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In a market like Crestview, Florida—where demand for housing is strong thanks to military relocation, local industry, and population growth—rental vacancies shouldn't linger. And yet, many landlords find themselves stuck with a vacant property month after month, watching profits dwindle.
At Kuntz Property Group, we specialize in reducing vacancy times and maximizing ROI for local landlords. Whether you're new to property ownership or have years of experience, understanding why your rental might sit empty is crucial to correcting the issue—and fast.
Let’s explore the top five reasons rentals sit vacant in Crestview, and what you can do to avoid those costly mistakes.
1. Overpricing the Property
One of the most common mistakes landlords make is setting the rent too high. It’s tempting to aim for top-dollar, but in reality, overpriced rentals often scare away high-quality tenants who can find better value elsewhere.
Why It’s a Problem:
Tenants in Crestview do their homework and compare similar listings.
A price mismatch makes your home sit at the bottom of their list—even if it’s in great condition.
Longer vacancies end up costing you more than adjusting the rent down slightly.
How to Fix It:
Conduct a local market analysis to see what similar properties in Crestview are renting for.
Consider offering move-in incentives instead of a higher rent (like reduced first-month rent or waived pet fees).
Work with a local property management company that understands the neighborhood dynamics and seasonal pricing shifts.
2. Poor Property Condition
Even in a hot market, tenants are selective. A property that looks outdated, worn down, or unclean will likely be passed over—especially when there are newer, well-maintained alternatives available.
Common Red Flags for Tenants:
Dingy paint, stained carpet, or outdated appliances
Visible signs of neglect (leaky faucets, broken fixtures)
Overgrown lawns or unappealing curb appeal
How to Fix It:
Do a walkthrough with fresh eyes (or hire a pro to inspect). What stands out?
Invest in affordable cosmetic upgrades—fresh paint, new light fixtures, or resurfaced countertops go a long way.
Keep landscaping trimmed and inviting to improve your first impression.
Explore our blog on affordable upgrades that boost rental appeal.
3. Weak Marketing and Poor Photos
The best rental in the world won’t lease if no one knows about it—or worse, if the online listing turns them away.
Why This Matters:
Most renters in Crestview start their search online, and listings with poor or no photos get skipped.
A generic or vague listing description fails to highlight what makes your property unique.
Lack of marketing across multiple platforms reduces exposure.
How to Fix It:
Use high-quality, well-lit photos that show off every room—especially kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Craft a compelling listing that highlights features like location, upgrades, and amenities.
Post on all major rental platforms, social media, and local channels.
Consider virtual tours or walkthrough videos for better engagement.
Click here to learn how we handle property marketing.
4. Limited Tenant Screening or Application Process
Sometimes your rental sits vacant because your process scares good applicants away—or worse, you’re rejecting too many for preventable reasons.
Possible Pitfalls:
Making the application process too complicated or costly
Failing to respond quickly to inquiries
Being overly strict or unclear on qualifications
How to Fix It:
Keep your application form simple, accessible, and online.
Be transparent about your screening criteria—credit, income, background, etc.
Respond promptly to questions and showings—great tenants move quickly.
A professional property management company like Kuntz Property Group can ensure your application and screening process is streamlined, fair, and compliant with fair housing laws.
5. Self-Managing Without Local Expertise
Managing a property remotely or without in-depth knowledge of the local market is a fast track to vacancies. Property owners who try to handle everything themselves often experience:
Missed pricing trends or marketing windows
Poor tenant communication
Delays in repairs or lease turnovers
Inconsistent property showings
How to Fix It:
Work with a local property management company in Crestview that knows the market inside and out.
Let professionals handle leasing, screening, maintenance, and tenant relations.
Focus on growing your investment while we take care of the details.
Bonus Tip: Consider Timing & Seasonality
Rental demand in Crestview fluctuates throughout the year—especially with the military PCS season, school schedules, and weather patterns. Listing your property during off-peak times without adjusting your strategy can result in longer vacancies.
What to Do:
Plan lease start and end dates around high-demand seasons (typically spring and early summer).
Offer flexible lease terms when possible.
Keep your property rent-ready so you can list quickly when the market is hot.
Final Thoughts
Every day your property sits vacant, you’re missing out on income—and potentially falling behind on your investment goals. By identifying what’s holding your property back and making strategic adjustments, you can reduce vacancy and find long-term, quality tenants in no time.
At Kuntz Property Group, we help landlords throughout Crestview and Okaloosa County keep their properties filled and profitable. From pricing and marketing to tenant screening and maintenance, our team has the expertise to help you thrive in any market.
Let’s Eliminate Your Vacancy—Together
💬 Contact Kuntz Property Group today for a free consultation or rental analysis. Whether you own one property or a portfolio, we’re here to help you fill it fast and keep it occupied.
Your vacancy problem doesn’t have to be permanent. Let’s turn it into a full house.
