Guide

How to turn a unit over fast without cutting corners

Turnover time is pure vacancy cost. The fix is scoping the work before the resident is out, not after.

The short answer

Turn a unit on a fixed sequence — inspect, scope, order trades in dependency order, clean last, photograph, list — with the listing going up before the work finishes.

Overview

Turnover time is pure vacancy cost. The fix is scoping the work before the resident is out, not after.

Why it works this way

Turn time is mostly waiting, not working. Sequencing trades so paint does not follow carpet, and booking them before the unit is empty, removes most of the calendar.

Listing before the unit is ready is the other lever: marketing a known available-on date lets the vacancy overlap the work instead of following it.

Do it in this order

1. Do a pre-move-out inspection 30 days ahead to scope the work. 2. Book paint and cleaning before the keys come back. 3. Separate resident-caused damage from normal wear for the deposit itemization. 4. Photograph the finished unit for the listing on the same day. 5. List before the unit is fully ready with an accurate available-on date.

Checklist

  • Do a pre-move-out inspection 30 days ahead to scope the work.
  • Book paint and cleaning before the keys come back.
  • Separate resident-caused damage from normal wear for the deposit itemization.
  • Photograph the finished unit for the listing on the same day.
  • List before the unit is fully ready with an accurate available-on date.
FAQ

Frequently asked

How long should a standard turn take?

It depends on scope, but track your own median and treat anything beyond it as an exception to explain. The number you measure is the number that improves.

Related resources

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