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<p><a href="/neighborhood/ybor-city">Ybor City</a> is a vibrant, historic section of Tampa Bay. This neighborhood has long been known as a hub for nightlife. In more recent years, it has become a trendy place to live as well.</p>
<p>Ybor City has so much to offer. It is walkable, has easy access to public transportation, and is close to all of the arts, history, culture, and nightlife that a person could want. Yet it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Located in the heart of Tampa, homes in Ybor City tend to be smaller, there is limited parking, and you’ll have to deal with crowds and tourists.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we specialize in finding exactly the right homes in the right cities and neighborhoods for our clients. While city living isn’t for everyone, if you want to be close to the action, we can help you find an absolutely perfect home in Ybor City. To learn more or to talk to a <a href="/city/tampa">Tampa real estate agent</a> about your <a href="/buy/homes-for-sale">home search</a>, <a href="/contact-us">reach out</a> to a member of our team.</p>
<p class="phone-cta-button primary"><a href="tel:813-672-8022">Find The Right Neighborhood For You. Speak To A Local Tampa Realtor › 813-672-8022</a></p>
<h2>Benefits of Living in Ybor City</h2>
<p>Just one square mile in size, <a href="https://www.visittampabay.com/ybor-city/">Ybor City</a> is home to approximately 4,000 people. Its roots can be traced back to cigar manufacturing, when a Spanish cigar manufacturer moved his operations from Cuba and Key West to the northeast side of Tampa. Many workers in these operations came from Cuba, Spain, and Italy, which helped to create the rich cultural background that Ybor City is famous for today.</p>
<p>Ybor City grew and thrived until the Great Depression, as automated cigar-making replaced the art of hand-rolled cigars. The area went through a substantial decline until the 1980s, when Ybor City became known for its thriving nightlife. Over the years, Ybor City has become a hub for artists, with numerous art galleries and artist studios.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today, Ybor City remains a popular place to visit, with museums, galleries, clubs, and more. It has also become a great residential neighborhood. There are plenty of charming small homes throughout the neighborhood, plus plenty of older factories and buildings that have been converted into loft spaces and condominiums.</p>
<p>As with any neighborhood, there are pros and cons to living in Ybor City. Below, we explore some of the upsides and downsides of this fun area of Tampa so that you can make a decision for yourself about whether or not you’d like to live there.</p>
<h3>Very Walkable</h3>
<p>Ybor City has a high walkability score of 84, making it a “very walkable area.” This designation means that most errands can be done on foot. This isn’t surprising, given Ybor City’s small size of just about 1 square mile. You could traverse the entire neighborhood in under an hour!</p>
<p>Whether you want to get a quick cup of coffee, stop at the grocery store, or go out for dinner and drinks, it’s all a short walk away in Ybor City. If you work in Tampa, getting to work is also a snap. With wide sidewalks and short blocks, it’s also easy to navigate the neighborhood.</p>
<h3>Affordable Real Estate</h3>
<p>Ybor City is one of the more affordable neighborhoods to buy a home in Tampa. The median home sale price in Ybor City is right around $320,000. The market is fairly balanced, which means that neither buyers nor sellers are advantaged in the current market. This can make it easier to purchase a home in the region.</p>
<p>By comparison, the median home sale price in Tampa as a whole is $435,000. Depending on the neighborhood, this price could be significantly higher. If you want to get into the Tampa real estate market, Ybor City might be a great place to start.</p>
<h3>Convenient Public Transportation</h3>
<p>In addition to being extremely walkable, Ybor City is also a stop on the <a href="https://www.tecolinestreetcar.org">TECO streetcar</a> line. The trolley is free and makes 11 stops between Ybor City and downtown Tampa. If you don’t have a car and need to go further than you want to walk, the trolley is a great free option.</p>
<h3>Great Shopping, Nightlife, and Entertainment</h3>
<p>Ybor City is an incredibly fun place to visit and shop. The historic 7th Avenue is full of vintage jewelry shops, boutiques, and locally-owned stores. The Ybor Local Market is also a great option for fresh food and crafts.</p>
<p>There is also tons to see and do in terms of entertainment. In Ybor City, you can find live music at bars and a number of venues. You can also check out local galleries and museums or simply stroll through the neighborhood and enjoy the colorful street murals. There are also community events that happen throughout the year, such as <a href="https://gasparillapiratefest.com/">Gasparilla</a>, Tampa’s annual pirate festival.</p>
<h3>Amazing Restaurants</h3>
<p>Ybor City is well-known for its incredible restaurants. Owing in part to its history as a hub for immigrants working in cigar factories, there are many amazing cuisines to choose from when dining in Ybor City. Some favorites include Columbia Restaurant, Casa Santo Stefano, Rosenheim Restaurant, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, and La Terrazza Restaurant. Of course, you can also pick up a Cuban sandwich - a Ybor City delicacy that adds salami to the Miami-style Cubano.</p>
<h3>Rich History and Culture</h3>
<p>Ybor City is and was a true melting pot. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tampa, it was home to Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants. This is reflected in its current-day offerings, including the many amazing restaurants throughout the neighborhood.</p>
<p>The neighborhood is also known for being a sort of mecca for artists. When the neighborhood was in decline, many artists took advantage of the opportunity to purchase property to use as studios and galleries. Today, this helps to make Ybor City one of the most unique and interesting places in Tampa.</p>
<h2>Drawbacks of Living in Ybor City</h2>
<p>Of course, Ybor City is still right in Tampa, and city living isn’t for everyone. While there is a lot to love about Ybor City, its more urban setting and nightlife may not fit certain lifestyles. These downsides may not deter you if you are committed to enjoying the best that Tampa has to offer within minutes of your front door.</p>
<h3>Higher Rents</h3>
<p>While real estate is relatively affordable when it comes to buying a house in Ybor City, rents in the neighborhood tend to be higher. On average, you’ll pay $1,979 per month for a one-bedroom unit in Ybor City. This price goes up to close to $3,000 a month for a larger 3-bedroom place. These prices are 21% higher than the national average for rent.</p>
<p>Of course, this rent is in line with the average rent in Tampa, which is about $2,200 a month. There are neighborhoods in Tampa with much less expensive rent, so if you are more price-sensitive, you might want to check out other areas of the city.</p>
<h3>Smaller Homes with Limited Parking</h3>
<p>If you are looking for a large, spacious house, then Ybor City probably isn’t the place for you. Many of the available properties for sale in Ybor City are 1,500 square feet or less. If you need or want more space, then you probably will want to look outside of Ybor City.</p>
<p>Parking is also pretty limited in Ybor City. Many properties for sale do not have any off-street parking. If they do offer parking, it might only be one space. If having your car is a priority or if you have more than 1 vehicle, then you might not want to buy a house in Ybor City.</p>
<p>Of course, Ybor City is very walkable and has access to public transportation. A car isn’t necessary if you live in this neighborhood! However, if you do have a car, then you will want to make sure that your home search in Ybor City includes places with parking spaces.</p>
<h3>Noise and Crowds</h3>
<p>Ybor City can get crowded, especially during festivals and peak tourist season. The same reason that you want to live in Ybor City - the art, history, culture, nightlife, dining, and shopping - is why people want to visit the neighborhood. If you are someone who likes quiet and calm, then you might not find Ybor City to be the best choice for tranquility.</p>
<p>While Ybor City isn’t as nightlife-focused as it was in the past, it is still a popular place to go out for a drink. As a result, there is often music and noise later into the night than in many other neighborhoods. If this isn’t something that you’d enjoy, then you might be better off looking elsewhere.</p>
<h2>Want to Buy a Home in Ybor City? Give Us a Call</h2>
<p>Ybor City is an absolutely gorgeous neighborhood that is overflowing with personality, culture, and fun. Its real estate prices are very reasonable when it comes to buying a home, making it a smart choice if you want to invest in Tampa real estate. While it isn’t for everyone, it can be a great option if you like city living and want to be close to the action.</p>
<p>
Eaton Realty helps <a href="/buy">buyers</a>, <a href="/sell">sellers</a>, <a href="/rent">renters</a>, and <a href="/tampa-property-management">landlords</a> with all of their Hillsborough County real estate needs. Whether you want to buy a house right in the heart of the city or prefer a quieter suburb, we can help you make your dreams a reality. If you’d like to learn more about buying a house in Ybor City, give us a call at <a href="tel:813-672-8022">813-672-8022</a> or fill out our <a href="/contact-us">online contact form</a>.</p>
<h2>Considering Living Outside Of Tampa?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>In addition to breaking down the pros and cons of living in Ybor City, we’ve also detailed the pros and cons of living in cities outside of Tampa in Hillsborough County.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-riverview-florida">The pros and cons of Riverview</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-lithia-florida">The pros and cons of Lithia</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-plant-city-fl">The pros and cons of Plant City</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-brandon-fl">The pros and cons of Brandon</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-apollo-beach-fl">The pros and cons of Apollo Beach</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-gibsonton-fl">The pros and cons of Gibsonton</a></li>
<li><a href="/blog/buying/pros-cons-living-temple-terrace-fl">The pros and cons of Temple Terrace</a></li>
</ul>


ybor city

The Pros & Cons Of Living In Ybor City

Hillsborough County, FL Real Estate Market Update July 2025 

<p><img src="//cms.eatonrealty.com/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/07/what-to-look-for-when-touring-a-home.jpg" style="width:100%;height:auto;"></p>
<p>Buying a house is both exciting AND stressful. Most people only buy one or two houses in their lifetime, which means that you want to get it right. For most buyers, this means scheduling a tour of a house so they get to see it in person.</p>
<p>During a private tour of a house, you get a chance to go through each room of the house and see if you can picture yourself living there. It is also an opportunity to look for any potential issues, such as signs of water damage or evidence of pests. Remember: this is a major financial investment, so it makes sense to take your time and really look closely at the house beyond the cosmetic details.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we help <a href="/buy">buyers</a> throughout West Central Florida find the homes of their dreams. We want our clients to find the perfect house and get a great deal in the process. To learn more about buying a house in Hillsborough County, <a href="/contact-us">reach out</a> to talk to a member of our team.</p>
<p class="phone-cta-button primary"><a href="tel:813-672-8022">Avoid Common Home Buying Pitfalls. Speak To A Knowledgeable Tampa Realtor › 813-672-8022</a></p>
<h2>Open House Versus Private Tours</h2>
<p>It’s pretty easy to scroll through dozens or even hundreds of properties online when searching for a house. In fact, you can look at thousands of great <a href="/buy/homes-for-sale">Tampa houses for sale</a> right here on our website.</p>
<p>While online search tools are a great place to start, you shouldn’t make any decisions based on photos and videos alone. After all, camera angles, <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2025/03/05/how-ai-is-changing-the-metros-real-estate-scene.html">virtual staging</a>, and other tricks can all make a home look better, bigger, brighter, and newer than it actually is. The best way to figure out if a house is right for you is by seeing it in person.</p>
<p>There are 2 options when it comes to checking out a house for sale: open houses and private tours.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Open Houses</h3>
<p>As the name implies, an open house is when a house on the market is opened up to the public. These typically happen on weekends when more people are available to stop by the house. Open houses can be a good way to get a sense of a house. They’re also easy because you can just drop in during the open house window and take a look around. A quick stop at an open house might be enough to let you cross a property off your list - or bump it up on your list of potential properties.</p>
<p>However, open houses can often be crowded and even a bit chaotic, especially in hot property markets. It can be hard to truly get a look at the house when other people are around, especially if the only Realtor there is the seller’s agent. You might even feel a bit pressured during an open house.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Private Tours</h3>
<p>A private tour is also exactly what it sounds like: a tour of the house that is conducted privately instead of being open to the public. It is also referred to as a showing. In many cases, the <a href="/blog/buying/how-do-buyers-agents-get-paid">buyer’s agent</a> will take their clients on the tour, using a lockbox to get access to the house and letting their clients take their time to explore the house without pressure or other people there.</p>
<p>Open houses can be helpful, but they aren’t a substitute for a private tour. Quite simply, you won’t have the time to truly examine the house to the level that you should before making an offer. By taking the time to go through the house, you will get a better idea of whether it will be a good fit and if it is the right choice for you.</p>
<h2>What Should You Look For When Touring a House?</h2>
<p>You've made the decision to move, looked at homes online, and partnered with a Realtor. Next step—touring prospective homes. Buying a home is a major decision, and while your Realtor will help guide you through the process, being informed can go a long way to boosting your confidence. Read below for issues to be on the lookout for when you are touring homes, and those that you should look past.</p>
<h3>The “Bones” of the House&nbsp;</h3>
<p>From unpermitted additions to roof leaks, issues with the structure of the home make the top of our list. Unless you are planning to buy a fixer-upper, repair costs could end up being more than you bargained for. Before you tour, your Realtor should ask the listing agent if there are any major issues with the home. Knowing those issues before you go will allow you to check them out for yourself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can also take a look at the seller’s disclosure. This should list any big issues with the house, such as a prior flood. That being said, when you are walking through the house, pay special attention to the major areas of the house to check for any obvious issues (like missing shingles on the roof).</p>
<h3>The Floor Plan</h3>
<p>A home’s floor plan is critical when it comes to how you’ll live in it. If the layout doesn’t work for you, then the home might not be a good choice. For example, if you have young kids and the primary suite is on the first floor while the other bedrooms are upstairs, the floor plan simply might not work for your needs as a family.</p>
<p>As you go through the house, pay attention to how the rooms flow into each other. When doing so, think about how you live. If you want to be able to see your kids while you cook dinner, then an open floor plan might be great. If you work from home and need a quiet area, then you might look for a floor plan that isn’t as open so you will be able to set up a home office.</p>
<p>There is no one right answer when it comes to the best floor plan, as it is ultimately a personal choice. When you are touring a house, think about what you like and dislike about your current house. For example, if the entry opens right into the living room without a space for shoes and bags, you might want to look for a house with a closet or other space at the entrance. These factors are incredibly personal and are based on your preferences.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The Size of the Rooms&nbsp;</h3>
<p>When looking at stats on a real estate listing, the numbers only tell part of the story. After all, a house might have a lot of square footage, but if it isn’t used in a way that works for you, all of that space might go to waste. For example, if there is a large formal dining room but your family prefers to eat in the kitchen, that might not be a great use of space for your needs.</p>
<p>As you walk through the house, think about the size of each room and whether or not it meets your needs. Is the kitchen big enough for the type of cooking and baking you would like to do? Are the bedrooms big enough for your furniture? Remember that while you can use furniture to change up the space a bit, adding or removing walls or making other structural changes can be expensive.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Storage Space</h3>
<p>When touring a house, it’s easy to look at what you can see, like a gorgeous deck or a stunning primary suite. But in many cases, what you don’t see is the key to a house’s livability: storage space. If you’re like most people, you have a fair amount of stuff: extra sheets and towels, pots and pans, clothes, and more. If you buy this house, you will need a place to store it all.</p>
<p>As you walk through the house, make a note of the number of closets in each room and area of the house. You should also note other areas that could potentially be used for storage, like an attic or attached garage. If you have any unique storage needs, such as space for stand-up paddleboards or kayaks, then you’ll want to make sure that you will have a place to put it all.</p>
<h3>Any Signs of Damage&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Most home buyers are not licensed <a href="https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/home-inspectors/faqs/#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20requirements%20to,to%20a%20criminal%20background%20check.">home inspectors</a>. That being said, there are probably things that you can notice even with an untrained eye. Look for things like stains on ceilings or walls, which could indicate a water leak. You can also look for signs of pest infestation, like droppings or damage to the wood.</p>
<p>In Florida, you will also want to take note of anything that may indicate that a house has previously flooded due to a hurricane or tropical storm. These signs may include warped floors, peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, foundation cracks, uneven floors, or spots on the walls that look like mold.</p>
<h3>Working Appliances and Fixtures</h3>
<p>While you won’t have time to run a full load of laundry during a house tour (nor should you), it’s OK to take a quick minute to see if the appliances and fixtures work during a house tour. For example, you might want to make sure that the burners work on the stove or that the dryer turns on when you start it.</p>
<p>You can also try flushing the toilets, turning the water on and off at the sinks, and trying the garbage disposal. These are all things that your home inspection will pick up if you buy the house, but it’s also good to know before you buy the house if there are any issues, like leaky sinks. It may also be a sign that you shouldn’t trust the sellers if anything isn’t working and it wasn’t disclosed.</p>
<h3>Odors</h3>
<p>When touring homes, you'll want to make sure you do more than just look around. Pay particular attention to the way the home smells. Too many candles and air fresheners could be masking an underlying issue like mildew, smoke, or pet odors. A home might look pretty, but strong odors could lead you to discover issues that could be hazardous to your health or cost thousands to remediate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In particular, musty or mildewy odors could be a sign of water damage. This is a big issue in homes in West Central Florida, given the number of hurricanes and tropical storms that we experience. If something doesn’t smell quite right, it could affect more than just your enjoyment of the house - it may also be related to an extremely expensive problem that you will have to fix.</p>
<h3>System Age</h3>
<p>Is the HVAC original to the home? When was the last time the kitchen appliances were updated? The older a system is, the higher the chance of it failing while you own it. The good news is that home sellers are often open to purchasing a home warranty to offset any risk that might come from older appliances.</p>
<p>When you are touring the house, take a peek at the appliances. You might be able to visually determine that some feature of the house, like the HVAC, is relatively new or pretty old. Your real estate agent can also reach out to the seller’s agent to ask additional questions if any issues aren’t noted on the seller’s disclosure.</p>
<h3>The Exterior of the House&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Curb appeal is important, but it isn’t the only thing that you should be looking for when you’re touring a house. You should also be sure that there aren’t any obvious defects in the home’s exterior, such as cracking stucco, crumbling sidewalks, or damaged gutters. This is also a good time to take a look at the roof. While you won’t get on top of the house, you can still look up and note any obvious <a href="/blog/selling/how-long-do-roofs-last">signs of damage</a>, like missing shingles.</p>
<p>In Hillsborough County, you will also want to look for or ask about hurricane-rated windows, doors, and more. These types of safety features can become incredibly important during a storm, so you should know whether you will need to invest in updating the home before you place an offer.</p>
<h3>Parking&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Unless you are buying a house in an extremely walkable area, you will probably need parking. Many buyers prefer off-street parking, such as a garage, carport, or dedicated parking pad. While on-street parking can be fine, you will need to consider whether you want to spend time looking for somewhere to park or arguing with neighbors over parking.</p>
<p>Think about your parking needs and whether this house has enough parking for the number of vehicles you own. You should also consider whether the house has space for other types of vehicles that you might own, such as an RV. This is an important consideration when deciding on the house you want to buy.</p>
<h3>The Neighborhood</h3>
<p>Beyond the house, take a look at the neighborhood as a whole. How close is it to amenities that are important to you? Is it walkable? Are the nearby streets busy? Is there any construction nearby?</p>
<p>If you get a chance, you might talk to some neighbors about how they like living there. You could also drive through the neighborhood at a different time of day to get a sense of the noise levels. If you have kids, maybe look around to see if there are any signs of kids at other houses, which could be important when it comes to your children having playmates right down the street.</p>
<h3>Lending Limitations</h3>
<p>A final note: Before scheduling any house tours, check with your lender to determine if they have any limitations on the type of home you can buy. Some lenders won't approve a mortgage on homes that don't meet certain criteria. Let your Realtor know if you will be using a government-backed loan, like FHA or VA, BEFORE you start looking for homes. They can sort out homes they know won't meet those requirements, saving you time. Know your lender's requirements before you go.</p>
<p>While it's good to be aware of a home's issues from the start, they don't necessarily have to scare you away. Often, sellers are willing to negotiate price, make repairs, or provide credits at closing. The only way to know is to have your Realtor ask. We always recommend that our home buyers hire a licensed home inspector. They are a great way to get extra peace of mind.</p>
<h3>What to Ignore</h3>
<p>Now that you know what to be on the lookout for, let's talk about some of the things you should look past. When walking through a home, do your best to ignore paint colors or flooring that isn't your style. These are easy fixes. If the home meets all of your other needs, a couple of gallons of paint and a few hours of your time are a small price to pay. The same can be said for landscaping, hardware, and light fixtures. If you can't get past the worn carpet, ask the seller if they are willing to provide a flooring allowance. Remember, everything is negotiable, but be careful not to ask for so much that you could end up losing the home.</p>
<p>Communication is key. Your Realtor should know your dealbreakers before you start looking at homes. They'll be able to talk to the listing agent, make recommendations, and protect your interests from the start. If you're ready to begin your home search, <a href="/contact-us">contact</a> one of our Realtors today.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Buying a Home? Reach out to Eaton Realty.</h2>
<p>All of this information may seem a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, our Tampa real estate agents are experts at guiding buyers through the process. This includes offering our insight into the homes you tour and identifying any potential issues you may want to consider before making an offer. While the ultimate decision is up to you, we will offer our advice to help you make an informed decision.</p>
<p>Based in Lithia, Eaton Realty represents buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords throughout Hillsborough County. We provide the highest level of service to our clients, which includes scheduling private tours and helping our clients get the information and answers that they need before making an offer on a house. Learn more by filling out our online <a href="/contact-us">contact form</a> or calling us at <a href="tel:813-672-8022">813-672-8022</a> to talk to a real estate team member.</p>


Open House Tour

What to Look for When Touring A House

<p><img alt src="//cms.eatonrealty.com/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/07/what-is-a-make-ready.jpg" style="width:100%;height:auto;"></p>
<p>When you own an investment property, you want to make sure that it is profitable. This means trying to keep vacancies to a minimum. Of course, even the best tenants may decide to move on eventually, and you will need to find new tenants and get them into the property.</p>
<p>The unit will also have to be vacant for a period of time known as the make-ready, where the property is inspected and necessary maintenance, repairs, and cleaning will be performed. A seasoned <a href="/tampa-property-management">Tampa property manager</a> can help to make the make-ready process as smooth and efficient as possible to reduce vacancy times and carrying costs.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we offer comprehensive real estate services to clients throughout Hillsborough County, including property management services. Whether you need help <a href="/buy">buying</a>, <a href="/sell">selling</a>, or managing your investment properties, we can work with you to help you realize your goals as a landlord. <a href="/contact-us">Reach out</a> today to talk to one of our <a href="/hillsborough-county-narpm-team">certified</a> property managers about your rental properties.</p>
<p class="phone-cta-button primary"><a href="tel:813-672-8022">Fill Your Vacant Hillsborough County Rental Faster. Speak To A Knowledgeable Property Manager › 813-672-8022</a></p>
<h2>What Is a Make-Ready?</h2>
<p>A make-ready is the process of getting a rental property ready for a new tenant after the previous tenant vacates the unit. It may also be referred to as a turnover or an apartment turn. It is a necessary step to ensure that the new tenant gets a home that is clean, well-maintained, and suitable for living.</p>
<p>Typically, when a tenant moves out of a rental property, the landlord will inspect the property. This usually involves a <a href="/blog/property-management/how-prepare-house-rental">rental preparation checklist</a> comprised of items to examine in each room, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>The condition of the walls</li>
<li>The condition of the floors&nbsp;</li>
<li>Whether the appliances are clean and in working order</li>
<li>If the smoke detectors have batteries and are working</li>
<li>The presence of a fire extinguisher</li>
<li>Whether the locks, doors, and doorknobs are in good working order</li>
<li>If any sinks are leaking or need to be repaired</li>
<li>Any signs of water damage</li>
<li>Evidence of pests</li>
<li>The condition of the windows</li>
</ul>
<p>Essentially, the landlord or a maintenance team will go through the rental property room by room and determine whether any maintenance, repairs, additional cleaning, and/or painting is necessary. The checklist will also be used to determine if any deductions will be taken from the tenant’s <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.49.html">security deposit</a>. While landlords can’t deduct for normal wear and tear, they can make a claim for damage (such as a broken appliance).</p>
<p>Every rental unit should be thoroughly cleaned before being turned over to the next tenant. The inspection will help a landlord determine if additional cleaning is necessary. For example, if it is obvious that a tenant rarely cleaned the bathroom, then the landlord might budget time and money for a deep cleaning.</p>
<p>Having a make-ready checklist (which may also be referred to as a move-in/move-out checklist) is essential to maximizing profits. Without a list, it can be easy to overlook a small detail or problem. This can ultimately cost you more money in the long run if you need to fix something or if a bigger issue arises (such as a leaky pipe turning into water damage).</p>
<p>The make-ready process is often viewed as a bottleneck when it comes to filling vacant units. The longer that it takes to turn over a rental property, the more time passes where the landlord won’t be getting a rent check. This can increase carrying costs and reduce profits.</p>
<h2>The Make-Ready Process</h2>
<p>Each make-ready will be a bit different depending on the property and the amount of work that it needs. Having a consistent checklist that is used for each inspection for every rental property is the best way to make sure that your rental properties are in the best possible condition before being turned over to the next tenant. Typically, the make-ready process takes 5 to 7 days, but this time period may be longer or shorter based on the amount of work needed.</p>
<p>The make-ready team should include a few different professionals. This may include maintenance workers, cleaners, and painters. Many property management companies have contracts with these professionals so that they are ready to get to work as soon as a tenant vacates the premises. A landlord may also hire outside contractors for other jobs, such as installing a new carpet or other flooring.</p>
<h3>Property Maintenance &amp; Repairs</h3>
<p>Typically, maintenance and repairs will happen first in a make-ready. This may include basic work such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Replacing batteries in the smoke detectors</li>
<li>Repairing leaky faucets</li>
<li>Changing light bulbs</li>
<li>Tightening door knobs and oiling hinges</li>
<li>Replacing caulking around toilets and tubs</li>
<li>Repairing or patching holes in the wall (such as from decorations hung on the walls by a previous tenant)</li>
<li>Replacing HVAC filters&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>In some cases, more repair work may be necessary. This could include tile work, appliance repairs, HVAC repairs, plumbing work, electrical repairs, and cabinetry/carpentry repairs. Other major work may include replacing the flooring, painting the walls, or even sealing a driveway or staining a deck.&nbsp;</p>
<p>During this time, the maintenance team may also perform some preventative maintenance. This could include things like cleaning the gutters, flushing the water heater, inspecting the roof, and spraying for pests. While much of this work can take place while the unit is occupied, it is often easier (and less disruptive) to do this work while the property is vacant.</p>
<h3>Cleaning</h3>
<p>When repairs are complete, the cleaning crew can get started. Its work may include window and carpet cleaning, appliance cleaning, wiping down baseboards, fixtures, walls, and floors, and dusting ceiling fans. Most cleaning crews will also do a thorough cleaning of bathrooms and the kitchen to ensure that the home is as clean as possible for the new tenant.</p>
<p>The make-ready process can take time based on how the previous tenant left the unit. However, you want the work to be thorough so that the new tenants get a clean, well-maintained house. This leads to much happier tenants and fewer long-term problems because issues are addressed before they become major (expensive) projects.</p>
<p>
At <a href="/">Eaton Realty</a>, we list our rental properties year-round, with the vacancy date listed for each unit. This allows prospective renters to search for a place to live well in advance of when they want to move. It also allows us to plan ahead for the turnover process and reduce vacancies.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When we can rent out a property before it is vacant, we know exactly how much time we have between the old tenant moving out and the new tenant moving into the unit. This gives us the opportunity to do maintenance, repairs, and cleaning to keep your property in the best possible condition.</p>
<h2>How A Property Manager Can Assist With Make-Readies&nbsp;</h2>
<p>A skilled property manager can help you with the make-ready process. They will have established checklists that can be amended for the unique features of your rental property. For example, if you have a pool at your Tampa rental, the checklist will also include examining the pool and its equipment.</p>
<p>A property manager should also be proactive when it comes to maintenance and repairs. This will include regular inspections and prompt responses to tenant maintenance requests. If your property is kept in top condition throughout the year, the make-ready process tends to be a lot shorter. This can cut vacancy time significantly because you won’t need to spend weeks doing repairs that were taken care of when the issue arose.</p>
<p>Another way that a property manager can help you reduce carrying costs is through screening applicants appropriately to find great tenants who will not only take good care of your property but will also stay in the unit for an extended period of time. Hiring a National Association of Residential Property Managers (<a href="https://www.narpm.org">NARPM</a>) certified team can also make for happier tenants, which can reduce the number of turnovers. In other words, using a knowledgeable, proactive property management company is a smart investment in the financial success of your investment properties.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Contact a Professional Hillsborough County Property Management Company Today</h2>
<p>Every landlord has to plan for at least some time when their rental properties will be vacant. As <a href="/property-management-101">experienced Hillsborough County property managers</a>, our goal is to minimize this time while focusing on maintaining your investment properties in top shape. We aim to make the best of make-ready time, using a comprehensive checklist to ensure that nothing is missed. In this way, we can help landlords stay profitable while keeping tenants happy.</p>
<p>Based in Lithia, Eaton Realty manages rental properties throughout West Central Florida. As a team led by a certified NARPM manager, we meet or exceed the standards for excellence in property management. If you own rental properties in Hillsborough County, give us a call at <a href="tel:813-672-8022">813-672-8022</a> or fill out our <a href="/contact-us">online contact form</a> to learn more about our property management services.</p>


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