Why Curb Appeal Matters in Rental Properties

First impressions are important in many aspects of life–including the rental process. After all, you don’t want to have to convince someone to rent your property. Their first impression during a tour can make or break whether they want to be your tenant. And what’s the first thing they’re going to see? The outside of the home. Today, we’re reviewing why curb appeal matters for rental properties and tips to improve your rental’s appearance. Read along to learn more!

Contents of This Article: 

• What Is Curb Appeal in Real Estate?
• Why Curb Appeal Matters for Rental Properties
• How Much Does Curb Appeal Affect Home Values?
• Simple Ways to Improve Your Rental’s Curb Appeal
• Keep Your Rental in Top Shape With PPM

What Is Curb Appeal in Real Estate?

Curb appeal is the general attractiveness or appeal of a property. It’s the first impression you get when looking at a property from the street or curb. As you can imagine, this first look can greatly impact the perception of a prospective tenant. A property with a strong curb appeal is more likely to grab the attention of renters than one that looks chaotic, messy, or boring from the outside. 

Enhancing a property’s curb appeal generally involves improving the exterior key features. This may include upgrades to landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, a clean driveway and walkways, and a well-maintained yard and property. Most renters look for a well-kept lawn, trimmed shrubs and bushes, flowers, and freshly painted surfaces.

Investing in your rental’s curb appeal boosts the value and makes it more appealing to potential renters. Property managers in Northern Virginia understand why curb appeal matters and work hard to keep properties looking their best. If you’re a rental owner wondering why curb appeal is so important and what it may add to your property, read along as we go over that next. 

Why Curb Appeal Matters for Rental Properties

There are many reasons why curb appeal matters so much for rental properties. After all, first impressions are important for tenants, meaning the property’s exterior should be just as appealing as the interior. Here are some of the key reasons why rental owners should pay close attention to the curb appeal of their properties. 

• Attracting Tenants– Curb appeal helps draw in tenants and get them interested in a property. If you put yourself in a renter’s shoes, you’ll likely agree that a more attractive property from the outside is better than one with no curb appeal at all. 

• Higher Rental Value- A rental with an attractive exterior can lead to higher rental prices. After all, when a property looks great from the outside, renters may be more willing to pay higher prices to live there.
• Tenant Retention- Good curb appeal can increase tenant satisfaction and may encourage renters to stay in your property longer. After all, a satisfied tenant is more willing to renew their lease than one who doesn’t love where they live. 
• Property Preservation– Investing in curb appeal ensures your home is well-maintained, preserving it’s condition over time. Regular upkeep can prevent damage and deterioration, protecting the property’s value. 
• Competitive Edge- Curb appeal provides a huge advantage in competitive rental markets. With so many options available, tenants are more likely to choose a well-maintained and visually appealing property. 

How Much Does Curb Appeal Affect Home Values?

Believe it or not, curb appeal can significantly impact a home’s value. Depending on the market and which upgrades you make to the exterior of your property, you can increase the value by up to 10% or more. For instance, things like professional landscaping, new garage doors, and exterior paint can all significantly boost property value. 

Additionally, homes with appealing exteriors attract more tenants, creating competition that can increase prices. It can also make a property stand out, giving it an edge over similar listings. So, if you ever want to sell your rental property, spending a little extra time on the exterior can help you sell at a favorable price. 

Simple Ways to Improve Your Rental’s Curb Appeal

Improving your rental’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Even the simplest updates can make a huge impact, attracting more tenants and potentially increasing your property’s value. Here are some simple ways to enhance your rental’s curb appeal. 

1. Clean and Declutter- Keeping the outside of your rental clean is one of the easiest ways to improve curb appeal. You can power-wash the siding, sidewalks, and driveway to remove dirt, regularly sweep the porch, and ensure the yard is debris-free.
2. Add Plants and Flowers– Flowers are a great way to make your property more inviting instantly. So, consider adding potted plants near the entryway or planting flower beds outside. However, unless you plan on keeping up with them, make sure to choose low-maintenance plants and flowers.
3. Update Hardware- Give your property a more polished look with small details like new hardware. For instance, you can easily replace outdated doorknobs, house numbers, and mailboxes with more modern choices. 
4. Apply Fresh Paint– A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a property’s curb appeal. So, touch up the exterior, shutters, or trim to give the property a clean and well-maintained appearance.
5. Replace the Front Door- A bold, modern front door can serve as an interesting focal point for the property. You can either buy a whole new door or paint the one you have to give it an updated look. 
6. Add Outdoor Lighting– If you don’t have much outdoor lighting, install pathway lighting or porch lighting to make the property more inviting. Not only does outdoor lighting enhance safety, but it also highlights the property’s key features and creates a more inviting experience. 

Keep Your Rental in Top Shape With PPM

Knowing why curb appeal matters is the first step in properly maintaining your property. Once you know the importance, you can ensure your property looks appealing to prospective tenants, leading to shorter vacancies and higher property values. 

If you need help maintaining your rental property, consider hiring professional property management. Professional Property Management of Northern Virginia is a great option if you need comprehensive services to help keep your property in top-notch shape. Contact PPM today to learn more about our services and how we can help your rental business succeed.