The curb appeal of your rental property matters a lot because it can result in higher rental rates and better tenants. You may also get a greater return on investment should you choose to sell it in the future.
Think of the curb appeal as the first impression your home makes. If it looks attractive, a prospect will be encouraged to look inside. However, if it isn’t, then a prospect may choose to walk away and look elsewhere. Now, improving the curb appeal doesn’t necessarily mean spending large sums on rental property upgrades. Small efforts can also help you make significant changes to the look and feel of your rental property.
The following are 15 tips on how to boost your rental property’s curb appeal.
Update the Look of the Front Door
The front door is one of your home’s focal points. If it looks like it has seen better days, a prospect won’t be inspired to enter your home. On the other hand, your property’s curb appeal will skyrocket if you install a new door.
If you don’t have the budget to install a new door, then consider installing new hardware to the door. The hardware may include the doorknob or door knockers. Doing this can achieve almost the same effect as installing a new door.
Add Plants and Flowers to the Yard
To freshen up your curb appeal, add more greenery. Adding plants and flowers can help make your property appear vibrant and welcoming to prospective tenants. What’s more, this kind of environment helps create a more tranquil and serene atmosphere.
To get started, consult with a professional gardener. You may also want to insist on planting easy-to-maintain plants. The last thing any tenant wants is to get burdened with caring for the lawn.
Step Up the Lighting
A dark entryway can be a turn-off to a prospect. This is especially true if the front door sits under long, low porches. Luckily, lighting up an entryway doesn’t have to cost much. You can stop by a hardware store, and select a new fixture. Besides illuminating the entryway, you may also want to illuminate the whole front yard.
Landscaping lights come in a variety of options, ranging from path lights and spotlights to post lights and floodlights.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint to the Property’s Exterior
When renting out a property, normal wear and tear is guaranteed. So, after some time, you may begin to notice that your property appears dull and faded.
Done well, paint can add immense value to your property. In fact, in some circumstances, painting a home has been shown to offer the most return on investment. And best of all, it’s probably the easiest and quickest upgrade a landlord can do. Ideally, you should repaint your rental property every 5 years if your budget allows for it.
Power Wash Your Property Regularly
This is something that many landlords often don’t think about. However, as years go by, your home will get covered by dust, dirt, pollen, and even allergens. The same applies to sidewalks and driveways. Consequently, the surfaces get dirtier. A good power washing will help get rid of all organic debris, giving the surface a fresh, new look.
10. Clean the Windows
Windows, just like other features, contribute immensely to a property’s curb appeal. However, windows don’t come cheap. Luckily, giving the older ones a spot-free cleaning can help you achieve great results without causing a dent in your budget.
11. Add some Outdoor Furniture
Adding some snappy furniture to your home’s exterior can help add a fun twist. The furniture can include a porch swing or Adirondack chairs.
12. Have a Routine Cleaning Schedule
A clean home is always attractive to prospective tenants. Take some time to get rid of clutter, clean outdoor furniture, and power wash the walkways and driveways. A well-maintained property will make a prospect assume that the interior is equally cared for. Also, it may incentive a tenant to give it the same level of care when they eventually move in.
13. Update the Mailbox
This is a feature that is often overlooked by landlords. Fortunately, upgrading a dated mailbox is an easy and relatively inexpensive task to do. A vintage-style cast-iron box, in particular, can help add an elegant touch to the look of your property’s curb appeal.
14. Upgrade the Garage Door
Just like the mailbox, the garage door can often get neglected. But, as a landlord looking to attract a great tenant, you may want to upgrade it to make it stand out.
Entirely replacing the garage door can be costly. However, just like the front door, that may not be necessary. You can also upgrade it by simply adding some antique-style hinges and handles to add some character or give it a fresh coat of paint.
15. Add Some Crucial Elements of Convenience
Tenants nowadays are looking for ease and convenience. Generally speaking, a property with smart tech features will be more attractive to savvy tenants than one without. Some of the smart features that renters find desirable include keyless entry, video doorbells, automatic timers, smart bulbs, motion sensor lights, and remote unlock capability.
Bottom Line
There you have it, 15 tips on how to boost your rental property’s curb appeal. Boosting your curb appeal will elevate your rental space, thereby making it stand out from the competition. As a result, you may find the marketing process a bit easier.
If you’re looking to partner with an expert in this regard or any aspect of property management, T-Square Properties can help. We’ll manage your rental property with professional care and provide owners and tenants with peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our services!