When it comes to rental properties, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. And while your home interiors matter, it’s the outside that plays the biggest part in winning over renters from the get-go – otherwise known as curb appeal.
Curb appeal pertains to your property’s exterior appearance from a street view. Whether an interested renter is driving by or viewing your listing online, curb appeal is what will initially capture their attention and entice them to take a closer look. That said, curb appeal is not something you want to neglect when listing your property for rent.
In this article, we’ll explain how to create strong curb appeal when listing your property. From cost-effective curb appeal tips to advice for your online listing, here’s a look at what we’ll cover:
- Why curb appeal is important for rental properties
- How to boost curb appeal on a budget
- How to create digital curb appeal for your online listing
The Importance of Curb Appeal When Renting a Property Out
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s first talk about why curb appeal matters for your rental property. We just mentioned how it plays a huge part in making a strong first impression. However, it’s also important to highlight how it can increase your property’s rental value and renter retention. When considering all these factors, touching up your curb appeal will seem like a no-brainer before listing your property.
First impressions and their impact on rental appeal
Growing up, we’re always told to “not judge a book by its cover.” But from a renter’s perspective, your rental’s “cover” is exactly what will drive their decision to pursue the property. If they like what they see, a renter will continue exploring your online listing, schedule a tour, and submit a rental application. However, if your curb appeal is lacking, they’ll likely move on to other options. Having strong curb appeal will ensure your listing is not overlooked and increase your chances of finding a tenant quickly.
The correlation between curb appeal and rental value
It’s widely known that well-maintained properties tend to have higher property values. In fact, curb appeal alone can account for up to 7% of a property’s market value, according to a study by The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. That said, you should consider curb appeal upgrades as an investment. Whether that means polishing your home’s exterior paint job or planting fresh flowers in the front lawn, even minor improvements can significantly boost your property’s value and, as a result, your rental income.
How curb appeal influences renter retention
Curb appeal is important regardless of whether or not you’re on the hunt for new tenants. If your property is currently occupied, maintaining curb appeal can keep renters happy and possibly persuade them to renew their lease. By keeping your property looking its best, you demonstrate your commitment to providing a good rental experience for your tenants. As a result, your tenant-landlord relationship will grow stronger, increasing your renter’s likelihood of sticking around for another lease term.
Cost-Effective Strategies to Boost Curb Appeal
Earlier, we mentioned that curb appeal is an investment. However, that doesn’t mean you have to break your budget to see a strong return. The truth is, improving curb appeal can be as simple as planting flowers or replacing an old mailbox. For a lot of landlords, all it takes is a couple of minor exterior tweaks to transform their property and generate traffic. Here are a few cost-effective curb appeal tips and tricks:
Touch up landscaping
Landscaping upgrades don’t have to be a big, costly project. Rather, they can be as simple as plucking weeds or rinsing the driveway. Effective, budget-friendly landscaping is all about looking at the big picture. You don’t have to buy the most rare, expensive flowers or hire a professional landscaper to create strong curb appeal. All you need is some basic lawn maintenance, a few pops of color from flowers and plants, and a clean, polished exterior to make a good first impression.
Conduct exterior maintenance and quick fixes
Exterior maintenance should be next on your priority list. This means ensuring that your property’s exterior, from the roof to the front door, is in good shape. If you notice signs of wear and tear like chipped paint, loose gutters, or cracked windows, make sure to make repairs before listing your property. This is also your chance to install any needed upgrades that could improve your property value, such as switching to energy-efficient windows or replacing the front door. Though these improvements could cost you up front, they’ll pay off in the long run.
Take advantage of lighting
Lighting is a simple yet effective way to completely transform your curb appeal. Whether it’s pathway lighting along your driveway or landscaping lights throughout your lawn, there are several ways to illuminate your property and make it stand out. Lighting is especially helpful if you’re marketing your rental in the winter, as limited daylight hours may hurt your curb appeal. Additionally, proper lighting can also improve your property’s security and safety, making it a smart investment for long-term property value.
Incorporate seasonal decorations
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to enhance curb appeal with seasonal décor. If you’re listing in the winter, like we just mentioned, this is your chance to spruce up your exterior with holiday embellishments. For fall listings, add some autumnal flare with pumpkins or fall-colored flowers. These little touches are a great way to grab a renter’s attention and make your listing feel more inviting and homey. Plus, they’re usually pretty inexpensive and easy to set up.
Digital Curb Appeal: Making Your Property Stand Out Online
Did you know that only about one-third of renters rely on walking or driving by homes to evaluate curb appeal? According to a recent survey by Apartments.com, that means a majority of marketgoers are relying on online listings to form initial judgements on a property. That said, it’s just as important to make sure your property photographs well as it is to maintain its in-person appearance. You can do this by using the digital curb appeal tips below:
Understand the importance of high-quality listing media
Your listing media not only shows what your property looks like but also encapsulates its atmosphere, motivating renters to imagine themselves living there. This is why it’s extremely important to capture your property in a good light—literally and figuratively. Have a strategy for photographing your property, particularly the exterior. Utilize natural light to capture your property when it looks its best, showcase different angles, and make sure to spotlight any unique features that could attract renters.
Choose the right main photo
A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to rental listings. For your listing’s main photo, select a striking image of your property that captures people’s attention. To highlight curb appeal, consider a street view shot taken at golden hour, just an hour after sunrise or an hour before sundown. Another great option is an aerial photo from a drone, which can give renters a better idea of the property’s size and layout. The goal is to have a photo that best represents your property and entices renters to click on your listing and learn more.
Leverage virtual 3D tours
Towards the end of 2024, nearly two-thirds of renters said they wanted to virtually explore listings on their own, according to a recent survey from Apartments.com. This is where interactive or in-depth media, like 3D tours or videos, come into play. These tools allow prospective tenants to get a better feel for your property without having to visit in person. Not only does this make their rental search easier, especially if they’re moving long-distance, but it also shows your commitment to providing a thorough, accurate representation of your property.
Highlight unique features and amenities
Lastly, make sure your listing media highlights your property’s unique features and amenities. From a curb appeal standpoint, this could be a wrap-around front porch, a multiple-car garage, or an outdoor entertainment area. Showcasing these unique exterior features will add to your home’s digital curb appeal and differentiate it from other online listings.
Listing Your Property with Apartments.com
After sprucing up your curb appeal, your next step will be to make your property listing live! This means posting your property for the world to see, which can seem intimidating. However, with the right listing platform, it’s easy to list your rental with confidence and broadcast it to renters everywhere. This is where Apartments.com can help.
When you list with Apartments.com, you’ll reach millions of prospective renters looking to start a new chapter. Our user-friendly and advanced listing platform makes it easy to master rental marketing and reach the right audience. Then, once your listing captures peoples’ attention, you can use our other Rental Tools to track leads, view applications, screen potential tenants, and more! Invest in your rental business and list today with Apartments.com.
FAQ
How do I add curb appeal to a rental?
You can add curb appeal to a rental property by keeping the exterior clean and well-maintained. Simple updates like fresh paint, landscaping, and updated lighting can make a big difference in attracting potential tenants.
What is an example of curb appeal?
An example of curb appeal is a property with a neatly trimmed lawn, colorful flowers, and a welcoming front door. These small details create a positive first impression and make the property more inviting. Plus, they enhance the property’s appearance from the street view.
How much does curb appeal affect rental value?
Good curb appeal can significantly impact rental value by making the property more attractive to tenants. Properties with strong curb appeal often rent faster and warrant higher rent prices.
Is it necessary to have good curb appeal for a rental property?
While not mandatory, good curb appeal is highly recommended as it helps attract quality tenants quickly. A well-maintained exterior signals that the property is cared for, which can make it more desirable.
