Friday 7 November 2008

Property Management

If you have renovated a real estate rental and just can't seem to attract the right tenants to make the unit as profitable as it should be, go out, drive around the block, and take a fresh look at the yard and the first impression the house or apartment complex gives you. If you can't get the rent you need to meet the goals set for the property, management may want to consider making a small investment in landscaping. After all, you can make a unit sound like Park Place, but your ideal renters will sum up the quality of place the instant they approach the property.
Goals
The first thing property management for a real estate rental will want to consider is what is detracting from the unit's appeal. Old straggly bushes, a fence in need of paint, or an unwelcoming walkway can make even the nicest home appear poorly maintained. Look at the surrounding homes and see what the realty manager has done to make their areas look great. It is always good to stay with the particular charm and style of the neighborhood, but select colors and ideals that will make your unit stand out.
Making Changes
Consider your color choices carefully and select paint and vegetation that stands out without shocking everyone who walks by. Warm tones are often a favorite. From there, select vegetation that will add texture and shape to the yard while giving the area some life. Flowering bushes are great to border the property along with filler perennials featuring coordinating blooms. Don't forget to look at the front door and repaint it or replace it if you need to.
Look at elements like the walkway. If you have very little distance to the street, use interesting stones or cement. For units that are back farther from the street, consider cutting interesting shapes rather than keeping traditional straight paths. You might even want to paint it with a faux rock coating to freshen it up a bit. Finally, adding simple accents, such as old-fashioned street lamps or large planters, can complete the look.
Save Time And Money
Some property management professionals do a great job at landscaping a unit. However, the money and time spent on upkeep can make it extremely expensive and almost impossible to get any return on your investment. When adding curb appeal to your real estate rental, select low maintenance vegetation and materials. It is also important to purchase solutions that match the weather in your area. These could include drought resistant plants to eliminate watering, perennials to prevent yearly planting, and mulch or fillers to prevent weeds. For an apartment complex, consider adding trees to block the sun in the summer, but let it shine through during the winter. This will keep your utilities down as well.
It only takes seconds for potential tenants to form an opinion about your real estate rental, so make sure it is a positive and inviting one. With a little bit of tweaking in the yard, property management will have an easier time renting the unit and will be able to collect a rent payment that meets your profit goals.

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