As a landlord, you aren’t the only one doing the vetting; prospective renters are also evaluating whether your rental is a great place to live. And the decision-making begins with the curb.
Your property may not make it onto a renter’s shortlist if the exterior looks neglected, no matter how much you’ve spruced it up with state-of-the-art amenities on the inside. That’s why boosting curb appeal is one of the most effective strategies for getting quality tenants and reducing vacancy periods.
In this guide, we at TJC Real Estate and Management will break down what curb appeal means for rental properties and 8 proven ways to upgrade your rental’s exterior.
Curb appeal is the visual first impression your property makes. It’s everything that prospective tenants or passersby see from the outside. Is the paint fresh? Does the property appear well-maintained? Is the lawn mowed?
These seemingly minor details add up when comparing listings. The better the curb looks, the more confidence renters have in the condition of the interior.
Great curb appeal makes your listing stand out in a crowded rental market, increases the number of qualified leads and showing requests, and allows you to command higher rent. It also helps attract long-term tenants who are more likely to care for the property and reduces turnovers.
And here’s the best part, you don’t need to break the bank to boost curb appeal. Small touch ups, like trimming hedges or painting the front door can go a long way.
You don’t need an unlimited renovation budget to boost curb appeal. A bit of effort making the right changes can make your rental easily stand out.
Here are 8 easy, cost-effective ways to instantly upgrade your curb appeal:
It doesn’t matter how many updates you make. If the exterior of the property dirty, it won’t impress prospective tenants. Sweep walkways, wipe down railings, clean the windows, and make sure everything shines. A quick pressure wash can also brighten your siding, steps, and driveway in no time, and it’s way cheaper than repainting.
This is as simple as making sure your lawn is mowed. Do this at least once a week. Trim weeds along pathways and edges, and consider using a weed killer for persistent ones.
You can also plant low maintenance flowers and greenery for pops of color. A neat lawn signifies that you take good care of your Denver property and your residents.
Nobody wants to be greeted by garbage bins. Keep them out of sight by tucking them behind a screen or fence. And for those unavoidable eyesores like electrical and cable boxes, a quick fix is to paint them the same color as the siding so they blend in better. You can also camouflage the AC unit with wooden latticework or low shrubs.
Think of the mailbox as your property’s handshake. A rusty old mailbox sends the wrong message. Swap it out for something modern or give it a good clean and a fresh coat of paint.
Well-placed lights or new porch fixtures can help highlight your rental’s best features once the sun sets.
For instance, wall sconces or coach lights will work well around the entryway, and solar lights along walkways also work great without adding to your utility bill. More so, lighting makes your property feel safer and more livable to tenants, especially during evening viewings.
Many people desire outdoor areas when looking for rental accommodations. As such, a porch can be more than a pass-through to get to the house. When seeking to rent out your home, add a small bench, some lounge chairs, or some potted plants to show that the space is functional.
Another small-budget, but big-impact tip to boost your curb appeal is to paint the front door with a sleek black or bold color. Note that the color you choose should work with the style of your home. While you’re at it, you can also touch up the trim and screen doors.
Cracks and uneven walkways can be dangerous. A few simple patches or leveling work can go a long way toward making the property well-maintained.
If you have an asphalt driveway, plan to reseal it every couple of years. This will help to keep your driveway looking sharp and prevent further damage. For walkways or parking areas with deeper cracks, consider repaving every five years or so.
The return on investment when you boost your rental property’s curb appeal can be significant. Homes with great curb appeal typically rent faster, experience fewer vacancies, and even allow for higher asking prices. With these tips, you’re on your way to improving your homes marketability.
But if it sounds daunting to take on, consider hiring a property management company. The right team can help keep your property in top shape year-round, handling everything from routine maintenance and seasonal upgrades, to rent collection and marketing.
Contact us today to learn about our professional management services!
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