"Curb appeal” is a term you hear often when talking about buying and selling a home, but first impressions are just as important when it comes to rental properties. A surprising number of renters and buyers will pass on a property without even seeing the inside of the home if the exterior appears uninviting or not maintained. There are many easy and inexpensive ways to improve the curb appeal of your property, which in turn will help increase property value and get your property rented or sold faster.
Take a critical look to identify any repairs that need to be made before listing your property. Look for loose, missing or damaged siding and brickwork, a cracked or uneven foundation, and gutters, downspouts or fences that are in disrepair. Neglected repairs on the outside can give potential renters or buyers the impression that the property is not maintained on the inside.
Check the driveway and sidewalks for weeds and clutter. Clean and declutter patio, deck, and front porch areas. Sometimes, simply pressure washing your patio, deck, or porch can make a huge difference in appearance. Painting or staining the front door and buying a new doormat can go a long way to making the entryway feel more welcoming. Make sure all the exterior lights are working, and that pathways and entryways are well lit. Replace the mailbox if it is dented or rusty looking, and repaint or add house numbers if they are not easy to see from the street.
Keep the lawn mowed and weed wherever necessary. Shrubs and drought resistant native perennials are great choices for rental properties. These types of plants add to a property's attractiveness but do not require a lot of maintenance. You can also place planters with annuals or a topiaries on either side of the front door to give the property a more "homey" appearance.
Enhancing the appearance of your property doesn’t take much effort and can bring about huge payoffs. If you would like more information about getting your property ready for the real estate market, the experts at Key Home Sales and Management are on hand to provide you with advise on how to improve curb appeal, and all other aspects of your property.
Need assistance with selling or renting your property?
The Real Estate professionals at Key Home Sales and Management will help you manage the process from beginning to end. Our dedicated team of agents, property managers, contractors and handymen are committed to providing hands on service that is friendly, responsive, and above all caring!
Key Home Sales and Management specializes in single family homes, town houses, condos, and apartment units located in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Belle Haven, Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Fair Oaks, Falls Church, Fort Hunt, Franconia, Kingstowne, Mt. Vernon, Lorton, Old Town, Springfield, Vienna, and Waynewood areas.
