FACT: Unattractive rental properties sit vacant longer.

Curb appeal is one of the most important elements that contribute to how quickly we can rent a property.

And by curb appeal, we mean how attractive the property looks from the street.

From a rental perspective, the importance of how well a property’s exterior is maintained cannot be overstated.  As the property investor, it’s critical that you devote some time to determine what a prospective tenant is looking for in a rental property.

Put Yourself in the Tenant’s Shoes

What will prospective tenants think about when they first see your rental?

Will they shake their head “no” and just keep driving? Or, will they be compelled to see the interior?

Needless to say, the maintenance you perform on the exterior is just as critical (if not more so) than what you do with the inside.  

Remember, good first impressions are extremely important. Without one, there’s not much hope of them wanting to see more.

How to Evaluate Your Property’s Curb Appeal

While you may have some budget or spending restrictions, the following are some cost-effective considerations when evaluating how attractive your property is from the street:

• Exterior paint – Nothing is less eye-appealing to prospective home renters than seeing cracking, fading, or peeling paint on the exterior of a property.  Applying a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a rental property’s aesthetic appeal.  Otherwise, prospective tenants won’t even bother to look inside the home.
• Front lawn –  Lawns that aren’t manicured and weedy are an eyesore, especially when every other lawn in the neighborhood is well-maintained. Fortunately, you can have APG Properties include lawn care in your service. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with lawn care yourself.
• Overgrown bushes, shrubs, and trees – Not only does the condition of these plants detract from a property’s curb appeal, it negatively impacts your ability to lease or rent it.  Overgrown bushes, shrubs, and trees eventually become costly maintenance problems such growth into the eaves, patio, or roof of the home.
• Roofing – A roof can account for 40 percent of a home’s look from the curb, so carefully consider what material will best complement your home and attract great renters.
• Hardware – Get new house numbers, a new mailbox, and a door latch with the same finish to give your exterior a cohesive, stylish look.
• Siding – Refresh your home’s exterior with new siding. The most affordable option is vinyl siding which is available in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Conclusion

When you have the time to do so, drive by your properties and ask yourself if you would want to live there.  

If you answer NO, then obviously it is time to consider addressing any issues that detract from the home’s curb appeal.  

Having a property management company, like APG Properties, as a partner will alleviate the need for you to get your hands dirty since they have contractors and maintenance crews at their disposal to handle these issues. And that will leave you with ample time to focus on other aspects of your business.