Читать книгу Property Management Kit For Dummies - Robert S. Griswold - Страница 85

A poor first impression of your unit’s exterior is hard to reverse, regardless of how great the inside may look, which is why you want to make a great first impression. To do so, you need to think about curb appeal, the visual attractiveness of your property when seen for the first time by a prospective tenant standing in front of the property “at the curb.”

To attract tenants who’ll treat your property properly and stay for years, keep the following suggestions in mind:

 Starting at the street, carefully critique your property as though you were entering a contest for the best-looking property in your area. First impressions are critical, and one of the key areas that all prospective tenants see is the entry. Make sure that the entryway is clean, well-kept, and well-lit. Clean the front door, or apply a new coat of paint or stain. Buy a new welcome mat. Remove or replace a broken screen door or mailbox. Add stylish address or unit numbers that denote attention to detail. Also, check the driveways and walkways to ensure that they’re as neat and tidy as possible.

 Make sure that your grounds and exterior areas are sparkling clean and that the landscaping and irrigation are well maintained. Believe it or not, you can renovate your grounds inexpensively by picking up trash and junk, removing weeds, watering the grass, and using the right fertilizer. A nice green lawn. manicured shrubs, and evergreen shade trees enhance any property. Additionally, using flowering plants or perennial flowers is a great way to boost curb appeal and add color that will catch a prospect’s eye. Savvy rental property owners know that landscaping is one of the most cost-effective ways to significantly upgrade a unit.

 Check all patios, balconies, and entryways. All these areas should be clean, and the railings should be solid, secure, and firmly attached. You want to be sure that the entryways are unobstructed by landscaping and other items and that there are no tripping hazards.

 Make sure that the structure is presentable and inviting. Although major architectural changes are often cost-prohibitive, you can do a lot with a little paint, landscaping, and cleanup. These items generally don’t cost much compared with the positive benefits you’ll gain. Some specific exterior improvements to consider are ground-level or hanging planters, brass house numbers with night lighting, awnings, and freshly painted fence or house trim. Examples of exterior and landscaping renovations that can completely change a property’s curb appeal and even reposition tired rental properties include seasonal flowering plants, new shrubs to replace the ones that have become sparse and woody, low-voltage landscape lighting, motion-sensor lights, and new electrical fixtures.