A successful property investment can bring in a very stable income if you're fortunate enough to keep vacancy rates low and enjoy good resident retention. One of the best ways to do this is by maintaining the property, and one of the most visible ways to do this is through "curb appeal." Curb appeal is, essentially, keeping the exterior of the property in a way that is visible and appealing from the street, or "curb."

Here are a few ways to maximize the curb appeal of your property and ensure your investment yields good returns.

Outdoor Lighting

There are a few ways to invest in outdoor lighting for a residence. The more flashy, dramatic option is to light the exterior of the building itself. This makes the building itself more visible at night and can go a long way toward promoting your property in the area, as more people will see it clearly during late-night hours. It's also helpful for photography and promotional purposes.

However, another great curb appeal option that also adds to safety is the lighting of walkways, benches, or other areas of the property where people might linger. This kind of visibility not only makes it easier to navigate at night, but it also promotes safety against criminal activity, making it a good investment in many ways.

The Entrance

Whether it's the front door to a detached home or the foyer of a residential complex, the entrance is what makes a first impression on people. If you want your property to stand out and be remembered, it's essential to get this first step right.

This may require investing in a new door, applying a new coat of paint, or replacing old, visibly worn fixtures with newer ones. Decorative elements are another way to add visual appeal. And of course, after all this work, it's important to maintain and keep your entrance clean.

Landscaping

While it may be more difficult to surround yourself with nature in an urban setting, it's not impossible. It also doesn't have to be extremely expensive. Consulting with professionals on landscaping will get you a pleasing form that fits within your budget. However, it can also show which plants are local to your region, and will thus require minimal maintenance to survive.

With the right advice and investments, you can have perennials that return year after year, adorning your property. It's also important to take time and care in the placement of these plants. However, doing a good job of landscaping adds tremendous curb appeal to any property.

Maintenance

One of the most fundamental, yet important, things you can do to achieve good curb appeal is to be diligent about regular maintenance. Mowing lawns, cleaning windows, replacing lights, and other duties of care all go a long way toward making a positive impression not just on potential new residents, but also on current ones.

A property that is regularly and visibly cared for is a desirable one. By showing residents and visitors that a property is well-maintained, it fosters a greater desire to live there.

If you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your residential property investments, contact Occupancy Solutions and let us help.