Whether you’re self-managing a rental or working with a property management company, a lot of effort goes into attracting prospective tenants. One of the factors that tenants will first consider is the appearance of the home from the outside. Your rental property’s curb appeal can make or break a lease. Luckily, sprucing up your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Below, we’ve compiled easy and inexpensive projects that will give your rental a facelift.
#1 Upgrade The Front Door
Your rental property’s front door is the first thing that prospective tenants will see. Not only does it provide access to a home, but it also reflects the property’s condition. A door that shows clear signs of wear and tear indicates that the home has been around for quite some time. This may deter tenants who are specifically seeking newly refurbished properties.
Replacing the front door with one that stands out will instantly boost your property’s curb appeal. Choose a color that accentuates the home’s exterior. Bold hues such as turquoise and cobalt can grab anyone’s attention, but keep in mind that not all tenants will appreciate bright colors. Opt for a charcoal black door if you want to appeal to a wider range of tenants.
#2 Add Fresh Greenery
The most impactful way to boost your property’s curb appeal is by adding fresh plants and flowers. A lush landscape will easily attract potential tenants, but if your property has limited space for a garden, you can always add potted plants or window boxes.
The trick is to place eye-catching plants next to areas that you want to highlight. For instance, if you want to draw attention to the front porch, you can place fresh flowers in colored pots on its steps. Similarly, if you want to take attention away from “undesirable” areas such as storage sheds, you can cover them with tall plants such as bamboo and boxwood.
#3 Paint the Home’s Exterior
The best way to spruce up your rental property is with a fresh coat of paint. This is especially true if your home is surrounded by similar-looking houses of the same color. Painting your home with contrasting colors will help it stand out from the curb and improve its appearance instantly.
Don’t forget to paint other surfaces such as the window shutters, garage doors, and roof trims. These may seem like minor details, but your tenants will notice them!
#4 Hide Trash Bins
Trash bins are essential to every property, but when you’re showing the home to prospective tenants, now may not be the best time to show them off. Although they are functional, most trash bins look extremely unkempt and ugly.
If possible, place the trash bins in a location that is hidden from view. The trash bins should not what your prospective tenants see when they drive past your rental property. Hiding them in convenient locations will help declutter the facade of your home.
#5 Upgrade the Exterior Lighting
Outdoor lighting, such as path lights and lamp posts, will make the property look cozier at night. But aside from boosting the property’s aesthetic appeal, they also have another benefit: security.
Impress your prospective tenants by installing motion-activated LED lights that will make them feel safe. In addition, consider installing string lights and other landscaping lights to make outdoor living spaces look and feel more inviting to potential tenants.
#6 Wash the Windows
Clean, streak-free windows can instantly brighten up a home. The best part? All you need is a bucket, sponge, cleaning solution, and a bit of elbow grease. Wash your home’s windows thoroughly or request a Florida property company to hire professional cleaners for you. Open all of the curtains and blinds to allow natural light to stream into the property.
#7 Give Your Mailbox a Makeover
Most mailboxes are covered in dirt, rust, and other debris. Because they are often detached from the main home, many homeowners tend to overlook them. However, prospective tenants will notice every detail when they visit your property, so it pays to replace your outdated mailbox with something more modern and stylish.
Choose a mailbox that compliments your home’s overall theme. If your home features a contemporary design, go for sleek mailboxes that showcase straight edges and solid colors.
#8 Upgrade Your Door’s Hardware
When was the last time you replaced your front door’s door knocker or doorknob? Even if you repaint the front door with a bold color, you still have to replace its hardware for something new and noticeable. Choose hardware that accentuates your door’s color. For instance, a black door would look much classier with brass hardware such as house numbers, handles, and doorbells. It’s an inexpensive upgrade that will make your home stand out to prospective tenants!
#9 Add Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can enhance a property’s visual appeal, but only if it is done properly. An excess of outdoor furniture can clutter the home, making it look neglected. Make sure that all of the garden furniture is in pristine condition. Place outdoor furniture strategically. For instance, place a ceramic table with stools to add extra charm to your garden. You could also place an outdoor dining table beside your barbeque grill to help prospective tenants envision themselves hosting backyard barbecue parties with friends on the weekend.
#10 De-Grime the Driveway
Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris will accumulate on your driveway, making it look grimy. Repairing a driveway can be expensive, but an affordable alternative is to de-grime it with a power-washer. If you have a couple of hundred dollars to spare, consider adding cobblestone pavers. Cobblestone driveway pavers are extremely durable and stain-resistant, which means you won’t have to repair or replace them for years.
Need an Extra Pair of Hands?
The property managers at Luxury Property Care have years of experience in finding the best tenants for rental properties in Florida. Our team takes care of everything from day one, including identifying necessary home upgrades, listing the property on high-traffic websites, showing the property to prospective tenants, and much more.
Learn more about our full spectrum property management services by calling (561) 944 – 2992 or by completing the contact form on our website.
