Making a good first impression goes a long way when it comes to renting out a property!
Your property may have the best amenities, furnishings and design, but if the curb appeal is unattractive, you’ll struggle to attract prospective tenants.
Boosting your rental property’s curb appeal isn’t necessarily a costly or a time-consuming task. Small efforts can go a long way in revitalizing the look and feel of your property’s exterior, encouraging prospects to consider renting it.
In this article, we’re going to provide you 8 tips on how you can take your rental property’s curb appeal to the next level.
Tip #1: Use bright colors.
It’s a no brainer. Bright colors get attention.
Adding some bright colors to your curb is a comparatively inexpensive home improvement project. A can of paint typically costs an average of $25.
However, you don’t have to use bright colors for the whole entire exterior. Having pops of color can help your property stand out from the others in the neighborhood. You can choose to simply paint bright colors on outside furnishings, number plate, or even the mailbox.
Tip #2: Add some greenery.
Nothing livens up a space like the addition of some gorgeous greenery. Greenery can help add a dash of welcoming air to any home, which will boost your rental property’s appeal.
You can add some greenery on your own, or if you prefer, you can consider hiring a garden enthusiast or a horticulturist to help you improve your yard.
It also goes without saying that you should plant easy-to-maintain plants. The last thing any tenant wants is to get burdened by a high-maintenance yard.
Tip #3: Light up the exterior.
Don’t forget about lighting!
You have various options to choose from depending on your budget. The factors affecting outdoor lighting costs include the square footage, installation, and the cost of the fixtures.
Consider the following:
- Highlight plants and trees. You can illuminate them from below or mount a lighting fixture on the plant itself.
- Highlight architectural and landscaping features by using uplights. Use this in moderation for best results, though.
- Vary the lighting fixtures. There are a wide variety of lighting fixtures, including step lights, area lights, post lights, bollards, and spots and floods.
- Stick to warm lights. The goal isn’t to create a light show. Rather, it’s to showcase the house and its landscape.
Tip #4: Pay attention to maintenance.
To have an attractive curb appeal, it needs regular maintenance.
Landscape maintenance requires things like:
- Lawn mowing
- Leaf removal
- Mulching
- Lawn protection and feeding
- Landscape feeding and protection
- Pruning/hedging
- Autumn clean-up
Your lease should also state what responsibilities each party has in regards to yard maintenance.
Tip #5: Evaluate the front door.
Don’t ignore the front door when sprucing up your rental’s curb appeal. Remember, it’s the main access point to the home and your tenant won’t overlook it.
As such, evaluate how your front door looks.
Ask yourself:
- Does it look old?
- Is the paint peeling?
- Is it wobbly due to compromised hinges?
- Is the knob missing?
Tip #6: Refresh the garage door.
Much like the front door, neglecting the garage door can have an impact on your rental property’s curb appeal. Refreshing the garage door can help add to your home’s character, making it stand out from the competition.
Admittedly though, replacing a garage door isn’t cheap. Luckily, you may be able to reinvigorate your garage door without replacing anything.
An inexpensive fix is a paint job. You can also add some antique-style handles and hinges for a serious makeover.
Tip #7: Install shutters.
This can help you add visual depth to your house. But before embarking on this project, make sure you do your research first. One thing you’ll especially want to look at is the cost. This can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
That said, if you choose to make this improvement, then go for durable options. And often, these will not only last a long time, but will also require minimal upkeep.
Tip #8: Paint the window trim.
If applied strategically, trim paint can also add to your efforts of revamping your house. Use a color that perfectly contrast with the siding.
You can also take it a notch higher by painting the window trim in two shades: a darker color for the outside trim, and then a lighter color for the inner trim.
For this job, you’ll want to consider hiring a professional. Depending on the type of trim, the cost can range anywhere from $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Bottom Line
These tips should get you started on your way to improving your rental property’s curb appeal. A great curb appeal will help get the attention of prospective tenants and this will help you fill your vacancies more quickly!
If you’re looking for help or more information, contact East Bay Property Management today.
