Curb appeal done well can be the beginning of a beautiful love story, but if neglected your property can seem more like a house of horrors.
Curb appeal will make or break your listing, whether you are selling or renting your property. Many home buyers or renters won’t even set foot inside a home if they don’t like the looks from the outside. First impressions mean everything in real estate and property rentals. In many cases your first showing is the only opportunity you get to impress your potential tenant.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to ensure you are putting your best foot forward and attracting, rather than repelling potential tenants.
Curb Appeal 101: Clean Up the Yard
We mean this as it applies to actual trash, debris or tree limbs, as well as the lawn. Once the surface clean-up has been taken care of, cut the grass and clean up other foliage on the property. Shrubs should be cut back according to their appropriate standards and shape. Don’t try to get creative, no Edward Scissorhands sculptures necessary. Make sure that you don’t cut them too far back either, you want to make sure the plants all look well maintained and appealing to anyone interested in the home so it doesn’t look like too much maintenance.
Add Attractive Color to Your Property’s Landscape
Bright, pretty and climate-appropriate flowers are an excellent way to infuse character, as well as make your property feel more inviting to visitors. Lay mulch in flower beds and ensure that they are well defined with clean lines and defined separation from the lawn. Add a nice border if appropriate. Be certain what you choose matches the look and feel of the property or consult a landscaping service.
Pressure Wash Sidewalks, Driveways and Siding
Details that will make your property stand out above the rest are imperative. The more effort you put in, the more you get out of your listing. Bright sidewalks give a fresh, new feel to a rental property and are a detail that many overlook. When appropriate, be sure to pressure wash the outside of the building or home as well. If you do this, just be sure ahead of time that the material you are using the pressure washer can stand up to the deep cleaning power and that you plan to do the entire home. This is particularly important with two-story homes or apartment buildings.
Curb Appeal Doesn’t Stop at the Curb, Don’t Forget the Front Door
Curb appeal isn’t all about plants and sidewalks. The front door is one of the first things one notices when approaching a property. You want the door to be inviting. This can be attained by re-painting or staining the door, as well as adding modern hardware. Find a fresh spring color for the additional pop that will make your property stand out. The rest of the day visitors will be walking around other showings fondly saying, remember that one with the green door? For an additional standout detail you can add seasonal, tasteful décor like a small wreath or sprig of fresh herbs to the door.
Final Touches for Optimal Curb Appeal
Clean windows inside and out. Pressure washing won’t be enough, but is a good start. Find some glass cleaner, get out a dust rag and put some elbow grease into it. Set out potted plants and outdoor furniture where appropriate. Update outdoor lighting with modern fixtures. Make sure the lights are working and that all the bulbs are the same color and wattage. Last, but not least, check to see if the house numbers are visible from the street. Give everything a quick once-over and take photos while the property is at it’s best.
Learn more about the property management options in Austin available to you.
Curb Appeal Starts Online
When listing your property online, make sure that you have the most appealing photos of the outside of the home. Do not take photos before you have fully completed all of the above-mentioned projects. As hard as it may be to wait, the best time to take photos is once the last detail has been accounted for. Maintenance is a must, because once your images go up online, this is the home people will be looking for when they come to check out the property. Remember that pop of color on the door? It has another great function; making your property easily identifiable. Keep things clean and fresh for your visitors who already have expectations in place before they ever set foot on the property.
As the saying goes; “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When you follow these tips, you can be sure you will leave a lasting and positive impression on each person that encounters your lovely property. Contact TALK Property Management today.
