If you’re looking to boost your rental property’s attractiveness one of the best ways to do this is by improving curb appeal. The curb appeal of a home gives the first impression and first impressions matter, especially when it comes to attracting potential tenants.
If your property’s curb appeal is uninspiring even if it’s marketed well, prospects won’t be motivated to look at what’s inside. This can potentially cost you the opportunity to rent to a great tenant. But if your property’s exterior is clean and appealing, it’s all the easier to close on a great prospect.
But does boosting a property’s curb appeal have to cost an arm and a leg? Not at all! Small efforts can go a long way in encouraging prospects to view your Florida home.
At Florida Property Management and Sales, we have put together the following 8 proven tips on how you can boost your rental property’s curb appeal:
Use Bright Colors
Color can go a long way to boost a property’s curb appeal. It’s also an inexpensive upgrade that won’t leave any noticeable dent in your bottom line. What a brilliant splash of color does is invite more attention. It can also lend considerable interest to an otherwise simple, ordinary house.
Bright exterior paint colors often work on things like exterior furnishings, house number plates, or even the mailbox.
Add Some Greenery
Adding more greenery to your home’s exterior can also help make the curb appeal more noticeable. Trees and flowers, in particular, can help add a dash of vibrancy to any home. The verdant atmosphere brings some peace and tranquility with it.
It’s a nice idea to get in touch with a reputable gardener and share with them any ideas you may have about your front lot. Whatever you do, though, make sure to opt for low-maintenance plants. The last thing tenants want is to be burdened with maintenance.
Improve the Lighting
Your property should remain attractive, even at night, which is where lighting comes in. There are many different options depending on one’s budget. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of outdoor lighting ranges from $900 to $2,300.
Illuminating your outdoor space will not only make it stylish at night but can also help in enhancing security. You can further amplify the lighting through accessories, as well.
Landscape the Property
Nothing can beat a front yard that is clean and clutter-free. To make your curb even more attractive, you’ll need to consistently maintain it by doing the following:
- Pruning broken or damaged tree branches.
- Testing the soil pH every couple of years to ensure it has the right nutrients.
- Make planting beds neat and tidy.
- Controlling weeds.
- Fertilizing trees and shrubs.
- Mowing grass when it reaches 2 to 3 inches.
A landlord should try and use low-maintenance plants to keep the property looking great, without imposing on your renters.
Maintaining your property’s landscape can not only boost your property’s curb appeal but can also help minimize the risk of trespassers and other intruders as a well-kept yard indicates a property is in use.
Paint the Exterior
Normal wear and tear are inevitable for any landlord to deal with. So, after some time, you may start to notice the paint on your property’s exterior starting to fade or peel off. If left unaddressed, your property may become unattractive and that can cost you in terms of long-term vacancies.
If the paint on your property’s exterior looks like it has seen better days, then it’s time to refresh it. Preferably, you should employ a professional painter. However simple it may look, hiring professional help can make all the difference and even improve your property’s rental value.
Refresh the Front Door
It’s easy to overlook the importance of the front door. If everything else looks attractive apart from your front door, the overall appeal can be negatively impacted.
You can pay attention to renovating your front door by doing a couple of things depending on its state. If the paint is the problem, simply refresh it with a new coat of paint. If it’s the latch mechanism that has failed, have it replaced by a professional.
But if your door has become increasingly difficult to open and close, it may be time to replace it. As the main access point for your property, ensuring the front door is solid is key. Your goal should be to make it both attractive and secure.
Clean the Exterior
Having a clean rental property is a crucial part of appealing to potential renters. So, giving all of your property a thorough clean before showings can help leave a lasting impression on prospects.
The following are some of the key areas that you should include in the cleaning checklist.
- Windows
- Walls
- Floors
- Bathroom
- Kitchen Countertops
- Sinks
- Cabinetry
- Appliances
Ideally, you should use a professional cleaning company. They not only will have a pool of highly trained and skilled staff but will also know the nooks and crannies to clean.
Inspect the Roof
The roof of your property won’t last a lifetime. On average, the lifespan of a roof ranges anywhere between 25 and 30 years. The following are some tips to help you gauge whether it needs repairs or total replacement depending on the severity of the problem.
- Cooling bills have gone up.
- Shingles or granules are missing.
- Shingles have curled or buckled.
- The roof is sagging.
- The roof has outlived its usefulness.
- There is water damage in the attic.
Being proactive about the roof can help minimize repair costs and risks of property damage or even injury.
Bottom Line
There you have it. 8 tips on how you can boost your rental property’s curb appeal. An improved curb appeal can result in happier tenants and longer tenancies.
For expert help in boosting your Florida rental property’s curb appeal or any aspect of property management, Florida Property Management & Sales can help. We are a trusted property management company in Broward County.