Differentiating your property from the rest starts with the exterior. Creating curb appeal is essential to attracting potential tenants and persuading them to give your rental home closer consideration. It can also add that special touch that makes it feel like home instead of just another property.

Curb appeal doesn’t have to be something you did that was expensive; sometimes, it’s the small details that can make or break a deal. Here are some affordable ways to increase your curb appeal when leasing your property.

Maintain the landscaping

Having a well-landscaped property is important for making a good first impression. This is especially true in places where yards are larger than average. For example, the average yard size in Richmond, VA, is 11,228 square feet. This means a lot of selling points in having a nicely manicured lawn and trimmed shrubs. Additionally, ensuring that flower beds are mulched, and old plants are replaced can go a long way. Finally, it is important to clear any obstacles (e.g., tree branches, bushes, or shrubs) that may be blocking attractive features of the home.

One way to warmly welcome visitors is to place bright containers with flowers near the property entrance. Another touch-up that can make a big difference in painting or staining fences.

Take care of sidewalk cracks.

The cracks in the sidewalk can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. They can make the house look old, neglected, and unkempt. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

One of the most important factors in curb appeal is your home’s exterior. This includes everything from landscaping to siding and more. The first thing people see when they walk up to your home is the exterior, so you must take care of your curb appeal by ensuring there are no cracks in the sidewalk or any other visible damage on your property.

Repaint the front door

Your front door is your opportunity to make a great first impression. A fresh coat of paint in colors that complement or contrast with your property can make your door pop. A glossy finish will also help to hide smudges and make it easier to keep clean. Repainting may take a bit of time, but it’s well worth it for such a dramatic impact.
You can focus on repainting trim around your door and shutters for a smaller property and replacing old door knobs or handles. This relatively simple project can go a long way in making your place more inviting to potential tenants.

Refresh address numbers

If you live in a residential area, your house’s address number is fading or unreadable. This can be a major problem because it can lead to security issues and confusion if the address number is not legible.

Luckily, there are many different ways to refresh your house’s address numbers that won’t break the bank. You could buy new numbers and paint them yourself or replace them with vinyl numbers. Your house will look more presentable and professional for potential homebuyers!

Pressure wash the siding of the home.

Your home’s exterior is important for many reasons. Not only does it affect curb appeal, but it can also influence how clean and welcoming the inside of your home feels. Pressure washing your home’s siding, windows, walkway, steps, and driveway is a great way to keep the outside of your property clean and inviting. In addition, making sure the entryway and halls are uncluttered and welcoming will go a long way in making current tenants happy or attracting new ones.

Fix Broken Gutters, Gates, and Fences

Gutters, gates, and fences are some of the most overlooked features of a property. They are usually either forgotten or not taken care of. However, they can greatly impact the curb appeal and resale value of a property. Poorly-maintained and cluttered gutters, gates, or fences can also lead to drainage issues. , which can harm the foundation of the home.

Focus on the Porch

The porch is one of the first things people see when they come to your home. It’s an important part of curb appeal. A well-designed porch can make a statement about your home and give people a reason to stop and look at what you have on offer.

Porches are great for hosting parties or just relaxing in the summer evenings. They’re also perfect for sitting outside with friends or family, enjoying the fresh air, and talking about anything and everything under the sun.

The porch is often overlooked as an area that needs to be designed with care, but it can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your home if you get it right!

Heather Possum