If you own or manage a multi-family residential property, you already know that the optimal situation is having all the apartments occupied, hopefully for the long term. When one is available, a short vacancy period before another resident moves in. One way to encourage more potential renters to consider your property is to make a good first impression; curb appeal is an important part.

But how does an apartment building show off curb appeal? Many people know how to spruce up a single-family residence for curb appeal when it’s time to put a house on sale, but what are the rules for larger buildings? Here are three tips to help you get there.

Maintenance Above All Else

Good visible maintenance is the first and most important tip for increasing a property’s curb appeal. This cardinal rule applies just as much to single-family dwellings as to larger multi-residential structures. In either case, the reaction from potential residents is the same; a building that looks in poor condition will be easy to disregard and cross off the list.

Presentation matters because a potential resident will always consider that if comparatively easy, superficial factors like shingles in place on a roof, no visible sagging anywhere, or whether fences look in good condition or are run down, or the condition of a paint job are all indicators of the level of care property management has. If a building’s exterior does not look well maintained, that’s a sign to potential residents that the interior and basics like electricity and plumbing may not be reliable.

Neatness

The same was with single-family houses; how clean a multi-residential building look affects both residents and potential residents alike. If a property is littered with drinking cans, cigarette butts, graffiti, and stains or dirt, this is an indicator to potential residents. When a property manager doesn’t care about a neat and tidy appearance for the exterior, this implies to people that the interior will be similar or worse.

Always take the time to have staff maintain the grounds around the property. It doesn’t just look better for the property. In some ways, it also creates a safer environment.

Lighting

There’s a lot to be said for effective and properly maintained lighting. If you do lighting for an apartment building correctly in some cases, the beauty of the building can stand out even more at night than during the day, helping promote the property regardless of the time.

However, another important aspect of lighting is safety. Well-lit buildings are safer, as criminal activity tends to prefer working where it can’t be seen and stay away from areas where a clear, secure environment is visible. This, of course, affects curb appeal, promoting a building not just as looking attractive even at night but also offers much more convenience and safety than properties without similar care.

It Reflects On You

Always remember that the exterior aspects of a building are an indicator of the interior appearance and work ethic of the property management. If you’d like help to improve your curb appeal, contact Occupancy Solutions for assistance that can make a difference to your property management business.