In people, it’s what’s inside that counts. For rental properties, that’s not the case. The interior is very important. However, landlords tend to put so much effort into making inside look amazing that the exterior becomes neglected. Beauty on the outside is just as important!
When your perfect tenant rocks up to the inspection they have already begun to picture themselves living here. They have imagined pulling into the driveway after a long day at work and what is in front of them is important in forming their initial opinions.
If the outside of your property is dusty, the lawn is overgrown, and there are cobwebs on the letterbox, your potential tenant is already being turned off. You don’t want to decrease the number of interested parties before they’ve even stepped foot inside!
This article outlines five really easy things you can do to make your property look amazing on the outside so your dream tenants have a fantastic first impression.
If your property happens to be a part of an apartment complex and you think body corporate is being particularly slack, make sure you speak up! You pay for body corporate and you have a say in how the complex is presented, so put your two cents in and make sure they’re making the exterior of your property looking great.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) A house that gives a good first impression is more likely to attract more applicants
1. Mow the lawns and clean up garden beds
Unless you live in an apartment block where the lawns and gardens are always maintained by body corporate (score!), you need to keep on top of the yard work when your property is on the market.
A manicured lawn is common sense, but many people forget that weeding the walkways and any strays between the bricks on the driveway help make the property look really lovely and well-kept.
If your garden beds are a little bit lack-lustre and sparse, there are a number of plants that you can pop in and leave to their own devices. Not everyone has the time and patience for flowers! Bromeliads are very hardy garden plants that need little to no maintenance. They also come in a wide range of colours so you can get some that work well with your property’s colour scheme.
(Credit: Joao B Oliver on Pixabay) Bromeliads are a great plant for low maintenance garden beds
2. Replace anything broken or worn
You’d be surprised by how much old, holey fly screens age and ruin the aesthetic of a property! It just gives off an air of neglect. Installing some Crimsafe screens are an immediate expense, but they’ll last far longer and leave your tenants feeling safe within your property.
In addition to screens, any broken windows, panels, steps, or bannisters should also be fixed up before marketing your property. This not only makes your property look better, but it’ll prevent injuries and help your tenants feel secure.
(Credit: Kristaps Grundsteins on Unsplash) Some Crimsafe screens would make this property more secure for tenants
3. Get the Karcher out
Sometimes, the exterior will need a fresh coat of paint, especially if it hasn’t been done in a couple of decades. However, a lot of the time a really good pressure clean will remove the dirt, grime, and build-up. Your home will look good as new!
While you’re at it, turn the pressure hose onto the driveway, balcony, deck or any other outdoor areas. You’d be surprised how a clean driveway can make the whole property look manicured and uplifted.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) The exterior of this Camp Hill property and the driveway look clean and tidy, making it far more appealing
4. Fix the little details
You might not have noticed the metal street numbers had fallen off the fence, but we can guarantee your potential tenants will when they’re searching for your house to inspect it!
Little details like replacing light bulbs, clearing the letterbox of debris and cobwebs, and ensuring any decals and plaques are looking fresh will polish the overall look of the whole property.
(Credit: Hence the Boom on Unsplash) Street numbers are important to people who’ve never been to your property before, so make sure yours is clearly labelled!
5. Spruce up the balcony
If you have a balcony or porch area, you may think the perspective from the interior is far more important. However, if your balcony is visible from below, it may be worthwhile to make the area look homely and inviting.
You can easily accomplish this through the addition of some plants, a spice garden, or even some fairy lights. Some great plants to liven up a balcony space are Happy plants, Monstera Deliciosa, or Philodendrons.
(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) This balcony was easily made to look inviting with the use of plants
