Minimizing your own personal touches when renting out your personal residence...

To all that are thinking about turning their residence into an investment property...

SIMPLE IS THE WAY TO GO. One big problem that owners are realizing when they want to put their personal residence on the market is that sometimes their personal taste doesn't match up with tenants taste. The best way to overcome this is make everything as neutral as possible in the unit. For example, you might like your bright red and pink floral wallpaper in your kitchen, or your deep blue custom paint in your bedroom but most renters won't. Think about painting the entire unit one neutral off white color. This eliminates the chance a potential tenant not liking your personal taste, and when you need to re-rent it, it is much easier to touch up this paint to make it look presentable.

Unique pieces, such as a Gothic chandelier, or gaudy bathroom sinks/tables can turn people off as well. More cookie cutter, standard touches are most welcome by tenants.