Hello, property and potential property owners! Welcome to the RPM Distinguished Care blog, where we provide practical advice about property management! If you’re a return visitor, welcome back. We sincerely appreciate your support! RPM Distinguished Care specializes in managing successful rental properties in and around the Charleston area. We’re here to make your lives easier by giving you the resources you need to maximize profitability and have a successful rental property. We provide comprehensive property management services at every possible level. From advertising and marketing to responding to applications, to inspecting and maintaining properties–there’s nothing we do not do. Further, we ensure tenant compliance, handle necessary evictions, and report directly back to you about revenue and profit potentials. We aim to make owning rental property as easy for you as possible, for as little money as possible. Check out the rest of our site to meet our team and discover what makes RPM Distinguished Care the best property management company in Charleston!
In our last post, we discussed rental scams and how to avoid them. Unfortunately, these scams have become prevalent in recent years on websites such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. In these instances, the scammer will pose as a landlord or property owner by posting photos of an actual property for rent. This is an attempt to get money from unsuspecting people looking to rent. If you are interested in ways that you can avoid falling victim to these scams, we encourage you to check out our last post!
Today, we’ll be discussing curb appeal tips for property owners. Curb appeal is defined as the general attractiveness of a property from the sidewalk to a prospective buyer or renter. One of the most important factors in selling or renting a property is the curb appeal, since it is often one of the first things prospective buyers or renters see– And you certainly want to make a great first impression! Excellent curb appeal helps sell or rent a home faster because it has a positive effect on prospective buyers and renters. Even small details can reduce the value of the property in the renter’s mind. The good news is that many aspects of curb appeal can be done without breaking the bank. If you are interested in learning more about how you can boost curb appeal, you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.
It goes without saying that if the outside of a property looks unkempt, it can be a turn-off for prospective renters. If the property looks attractive from the outside, people will be more interested to see what the inside of the property looks like. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can improve the exterior appearance of your rental property.
Refresh The Paint
One of the simplest ways to boost curb appeal is by repainting. This can mean repainting the entire exterior, or refreshing paint here and there, such as the front door, shutters, or fence. You can typically find paint for about $35 per gallon, which makes it a simple and relatively cheap upgrade. Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint– Repainting the front door, for instance, can add brightness and refresh the space. Choosing a vibrant or bold color can also make the front door a focal point, attracting prospective renters. Feel free to coordinate colors by using the same color palette. This means using colors that work well together for the front door and shutters, for example, to create a cohesive look. Generally, it is recommended to keep only two or three colors in your palette so that it doesn’t overwhelm the eyes.
Upgrade The Lighting
Lighting is a great way to improve curb appeal. Consider the style of the property as well as the function of the lights. You want to make sure that certain areas, such as walkways or the entryway, are adequately lit. This makes things safer by helping tenants see well in the dark and deterring criminal activity. Consider adding light fixtures along a pathway as well as a couple at the end of the walkway, near the street. This creates a visual gateway and can appear more welcoming to prospective renters. You may also want to consider landscape lighting. These lights are used to showcase the architectural details of a property and its landscape. Hone in on your property’s unique details and textures, such as brick, archways, or columns. If there are trees on the property, you can also use tree uplighting to light up the trunk and show off their beauty. This can add a dramatic or elegant element to your property’s exterior. However, be careful not to go overboard with lights. Lighting up every single tree, rock, or archway on your property can appear too overwhelming and washed out.
Add Plants
Nothing says “welcome home” like plants! Plants, such as shrubs or flowers, add instant curb appeal to any property. Studies have found that plants boost mood and reduce stress. With that being said, adding some plants around your property can make it feel more cozy and welcoming. Look for plants that are easy to grow and care for, such as hydrangeas or peonies. If you’re planting trees, look for trees that grow quickly, such as crabapple or paper birch. You can also plant some shrubs or flowers around the mailbox to add texture to your landscape. If your property has multiple units, you may want to consider installing window boxes or planters. This can add a unique and eye-catching element to your property. For apartments or condos, consider adding trees and other plants around common areas and the entryway to the complex.
Clean And Pressure Wash
Cleaning and pressure washing the exterior of your property is a great way to give it a refresh. Be sure to clean the driveway, walkways, fences, gutters, and siding. This will remove debris, dirt, and cobwebs that have accumulated over time. Pressure washing essentially polishes the outside of your property, making it look as good as new. Prospective renters want to view a property that appears cared for, and seeing the outside of the home looking its best will make them excited to see the inside, too. Be sure to start with the power washer on its lowest setting so that you don’t damage any surfaces. If your property is a complex with multiple units, sweep or clean off any common areas such as walkways or gazebos. Additionally, make sure you are keeping up with routine maintenance around the property. Don’t wait too long to make repairs– This will save you time and money.
As you can see, these are just a few of the ways that you can boost curb appeal as a property owner, and most can be done on a relatively small budget. Remember: First impressions matter! As a property owner, one of the most essential tasks you have is to fill vacancies, and there is no better way to do that than creating a welcoming exterior that will invite prospective renters in. Curb appeal is a great way to make your property stand out from that of your competition!
We hope you found this article helpful. If you are a rental property owner looking for assistance in managing your property, feel free to reach out to us! RPM Distinguished Care specializes in residential property management and offers a range of services including communication, marketing, and advertising, thorough tenant screening and selection, full-service leasing, timely rent collection, regular evaluations, cost-effective and reliable maintenance, strict and compliant evictions, and comprehensive accounting. We utilize an online portal for owners to keep track of their property, including access to reports and financial statements. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to keep your property at its best. We believe in full-service and comprehensive property management. That’s why we take the time to understand each of our clients and help identify their most closely-held goals. Let us give you peace of mind that your property is in good hands. Use our website to request your free assessment and meet with our expert team! Thank you for taking the time to read this article and we hope to hear from you soon! See you next time!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
