Curb appeal is a great marketing tool for your Killeen rental property. The way your property looks with either draw prospective tenants to your home or repel them. It’s a powerful first impression. Leverage those first moments with a prospective resident and create a connection. The purpose of your curb appeal and landscaping is to inspire them to want to get inside the property. Attractive curb appeal will help tenants imagine living there.
You probably don’t spend a lot of time looking at your property from the outside, but now is the time to do it. Let’s invest in some great landscaping and curb appeal upgrades that will make a difference in your rental value and your ability to attract good tenants.
We know that price is always a factor, so the tips and strategies we’re sharing today are cost-effective.
Here are some of the most affordable ways to improve the curb appeal of your Killeen rental property.
Start with a Clean Slate
Cleanliness is not just something you want to achieve inside of your property. It’s also important to have a clean and tidy exterior, especially when you’re focused on your curb appeal. Make sure things look pretty and inviting on the outside of your property. Prospective tenants won’t want to see cobwebs in the corner, leaves gathering in piles on the front steps, or trash scattered across the parking area.
This is especially important with single-family homes and townhomes. Tenants rent those properties to achieve a sense of homeownership without the responsibility that comes with it. Give them the feeling that they’re coming home. The vibe should be welcoming and inviting.
When prospective residents arrive for a showing or drive through the neighborhood to get a look at the property before they schedule a showing, you want them to see a clean, well-maintained outdoor space. Here are some immediate and inexpensive cleaning to-dos that you should have in place every time you’re preparing to market your rental home:
- Provide easy and clear access. Sweep away any debris from the front of the house. Inspect the driveway. Clear any debris, leaves, or lawn clippings from the walkways and whatever outdoor space you offer, whether it’s a courtyard, a porch, or a large fenced lawn. Sidewalks should not feature empty food bags and bottles rolling around. Residents don’t need to see trash or debris; it leaves your property looking messy.
- Ensure that all trash and recycling bins are where they belong. No one likes the lingering recycling bin that sits at the curb in perpetuity. When these receptacles get left outside at the curb too long, you know there’s a risk they’re going to fall over. Have you ever watched a trash bin travel down the street in a strong wind? Embarrassing if it’s yours, and not a great way to attract new residents.
- Wash the windows. You may not realize how much of an impact windows have on curb appeal. Residents arriving to see a home won’t be impressed with bent and damaged blinds in the windows. They won’t want to see torn screens. If the windows are too dirty, they won’t be able to see much at all. Replace any window screens or window blinds that may be an eyesore. Clean the windows so they’re bright and transparent.
Don’t forget the lighting when you’re cleaning up around the outside of your home. A nice porch light is a great feature.
Power Washing is an Affordable Way to Brighten Curb Appeal
Since we’re talking about cleanliness, let’s remind you of the perks that come with a good power wash.
After you have dusted away the dirt, debris, and any sticks, branches, leaves, and insects that have gathered around your home, you’ll want to brighten up the whole property.
Power wash the entire house as well as the driveway, sidewalk, steps, and any entrance paths. Power wash the patios if you have them, and the deck or the balconies. It’s not expensive, and it can be surprising how much filth gathers over the years. If you don’t have your own power washer, they’re easy and cheap enough to rent.
This will make a notable difference. Your property will be brighter and more attractive. Power washing and cleaning your property’s exterior are extra steps that tenants will appreciate.
Cost-Effective Landscaping for Killeen Rental Properties
We get some seasonal weather in Killeen that’s fairly manageable, but the summers are notoriously hot. You’ll need landscaping that can withstand heat and humidity and harsh sunshine. That same landscaping should be able to endure lower temps in the winter and the occasional freeze. Your lawn will need extra attention so it’s not overgrown or dead. Whether you have a little outdoor space or a lot, make a plan to keep the landscaping simple, attractive, and well-maintained.
- Work with a landscaping or lawn care service. This is more cost-effective than you think. By having professionals take care of the outdoor space, you don’t have to worry about it and neither do your tenants. You can even roll the cost into the rent and advertise this service when you’re sharing your listing.
- Invest in native grasses and plants as well as trees and bushes. Ideally, your property will have enough shade to make it a comfortable spot for tenants to enjoy.
- Don’t forget winter landscaping. Prepare any sprinklers or irrigation systems you have so that they don’t freeze and burst.
Cost-effective landscaping will include flowers and plants that are local to Texas and simple to maintain. You don’t have to spend a lot when you want to upgrade your landscaping with decorative plants. There are a lot of options in our region, so if you want to incorporate some visual elements, look for plants that are naturally found in and around our area. Look for different sizes, colors, and shapes, and position them strategically around the perimeter of your property.
Landscaping and Exterior Aesthetics
Safety first, and that includes your curb appeal. No one wants to see or become victims of rotting wood, nails sticking out of the roofing, or peeling paint. There shouldn’t be any trip and fall hazards, either. Look for potential liabilities when you’re focused on your curb appeal and landscaping.
Curb appeal includes the front doors, the walkway to the home, and any outdoor spaces associated with your property, such as driveways. That’s often a lot of acreage to cover, and if things are looking run-down or the paint is deteriorating quickly, think about some ways to make it look better. This is important aesthetically and also functionally. Maybe you need an entirely new entrance. For strictly curb appeal reasons, you can make some cost-effective upgrades in these ways:
- Fresh paint on your exterior. This might be a large undertaking, depending on your property size and structure, but it’s also a big part of keeping your property attractive to good tenants. If the paint is looking chipped, faded, or worn, it’s worth the investment. Updated paint is a good idea every five or 10 years because it increases the durability and the lifespan of that home.
- If you cannot paint the entire property, consider painting the front door. This will help your property to get the attention of tenants.
- New hardware looks good on even an aging home. Try a new door handle or a knocker. Throw down a fresh welcome mat. Install a brighter light bulb.
We like to see owners and even tenants include some decorative elements in the front of a rental property. A seasonal wreath or a welcome sign on the door can go a long way in helping tenants to feel welcome and comfortable. Instead of investing in planting flowers, consider a pot of fresh flowers at the entry. And, make sure the mailbox is in good shape, especially if it’s in front of the property.
Landscaping Technology and Security Attracts Tenants
When we talk about curb appeal, we’re mostly talking about the things that make your property look good. It’s more than that, however, especially these days when technology is being used everywhere and for everything. Curb appeal is also about functionality, particularly safety and security. There is a lot of technology available right now that can improve your curb appeal and deliver good first impressions.
Here’s what residents will want to see when they approach your property:
- Keyless entries and systems that allow your tenants (and even vendors) to access the home without using a physical key and lock. Keyless entry is modern, more efficient, and it’s something that tenants are likely to expect. Consider a digital keypad or a modern lockbox.
- Video doorbells are extremely popular. Tenants appreciate being able to see who is at their door before they open it.
- Security systems. These can be expensive to run, but if you’re willing to set one up, you can leave the decision to your tenants about whether they want to activate it.
There’s a lot you can do to enhance your curb appeal, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Let’s evaluate your property and make some decisions on how to make it more inviting. Contact us at Shine Residential Management.
A property management company based in Harker Heights, Shine Residential Management cares for exceptional single-family homes throughout Central Texas, including in Killeen, Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove, Salado, and Georgetown.
