We all know how important a good first impression is. Whether you’re walking into the interview for your dream job, or sitting down to dinner on a first date — the first impression you give is very often the most important part of establishing yourself as a worthy candidate. It should come as no surprise that the same holds true for the first impression your rental property gives to potential renters.
Having a well-kept and groomed yard gives your property plenty of curb appeal to attract high-end renters. Furthermore, an outdoor space that is pleasing to your tenants’ eyes is a great way to add value to your home and encourage tenants to stay longer and care about their rental. If attractive landscaping hasn’t been a priority in the past, you might consider doing it now. This task is important, however, it is no cake-walk; good landscaping requires skills that many people don’t readily have.
While it may be lighter on your pocketbook to try your hand at doing your own landscaping and management, you’ll want to at least consider utilizing the services of a professional firm. Even the most talented handyman can use the help of a professional from time to time. So before you go and start digging the sprinkler system and tearing out the flower beds, you might take some time to consult with a landscape designer. As you weigh options when seeking professional support, make sure your searches are hyper-focused. Searching service and location, such as property management in Charlotte, NC, will prove to be the most beneficial.
Whether your property is a quiet east coast haven or a California-style rancher, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when selecting a landscaping plan that will appeal to potential renters.
“Curb Appeal”
Your aim should be to maximize the attractiveness of your rental property as seen from the street. Note the geometry of the sidewalk, unutilized empty space, and the overall size of your yard. Get a pencil and paper and sketch several ideas for what your ideal final result would look like.
Offer Shade
Having shade available is always a good idea, and especially so if your property is in a hot climate (think Southern California or Southwest). A tree in the backyard will be very appealing to renters as a place to relax on summer evenings or for children to play on.
For the front yard, consider the placement of trees and bushes in locations where they’ll cast shadows over windows to help keep the sun from beating in on hot afternoons. It’s important to note that trees and shrubbery should never completely block windows.
Mow, Mow, Mow
If there were only one thing you could do for your landscaping, it would be to mow the grass regularly. An overgrown lawn throws your home’s entire aesthetic into disarray, no matter how beautiful the structure is. Your lawn should be mowed at least once a week for optimal health and appeal.
Make room for a tenant garden
Many prospective tenants harbor dreams of a place they can plant and tend to their own garden. Placing a section of tilled, fresh soil for a flower bed or vegetable garden will add value to the rental.
Fertilize
Anything you plant will need to be fertilized. Most commonly you’ll be using mulch and manure for flower beds and trees. For the grass, stick to a rotary spreader that will sprinkle lawn fertilizer throughout your lawn as you walk.
Taking care of your yard is no picnic, however, if it’s well maintained, landscaping will significantly increase your property value– which means more rent money in your pocket.