As the end of summer approaches and the air becomes cooler, it’s the perfect time to refresh your rental property’s curb appeal. You only get one chance to make a first impression with renters, but by sprucing up its exterior, you attract potential renters and increase its perceived rental value. Seasonal landscaping and some festive fall decor can add a lasting impression for potential renters.
Top Tips to Elevate Curb Appeal for Fall
Fall Landscaping
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your landscaping and get ready for the cooler months ahead. Begin by removing any summer plants and annuals, and giving your garden a clean slate by removing any weeds. You’ll also want to trim back any perennials to encourage healthy regrowth in the spring. Preparing the soil for the next season is also a great idea – just till it lightly and add some compost. Finally, get started on lawn maintenance by raking up dead leaves and providing one final cut. Finish off by aerating and fertilizing the grass to encourage healthy growth in the spring.
Porch and Patio Decorating Ideas
Extend the outdoor season by creating a cozy outdoor space for fall. Start by adding a soft textured rug and comfortable seating to provide a warm and welcoming space to enjoy the changing seasons. Outdoor pillows are an easy addition to your seating area and can be quickly changed to match the seasonal decor. Add a fall or Halloween-themed wreath to draw focus to your front door. Keep colors bright and vary the textures of your wreath. Finish off by using plants as decor. Colorful fall foliage, such as mums and ornamental cabbage that hold up to the cooler weather, can add a pop of color to your fall theme. Use cute pumpkins and gords of various shapes, sizes, and colors to bring everything together. Finally, add lighting to showcase your final product. Lanterns and candles can add a warm glow, while pins or spotlights can highlight features in your decor and on your home’s exterior.
Exterior Maintenance
Fall is also the perfect time to tackle exterior maintenance projects. As the leaves begin to fall, you’ll want to be sure to clear out gutters and drain pipes to avoid leaks and flooding into the home. Fall is also the perfect time to inspect your roof for any damage. Once the snow and ice begin in the winter, it can be dangerous to get up on the roof, and roofing contractors become pretty busy during the winter and in the colder months. To prepare for the cold months ahead, seal off any air leaks around windows and doors. Repainting trim around doors and windows adds a nice finished look for the outside and adds to the overall curb appeal as well. Lastly, protect your faucets from freezing temps by draining spigots and turning off the exterior water faucets.
Fall HVAC Maintenance
Let’s not forget about HVAC maintenance! In addition to getting ready for fall, HVAC maintenance is also important to protect the value of your rental property. Check and replace your air filters and clean the outdoor unit by removing debris to ensure proper airflow. Double-check your furnace and fireplace to ensure they’re ready to heat your home safely and effectively. With that, fall is the perfect time to check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as necessary. Also, consider scheduling a tune-up with your local HVAC and/or fireplace technician.
Fall Routine Inspection for Rental Properties
Scheduling bi-annual routine inspections for your rental properties will keep them in tip-top shape. Focus on general housekeeping, appliance maintenance and repairs, HVAC maintenance, and any health and safety concerns throughout the home. This is the perfect time to look for necessary repairs and upgrades to ensure happy tenants take care of your investments. Routine inspections also provide an opportunity to assess the tenants and the property when considering annual lease renewals and rent increases. Check out this downloadable rental inspection checklist to help with your routine inspections.
Conclusion
Vibrant fall colors and falling leaves bring about the season of change and the perfect opportunity to spruce up your rental property curb appeal and get ready for the colder months ahead. Keeping up with the demands of rental property maintenance can be a time-consuming burden. You may consider hiring a responsible rental property manager in Philadelphia to ensure your rental is well-maintained. A property manager can schedule routine and preventative maintenance to keep your investment in tip-top shape and improve your ROI.
