At Verandah Properties, we understand that every dollar matters when it comes to your rental investment. But there’s one costly mistake we see far too often:
👉 Owners holding out for more rent than the market will support.
It may feel like you’re being “smart” or “waiting for the right tenant.” But what’s actually happening is silent, painful, invisible loss—and vacancy is the most expensive mistake you can make.
Let’s break down three real examples to show what overpricing actually costs you—and how holding out just a little too long eats away your annual ROI.
💡 What Vacancy Really Costs You
When your home sits empty, here’s what you’re still paying for:
❌ Missed rent income—your biggest and most obvious loss
❌ Lawn care and pool maintenance
❌ Utility bills (many owners must keep water and power on)
❌ Regular cleaning to keep the property showing-ready
❌ Increased risk of undetected issues (leaks, pests, AC problems, mold)
❌ Higher chance of vandalism or squatters
❌ Property wear simply from being unoccupied and unused
Now let’s run the numbers.
📊 Case Study #1: Asking $2,900 vs. Recommended $2,495
Vacancy Period: 90 days
3 months (90 days) of lost rent at $2,495/month = $7,485 lost
You eventually rent at $2,495 after price reductions
Your real income over 12 months = $2,495 x 9 months = $22,455
👉 Adjusted rent equivalent: $1,871/month
(That’s the true average across the year after vacancy)
📉 Loss from overpricing: $6,060+ in rent + maintenance & holding costs
📊 Case Study #2: Asking $3,300 vs. Recommended $2,795
Vacancy Period: 60 days
2 months of lost rent at $2,795/month = $5,590 lost
You eventually rent at $2,795
Your real income over 12 months = $2,795 x 10 months = $27,950
👉 Adjusted rent equivalent: $2,329/month
📉 Loss from overpricing: $5,640 + additional costs of upkeep during vacancy
📊 Case Study #3: Asking $2,650 vs. Recommended $2,295
Vacancy Period: 45 days
1.5 months of lost rent = $3,443 lost
Eventually rented at $2,295 after small reductions
Real income over 12 months = $2,295 x 10.5 months = $24,097.50
👉 Adjusted rent equivalent: $2,008/month
📉 Loss from overpricing: $2,592+ not including vendor upkeep & utilities
🚨 Bottom Line: Higher Asking Price ≠ Higher Profit
Vacancy kills cash flow.
What looks like a smart move—holding out for a few hundred more—often costs you thousands in the end. It also risks longer listing periods, property deterioration, and increased stress for everyone involved.
✅ What Smart Owners Do:
Price strategically based on real market comps, not personal expectations
Trust the guidance of professionals with real-time market experience
Understand that minimizing vacancy protects your long-term returns
Present a rent-ready product that outshines the competition and moves fast
At Verandah Properties, our goal is to maximize your return—not your asking price. The two aren’t always the same. If you're ready to take a data-driven, results-first approach to your rental investment, we’re here to help.
📅 Schedule a free rental strategy consult today—and let’s get it rented right.