The market is presently working in favor of landlords. Tenants are increasingly eager to rent well-maintained homes, and rental prices are rising.
So, why bother with better curb appeal?
Curb appeal is a first impression. When you pay attention to making a good first impression, your property is more attractive to all those tenants on the market. It also keeps your good tenants in place and raises your rental value.
Market trends change quickly. At some point, you’ll find yourself in fierce competition for the best tenants and the highest rents. Make sure your property’s curb appeal sets you apart.
If you’re wondering how to make your rental property more visually appealing, we have 5 easy ideas for you.
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Invest in Better Landscaping
Offering a well-landscaped home is going to make your property look great to tenants on the rental market. Make everything look clean and orderly, but not ornate. Tenants want a pleasant outdoor space, but they don’t want a lot of maintenance. Low-maintenance plants and simple landscaping features will enhance your curb appeal.
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Paint the Exterior of your Property
It’s hard to miss the paint. If a prospective tenant arrives for a showing and the paint on the house or the building looks faded, chipped, or dirty, they’re not going to feel great about living there.
Paint remains one of the best investments you can make in your rental property, whether it’s interior or exterior paint. This is a great way to increase your curb appeal as well as your rental value. Look at the paint on your property. Unless it’s in great shape, schedule painters to give it a modern, clean look. Paint the front door, too. Consider a color that pops, like red or yellow.
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Pressure Wash the Property
Power washing is easy and inexpensive. You’ll be impressed at how different your rental home looks once you give it a good wash. There’s a lot of debris, dirt, pollen, and wayward leaves clinging to the outside of your rental home. Your driveway and sidewalks can likely use a good cleaning, too. Pavement tends to get darker as the dirt accumulates.
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Update Exterior Lighting
Good lighting outside your property is more than aesthetically pleasing – it’s also a security issue.
You want your tenants and their guests to feel safe coming home and going out. With good lighting, your property will look pretty in the evenings. Install appropriate lighting at the front door, on the side of the house, and in the back. Motion lights can be a good idea in garages, carports, or parking areas.
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Improve the Parking
Where are your tenants parking, and does it provide them with ease and convenience? If there’s a garage, make sure there’s enough lighting from garage to house. If there’s a driveway, make sure it’s clear of debris and in good shape. Parking lots or street parking should be safe, spacious, and free of potholes and other hazards.
Make the parking easier. It will look better for your curb appeal and give tenants a good reason to rent your home.
These are just a few of the ways we’ve helped owners improve their curb appeal. If you would like some suggestions specific to your property, or if you’d like to hear more about our professional property management services, please contact us Real Estate Gladiators. We serve Monroe, Issaquah, Bellevue, Everett, Lake Stevens, Kirkland, and other cities in and around King and Snohomish counties in Washington State.
