Michael introduced the 4-step Red Fortress rental strategy, starting with what happens before the listing even goes live.
Step 1: Pre-Listing Best Practices
Before posting a listing, ask yourself:
🐾 Are Pets Allowed?
Over 50% of renters have pets.
No pets = you're cutting your audience in half.
Damage is rarely severe and often covered by deposits.
🌐 Are You Accessible?
Red Fortress has bilingual staff to support Spanish-speaking renters.
Some renters are more comfortable in person—accommodate walk-ins.
📸 Are Your Photos Honest?
Over-filtered, AI-altered images create distrust.
Authentic, clean photos build connection.
💰 Are You Using Psychological Pricing?
List at $1,999 instead of $2,000.
Use the power of “9” pricing just like retail does—it works.
📊 Did You Do a Rental Market Analysis?
Red Fortress compares rent trends monthly.
Adjust to the market- not the other way.
Step 2: Listing and Showing Flexibility
To accommodate more tenants:
Offer multiple showing options:
In-person
Video walkthroughs
Self-showing via secure electronic lockbox
Make it easy to apply:
Red Fortress accepts drop-in applications
Bilingual support improves accessibility
Step 3: Follow-Up Systems
Once someone inquires, don’t ghost them.
Use automated follow-up tools (text/email).
Re-engage interested prospects—especially in a crowded market.
Red Fortress uses software to track every inquiry and follow up strategically, increasing showings and reducing vacancy time.
Step 4: Incentivize Action
If you're struggling to rent out your property:
Offer a move-in special:
Half-off first month
Create urgency:
“Sign by July 10th and get 1 week free”
Also, consider pre-marketing:
Don’t wait until the current tenant leaves.
Start advertising while it’s still occupied if possible.
Also, consider pre-marketing:
Don’t wait until the current tenant leaves.
Start advertising while it’s still occupied if possible.
Real Talk from a Real Landlord
Michael isn't just talking theory—he’s walking the talk. As a Red Fortress client himself, he admitted to currently dealing with an eviction. It’s a reminder that rental challenges affect everyone, but systems and experience make the difference in how well you recover.
Final Thoughts: Value Over Ego
The rental market has shifted—and your strategy should too. The sooner you understand that renters care more about value than your rising costs, the faster you'll fill your properties with quality tenants.
Whether you work with Red Fortress or self-manage your rentals, adopting this 4-step framework can dramatically improve your results.
Want More Market Data?
Visit Red Fortress Blog for more rental analysis
Subscribe to the Red Fortress YouTube Channel for video breakdowns
Or contact the team for a custom rental assessment
