Landlording is a competitive space. If prospective tenants don’t find your rental property attractive enough, you might have a hard time filling vacancies.
One way of increasing your property’s attractiveness is by improving its curb appeal. You could have state-of-the-art appliances, a contemporary floor layout, and the best furnishings—but if the curb appeal isn’t impressive, prospective tenants might pass over your property altogether.
Improving the curb appeal of your rental property doesn’t have to be costly and time-consuming. Investing in small efforts can go a long way in making your property stand out from the competition. Read on for some tips on how to boost your rental property’s curb appeal.
Use Bright Colors
Bright colors can help bring attention to any home and luckily, adding a splash of color is an easy and inexpensive way to boost your property's curb appeal.
You don't have to paint the whole house bright pink, you just want to add pops of color to select places. Painting a mailbox, adding a new house number plate, or changing up the color of the front door to something bright and inviting can have great results.
Add Flowers and Plants
Adding some greenery to the exterior of the home will also make your property stand out. Planting some flowers, trees, and shrubbery will help bring a vibrant and welcoming feel to your rental home.
Greenery will not only help create a tranquil atmosphere, but can also invigorate your property’s look. Review municipal codes and consult with a garden specialist before starting any project. They can help you choose flowers and plants that will bring beauty to your home without being too difficult to maintain.
Refresh Your Home’s Lighting
Getting the exterior lighting right can be a big boost to your curb appeal. You want prospective tenants to be able to see your property at any time of the day. Plus, outdoor lighting adds an element of safety to your property.
You have many options to fit whatever budget you have in mind. Start by lighting up the pathways leading to the front door. This will brighten up the space at night and can help boost security. Lighting options include ground spots, garden poles, wall lights, and LED strips.
Maintain the Landscape
A cluttered front yard doesn't look very professional. You want to keep up with consistent maintenance to make sure the yard always looks its best.
Remove overgrown weeds, mow the lawn, trim hedges, pune the shrubs, deadhead your flowers and, of course, water when necessary.
Taking care of the landscape will not only make your home stand out, but will also indicate that it is occupied. This can help keep your home safe when it’s vacant.
Add a New Coat of Fresh Paint
Your property will undergo normal wear and tear after some time. The exterior walls, for example, will start to appear dull. If this is the case, you’ll want to add a fresh coat of paint to reinvigorate your property’s look and feel.
Choose good paint and hire a professional to do the job for you.
Refresh the Look of the Front Door
The look of the front door can also make or break your curb appeal efforts. When sprucing up other areas of your curb appeal, evaluate the look of the front door. Will prospective tenants find it attractive, or will it bring down the overall appeal of your home’s exterior? Is it time to replace the front door?
The front door is the main access point of your home. You’ll not only want it to be stylish, but also safe against any possible intrusion. That’s why you should invest in a strong, durable material that also looks pleasing to the eye.
Clean the Exterior Areas Thoroughly
A clean curb appeal will go a long way in making your property stand out.
Begin by cleaning the gutters. Over time, gutters will become clogged with dirt, twigs, and leaves. If you leave this unaddressed, you may find yourself with bigger issues than having an undesirable curb appeal.
The best way to clean out gutters is to use handheld blowers or wet/dry vacuums. Blow out as much as you can and compile it in yard refuse bags. You can also use the opportunity to inspect your gutters. Check for issues like corrosion, bent or missing gutter hangers, or leaking joints.
Aside from the gutters, you’ll want to clean the property’s siding. Using a pressure washer will yield the best results. If there are black or gray spots, you’ll need to get rid of the grime using a brush and a mixture of bleach and trisodium phosphate (TSP).
Clean the windows too. Use water and a mild detergent to wash window frames and sills. For the window panes, use a large squeegee and a professional-strength glass cleaner.
Fix Driveway Cracks
Driveway cracks can have an impact on the look and feel of your home’s curb appeal. Telltale signs that your driveway needs attention is if it’s crumbling, cracking, or fading.
Patching up cracks in concrete driveways will prevent water seepage and further cracking. Before you begin the patchwork, remember to pressure wash it first and leave it to dry.
Reinvigorate the Mailbox
Does the mailbox look dated? If so, that will impact the exterior look of your property. Luckily, swapping out a dated mailbox is an easy project to undertake. For a complete makeover of the mailbox, expect to spend anywhere between $50 and $200 to replace it.
Conclusion
As a landlord, you have a responsibility to maintain the curb appeal of your home. This will not only improve its attractiveness, but may also improve your tenant’s comfort.
For expert help, look no further than Taylor Street Property Management. We’re a professional property management company that can help you grow and maximize the return from your Phoenix rental property. Get in touch to learn more!
