Few property investors realize that upgrading your rental exteriors and focusing on its aesthetic value is an effective marketing strategy that can make all the difference. You might think that improving your property interiors is more important. However, dedicating time to make your curb appeal stand out adds value to your asset.
When a potential resident sees your outdoor structure, they can get inspired to apply for occupancy. Some may hesitate to spend on updating the property’s exteriors, thinking that the money will be wasted. However, even small changes can be effective in keeping an attractive exterior.
In this article, we’ll share curb appeal ideas and tips on how to boost curb appeal for your home.
Importance of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal can draw more attention to your property, especially on a rental listing site. You will notice the amount of inquiries and scheduled property tours increase when you enhance your curb appeal.
It will also allow you the chance to adjust your rental rate. Just make sure that you research the current renting guidelines in your area and you send a notice of rent increase to your tenants.
Return on Investment on Curb Appeal
Vacant units can be costly since you need to spend on cleaning and maintenance fees, which can quickly reduce your budget. However, if your curb appeal is outstanding, you can engage the interest of more residents, which shortens your vacancy.
How Much Should You Spend on Curb Appeal?
Contrary to what many think, you don’t have to spend too much to improve your curb appeal. With a few strategic touches, such as a new layer of paint, you can easily elevate your rental space from others in the neighborhood. You can also do this upgrade yearly.
Maintaining an empty rental space ends up costing more than improving your home's exterior. So it is advisable to invest in your curb appeal.
How to Upgrade Your Curb Appeal
Opt for a Bright Color
You might not think that a bright shade is wise to use for your property exterior. However, you don’t have to splash everything with a bold hue. You can add it to your outdoor furnishings, such as a mailbox and house number plate.
It doesn't even have to be painted at all. You can take advantage of a bunch of colorful flowers on your windows or place some planters on the walls outside. Bright colors catch attention easily, making it an impactful way to boost curb appeal.
Focus on Greenery
Curb appeal projects don't have to involve renovations. A verdant environment can appear relaxing and bring a sense of peace. That’s why, planting trees and garden plants can make a big difference. You can hire a gardener or landscaper to improve your yard. Just ensure to keep the maintenance effortless since not everyone has the spare time to manage plants.
Improve Your Lighting
When the sun sets, your rental home may not be as impressive as during the daytime since people won’t see the paint. However, you can still keep your property enticing at night by adding the best lighting to illuminate your unit.
Not only will you present a stylish rental space but you will also fortify your security since trespassers are unlikely to hang around a home that’s flooded with light. You can use solar lighting to save on utility bills.
If you have a front porch, the outdoor lighting adds a welcoming glow that enhances the overall curb appeal and accentuates the porch furniture and architectural charm of the front porch during evening hours.
Pay Attention to Your Windows
Seldom do windows get mentioned in improving your home's curb appeal but presenting clean windows can improve the overall look of your property. It can be a time-consuming task to keep windows immaculate if you have a multi-family property. You can choose to hire window cleaners to complete the job.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
As the years pass, you can expect the exterior paint on your property to fade and grow dull. This is normal wear and tear so you need to keep up with your property upgrades. You can hire a professional painter to ensure quality work. Opting for DIY can get messy if you don’t have the experience since property paint preparation and application are required.
You want to promote a fresh and vibrant look of your rental space. Clean up your home before taking photos and advertising on property listings. New paint and a clean exterior can be hard to resist for those seeking to move to a new unit.
Don’t Forget About Your Front Door
Your front door will also greatly affect your home's curb appeal. Inspect if your front door needs to be freshened up with a new coat of paint or if you need to polish your door knob. You can also consider replacing the door hardware to give it a well-maintained appearance.
Check if your front door is durable as this is the main access point for residents. Part of marketing is promoting safety to potential residents so prioritize having an attractive and secure door to encourage renters to sign a lease agreement with you.
Schedule Routine Clean Up
Regular cleaning can improve your home's curb appeal by a mile and draw more positive responses. Do power washing, get rid of clutter, and keep your outdoor furniture tidy since it’s prone to dust from outside. Ensure everything appears pristine to enhance your curb appeal.
Bottom Line
With a fresh and clean home exterior, renters will feel a more welcoming vibe. It can also convince prospective residents to learn more about the property and treat the rental space well once they move in.
It can be a challenge to keep up with maintaining your curb appeal but the results can make a huge difference in attracting residents. It can also lead to happy tenants who are likely to stay longer in your property.
If you need a professional team to oversee your rental space, contact House in Order Property Management today!
