Boost Your Curb Appeal: Tips for Improving the Exterior of Your Single-Family Rental Properties
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Andrew Grant
The exterior of your single family rental is the first thing people see when they drive by or come to visit. It sets the tone for the whole property and can make a big impression on potential renters. While the cost of rent will be a decisive factor, it is imperative not to overlook the importance of “curb appeal.” Here are a few tips on how to improve the exterior of your single-family rental property:
Enhance Curb Appeal - Clean the Yard!
1 - Keep it clean:
We’ve all noticed the ugly house on the street. They are eyesores, and we generally “can’t imagine” who would live in such a place. A simple but effective way to boost curb appeal is to keep the exterior of your single-family rental property clean. This includes power-washing the exterior, cleaning gutters and windows, and ensuring that the lawn and landscaping are well-maintained. It is important to maintain each of these items throughout the vacant cycle of the single-family rental property.
2 - Paint or update the front door:
No one really wants to paint a property. But a fresh coat of paint or a new front door can give the rental property a new look and make a great first impression. Consider using a bold color to make the front door stand out. This simple item can make the difference in curb appeal and getting tenants in the property faster.
3 - Add outdoor lighting:
This is not a necessity, but it could really boost the look and feel of the property. Outdoor lighting can help highlight the best features of the rental property and make it look welcoming. Most renters will care about how the property looks at night, so this is something to consider. This can be achieved in many ways, including porch lights, landscape lighting, and solar-powered walkway lights.
Make sure you have updated landscaping!
4 - Update the landscaping:
During many times of the year, the lawn isn’t necessarily an issue. However, when the grass AND weeds are growing, this inevitable eyesore must be avoided. A well-maintained lawn and landscaping can greatly improve the appearance of the rental property. Consider adding plants, flowers, and trees to your yard, and make sure to keep them trimmed and well-watered. An additional benefit of maintaining the lawn is that you can avoid any HOA or City fines.
5 - Fix any visible damage:
No company wants to deal with visible damage. Even so, visible damage such as peeling paint, missing shingles, or cracked windows will need to be repaired. This will not only improve the appearance of your rental property but also protect it from further damage. At the end of the day, this should be considered a cost savings rather than an expense.
6 - Consider a new roof:
Again, this item might not be completely necessary. A new roof can be expensive, but it can give your single family rental property an entirely new look. If a roof is old or damaged, consider a new roof or a roofing renovation to give the property a fresh new look. This may be the last thing to consider and will require some financial analysis.
By keeping the exterior of your single family rental property clean, painting or updating the front door, adding outdoor lighting, updating the landscaping, fixing any visible damage, and considering a new roof, you can boost the curb appeal and improve the overall appearance of your single family rental property.
Curb Appeal is important for Single Family Rental Properties