no lead slips away due to slow response. We also have an in office leasing team available Monday through Saturday, so prospective residents can get a hold of someone fast.
5. Follow Up When Interest Is Highest
The report shows that successful applicants become far more engaged after a showing, sending an average of 7.7 texts post-tour compared to just 3.7 before. That’s the moment to answer questions, resolve concerns, and guide the renter toward submitting an application.
Our approach: We prioritize immediate follow-up after a showing, ensuring prospects have all the information they need to apply while excitement is fresh.
6. Embrace Self-Guided Showings
Self-guided tours have now reached 72% adoption nationwide. Renters increasingly prefer the convenience of touring on their schedule, without coordinating calendars or waiting for someone to meet them at the property.
Our approach: We make self-guided showings the default, giving prospects secure access through smart lock technology. This not only increases showing volume but also widens your potential renter pool by removing scheduling barriers.
The Bottom Line
In a slower leasing market, the fastest way to secure a great resident is a combination of perfect pricing, high-impact marketing, instant responsiveness, and convenient self-guided access. At On Q Property Management, we don’t just put a “For Rent” sign in the yard. We position your home to rent faster than the competition while still maintaining high-quality resident standards.
If you want to cut vacancy time, avoid costly price drops, and rent to qualified residents quickly, contact On Q Property Management today. We turn market data into action, and vacant homes into leased homes.
