The Sacramento rental market is competitive, and when you can offer a modern, attractive, and well-maintained property, you’ll be able to attract high quality residents and charge more rent.
This doesn’t mean you have to completely remodel an otherwise well-maintained home. You don’t have to add rooms or install Jacuzzi bathtubs in all the bathrooms. Instead, you should focus on specific and cost-effective upgrades that will increase your rental value.
Focus on Walls with Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint brightens your walls, and it’s rarely expensive. Many landlords settle for touching up the faded parts or fill in the holes between residents. Paint entire walls. Even better – paint the entire house. It will make a difference in how the home shows.
Everyone loves a little color, but you are trying to appeal to a wide range of potential residents, so keep the walls a neutral color. Consider shades like eggshell and off-white. You can paint trim and baseboards a different color to add interest and texture and to make the house look new.
Hard Surface Flooring is Better for Your Investment
Carpet has been the standard in Sacramento rental homes, and if you decide to keep carpeting in your property, make sure it’s professionally cleaned and free of stains and tears. Don’t try to get too much life out of an old carpet. Residents won’t be thrilled with that.
If you’re looking for more rent, consider installing upgraded flooring. Some types of vinyl look great and don’t cost a lot. Faux hardwoods are also popular. These are cleaner and easier for residents to maintain. You’ll also have a longer lifespan, which means you won’t be cleaning and replacing carpet every year.
Sacramento Landscaping and Curb Appeal
Provide a welcoming and inviting atmosphere at your rental property, whether it’s a single-family home or a unit in a multi-family building. When residents see an attractive exterior, they can get excited about living there.
This type of curb appeal can also translate to higher rents. Mow the lawn and trim the trees and weed the flower beds.
Upgrade Your Lighting Inside and Out
Lighting is a big part of an attractive rental property. Start with the exterior lighting, and make sure there’s enough of it. Your residents want to feel safe at night, and you’ll want to be sure exterior doors, walkways, and parking areas are well-let and easy to see from the street or inside the property.
Inside the home, make sure the lighting is bright and modern, especially in the kitchen and the bathrooms. Ceiling fans are popular, especially in bedrooms and living rooms. Take a good look at your lighting and make upgrades wherever you can. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it will
make your home look good.