First impressions are lasting impressions, and what better way to make an impact than with a new coat of paint! Paint is an inexpensive update that can totally change the way a room looks and feels. To appeal to the most number of people, choose soothing colors in neutral tones that would easily coordinate with any prospective tenant’s furnishings. Be careful not to let your own tastes sway your opinion on what color to choose. Although you own the property, you will not be living there and you want to make a tenant happy by maximizing the opportunity they have to make the space their own, using their furniture pieces, color accents and personal touches.

As a bonus, a fresh coat of paint usually gives the unit a “new” smell and can sometimes help eliminate unpleasant odors from pets, cooking, or smoking.

 

Many potential tenants are turned off by carpets due to outdated colors, stains, worn spots, and even the smell. Taking the carpet out and installing new wood flooring is an upgrade that almost every renter will be thrilled to see. The wood is easier to maintain, won’t stain, and will give a more modern, updated feel to the unit.

Surprisingly, with so many laminate options available in today’s flooring market, this upgrade doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive as a person would think. Check with local big box stores in your area for bulk pricing and be sure to ask about installation specials.  

A pretty or modern backsplash will update the look of a kitchen, without the pricey upgrades of cabinets or appliances. There are many options to choose from such as tile, metal, and glass, and any of these would give the room a fresh feel. When choosing your new backsplash, be sure to select a finish that will withstand use and be easy to clean. You’ll also want to consider using a finish in a neutral color palette and a timeless design. Although you want the backsplash to draw attention, you want to make sure that it will coordinate in the future should you decide to repaint the room.

No matter how clean and nice everything looks, having a worn out and rusty faucet, or polished brass hinges, are sure ways to make the home feel old and outdated. Making simple improvements to the light fixtures, modern upgrades to the faucets or replacing the cabinet hinges with brushed nickel or antique bronze finished pieces will add instant appeal to the entire room. These updates will bring your unit into the modern day and new tenants will be impressed. These are also improvements that don’t have to break the bank. Watch for sales, buy in bulk or do the upgrades one room at a time to keep your budget intact. 

In order to ensure people come inside the home to see all of the great improvements and modern upgrades to the inside, take some time and evaluate the curb appeal of the home. Try to think of it from someone else’s perspective. Does it look like a place you’d want to call home? Make sure the yard is well manicured with no debris or “junk” strewn about. Trim any trees or shrubs that are overgrown and remove any landscaping that has died. Plant colorful flowers in areas of the yard that are highly visible and don’t forget to put a pot on the porch to welcome visitors inside. Check the front door for any paint chips or worn hardware and replace as necessary.

 

Making your rental property welcoming and up to date, doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Stay on top of sales in your area and always ask for any quantity discounts. If you’re skilled in home improvement, save extra money by installing the finishes yourself. These upgrades are easy for any landlord to do and will keep your tenants happy.

 

If you’d like advice on the improvements that make rental properties the most desirable in the Branson area, call Thousand Hills Realty today at 417-337-7368. We’d love to discuss partnering together in order to help you achieve the goals you have for your investment property.