When it comes to your Belgrade rental property, it pays to design interiors that will stand the test of time. Trends may be great in the short term, but keeping your rental updated on trends can mean costly renovations! In contrast, the most profitable rental properties have an appeal that lasts well into the future. Here are some ways to keep your rental not only relevant but ready for what comes next to future-proof your rental home.
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 classic design makes use of a simple, sophisticated style that is functional and, at the same time, adaptable. Use neutral colors and natural materials like wood, stone, and brick for a classic look. Unlike trendy designs, classic design is timeless and, because it works well with many different styles, outlasts short-lived design fads. This is one of the first steps to create a future-proof rental property.
Keep Walls & Floors Neutral
Trendy colors come and go almost as quickly as most other fads. Hold off from adding that accent wall or repainting your facade the color of the year, or else you will end up needing to repaint your rental property often to keep it from looking dated. If you want to give your rental home timeless appeal, stick to neutral shades in your paint and flooring choices instead. Neutrals are ideal in a rental house because it makes it easier for the renter to customize the area with their own furnishings. Soft beiges, grays, and crisp white trim become accents in a room that the resident can design to feel like home.
Invest in Good Lighting
Another way to future-proof your rental property is to invest 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. Although they appear to have saved in the short term, investing in good lighting actually decreases utility costs and may even increase interest in your rental house, making it easier to rent and encouraging renters to stay longer. Most renters prefer a home that isn’t dark or has inadequately lit rooms.
Switch out your rental’s old or outdated light fixtures for fixtures that will provide enough light. When you can, replace fluorescent lighting with modern recessed lighting. If anything else, ditch those cheap light bulbs for long-lasting LED bulbs. This alone increases energy efficiency and reduces the time you need to change light bulbs every year.
Add Smart Upgrades
Finally, unlike other fleeting trends, smart technologies are here to stay. Adding smart upgrades will get your rental property ready for when such technologies will be increasingly in demand. 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. Smart locks are also budget-friendly investments that offer convenience and peace of mind for residents when they have to be away from their homes.
You can choose among the many smart home technologies that you can add to your home according to your budget and preference. Study where your rental property is located and figure out your target renters so you can decide if it is a good idea to begin making some upgrades early on.
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 Bozeman a call! Our Belgrade 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 406-586-2226.
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