Create a First Impression that Will Attract Tenants To Your Investment
All landlords want tenants who are compliant, diligent and respectful of the property they live in. And this couldn’t be more true for North Star. In a niche high-end market such as ours, the caliber of clientele seeking rental properties, and the expectations therein, cannot be understated. So homeowners must create a first impression that will stand out and act as a beacon for quality tenants.
Beyond buying property in a safe area and working to ensure it’s both functional and livable as well as homey and lavish, investors should consider the importance of exterior trends and designs. The exterior is, after all, the first thing renters see and sets the tone for a property’s appeal and merit. So what exterior trends attract tenants?
Here are the top exterior design trends that will make a rental property stand out and attract more interest and quality tenants.
1. Attractive Siding or Paint
The color of the exterior of your property may not seem like a big deal, but people want to live in a home that feels attractive to them. When they invite people over, they want to be proud of where they live and want to show people what makes their home so great. Because of this, it’s a good idea to invest in attractive steel siding in a trendy color that’s both attractive and not too alienating to anyone who wants a more neutral color scheme. So what’s trending in 2022? Earth tones and nature-inspired color palettes, such as Aegean Olive and Black Forest Green, to name a few, are à la mode. But before settling on the perfect color, do some research and reach out to industry experts who can help guide homeowners in making the right choice for their property.
2. Gorgeous Newer Windows
New windows can make an entire property feel brand new! Not only do they allow you to have a clearer view of the outside world, they also allow in more natural light and can ensure fewer air leaks. This will help keep the heating and cooling bills low and will inspire possible renters to picture what their life may be like living there. Look for windows that suit your property, including historical replacement windows to look like they belong to the home you’re putting up for rent.
3. Space to Sit and Enjoy the Outdoors
Investors are quickly realizing the importance of spending time outside and equipping their investment property with outdoor sitting areas. Not only is it good for your mental and physical health, but it can also make any rental property feel more spacious and comfortable.
Take the time to create areas on your property where renters can enjoy time outside with the company of their loved ones or guests. This could mean a lovely patio with seating or even a nice picnic area made with hardscaping. Adding something like a gazebo to block out the hot sun can make this space even better! However, it’s important that the outdoor sitting area does not overwhelm the space available. An area that is too cluttered or cramped will have the opposite effect and make the property feel smaller and less inviting.
4. Fun and Interesting Design Points
Give renters a space with some personality by adding a visually interesting design point. For example, something unique like a garage pergola looks incredible, blocks out some of the sunlight, and allows a garage to extend outside to a degree. This is fantastic for any landlords who live in areas where there’s snow in the winter or a lot of rain in the summer since it’ll help keep the weather away from the property and garage to some degree.
5. A New Smooth Driveway
Nobody wants to deal with a broken driveway. If a renter comes to look at a property and the driveway is cracked or in a state of disarray, they’ll assume that this is because the property has been neglected and may decide to move on and look at something else. There are a few questions you should ask yourself. Is it worth it to repave the driveway, or should I just gravel it? How much does it cost to gravel a driveway? Look into the options in your area, and pick whatever works best for your property.
6. Secure Entrances and Exits
The home needs to be as secure as possible, or renters won’t want to live there. Part of this is in ensuring that the doors are closed and offer multiple locks. This encourages renters to feel secure while also ensuring the property itself is safe, alleviating stress of people breaking in and/or damaging the home. This is especially true when there is a period between vacancies. And although it can be expensive to replace all exterior doors in one go, it’s worth it if you want to guarantee a good seal and that it locks safely.
Additionally, investors might want to consider installing a security system, which not only heightens security but also sets the property apart from other homes with more rudimentary safety features.
7. A Well Lit Property and Street
Renters want to feel safe and secure where they live. This may be an income property for homeowners, but this is the tenant’s home for as long as they rent there. Because of this, it’s a good idea to protect both your renter and your property by putting good lighting around the exterior. This could mean street-side lamps or good landscape lighting that can allow a property to look like it’s on display.
A well-lit home is less likely to be broken into and will show off features like new siding or windows that will help attract future renters.
Whether this is your first income property, or you’re trying to update an older one and give it new life, it’s important to make tenants fall in love with it. Try some of these exterior trends, and you’ll find the renters of your dreams!
Ryan Shure is an editor for the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
