This is a topic I’ve been thinking a lot about lately and found this article. Thought I’d share with all of you. Is there anything you can do to improve your curb appeal?
Trump believes in it. I believe in it. Most realtors believe in it. Curb appeal is the true secret weapon for property leasing. Best of all improving curb appeal is often one of the very least expensive steps you can take with a property.
A few thousand or tens of thousands of dollars can completely change the appearance of a property. Regrading, adding drains, putting down new sod, planting flower beds, planting shrubs can make huge changes.
Perhaps just as exciting, repainting, installing fences, putting new doors on buildings, installing new windows, replacing rotten wood, adding water features can completely change the appearance of a property for passers by. If the property is in a high traffic area renting trends can literally change overnight.
A new pool, a gazebo, a picnic area can cost a fraction of new appliances, new carpets or other interior changes. More importantly, these changes can apply to every resident on the property and will create a real impact in the area as merchants, vendors, police, and government officials hear of the change. Newspapers and other news sources also may have an interest in running information about your property.
Some other changes that can have major impact are security fences, outdoor lighting, light fixtures, flag poles, masonry and wrought iron features. Also, the tasteful addition of security cameras while not decorative can have a significant impact on reputation.
Light fixtures deserve some attention. A property without lights can seem unsafe and unfriendly. Tasteful addition of soft lighting from attractive fixtures can change a scary property into a welcoming and safe feeling community. Additionally, adding light sensitive security lights on the backsides of units can tremendously brighten a property.
Another area to consider separately is paving and painting. A good top coat and new paint can sometimes make an old property seem completely new. While the effects are purely cosmetic the result can be dramatic.
In general undertaking these changes should include the support of proven reputable landscapers. Moreover, you will do well to allow them to make a variety of recommendations to workout a solution that offers as much potential impact as possible. If curb appeals are part of a larger renovation plan, adding the outside features first is a great way to further assure the success of the effort. The additional early traffic can go far to assure the long term renting momentum.
Bundle these ideas with the right property and you can see huge value,revenue, and profitability changes with limited expenditure.
