K.M. Minemier & Associates is a certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) engaged in full service real estate asset management and marketing.

HUD Articles

Smart Enhancements for Rental Properties

November 08, 2017

Many Americans today own a property aside from their primary residence that they consider an investment property.  Whether it is acquired through an inheritance from a family member, or a purchased fixer upper foreclosure, finding a good long-term tenant that will take care of your investment is important! 

Here are some things you can do to make your home attractive to potential renters:

  • Curb appeal!  Choose easy to maintain landscaping like shrubs that are slow growing and do not create the need for frequent trimming.  Curb appeal is the first thing that is going to grab a potential tenant’s eye, so make it stand out but also make it easy to maintain.  Neither a landlord or a tenant are going to want to spend a lot of time maintaining landscaping.
  • Paint!  Paint neutral colors that will be attractive to renters.  A lime green kitchen could turn away some potential tenants.  Go with colors and fixtures that are timeless, not something that will be outdated in a few years.  Also, choose a quality finish like satin or eggshell that will be easy to scrub, unlike the cheap flat contractor paint.
  • Heating & Cooling!  Service the HVAC every year to ensure that your tenant has a good working system that doesn’t risk having an unusually high gas or electric bill due to a poor running system.  Make sure the air filters are changed regularly.
  • Security!  Make sure all doors secure properly with a deadbolt and there are functioning locks on all windows.  A keypad lock for entry doors are useful for landlords since the keypad can be recoded temporarily in case there is a need for a maintenance person to gain entry or in case it needs to be recoded once a tenant moves out.
  • Flooring!  Install wood flooring instead of carpeting, or just limit carpeting to bedrooms.  Laminate wood or bamboo flooring comes in a wide variety of finishes and is very durable, especially for homes with children or pets.  Once a tenant moves out, just mop!  Carpet increases the likelihood that you will need to replace after each tenant, or at the very least hire a professional carpet cleaner that could cost a few hundred dollars each time.

These are just a few smart updates that can help you get a return on your investment!


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