Summer is upon us! Is your rental investment property in need of a Summer spruce up? A well-maintained property with curb appeal is vital to enticing good renters to stay long term. Check out these tips below for attracting good renters and preparing your Harford County property for leasing season.
Attracting Good Renters with Curb Appeal
Whether you have an individual home, small apartment complex, or large multi-family property, curb appeal is your best first impression. Outside sets the tone for what renters can expect from the inside of your rental and the care that you put into it. These easy DIY tips below will spruce up your rental’s exterior and put your best foot forward.
- Trim hedges and shrubs: It seems simple, but this is one of the easiest fixes you can make and is often overlooked by landlords. Make sure the front of the home is clearly visible and hedges are trimmed with neat and tidy straight edges.
- Pressure wash: Weather-related mold and algae are inevitable. While it may cost a little money, pressure washing to make your home shine to potential renters. Whether you choose to rent one yourself or hire a company, this is well worth the investment.
- Brighten up the front door: Color is not the enemy! The front door speaks volumes about your home and daring color choices are becoming all the rage. Consider a bright contrasting color to the exterior to attract more renters and set your rental apart.
- Disguise cinder block foundations: Cinder block on its own is not very appealing. Consider painting the blocks a neutral color or use stone panels to easily disguise an otherwise unappealing feature.
- Update your hardware: Replacing your front door hardware, a porchlight, mailbox, or house number can make an impact on overall appeal. Consider a modern and stylish option to effortlessly update your entry.
Essential Maintenance to Maintain Curb Appeal
- Clean windows and screens: From the outside, windows and screens should be free of debris and in good working order. However, on the inside, a clean window lets in more natural light, a key feature in attracting good renters.
- Repair or re-paint your fence: Fenced yards are a huge plus, especially to renters with pets. If your fence is worn, missing pieces, or rusted, consider repainting for a fresher look. Repairs to any broken pieces should always be made as a safety precaution.
- Maintain your lawn: Just like well-trimmed shrubs, a neatly mowed lawn can make all the difference. Be sure to keep up with this during the leasing process to attract potential tenants. If you have flower beds, think about adding a fresh coat of mulch or stone.
Attracting good renters to your Harford County rental property does not have to be difficult or costly. Maintaining both interior and exterior maintenance is key to an easy turnover process. Using some elbow grease along with these helpful tips, you can make sure your property is ready for leasing season. Need help maintain your rental properties? Contact a Harford County rental property management company and let the professionals help maintain your investment property!