Rental properties can provide a steady cash flow for an investor. Whether renting single-family homes or multiple apartment units, an investor should ensure that exterior property areas are well maintained. It is important for you to know that curb appeal is essential for attracting long-term tenants.
Exterior Property Areas
Rental properties that are maintained well on the outside could lead prospective tenants to request more information about a specific property. Many renters may be inclined to believe that properties that show well on the outside will probably look nice on the inside too.
Exterior property areas for a rental property could enable a prospective tenant to form an opinion about the owner or the property management firm. An aesthetically inviting rental property could symbolize pride of ownership. While neglected exterior areas might lead a prospective tenant to think that the owners has a limited interest in the rental property.
Maintaining certain exterior property areas could enable an investor to keep tenants for longer periods of time as many renters who maintain nicely decorated interior areas will desire visually attractive exterior areas too.
Landscaping
Ensure that the grass is regularly cut for rental properties that you own. Applications of fertilizer should also be seasonally applied. A well-manicured lawn is one of the first things that a potential renter notices.
A delicate approach to certain exterior areas could enable your property to look more attractive than other rental properties that are nearby. Planting small trees or shrubs could improve the attractiveness of a property that is for rent. Adding colorful flowers or a flowerbox to certain exterior areas could help to improve the curb appeal for a rental property as well.
Doors and Windows
A property that has vibrant features such as new doors and windows could entice several renters to call you for more details. While windows that have broken panes or doors that appear extremely worn might give renters a few signals to search for other properties to consider. Consider upgrading to plantation shutters or other inexpensive window treatments to really catch the eye of potential renters. Replacing the hardware for doorknobs, locks, handles and hinges can increase the attractiveness of your property.
Wood Trimmings and Stone
Replacing worn or rotted wood that trims the exterior area of a rental property could greatly enhance the way that a property looks on the outside. A fresh coat of paint can also brighten up the exterior area of your rental property. Shoring or replacing up loose stones, bricks or tiles is another way to improve your property’s curb appeal. Missing or loose bricks may be view by renters as unsightly exterior conditions.
Outdoor Lighting
Quality exterior lighting could enable a renter to see at night. Bright outside areas could enable a renter to feel safer as well. Well-lit exterior areas are generally a deterrent against crime as a burglar might seek to find other homes to invade.
Installing new porch lights, post lamps and low-voltage lighting along the sidewalk or areas of the driveway can significantly improve the curb approval for your rental properties.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts that are well appointed will direct water to flow away from the foundation of your home. Cleaning leaves and other types of debris from rental property gutters will maximize the operation efficiency for a continuous water flow. Gutters and downspouts that hang off of a property are generally view as an eyesore for renters. Ensuring that the gutters and downspouts are tightly secured against your rental property can improve the exterior appearance too.
Prospective renters are generally more inclined to inquire about properties that feature attractive exterior areas. Many tenants who pay rent for housing will seek to get the most for their money. With modest exterior property improvements, your efforts might be able to influence tenants to rent your properties for longer periods of time. Exterior improvements could decrease the vacancy rates and improve the curb appeal for your rental properties.
This guest post is written by Rachelle Wilber, a freelance writer living in the San Diego area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her BA in Journalism and Media Studies. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter @RachelleWilber.
