Key Takeaways
- Curb appeal directly impacts return on investment (ROI). A well-maintained exterior signals that a landlord is attentive and responsible, attracting a larger pool of quality tenants who are more likely to pay on time, care for the investment property, and renew leases.
- Simple, cost-effective improvements make a big difference. Fresh paint, manicured landscaping, clean windows, and decorative touches like window box planters can significantly enhance your residential rental property’s appearance without major expense.
- Regular maintenance prevents bigger issues. Addressing cracked pavement, inspecting roofs and gutters, and keeping the exterior in top condition not only boosts tenant perception but also protects the long-term value of your real estate investment.
One common mistake that some landlords make is overlooking their property’s curb appeal. And consequently, this impacts the return on investment (ROI). This is because curb appeal plays a significant role in how prospective tenants perceive your rental property. If the exterior of the property looks great, it indicates that you care about the the safety and comfort of tenants.
In turn, you’ll be more likely to attract a large prospective tenant pool. And with a larger prospective tenant pool to choose from, you’ll have higher chances of landing a quality resident quickly.
Such a tenant pays rent on time, cares for their rented premises, and renews their lease multiple times. This is the perfect recipe for optimal ROI. In this article, we at Kokopelli Real Estate and Property Management will cover what to do to boost your property’s curb appeal!
7 Tips on How to Boost Your Property’s Curb Appeal
Here are some of the tips to keep in mind when seeking to improve your property’s curb appeal:
1. Repaint Walls
Some signs you need to repaint your rental’s exterior walls include scuff marks, dings and chips, bubbling, or fading. You may also want to paint if the walls have been painted with bold or niche colors.
And luckily for you, a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to update a rental property. That said, you’ll want to keep the following in mind when it comes to painting your rental’s exterior walls:
- Make sure you go for neutral colors like white, beige, cream, taupe, and grey.
- Consider working with a professional painter for proper workmanship.
- Select paints that are weather resistant and compatible with the home’s siding.
2. Prioritize Landscaping
Some signs your lawn needs attention include overgrown grass, weeds, discoloration, and soggy spots. If you notice any of these issues, act immediately. Get a professional to do it; or, spare some time and work on the lawn.
Mow the lawn, trim the edges, pluck out the weeds, and add some nutrients to the soil, among other things. When the lawn looks cared for, it becomes easier to market your properties and attract tenants more quickly.
3. Add Diverse Plants
This is another thing you can do to reinvigorate the look of your rental’s curb appeal. You can plant some trees to help add visual appeal and privacy. This can especially look attractive in marketing photos when trying to fill vacancies.
You can also consider planting flowers along the property’s walkways or in window boxes. These can help add a pop of color to your rental’s curb appeal. Hydrangeas, for instance, are not only colorful and beautiful, but also easy to maintain.
When considering what to plant, look for low-maintenance plants, especially if you’re expecting tenants to help with lawn care and property upkeep.
4. Clean all the Windows
Regardless of whether you own a single-family home or a multi-unit building, keeping the windows clean is essential for maintaining curb appeal and creating a positive first impression for prospective tenants.
Establishing a regular cleaning schedule or partnering with a professional window cleaning service ensures that dirt, streaks, and buildup are properly removed, helping your property look well cared for and more attractive to long-term renters.
5. Install Window Box Planters
These long, narrow containers are designed to be mounted on or beneath a windowsill. You can use them to grow a variety of plants, including flowers and herbs.
These can help add to your efforts of reinvigorating your rental’s curb appeal by adding greenery and decorative elements to your building’s exterior. Ideally, grow plants in the window boxes that only require minimal watering, as these will be easier to maintain.
6. Replace a Cracked Pavement
Before considering installing a new pavement, first examine the severity of the damage. Are there any extensive cracks that run deep into the pavement structure, or deep potholes that form bowl-shaped depressions in the pavement?
If so, these could be negatively impacting your rental’s curb appeal and safety. By assessing damages first you can determine what kind of investment needs to be made. Fill minor cracks and dips to prevent tripping hazards. For more serious issues, consider a tearing up pathways and starting fresh.
7. Check the Roof and Gutters
If you ignore the roof and gutters, they could deteriorate and cause significant damage to your property. When inspecting the roof, make sure to look for telltale signs of damage. Some visual clues include water stains, discoloration, peeling, bubbling, flaking, and cracks. If you notice any of these signs, get expert help right away.
As for the gutters, check for any debris that may be blocking the normal flow of rainwater. You should also check them seasonally or following major storms.
Bottom Line
With these expert tips you’re better poisoned to enhance your rental property’s curb appeal. These efforts should help you attract quality tenants to your property and retain them longer for optimal ROI.
For expert help in any aspect of rental property management, look no further than Kokopelli Real Estate and Property Management. We are a full-service real estate and Grand Junction property management specialist. Get in touch to learn more!