When it comes to attracting tenants the most important factor is probably how the home, condo or apartment actually looks, right? No amount of extra amenities is going to make up for outdated appliances, peeling paint or dingy floors.

Photo of freshly painted kitchenBut that doesn’t mean you have to spend a huge amount of money to please new (and existing) tenants.

Paint: neutral colors avoid the “institutional” white that some property managers like to choose. Just about any decorating scheme can work around understated browns, tans or vanillas. And any color when done well beats scratched and dirty walls.  Don’t forget trim which can look old and dirty even faster.

Kitchens: no matter the home, the kitchen can be the main gathering place and is certainly the highlight for anyone who likes to cook. Old kitchen cabinets look terrible but can easily be repainted or even refaced at a lower cost than replacing. New hardware can also work wonders. Consider a new counter overlay to simulate granite without the expense.

Bathrooms: Just like the kitchen, a bathroom upgrade can simply consist of revitalized cabinets and new hardware. An new exhaust fan, new light fixtures, or some new towel racks and hooks add some pizzazz.

Landscaping: curb appeal is huge when a prospective tenant first sees a property. Especially for a rental home. An investment in durable landscape plants and even flowers by the front door will welcome and entice.

Clean: nothing turns off a new renter more than a dirty living space. Hire a professional cleaning company to give the property a thorough clean and shine.

These are just a few recommendations to make renting your property easier and keeping tenants longer. The cost of an empty property can far outweigh the minor investments in appearance upgrades so get out that paintbrush and screwdriver. National Property Management Group specializes in managing property for homeowners who find themselves with space to rent but no desire to be landlords. From re-location for work to just waiting out the housing market to an inherited property NPM Group can take on those duties that most homeowners just don’t have time for.