Advice on editing rent listing (Silver Spring: leasing, townhouse, transfer)

[IsDead]

Hello all, long time lurker, first time poster here.

I put my room up for rent for a couple of days now on Craig's list and I have gotten zero replies. (My apologies if linking to craig's list isn't allowed: Downtown Silver Spring Room in Spacious Townhouse)


Just wondering what I'm doing wrong. Actually I know I could probably add more details since I just copy/pasted from the last girl who's room I took over. Is the lack of replies due to posting it on a Friday night when most people are out? Am I overthinking since it's only been a couple of days?

I thought I'd get lots of interest since it's a great deal in a decent area with no rodent problems or anything like that. Is it the living with 3 other people a deal breaker for most? Even when we're all out working I still have significant time to be alone, it's pretty sweet IMO, but apparently not :/

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by IsDead

Is it the living with 3 other people a deal breaker for most?

You have to be honest about the situation, but 3 people sharing a bathroom does sound like a deal breaker. Have you researched what aother people are charging, and is your unit competitive? Is there any way to provide more bathroom privacy?

[cjmeck]

Have you tried hotpads as well? I didn't look at the ad but if its located near a college or hospital then ask the HR or student services reps if you can advertise your rental at those places too.

[Alex1484]

I think the deal breaker is sharing with 3 other roommates in the area. People might be more open to living with three roommates if you were in DC but not so much in Silver spring. Try lowering the price to see if you get more bites.

[IsDead]

There are two bathrooms, but one is in the basement and is only used by the girl who's room is down there. There haven't really been "bathroom" problems for me since I shower the night before instead of the morning of. I'd be the first one up anyway since I had to be at my job at 8 am.

Can't lower the price, price is set by the leasing office. It's not my property, just trying to switch names on the lease. One of my roommates goes to GWU, is that something to "advertise"? Although I know it's mid-semester...just not a good time to rent?

I have price checked and usually even around Downtown Silver Spring the price of a room with a shared bathroom is at least $700 not including utilities. It's right on 16th Street, literally a 5 minute walk or less to Silver Spring Metro.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by IsDead

One of my roommates goes to GWU, is that something to "advertise"? Although I know it's mid-semester...just not a good time to rent?

It's probably good say that you are OK with students. I would also tone down the emphasis on neatness a little. I know you want to get someone who fits in, but try to sound more relaxed.

If the price is right you should find someone eventually. Good luck.

[Alex1484]

While it may work for your work schedule, it may not work for the majority. When I moved and was transferring a lease, I ate the cost and just paid the difference and offered my unit on craigslist for below what I was paying to get out. I'm not sure if advertising one room mate going to GWU would be a selling point as it would still be a 45 min commute to school. Generally spring/summer are the best times to list rentals.

As far as pricing goes, it seems every block outside the metro exponentially decreases the desireableness of living in DTSS. Being on 16th St definitely does not help either unfortunately as many of the new high rises are offering tempting incentives such as one free month rent with a 12 month lease. If I were y

[goldenage1]

If the downstairs bath is not within the private room and is shareable, I would just say you have 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Then you can let the new person figure out whether she wants to use it.

[IsDead]

Thanks for the advice. I added more details and removed the part regarding "cleanliness". (Although it doesn't seem to have updated, made a new one) Also posted on HotPads, finally got a few responses.