Hi Johnny,
I'm in your immediate area and worked in property management/resale for many years. At home mom now, so this is neutral advice from a previous professional, who still stays ingrained in the local market.
Please take better photos of your home for marketing.
Front elevation, street view (especially if it's a cul de sac), backyard since it's large, pool/lanai view. I'd edit and take all of those current thumbnails down..
Your adjusted desired rental rate is likely not out of line for the area, particularly if lawn care/pool care is included! Check Realtor dot com and that will give you an idea of your competition. The complexity is that there's a significant amount of inventory with the luxury home market (which in this area, I'd consider above $1600/mo. to fall into that category when priced correctly). But, you're marketing well in advance, so that will likely work for you.
Definitely, promote on AHRN, Militarybyowner, and circulate this to the Maine P-3 folks.. your timeframe is perfect coinciding with the transfer of VP's..
.. and a few of the guys mentioned about the 2 month security deposit.
If you're considering a long term lease agreement or even yearly renewal with a military family, I'd knock that down (seriously!) to 1 month security deposit. Most families are not interested in fronting potentially $4,000 for a rental plus their moving expenses (and surprisingly, there is a strong chance that you could get a local or military person that is up for orders to stay here.. going to the RAG, example..) Also, consider that it's likely for inbound families that they will receive their DLA just before moving and may not even have received back their security deposit from their previous property. Just be willing to be negotiable but consider that may detract from otherwise, well qualified applicants. Renters are being conservative and leery right now, particularly with the increase of foreclosures and landlords skipping out on paying their mortgage to bank rent for a few months on a home. Just a few thoughts, take it or leave it.. and best wishes!!
