Choose Classic Over Trendy
It is tempting to appeal to today’s renters by finding ways to incorporate the latest fad into your rental home’s interiors or exteriors. But to create a timeless look that will last, it’s a much better idea to stick to a simple, classic design. The simple, sophisticated style of a classic design is both functional and highly adaptable. Use neutral colors and natural materials like wood, stone, and brick for a classic look. Avoid trendy, loud, or ornate design and stick to timeless, classic designs that work well with different aesthetics and outlasts short-lived design fads. This is one of the primary steps in creating a future-proof rental property.
Keep Walls & Floors Neutral
Trendy colors come and go almost as quickly as most other fads. Before you add that accent wall or repaint your property the color of the year, think of how often you will need to repaint your rental property to keep it from looking dated. To give your rental home that timeless appeal, choose neutral shades for your paint and flooring instead. Neutrals are the backdrop that makes it flexible for the renter to customize their space even when living in a rental house. Soft beiges, grays, and crisp white trim brings the room together while allowing the resident to feel at home.
Invest in Good Lighting
Future-proofing your rental property also means investing in quality lighting fixtures and bulbs. For many landlords, lighting in their rental homes is an afterthought. Wanting to save a few dollars, they install the cheapest light fixtures and bulbs they can find. While it can be true in the short term, investing in quality lighting decreases utility costs and may even increase interest in your rental house, making it easier to rent and encourage renters to stay longer. This is because few renters want a home that has dark or inadequately lit rooms. If your rental has old, outdated light fixtures, it is time to replace them with fixtures that provide enough light. Replace tacky fluorescent lighting with clean, modern recessed lighting that is both functional and versatile. Switch out those cheap lightbulbs for LED bulbs. By itself, this will increase energy efficiency and reduce how often you need to change light bulbs in a year.
Add Smart Upgrades
However, unlike other trends that simply pass, smart technologies are very likely to stay. Your rental property will be ready for a future where these technologies are in demand so you ought to consider adding some upgrades now. A smart thermostat can help reduce utility costs and appeal to renters who like the convenience of being able to control it from their smartphones or tablets. Similarly, you can install smart locks to give your residents convenience and peace of mind when they have to be away from their homes for the day or weekend.
With all the different smart home technologies available, you can choose to install them overtime or invest in them all at once. Depending on the location of your rental property and your target renter’s needs, it is good to start making a few upgrades before the opportunity to future-proof your home passes you by.
Would you like to learn more about strategies to make your rental home as profitable as it can be, year after year? Give Real Property Management DuPage Preferred a call! Our Orland Park rental market experts can offer valuable tips and suggestions to maximize your investment property’s potential, as well as our highly-rated property management services. You can reach us online or call us at 630-427-2200.