Boost Your Vacation Rental’s Curb Appeal

Just like judging a book by its cover, a guest formulates an opinion of your vacation rental property the moment they set eyes upon it. That’s why curb appeal needs to be a top priority, making the most positive impact on a potential guest and increasing your home's value. Since its National Curb Appeal month, there is no better time to take a look around your vacation rental property and see how best to beautify and protect your property from hazards. According to Michigan State University, curb appeal has the potential to increase property value by 5 to 11%. Let’s get started!

Front Door

Having a welcoming entryway is an easy way to boost your curb appeal. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door as an inexpensive option to make your vacation rental more inviting. Purchasing a welcome mat and a wreath can also help make your property feel a little more like home. Modernize your property by replacing or updating your house numbers. Make them easier to see by changing the paint color or the actual size. Not only do these small upgrades boost your appeal but they can also help tell your property’s story.

For maximum curb appeal, try creating a front porch feel to your entryway. The addition of pots and plants will go a long way with guests. Just make sure they don’t require a lot of additional upkeep.

Though cosmetic updates are important, so are the ones that ensure safety. Take a look at the hardware on your front door. Do you have a keyless lock? Is your door closing and locking with ease? Is the hardware on your door rusted? Having a nicely painted door is great, but making sure that door will lock properly is crucial. With contactless check-ins becoming the new norm, it is wise to switch your locks to digital or keyless. Also, take the time to inspect the sidewalk and steps to your front door for any weathering or potential hazards. Mitigate potential risks before a problem arises like a slip and fall lawsuit.

The House Exterior

Start by washing off the grime. As the seasons change, built up pollen and dirt can accumulate on the surfaces of your home. Taking time to power wash your property along with the driveway and sidewalks can provide a new sense of clean to the house. As you pressure wash, check to make sure there are no big holes in the driveway or on the exterior of the house. Clean the windows; it benefits not only the curb appeal but the view from inside the property.

If your short-term rental is in need of a facelift, stain the front porch, paint the shutters, or just completely paint the exterior of the house. Change can be a good thing, and the paint color can even save you money on your air-conditioning bill. Don’t forget your garage doors … either replacing or repainting them can make a huge difference.

Take into account the condition of your roof. Thoroughly inspect it for loose shingles, holes, or any other signs of damage. If you have not replaced your roof in the past 20 years, it may be time for an upgrade. A new roof can transform the look of your home. It does top everything off after all! 

Front Yard

You want the front yard to be noticed for the right reasons! Two words should be kept in mind as you landscape your front lawn for curb appeal … minimal and clean. As a vacation rental owner, the last thing you want is constant upkeep and work at maintaining a yard. Less is more when it comes to landscaping. Just make sure if you have grass, it is well kept and mowed often. If you have shrubs and flowers that are high maintenance, swap them out for items that require less upkeep like succulents. 

Simply add new mulch around landscaping to give a fresh look to the flower beds or plant a few colorful flowers to greet guests. Even planting trees to shield your home from sun and wind may help reduce cooling and heating bills.

Keep in mind if you live in an area prone to wildfires, landscape your property with the three different fire zones in mind to help reduce the spread of one.

Lighting

Adding additional lighting to showcase your home will not only enhance curb appeal but will also provide additional safety for your guests. A well-lit home helps keep unwanted guests from entering unnoticed and makes your vacationers more likely to see the steps and sidewalks leading into your property, thus preventing falls from poorly lit walkways. Added lighting behind shrubs and selected lights that highlight architecture or windows can warm your property’s appearance and welcome your guests back after an evening exploring. Consider solar lights along the pathways. 

Protection at All Costs

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but with some simple curb appeal ideas your vacation rental can shine above the rest. For relatively little cost, you can increase your property’s value and the safety of your guests. Let curb appeal be the first step to welcoming your guests and keeping them safe on your property. To learn more about protecting your vacation rental business through CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance, request a free quote today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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